Confrontation of Pseudoscience

The aftermath of yesterday afternoon's "expert debunking" farce didn't subside with the embarrassed departure of Professor Sun Zhengyi and his group. Instead, like ripples from a stone dropped into a calm lake, the waves continued to spread in certain corners of the internet and reality. Although no official media outlets reported on it, keywords like "smoking equipment," "experts speechless," and "mysterious aura," coupled with vague on-site descriptions and deliberately guided speculation, fermented in local forums and some social media groups, casting an even more mysterious veil over the old residential building where Lin Fan lived. As neighbors passed by Lin Fan's door, their gazes held a mix of curiosity, reverence, and even a hint of subtle distance.

Lin Fan felt a touch of helplessness about this, but more so, a sense of vigilance. He knew that such a state of being under scrutiny was far from good and would only attract more unnecessary trouble. He became even more reclusive, rarely leaving his home except for essential shopping, dedicating more of his energy to cultivating the Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra and studying the principles of medicine occasionally hinted at by Laojun. Surrounded by the "breathing soil" statue and numerous artworks imbued with Dao rhythm, his cultivation progress, though slow, steadily improved. His spiritual consciousness became more solidified, and his five senses grew much sharper, allowing him to faintly sense the subtle flow of energy from those observing him outside.

Master Tongtian appeared impatient with the increasingly dense "peeping" from outside, his body exuding a sword intent like a blade about to be unsheathed, radiating a chilling coldness. If it weren't for Nüwa's frequent gentle counsel, and his own understanding of the chain reactions that could be triggered by acting recklessly in this realm, he would have likely unleashed a formless sword energy from afar, bringing clarity to the vicinity.

Nüwa, however, remained serene. Her "creations" hadn't stopped due to the external disturbances; instead, they had entered a new phase. She no longer confined herself to single statues or paintings but began attempting to combine different elements to form small "scenes." For example, next to a blade of grass she had personally sculpted, with dew drops seemingly rolling on its leaves, she placed a small clay deer looking up at the sky; or in front of a painting depicting a mountain stream shrouded in mist, she arranged a few ordinary pebbles that, while appearing random, secretly adhered to a certain formation. Once these small "scenes" were formed, they became self-contained entities, with Dao rhythm intermingling, making the atmosphere within the room even more unpredictable, sometimes as fresh as a mountain forest after rain, other times as profound as an ancient mountain range. This benefited Lin Fan immensely, though he also secretly worried that these increasingly mystical "arrangements" might attract even higher levels of attention.

Taishang Laojun was the most composed. He spent his days either sipping tea or examining the ordinary medicinal herbs Lin Fan bought, seemingly engaged in a form of "dimensional reduction" research, attempting to simulate a sliver of the Primordial Era's alchemy with the most basic herbs of this realm. Occasionally, he would offer Lin Fan some simple explanations about the properties of herbs and the principles of the five elements' mutual generation and overcoming, which greatly broadened Lin Fan's horizons.

However, the tree desired stillness, but the wind would not cease. Professor Sun Zhengyi had clearly not learned from yesterday's defeat, or rather, he couldn't accept his deeply held scientific beliefs collapsing in the face of "facts" (though he refused to admit it). Intense cognitive dissonance led him down an even more extreme path—he wanted to use a more "scientific" and "thorough" method to prove that yesterday's anomaly was merely an accident and to defend his honor as a "crusader against pseudoscience" and the worldview upon which he depended.

Thus, on the afternoon of the second day after the "debunking" incident, a greater spectacle descended.

This time, it wasn't just the "Truth Exploration" program crew and Sun Zhengyi who arrived. The convoy was larger, including not only news vans but also several official vehicles bearing the logos of a renowned university's physics laboratory and materials analysis center, and even a van belonging to a civilian "Paranormal Phenomena Investigation Association" (an organization somewhere between a hobby group and a semi-commercial entity).

Sun Zhengyi stood at the forefront of the crowd. He had changed into a brand-new white lab coat, his hair meticulously combed, but the dark circles under his eyes and a hint of obsession and madness hidden in his gaze revealed that he had not slept well last night. Standing beside him were several middle-aged individuals also wearing lab coats or formal suits: Professor Zhang from the physics department, Director Li from the chemistry department, and a technical expert from the materials analysis center. Each wore a stern expression, exuding an academic authority filled with arrogance and scrutiny. The female reporter was present again, her eyes filled not only with professional inquiry but also with a greater sense of excitement, as if watching a good show.

