Chapter 27: Kindred Spirits

To hinder China’s scientific progress, they threw out various seemingly reasonable concerns, such as environmental protection and planetary safety. Unexpectedly, however, ripples of dissent emerged within the domestic scientific community itself, with many scientists voicing objections, including the renowned physicist Ding Bonian.

Ding Bonian argued that while the construction of the neutrino laboratory held immense scientific value, the potential risks could not be ignored. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau’s ecosystem is fragile; any accident during the experiment could be devastating to the local environment. Furthermore, he noted that current research into neutrinos is not yet profound enough, and rushing to build such a large-scale facility might be overly radical.

Astrophysicist Shen Xing, armed with the latest space observation data, spoke sharply and mercilessly, pointing out that the trajectory and movement of the "Little Shen Xing" (a celestial body) were clearly being interfered with by gravitational influences from Earth. He aimed this accusation directly at the Ice-Bound Experimental Station, as if issuing a grave challenge to Su Chunyang and his team.

Their skepticism was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, creating waves that sparked intense debate among scientists and cast the future of the Ice-Bound Experimental Station into a fog of uncertainty.

Facing these external doubts, Su Chunyang remained calm, firmly stating to the outside world that the experiment was within a normal, controllable range and that the current situation was linked to energy fluctuations from outer space.

At an academic symposium, he articulated his perspective clearly: "From the macro perspective of the entire celestial energy balance, all things in the world are connected; nothing exists in isolation. When we encounter strong external magnetic interference, it is only natural to consider whether it relates to outer space." These words demonstrated both his profound understanding of science and his confidence in the experiment.

Shen Xingyun understood the subtext of Su Chunyang’s words, realizing he was hinting that insufficient information regarding asteroids in outer space had impacted the experiment. He responded candidly, admitting that due to the frequent meteor showers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, he had been occupied with observations and had indeed been lacking in information dissemination. He also mentioned a highly suspicious flying car accident that occurred during that period.

"According to the investigation," Shen Xingyun recalled, "the accident was unrelated to driver operation and was likely linked to the meteor showers. However, it is said that the vehicle driven by Yao Kui was equipped with a KC-20 kinetic energy canister, which may have been a contributing factor."

Professor Su was surprised by this and sought out Lin Yizhou after the meeting to ask, "Could this accident also be related to the new energy source?"

Ding Bonian, who happened to be present, said half-jokingly, "That’s hard to say. Perhaps there is a new energy source beneath the Himalayas that has been awakened by the 'high-decibel microphone' of your experiment, suddenly emerging to give us a scare."

His expression then turned serious, and he solemnly suggested that, given the current complexity, it would be best to pause the experiment.

Su Chunyang replied immediately and resolutely, "That is out of the question. This is a key national project, and success is within reach. If there are problems, we will solve them. I will not shirk any responsibility that falls on me, but the experiment must not stop."

Ding Bonian frowned, his face full of worry. "If we don't stop, I fear a catastrophe will occur."

"What kind of catastrophe?" Dean Lin asked urgently.

Ding Bonian spoke slowly and gravely. He had heard from Shen Xingyun that antimatter could trigger local space-time fluctuations. If the neutrino antimatter experiment could not be effectively controlled, it would undergo an annihilation reaction with the material world. Just a few grams of antimatter could release enough energy to destroy the Earth.

This statement hit Su Chunyang like a heavy hammer. He retorted without hesitation, "In our neutrino research, the appearance of antimatter is a normal phenomenon and the very result we hope for. Only by successfully obtaining neutrino antimatter can we have a chance at a brand-new energy source. Please believe that we have the ability to control it..."

Ding Bonian waved his hand, explaining patiently, "Old Su, I am not against you conducting the experiment; I just feel that Shen Xingyun’s concerns are not without merit. It is better to be cautious!"

Su Chunyang grew emotional, shouting, "If humanity lacked the spirit to defy the heavens, how could we have the determination to transform them? To always follow the rules and suppress oneself is to never dare to step toward the edge of the universe. If Musk hadn't possessed a dauntless spirit, he could never have stood up after countless failures to continue bravely toward outer space."

Lin Yizhou stepped in to mediate, repeating, "Caution is good, caution is good."

Professor Su looked at them and said earnestly, "My great professors, there has never been a hundred-percent guarantee of success in scientific experiments. The key is that only selflessness can lead to fearlessness. It is precisely because humanity is selfless that we are able to move forward. I am devoted solely to scientific research; my heart is clear, and I have no fear."

