The Collapse of Authority

The effect of Taishang Laojun's "Soul-Startling Pill" was like a depth charge thrown into a calm lake. The undercurrents it stirred up surged far beyond Lin Fan's imagination.

After Zhao Black Tiger learned that A Biao and the others had met with a bizarre failure and collectively suffered mental breakdowns (and had been secretly taken into official custody), he was thrown into a state of shock and conflicting emotions. Greed made him yearn for the miraculous pill, while fear made him wary of the mysterious power represented by Lin Fan and those behind him. For the time being, he suppressed his urge to contact Lin Fan again and ordered his men to pull back on all fronts and wait to see how things unfolded. At the same time, he used every connection he had to find out the authorities' stance on the incident and learn more about those "mysterious tenants." However, the circles he could reach were nowhere near the heart of the matter. All he got were vague warnings that it was "highly classified" and "extremely dangerous," which made him even less willing to act rashly.

At the official level, the shock caused by the "Soul-Startling Pill" incident was earth-shattering.

Chen Jing's detailed report, along with the current state of the six thugs in a specialized medical facility—they still alternated between fits of madness and terror, their minds utterly shattered, while every form of modern medicine, including psychological intervention and medication, had proved largely ineffective—landed on the desks of some truly powerful people. The report described a faint energy fluctuation that acted directly on the mind and provoked deep-seated visions of terror. Its analysis of Taishang Laojun's casual, almost dismissive attitude left even these seasoned veterans of countless storms feeling unprecedented pressure...and a trace of bewilderment.

This had gone far beyond the realm of "special abilities" or "unknown technology." It seemed more like a power that touched the fundamental rules of the world, something close to "divine authority." How should they deal with it? Try to control it, cooperate with it, or...destroy it? Every possible choice came with enormous risks and unknown consequences.

After several consecutive days of urgent discussions among senior officials, they finally reached a preliminary consensus: until they had thoroughly understood the other party's limits and intentions, their strategy had to change. Forceful measures carried uncontrollable risks, while continuing with nothing but long-range surveillance would yield no breakthroughs. A new directive was therefore sent to Chen Jing: attempt a limited, cautious, unofficial yet formal contact. The goal was to establish an initial channel of communication, assess the other party's attitude toward the authorities and the current social order, and gather as much information as possible about their abilities, origins, and needs. The guiding principles were clear: avoid conflict, remain restrained, and show goodwill.

After receiving the order, Chen Jing took a deep breath. She knew the most difficult moment might be just around the corner. She carefully selected her team. Besides the necessary security and technical personnel, she specifically brought along one of the country's leading psychologists and a diplomatic affairs expert skilled in negotiation and communication. Rather than make a grand show of it, she took just two ordinary black cars to the residential complex where Lin Fan lived, arriving once again on a bright, sunny morning.

This time, she brought none of the nerve-racking detection equipment and had not notified the property management. She simply led a few key members up the familiar stairs, their expressions serious and cautious.

Meanwhile, in the rental apartment, Lin Fan had just finished his morning cultivation and was preparing breakfast. His spiritual perception had grown keen enough that he sensed something the moment Chen Jing and the others entered the building.

"Senior, they're here again." Lin Fan looked toward Tong Tian and Nüwa, a hint of tension in his voice. Although he had weathered several upheavals by now, an official visit carried a very different significance.

Tong Tian remained with his eyes closed, as though he had not heard. The aura around him was still as an ancient well, unfathomable.

Nüwa paused in the middle of painting spiritual charm onto a newly sculpted orchid. She looked toward the door, her gaze clear and tranquil.

Taishang Laojun chuckled and set down the medicinal herbs in his hands. "Those who are meant to come will come. Young friend, go answer the door and handle things as they arise."

Lin Fan steadied himself and went to the door. Almost at the same time, a measured, restrained knock sounded from outside, followed by Chen Jing's clear, composed voice. "Mr. Lin Fan, hello. I'm Chen Jing. There are some things I'd like to discuss with you and your friends. Would this be a good time?"

Lin Fan took a deep breath and opened the door.

Chen Jing stood at the front. Today, she wore a neat business suit. Her expression was serious but courteous, and her sharp gaze held no hostility. Two men and a woman stood behind her, each with an extraordinary air and a calm, steady gaze. None of them were ordinary people. Farther back, several men in plain clothes kept watch at the stairwell.

"Ms. Chen." Lin Fan nodded and stepped aside. "Please come in."

Chen Jing gave a slight nod and led the three core team members inside. The moment she entered, the familiar, soothing aura and the extraordinarily high concentration of negative oxygen ions in the air once again startled her. Her gaze quickly swept over the room: the lifelike clay sculptures on the windowsill, the paintings on the wall imbued with Dao rhythm, and Taishang Laojun in the corner, his face ancient and unadorned, his aura profound. She also saw the long-haired man in ancient robes sitting upright like a pine, whose closed eyes still gave off an overwhelming sense of oppression (Tong Tian), and the ethereal, gentle woman painting nearby (Nüwa). Everything matched the information in her hands, but experiencing them in person made the disparity in their very level of life and the essence of their souls feel even more striking.