"Mr. Lin Fan!" Sun Zhengyi, without waiting for the property management staff to knock, stepped forward and forcefully pounded on Lin Fan's door, his voice carrying a tone of forcibly suppressed excitement. "Please open the door! We've brought more advanced and comprehensive detection equipment! There might have been some misunderstandings and equipment malfunctions yesterday, but today, we must provide the public with a clear explanation using irrefutable scientific data!"

His words, transmitted through the microphone held by the female reporter, clearly echoed through the hallway and into the room.

Lin Fan sighed behind the door. What was coming couldn't be avoided. He glanced at the three Sages inside.

Tong Tian frowned, the coldness in his eyes almost solidifying into ice, clearly nearing the end of his patience.

Nüwa gently shook her head, setting down the clay sculpture of a crane with wings spread as if about to fly, a hint of pity in her eyes.

Taishang Laojun chuckled, nodded at Lin Fan, signaling him not to worry.

Lin Fan steadied himself, adjusted his expression again, and opened the door.

The scene outside was even more exaggerated than yesterday. Cameras like long guns and short cannons, probes of various strange shapes and blinking indicator lights, and numerous experts and staff with scrutinizing, curious, and disdainful gazes crammed the hallway, making it impassable.

"Mr. Lin Fan, given the special circumstances of yesterday, we have today assembled a multidisciplinary expert team and brought the most advanced detection equipment currently available in the country," Sun Zhengyi spoke first, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority. "We will conduct a comprehensive environmental scan of your residence, analyze material composition, map energy fields, and even perform some... basic physiological indicator tests on you personally, to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the data. Please cooperate with our work; this is also to clarify rumors and give you a 'clean slate'!" He deliberately emphasized the word "clean slate," as if he had already determined Lin Fan was problematic.

Professor Zhang from the physics department also pushed up his glasses and added in a distinctly academic tone, "Science is rigorous. Any phenomenon must withstand repeatable and verifiable tests. Our detection today will strictly adhere to the principles of double-blind experiments to ensure objective and fair results."

Director Li from the chemistry department stared at Lin Fan, as if examining a rare chemical sample. "We will collect air samples from your room, dust, and surface trace elements from those 'artworks' for analysis. Any artificially synthesized chemical substances or abnormal isotopes will be revealed!"

Facing this aggressive "scientific coalition," Lin Fan sneered inwardly, but his face maintained the expression of helplessness and innocence. "Esteemed experts, I truly don't understand what you are doing. I just have some ordinary things here. If you want to test, you can, but as I said before, please do not damage my belongings, and leave immediately after you are done."

He stepped aside again. This time, he couldn't completely prevent the cameramen from entering, so he could only try to keep them within the doorway area, directing their lenses toward the experts and instruments rather than the specific appearances of the three Sages deep within the room.

The team of experts and staff filed in, and various instruments immediately began to operate. Humming sounds rose and fell, and indicator lights cast a bizarre glow on the room.

"Begin comprehensive scan!"

"Air sample collected!"

"Activate high-precision mass spectrometer!"

"Electromagnetic spectrum monitoring normal!"

"Prepare for thermal imaging scan!"

The experts proceeded as if engaged in a serious scientific research endeavor, issuing commands continuously. They first refocused their attention on the "Xirang" statue on the windowsill and the small clay beasts.

However, a situation similar to yesterday's occurred again!

When a quantum field disturbance meter, claimed to be capable of detecting "any known and unknown energy forms," was aimed at the "息壤," the data on the screen began to fluctuate violently, displaying a chaotic yet containing an incomprehensible ordered structure. Immediately afterward, the instrument emitted a series of crackling short-circuit sounds, the screen instantly turned to static, and it completely crashed!

"What's going on?!" the technician operating the instrument exclaimed.

"Switch to the backup probe! Increase shielding level!" Sun Zhengyi commanded with a grim expression.

As soon as the backup probe was aimed at the latest clay sculpture Nüwa had made, a crane with lively eyes, the same thing happened again—the probe overheated, and the fuse blew!

"Report! Material composition analysis shows normal clay components, no special additives! However... its molecular arrangement exhibits an... almost perfect 'natural Fibonacci spiral'? How is this possible in a handmade sculpture?!" The materials analysis expert stared at the computer screen, disbelief etched on his face.

