For the first time, the network encountered a "genuine deadlock"-not because anyone was deliberately causing trouble, but because legitimate differences truly existed.
"We planned for this," Guanlan said. "When Consciousness Resonance cannot produce a single answer, it means the question itself should not have just one answer."
"We need to accept diversity."
Lin Ye nodded. "Then we won't make a unified decision."
"We'll allow the network to branch into different 'development zones.'"
"The radicals can accelerate experiments in their own zone, the conservatives can maintain steady development, and those who favor the status quo can keep their original pace."
"But all zones will still share the underlying connections, allowing them to learn from one another and draw on each other's experience."
"That way, the network will become a 'testing ground,' exploring multiple paths at once."
The proposal sparked a heated discussion.
Some supported it, believing it represented genuine inclusiveness and openness.
Others opposed it, believing it would cost the network its unity and ultimately tear it apart.
But in the end, the proposal still gained approval through Consciousness Resonance.
Most participants realized that diversity itself was the source of the network's strength.
Forcing everyone into uniformity would only stifle creativity.
The network began to branch out.
Three main development zones formed in the virtual space:
The "Vanguard Domain," led by the radicals, focused on breakthrough experiments and rapid iteration.
The "Steady Domain," led by the conservatives, focused on reinforcing foundations and controlling risks.
The "Natural Domain," led by those who favored the status quo, maintained the original pace of organic development.
The three zones remained connected, but each had its own rules and atmosphere.
As the network's creator, Lin Ye chose not to join any of the zones.
He positioned himself as an "observer and coordinator," moving among the three