"Forgive the intrusion." Chen Jing did her best to keep her tone even. She looked at Lin Fan, then turned her gaze to the three saints. "Mr. Lin Fan, and the three... seniors. On behalf of the relevant departments, I'd like to have an open and candid discussion with you about some recent events."

She did not specify which department she represented, but the words "relevant departments" made her official ties clear enough.

Lin Fan did not answer. Instead, he looked to Taishang Laojun. He knew that a conversation at this level was beyond his ability to lead.

Taishang Laojun stroked his beard with a smile and looked at Chen Jing calmly. "Guardians of this realm's order, if you have questions, ask them freely."

His manner was casual and natural, as though he were chatting with a younger relative. He showed not the slightest nervousness at facing official power.

Chen Jing felt reassured. The other party was willing to talk, which was a good start. Choosing her words carefully, she began, "First, regarding Professor Sun Zhengyi and the others' reckless behavior a few days ago, as well as last night's illegal break-in, I'd like to offer an apology on behalf of... We failed in our duties and caused you trouble."

She started by expressing goodwill, while also watching for the other party's reaction.

Laojun chuckled. "The ignorant know no fear. A little disturbance is like a breeze passing by our ears; we paid it no mind." His words were light and casual, but Chen Jing felt a chill in her heart. The other party simply did not care about the so-called "experts" or the thugs. Such detachment came from absolute strength.

Chen Jing smoothly steered the conversation toward the main issue. "Thank you for your understanding, Senior. We've noticed that you... are no ordinary people, and the abilities you've displayed far exceed the general understanding of our current society. We're here in the hope of learning more about you—for example, where you come from, what your purpose is in this realm, and... whether we might find a way to coexist peacefully in the future, or even cooperate to our mutual benefit."

Her questions were direct, but she left plenty of room for the conversation to turn in another direction.

This time, before Laojun could answer, Tong Tian, who had remained silent with his eyes closed, slowly opened them.

The instant he did, Chen Jing and the three experts behind her felt the air around them freeze! An indescribable, cold and boundless will descended over the entire room like an invisible mountain. It was not directed at them; it was simply the natural presence of his existence. Yet it made their souls tremble and their breathing falter. The psychologist even took an instinctive half-step back, all color draining from her face.

Tong Tian's indifferent gaze swept over Chen Jing like that of a god looking down on the mortal world. His voice was calm and emotionless, yet carried a chilling indifference that seemed to point straight to the origin of all laws.

"Where we come from and what we have to do with this realm? The owner of this place allowed us to stay for a time; that is reason enough. As for our purpose... to recover and leave. If this realm's Heavenly Dao is incomplete and its rules suppress us, we can only remain here."

His words were even more direct than before. He made it clear that they were "outsiders," and that their goal was to "recover" and "leave." The reason they remained was that this realm's "Heavenly Dao" was "incomplete" and its "rules" suppressed them. The words struck Chen Jing and the others like thunderclaps! This nearly confirmed their most fundamental theory: the other party were visitors from another world in the truest sense, and the level of their power involved concepts like the "Heavenly Dao" and "rules," things found only in philosophy and fantasy!

Chen Jing fought down the turmoil in her heart and did her best to remain composed. "Senior, when you say... 'the Heavenly Dao is incomplete' and 'the rules suppress you,' what exactly do you mean?"

A hint of almost imperceptible scorn curved Tong Tian's lips. He did not answer directly, but instead asked, "Do you know why spiritual energy in this realm has dried up and all arts fallen silent? Why all living beings are ignorant and unable to glimpse the true Dao? It is not a lack of aptitude. It is that this world has bound its own hands and feet, cutting off the path to transcendence and leaving only one... so-called 'science,' a rough and winding side path that ultimately has an end."

His words landed like a heavy hammer on Chen Jing and the expert with a background in physics behind her.

"Spiritual energy has dried up," "all arts have fallen silent," "the path to transcendence has been cut off," "science is a side path"... These statements rejected, at its very foundation, the entire worldview and system of understanding built by modern science! If the other party was telling the truth, then the technological civilization humanity took such pride in might truly be no more than a "side path" leading to a dead end in their eyes.

The physicist's face flushed. Unable to hold back, he spoke up, his voice charged with the agitation of an academic authority whose beliefs had been challenged. "Sir! I'm afraid I can't agree with your view! Science is humanity's most powerful tool for understanding and transforming the world. It has brought leaps in productivity, longer lifespans, and civilizational progress! How can you call it a 'side path'?"

Tong Tian turned his gaze toward him. His eyes were profound, as though they held the principles governing the birth and destruction of the universe. The physicist's agitation instantly cooled, leaving only a chill that came from feeling completely seen through.

"A tool?" Tong Tian's tone remained indifferent. "Has your science ever touched the origin of life? Reversed the river of time? Transcended the constraints of this realm and roamed beyond the sea of stars? You are merely making minor repairs and explorations within the cage laid out by this realm's Heavenly Dao. You cling to material appearances and ignore the essence of the spirit, like blind men touching an elephant. You could spend your entire life at it and still never glimpse the true face of the Great Dao."