"Thermal imaging scan shows that the surface temperature of the clay sculptures and paintings is consistent with room temperature, but the thermal distribution of the surrounding space... exhibits an 'absolute equilibrium' state that violates the second law of thermodynamics?!" Professor Zhang of physics looked at the thermal imaging, his voice even trembling slightly.

"Air composition analysis complete, negative ion concentration... exceeds the national standard by one hundred times! And it contains multiple unidentified 'pheromone' analogs that are extremely beneficial to the human body?!" Director Li of chemistry held the test report, his hands trembling.

As each test result came out, instead of proving Sun Zhengyi's anticipated "scam," they continuously presented "abnormal data" that overturned existing scientific understanding! These data points corroborated each other, pointing to a common conclusion—this room, and the seemingly ordinary items within it, indeed possessed peculiar properties that current science could not explain!

The experts' expressions grew increasingly solemn, their previous arrogance and confidence gradually replaced by shock and confusion. They tried to explain with existing theories but found themselves hitting a wall everywhere. The repeated equipment failures or data anomalies further cast a bizarre shadow over everything.

Fine beads of cold sweat broke out on Sun Zhengyi's forehead. He stared intently at the quietly displayed clay sculptures and paintings, as if looking at a group of monsters mocking him. He was unwilling! He couldn't accept it!

"It must be some high-tech we haven't mastered yet! Perhaps some special nanomaterial, or... or a new type of psychological suggestion device!" Sun Zhengyi shouted, somewhat losing composure. He suddenly turned to Lin Fan, his eyes sharp. "Lin Fan! Who is supporting you from behind? What technology are you using?! Confess honestly!"

Lin Fan looked at the almost delirious Sun Zhengyi, feeling nothing but a sense of pity. He shrugged, his tone calm. "Professor Sun, I am just an ordinary person. The instruments you brought are the most advanced. Whatever they measure is what it is. As for why, I don't know either. Perhaps, as the old gentleman said yesterday, some things cannot be measured by instruments?" He subtly steered the conversation towards Laojun.

Sun Zhengyi and the group of experts finally noticed that by a table in the corner of the room sat an elder with white hair and beard, possessing an ethereal aura, leisurely sipping tea as if all the surrounding commotion had nothing to do with him.

Sun Zhengyi, as if grasping at a life-saving straw, immediately turned his attention to Laojun. "It's you! You were the one creating illusions yesterday! Who are you? What is your relationship with these... these things?!"

Taishang Laojun slowly put down his teacup and looked up at Sun Zhengyi. His gaze was peaceful, yet it seemed to pierce through people's hearts. He smiled slightly, not directly answering Sun Zhengyi's question, but instead asking:

"Doctor, you measure things with instruments, but have you ever measured your own thoughts? Have you ever measured the breath of heaven and earth? Have you ever measured the wonders of creation?"

Sun Zhengyi was taken aback, then angrily retorted, "Don't change the subject! We are discussing science! Discussing verifiable facts!"

"Science?" Laojun stroked his beard, his tone still calm. "If science is not for the pursuit of truth and serving all beings, what difference is there between it and the alchemical arts obsessed with turning stones into gold? Is your undertaking today a quest for truth? Or a quest... to prove your own 'correctness'?"

These words struck Sun Zhengyi's heart like a sharp sword! His face instantly turned red. He wanted to retort but found himself speechless. Was he really leading the team here for pure knowledge? Or was it more to save face, to prove that he was the "correct" side?

Laojun, without waiting for his answer, continued slowly, "Your instruments can measure the movement of particles and analyze the composition of elements, which can be considered exquisite. However, the world is vast, how can it be limited to particles and elements? The wonders of the human heart, how can they be contained by data? You are fixated on the 'tangible' and ignore the 'intangible'; you are fixated on 'decomposition' and forget the 'whole.' With such a limited perspective, how can you hope to measure the vast sea of the Dao? Isn't that like climbing a tree to catch fish, only to add to the laughter?"

He pointed at the clay figurines on the windowsill. "The marvel of this object lies not in the clay, but in its spirit. The sculptor connects their spirit with the heavens and earth, imbuing the form with the Dao, thus it can stabilize a region and nourish all things. How could your tools possibly fathom this principle? How could your minds possibly contain it?"

Master Laojun's voice was not loud, but it carried a peculiar penetrating power, like the resonant sound of the Great Dao, echoing in the hearts of every expert. The expensive, precise instruments they had brought now seemed like the greatest mockery, appearing pale and powerless before the continuously emerging, unexplainable data.