As the group discussed, Shen Xingyun from the Lijiang Astronomical Observatory walked in with a steady stride.

He scanned the room and, seeing everyone present, said, "In this era, many people are becoming increasingly selfish, calculating everything for themselves, seeking only personal satisfaction and self-preservation, having lost the passion and responsibility to contribute to all of humanity. I assume you are discussing the experiment?"

Su Chunyang asked directly, his tone tinged with wariness and displeasure, "Are you here to persuade us to stop the experiment as well?"

To everyone's surprise, a smile appeared on Shen Xingyun's face. He responded gently, "Old Su, don't be so closed off to different viewpoints. On the contrary, I am here to strongly support continuing the experiment! Not only that, we must expand its scale and accelerate the process."

Upon hearing this, Su Chunyang jumped from his seat in excitement, his face radiant with unrestrained joy. "Haha, I knew it! Our Master Shen wouldn't be so muddle-headed. Perhaps in the future, we will have to rely on your help to achieve this unprecedented scientific experiment together!"

Shen Xingyun’s mouth curled into a smile. "Then do you have the ability to help me change the trajectory of an asteroid?"

Su Chunyang was full of confidence, his tone resolute. "That’s hard to say. But don't worry, we will be extremely cautious during the experiment—careful, and even more careful!"

Seeing them deep in conversation, Lin Yizhou interrupted, "I think you two might want to put your grand visions aside for now and explore them in depth later. For the moment, we should invite Professor Zhao Xinru, a biologist from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, to help study this strange creature. Perhaps she can provide some reasonable and convincing explanations."

Everyone nodded in agreement, eyes gleaming with anticipation, eager to know the answer.

Meanwhile, on the distant Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the treasure-hunting expedition team, under the orderly command of Guo Zhenhu, had quickly pitched their tents. Hao Xiaoyu carefully bandaged Gu Dajun’s head. Fortunately, Gu Dajun had a strong constitution, and after simple treatment, his injuries were not serious.

The mood was somber, and after a hurried dinner, the group prepared to rest. Yet, lying in their tents, they tossed and turned, unable to sleep. At the thought of the mysterious humanoid monster, fear surged like a tide. Everyone worried in silence: would this eerie creature take advantage of the cover of night to launch a stealthy attack?

To ensure everyone’s safety, Guo Zhenhu made meticulous arrangements, assigning two fixed sentries and one mobile guard, implementing a two-hour shift rotation, and instructing everyone to keep a close watch on their surroundings, missing nothing.

Darkness descended upon the glacier like a tide. Despite it being midsummer, the climate on the plateau was exceptionally cold, as if winter had arrived early.

Chen Miaomiao rummaged through her pack and said with relief, "It’s a good thing we brought the 'Warmth.' It’s a real lifesaver."

Hearing this, others followed suit, quickly searching their own packs for the magical warming device.

"Warmth" is a heating device made of advanced nanomaterials. It folds into a small, portable pack; when unfolded, it becomes a warm electric blanket. If several pieces are joined together, they can even form a tent with excellent thermal insulation.

Everyone flipped the switches, and the pure solid energy blocks began to emit a steady, warm heat. However, the icy winds on the glacier were bone-chilling, like sharp blades. Even with the protection of the "Warmth," everyone truly felt the bitterness of the "cold at high altitudes."

Seeing this, Guo Zhenhu instructed the Chang brothers to find some dry wood and debris in the vicinity.

Before long, a roaring campfire was burning, the crackling sounds exceptionally clear on the silent glacier. The primal, simple warmth quickly spread through everyone's bodies and minds. The dancing, flickering light not only dispelled the darkness but also gave everyone a long-lost sense of security and comfort. Yet, even so, the harrowing experiences of the day lingered in their minds like a nightmare.

The starry sky above the snow-capped mountains seemed within reach, exceptionally close to the earth. The stars were dazzling, like jewels embedded in a black curtain, twinkling with mysterious light. The moon was also exceptionally bright and clear, casting silvery radiance and adorning the world of snow-capped mountains in a dreamlike fashion. In the distance, the dark mountain ridges became increasingly distinct under the moonlight, adding to a sense of profound and mysterious depth.

The thrilling experience of the day had cast a shadow over everyone’s hearts that was difficult to dispel, and, still shaken, they found it hard to fall asleep.