He pointed casually out the window at a sparrow flying past. "Do you know the structure of this bird's soul? Where the light of its life comes from? How it interacts with the energy of heaven and earth? Can your science explain all of that?"

Then he pointed to the painting of Mount Buzhou that Nüwa had made on the table. "The Dao rhythm in this painting can calm the mind and gather spiritual energy. Can your instruments analyze even a fraction of it?"

The physicist opened his mouth, wanting to argue, but found himself unable to respond. Modern science truly could not explain the structure of the soul or the light of life, much less analyze the mysterious Dao rhythm in the painting that could cause instruments to malfunction. Under a few casual questions from the other party, the edifice of science he had always believed in seemed to begin shaking and cracking.

Another expert, who specialized in diplomacy, tried to ease the tension. In a cautious tone, he asked, "Then, in your view, Senior, what is the Great Dao? And how should we... pursue it?"

This time, Nüwa set down her brush. Her ethereal, gentle voice rang out like a clear spring, easing the tension that had settled over the room.

"The Great Dao has no name, yet it nurtures all things. All beings have their own Dao: the withering and flourishing of plants, the turning of the sun and moon, even a human heart inclined toward goodness. It is not a matter of casting aside your 'science,' but of understanding its limits and recognizing its foundations. If technology can live in harmony with nature and resonate with the human heart, it too can be one path of the Dao. But if you only take, destroy the balance, and blind yourselves to the spirit, you turn away from the Dao and will ultimately reap what you sow."

Her words were filled with acceptance and wisdom. She did not reject science outright, but pointed out the direction it should take and the limits it should recognize. Chen Jing and the others felt somewhat relieved. At least the other party did not seem to be wholly hostile toward modern civilization.

However, Taishang Laojun's next words pushed the psychologist, who had been trying to understand everything through the framework of existing science, to the brink of collapse.

Laojun looked at the pale-faced psychologist and chuckled. Then he suddenly asked, "Doctor, you measure the human heart with questionnaires and analyze dreams with theories. Have you ever measured... what the 'I' in 'I think, therefore I am' truly is? Have you ever analyzed where the source lies when good and evil intertwine and karma begins to form in a single thought?"

The seemingly simple question struck at the central unanswered mystery of psychology and even philosophy itself: the origin of consciousness and the nature of free will.

The psychologist shuddered as though struck by lightning. All the theories and models she had studied throughout her life seemed so feeble in the face of this most fundamental question! She tried to explain it through neuroscience and neurotransmitters, but immediately realized that they only described the material basis without touching the heart of the most mysterious "subjective experience" itself. What exactly was that "I"?

"I... we..." Her lips trembled, her gaze unfocused. With one seemingly casual question, Laojun had completely shattered the academic faith and system of understanding she had spent years building! She staggered and grabbed the wall to keep from collapsing. All that remained were unconscious murmurs: "I don't know... I don't know..."

Watching her subordinate look so utterly lost, Chen Jing felt helpless. These experts she had brought with her, authorities representing every field of modern science, had been so easily defeated by a few seemingly casual questions that went straight to the heart of things! This was not merely a gap in knowledge, but an absolute crushing of their dimensions of understanding and levels of existence!

Before the true "Dao" and "principles," all so-called "authority" came crashing down.

An eerie silence fell over the room. Only the distant noise of the city outside and the psychologist's heavy, ragged breathing could be heard.

Chen Jing knew that they were unlikely to make any further substantial progress today. The other party's attitude was already clear: they were staying only temporarily, their goal was to leave, and though they bore no ill will toward this realm, they also had little interest in it. They looked down on the modern scientific system from a position of superiority.

She took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down, bowing slightly to Taishang Laojun and Nüwa. "Thank you both for your guidance, Seniors. We've taken up enough of your time today, so we'll take our leave. While you're staying in this realm, if you need anything, or if there's... anything we can do to help, you can contact us through Mr. Lin Fan. We hope we can at least maintain an open channel of communication."

She gave Lin Fan her encrypted contact information.

Taishang Laojun nodded slightly. "Very well."

Nüwa also nodded gently.

Chen Jing said nothing more. She signaled for the two assistants who were still in decent shape to support the nearly mentally shattered psychologist, and the group quietly filed out of the room.

The door closed, sealing off two worlds.

Lin Fan watched Chen Jing and the others leave, their backs burdened and even faintly hurried. He then looked at the three saints, who remained as calm as ever, and felt a flood of emotions. He knew that from this day on, the authorities' attitude toward them would likely change at its core. Whether that would bring good fortune or disaster remained to be seen.

The "collapse of authority" had not happened only to the psychologist. It had also taken place in the hearts of every official who had witnessed the conversation. They would have to begin reassessing this world—and the place they themselves occupied in it.

The storm was not over. It had merely shifted into a deeper, more unpredictable form, quietly brewing. And Lin Fan, an ordinary young man, had already been swept into the heart of this maelstrom—a transformation in humanity's understanding of the world.