Chapter 18: Theoretical Deliberations

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Su Chunyang was well aware that over the years, Old Ding had devoted all his time and energy to researching the plateau glaciers. Through arduous geological expeditions, he had successively published highly academic monographs such as the "Geological Summary of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau" and "China’s Geophysical Movements and Ancient Continental Drift."

He patiently explained, “For a project of this massive scale with complex data, human computational capabilities alone are far from sufficient. We must rely on large-scale artificial intelligence computers to perform massive calculations. Through precise AI computations, we have preliminarily succeeded in obtaining neutrino antimatter. This means we have mastered a completely new form of energy. If utilized properly, it gives us the confidence to venture into unknown realms.”

“By ‘unknown,’ do you mean exploring the past and future?” Director Lin inquired further.

“Our experimental station focuses on antimatter research, with the ultimate goal of exploring unknown spacetime domains. Theoretically, many wormholes are hidden inside black holes. We hypothesize they are tunnels connecting black holes and white holes, also known as ‘spacetime gray paths.’ I believe that as long as we can create a localized black hole engine, time travel might be achievable.”

At this point, he emphasized, “Note! I said ‘localized black hole engine’—meaning it operates within our controlled experimental range and absolutely will not cause other disasters.”

“Do you truly believe in time travel?” Ding Boyan asked with a puzzled expression.

Professor Su admitted, “Honestly, I’m not optimistic about actual time travel because it means surpassing the speed of light, which according to current theories equates to death.”

“Then why conduct the experiments?” Lin Yizhou asked in astonishment, eyes wide.

“Scientific experiments often involve risks. The more unknown and challenging they are, the more attractive they become. Countless predecessors in research have forged ahead despite dangers. Of course, we carefully consider all risks,” Su Chunyang said resolutely.

“So, to what extent have you controlled neutrino antimatter?” Ding Boyan pressed.

“We have currently achieved nearly 99.9% accuracy in measuring the neutrino energy spectrum in the reactor. Additionally, we have discovered a new neutrino oscillation phenomenon, and research is ongoing,” Professor Su responded cautiously, as full disclosure of scientific results requires prudence.

“If it means death, how do you verify it?” Director Lin suddenly posed this sharp question.

Su Chunyang paused briefly, then replied, “At present, we cannot verify it directly. But we continuously iterate through theoretical models and simulations. For example, we use supercomputers to simulate matter changes at superluminal speeds, analyzing possible outcomes at the microscopic particle level. Although this is not equivalent to real time travel verification, these simulation data provide valuable references. Moreover, we closely monitor naturally occurring similar cosmic phenomena, hoping to find clues from extreme events in the universe.”

Ding Boyan nodded thoughtfully. “Starting with simulations and observations is a feasible approach, but the margin of error and uncertainty remain considerable.”

Lin Yizhou frowned, crossing his arms. “Yes, it’s like groping in darkness; every step must be cautious, or one could fall into irreversible doom.”

Su Chunyang took a deep breath, his gaze resolute. “I understand the risks, but isn’t science about progressing through trial and error? We have taken the first step and cannot retreat lightly.”

The professor continued to explain, “We hypothesize that when neutrinos violate Lorentz invariance and oscillate, their velocity is very likely to exceed the speed of light. So, based on current understanding, time travel equals death! But fortunately, this process is not instantaneous but traceable, which gives us an opportunity for exploration.”

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Director Lin smiled wryly, waving his hand. “Could you explain it in simpler terms? I have only a rudimentary grasp of science and find it hard to understand. Is there really matter faster than light in this world?”

Professor Su smiled. “If we invited Shen Xingyun, the astrophysicist from the Lijiang Astronomical Observatory, he could explain it more thoroughly. Years ago, scientists used neutrino detectors around the world to observe the supernova SN1987A from various angles and detected 5 to 11 neutrinos. Unexpectedly, these neutrinos arrived on Earth three hours before the light from the supernova explosion.”

“What does that imply?” Director Lin asked, puzzled.

“There are two possibilities. One, neutrinos might have been emitted earlier than visible light during the explosion but did not travel faster than light. Two, under specific conditions, their speed exceeded the speed of light...” Su Chunyang patiently explained.

Lin Yizhou shook his head in confusion.