Professor Zhang, the physicist, stared blankly at the report in his hand which stated "Thermodynamic Laws Locally Invalid" and muttered, "Overall... formless... Did we truly overlook something?"

Director Li, the chemist, looked at the analysis results detecting "Unknown Beneficial Pheromones" with a lost expression. "Spirit connecting with the heavens and earth? This... this is too idealistic..."

The other experts exchanged glances, their beliefs shaken.

Sun Zhengyi was the most profoundly impacted. The edifice of science he relied upon for his livelihood was teetering precariously in the face of Master Laojun's fundamental questioning and the ironclad "facts" before his eyes (though they could not be explained by current science). His face was deathly pale, his lips trembling. He wanted to say something, but felt as if something was choking his throat. In the end, he could only let out a groan-like roar:

"No! Impossible! This must be a scam! A more sophisticated scam!" He had fallen into a self-constructed logical loop, refusing to accept any information beyond his cognitive scope.

Just then, Master Tongtian, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, seemed to have finally reached the limit of his patience with the incessant noise. He did not open his eyes or make any move, but an intangible, yet vast and boundless will, like a sea of stars, spread out silently like mercury flowing across the ground!

This was not an attack, nor was it directed at anyone. It was merely the natural emanation of an existence's essence, an unintentional leak of a trillionth of the pressure from a level transcending mortal life.

However, even this sliver of leakage was no less than a storm to the delicate and precise scientific instruments in the room!

"Crackling—"

"Beep— Beep— Alarm!"

"The screen went black!"

"Data storage module error!"

In an instant, all the running instruments, whether they were detecting energy, analyzing composition, or scanning images... simultaneously let out piercing alarm sounds. Their screens flickered a few times before going black, their indicator lights flashed wildly before extinguishing, wisps of smoke rose from their internal components, and the room filled with the strong smell of burnt electronic components!

All the experts and technicians were stunned. They stared at the expensive equipment in their hands and around them, now reduced to scrap metal, dumbfounded and at a loss.

Even the invisible, pervasive pressure made everyone's heart sink, as if they had been plunged into the depths of the ocean. An inexplicable sense of awe and fear, originating from the depths of their souls, arose within them, making it almost impossible to breathe and filling them with an urge to flee the place immediately.

Sun Zhengyi bore the brunt of it. He felt as if his own thoughts had come to a standstill. Looking at the scrapped instruments filling the room, and then feeling the suffocating invisible pressure, his final mental defenses completely collapsed. With a loud "Waaah!", he clutched his head and, as if he had seen a ghost, stumbled out of the room and scrambled down the stairs.

The other experts and staff, as if waking from a dream, no longer cared about scientific rigor or public accountability. They frantically gathered (or rather, discarded) their remaining equipment and rushed to escape the "eerie" place that had caused their instruments to malfunction and their beliefs to crumble.

The female reporter and cameraman were also terrified. Although they didn't feel the invisible pressure as strongly, the sight of all the instruments simultaneously smoking and breaking down was too horrifying. They quickly followed the crowd and retreated.

In the blink of an eye, the room, which had been crowded moments before, returned to silence, leaving only a mess on the floor and the lingering smell of burnt electronics in the air.

Lin Fan looked at the empty doorway and hallway, then at the three Sages still calmly seated in the room. He let out a long, long sigh of relief.

This confrontation of "pseudo-science" ultimately ended with the collective "demise" of scientific instruments and the collapse of the experts' beliefs.

Tong Tian slowly opened his eyes, glanced towards the door, and said coldly, "It's quiet now."

Nüwa sighed softly, "Why must it be like this?"

Taishang Laojun chuckled and said to Lin Fan, "Young friend, it seems that for a while, there will be peace and quiet."

Lin Fan nodded with a wry smile. He knew that after this incident, especially once the news of all the instruments mysteriously breaking down spread, no "expert" would dare to come knocking for a rude awakening in the short term. The trouble of his "far-reaching reputation" seemed to have been temporarily alleviated in an unexpected way.

However, he also knew that this was only superficial. Official surveillance remained, Wang Meng of the Black Tiger Gang's stance was unclear, and Zhou Wenyuan's pursuit of the "Art Master" had not ceased. Moreover, the phenomena represented by those scrapped instruments, which modern science could not explain, would inevitably attract the attention of higher-level, more hidden forces.

The real storm might be accelerating its brewing behind this brief period of "quiet." He glanced at the sky outside the window; the clouds seemed even heavier than when he had arrived.