The Meeting Begins

An hour later, the venue was completely full.

Lord Kelvin, acting as the host, stood at the front. Looking out, he estimated there were over 200 people.

What a terrifying number. Perhaps half of the world's top physics talent was gathered here.

Even for Lord Kelvin, a man of great prestige and experience, he felt a slight nervousness at this moment.

To have the opportunity to witness such a conference in his lifetime, and to be its host, he felt immensely honored.

His hearty voice boomed from the microphone, echoing clearly throughout the large hall.

"First, I must thank everyone for traveling from afar and for giving this old man some face. It seems I still have some standing in the physics community."

The hall erupted in warm applause and laughter.

"Since Galileo opened the door to science, formally establishing the system of natural science, three hundred years have passed."

"For three hundred years, countless predecessors in physics have toiled diligently, scaling the highest peaks, creating a magnificent and brilliant world of physics."

"Their names, like stars, shine forever in the skies of physics, guiding those who come after."

"Two hundred and fifty years ago, Newton, single-handedly, pioneered classical mechanics, proposing the laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation."

"He was like a torch, illuminating the entire world, leading people away from the ignorance and darkness of the Middle Ages."

"In the subsequent period, in the four fields of optics, wave theory, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, countless geniuses followed one after another, constantly researching and experimenting, finally achieving great results."

"Whether light is a wave or a particle has been debated for over 300 years. Although Newton believed it to be particles, Thomas Young's double-slit experiment proved that light is indeed a wave."

"Seventy years ago, Hamilton, using mathematical equivalence, unified optics and mechanics."

"Forty years ago, my friend Maxwell unified electromagnetism and optics, proposing the famous Maxwell's Equations."

"As for thermodynamics, my friend Clausius and I made some small contributions, proposing the second law of thermodynamics."

"Later, Boltzmann proposed statistical mechanics, successfully proving that thermodynamics is the foundation of statistical mechanics using the entropy formula."

"Therefore, in my eyes, the system of classical physics was complete, with classical mechanics, classical electromagnetism, and classical statistical mechanics as its three pillars."

"Everything in the universe, everything in the world, could be explained by these three physical theories."

Hearing this, everyone in the hall held their breath, captivated by the history of physics that Lord Kelvin was recounting.

It was such a magnificent and passionate epic of physics.

The ancient sages, under such harsh conditions, still created scientific myths that shone among the stars.

And now, everyone present, standing on the shoulders of their predecessors, would continue to explore the higher peaks of physics.

All felt inspired and excited.

Then, Lord Kelvin's powerful voice continued:

"Therefore, a few months ago, right here, I made a bold statement: the edifice of physics is complete; only minor repairs are needed."

"At that time, a young man sitting below chuckled, and I noticed. I asked him, 'What are you laughing at?'"

"He replied that physics is far from complete; it has only just begun. And he made a bet with me, saying he would prove himself with a paper within five years."

"Many old friends privately asked me why I agreed to a bet with him, considering he was just a young upstart."

"I replied with a smile that, firstly, his courage moved me. A person who lacks the courage to challenge authority will achieve nothing in science."

"Secondly, I was afraid of suppressing the enthusiasm of young people yet again."

"Röntgen's X-rays, the young Curie's radioactivity, and Thomson's electron all made me sense an unusual shift."

"It has now been proven that these were indeed innovative achievements. Of course, I still believed they were all within the framework of classical physics."

"So, when a young man, even younger than Röntgen, confidently declared he would overturn physics, I was inexplicably convinced."

"This is the story behind the 'two clouds' speech."

Upon hearing this, the audience realized there was such a story. Years later, these would become famous anecdotes.

At this moment, Lord Kelvin's face flushed, and his tone became more excited.

"And that arrogant young man was not spouting empty words; he truly fulfilled his promise."

"He truly proved with a paper that physics is far from complete."

"I know many people oppose this theory, but I still have to say this."

"Bruce, you have won this bet. I apologize for having insulted you and your ethnicity. I hope you can forgive me."

Wow!

The hall was completely shaken.

No one had expected Lord Kelvin to apologize publicly, especially at such an important occasion.

Given his current standing in the physics community, even if he had belittled a junior, it would have been understandable.

But he still apologized, repenting for his mistake. As a scientist, he should not have been racially prejudiced.

Even Li Qiwei was moved. Sitting in the front row, he suddenly stood up, looked at Lord Kelvin, and said sincerely, "Lord Kelvin, I accept your apology."

Upon hearing this, Lord Kelvin smiled with relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from his heart. Even his voice became lighter.

"Well then, Bruce and Planck, please take the stage now."

"I hope you two can make my apology truly worthy, I don't want to be slapped in the face again!"

Everyone burst into laughter at his words. Li Qiwei said, "Don't worry, Your Lordship, I'm confident." Planck simply looked at him kindly and said nothing.

Thus, under everyone's gaze, Li Qiwei and Planck slowly walked to the center of the stage, standing straight.

Lord Kelvin, meanwhile, moved to the side, where the host's position was.

He then reiterated the rules of the conference, causing a stir.

Clearly, everyone was intimidated by Li Qiwei's boldness. Of course, some people thought he was just showing off.

For example, the physics professors from Oxford University were furious upon hearing this kind of 'war of attrition' questioning format.

It showed that Bruce Li simply didn't take anyone present seriously.

If Li Qiwei had known their thoughts, he would have cried out in injustice.

He just thought it was more convenient this way, and it would help maintain order in the venue, allowing everyone to speak.

Wasn't that better than a debate team format?

With Kelvin's guidance, the conference officially began!

First, Li Qiwei and Planck presented the main content of their papers, respectively.

They elaborated on the concept of Quantum and its impact on the future of physics.

Of course, Li Qiwei did most of the talking throughout, while Planck voluntarily listened by his side, only occasionally adding a few remarks.

Soon, their presentations ended, and the challenges to Quantum were finally about to begin.

Thanks to [MouSan] for the monthly votes, and thanks to all the readers for the recommendation votes.