Su Chunyang added, “Of course, there is still much debate in the scientific community about whether high-energy neutrinos conform to extended standard models. However, we have successfully produced antimatter and generated spacetime mirror surfaces by bombarding special kc20 minerals with lasers and neutrino beams, which undoubtedly opens the door to time travel possibilities.”

At that moment, Professor Su’s assistant, Zhou Huifang, hurried in to report that the experimental device within the coordinates pyramid at the Ice-Sealed Experimental Station was ready.

The experts quickly donned protective suits and entered a shielded chamber made of special materials for observation.

Professor Ding frowned deeply, voicing concern again, “Neutrino, although your experiment is full of potential, won’t it affect the stability of the Himalayan region?”

Su Chunyang smiled confidently, “Rest assured, we have comprehensively upgraded all safety facilities, reinforced the massive containment vessel, and added the most advanced high magnetic energy array rectifier. Even if an atomic or hydrogen bomb exploded here, it could be effectively controlled. As long as the neutrinos behave, we are perfectly safe.”

Meanwhile, the treasure-hunting expedition team ventured into the dense primeval forest in the eastern Himalayas. The area was mostly shrouded in thick mist, surrounded by lush trees that formed a green barrier like something from mythology, stretching endlessly along the mountain range.

Gazing at the breathtaking lake and mountain scenery—the glaciers and forests complementing each other, the Tibetan village dwellings scattered along the lakeshore—the internet celebrity Xiao Miao Chen Miaomiao couldn’t help but exclaim loudly, “So beautiful!”

Bao Tianxi cheerfully imitated the Sichuan dialect to Miaomiao, “This is China’s largest monsoon oceanic glacier distribution area. Its source comes from the glacier meltwater of the snowy plateau. It’s the mother that nurtures all living beings here.”

Though Chen Miaomiao appeared petite, she was a top graduate from Southwest University of Media Arts, renowned in the field of holographic digital imaging technology, affectionately called the “Digital Little Sorceress.”

Her personality was free-spirited and uninhibited, brimming with wild imagination. As a popular internet celebrity, she was an idol among young people. People also called her “Little Bean,” meaning a clever imp.

Recently, her close friend Bao Xiaotong invited her to join the Himalayan treasure hunting adventure. This sudden opportunity felt like a blessing from heaven—a chance to embark on a marvelous live streaming journey.

Miaomiao eagerly put on her neural control helmet and excitedly said, “I want to do aerial filming.” As she spoke, she lightly waved her finger, and a small drone gracefully flew out from her shoulder bag.

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Watching Miaomiao skillfully control the new intelligent drone through mind sensing as it soared into the sky towards the distance, Guo Zhenhu recalled the reconnaissance drones he had encountered during his military service.

Curious, he asked Miaomiao, “What is the maximum range of this drone?”

Little Bean glanced at Guo Zhenhu with a look that seemed to say, “Isn’t this basic knowledge?”

“It’s different from ours,” Guo Zhenhu smiled.

Miaomiao replied, “It can fly beyond visual range. As long as the mind control is strong and the battery energy sufficient, it can stay airborne for about eight hours. I wonder how many drones your controller can operate simultaneously?”

Guo Zhenhu was surprised. Though he knew current mind-controlled drones had strong endurance, he had just heard about controlling multiple drones simultaneously.

So he asked, “Can you really control several at once?”

Miaomiao said, “Those with strong mental ability and skill can operate four or five drones simultaneously. I can manage two.”

“Miaomiao, that’s impressive,” Zhenhu praised with a thumbs-up.

The team entered a valley area. Guo Zhenhu suggested the tired members take a break, and everyone took out their self-heating meals.

The young Chang Wang was on his first outdoor expedition. Enjoying his food, he looked up at the towering peaks on both sides and asked, “Brother Bao, how tall are these mountains exactly?”

Bao Tianxi, with a geological instinct, answered proudly and professionally, “The Parlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon has an average depth of about 3,555 meters. In terms of depth alone, besides the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon and Nepal’s Kali Gandaki Grand Canyon, the Parlung Tsangpo surpasses Peru’s Colca Canyon and the U.S. Colorado Grand Canyon, ranking as the world’s third deepest canyon.”

Chen Miaomiao continued aerial filming, controlling the drone while asking, “Brother Bao, they say the birthplace of human civilization is always associated with great rivers. What’s here?”

“Heh, Little Bean, you know about river civilizations?” Tianxi chuckled and began to explain.