Earth Metaverse 10 Years, January 24-25
Chinese New Year Holiday.
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Shawn Wen and his grandfather sat in the living room, chatting as they waited for Shawn's aunt and her family to arrive for New Year's greetings.
Their conversation revolved mainly around Shawn's education—Grandpa asked, and Shawn answered. Naturally, the topic of his upcoming college entrance exam came up, particularly his choice of major.
Shawn told his grandfather that he wanted to study philosophy.
Hearing this, Grandpa's expression grew serious. "Shawn, if you're certain about majoring in philosophy, I strongly recommend applying to Sun Zen University."
Having served as a high school principal for over a decade, Grandpa was well-acquainted with the country's top universities and their strongest programs.
The moment Shawn mentioned philosophy, he had already anticipated Grandpa's suggestion. It was no surprise—Grandpa had always spoken highly of Sun Zen City.
Since childhood, Shawn had often heard his grandfather praise the city, describing it as a place where “spring lasts all year, and flowers bloom everywhere.”
Curious about the name "Sun Zen," Shawn had looked it up online, but there were few references. Literally, "Sun" relates to sunlight, while "Zen" is derived from the Buddhist term Zenna, which refers to a meditative practice aimed at cultivating wisdom.
Sun Zen City, located on a low-latitude plateau, enjoys a mild climate year-round, earning it the nickname "Spring City." It is also rich in history and culture, with evidence of human civilization around the Dian Sea dating back 30,000 years.
Even if Grandpa hadn't recommended it, Shawn had already set his sights on Sun Zen University. After all, it had held the top spot in global university rankings for five consecutive years—largely due to its exceptional philosophy program.
So, without hesitation, he nodded. “Yes.”
Shawn was confident in his decision.
Since the advent of the Metaverse Era, fields like virtual technology, artificial intelligence, quantum physics, and biotechnology have advanced rapidly. It is widely predicted that, in the near future, many universities will phase out traditional disciplines like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, as AI, quantum computing, and virtual technology will take over their research and applications.
The disciplines of the future were philosophy, psychology, metaphysics, biology, and intelligence studies.
Sun Zen University's dominance in the rankings was largely due to its outstanding philosophy program.
Shawn's own school, Guo Yang Laozi High School, was renowned for its emphasis on Laozi studies—a foundational branch of classical philosophy. Universities worldwide with strong philosophy programs actively recruit students from Laozi High School, often placing them on the same academic track. Sun Zen University was no exception.
Moreover, Shawn had consistently ranked among the top three students in his 2031 graduating class. He was confident in his chances of getting accepted.
Grandpa smiled knowingly. “Haven't you always wanted to understand the origin of that passage you read as a child?”
He was referring to the verse:
"From primordial chaos, a single breath emerges, cycling without end..."
Shawn's eyes lit up with excitement. “Yes! Can you finally tell me now?”
Shawn had always been a curious child, eager to learn and dig deeper into mysteries.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Grandpa chuckled. “Tomorrow, I'll take you to meet Mr. Ranzi. He's originally from Guo Yang but has since settled in Sun Zen City. He's a respected scholar of the I Ching.”
He paused, then looked at Shawn with a warm, encouraging gaze. “Beyond Sun Zen University's strong philosophy program, another reason I'm recommending it is so you can spend more time with Ranzi.”
Grandpa had always held I Ching studies in the highest regard. His meaning was clear—he hoped Shawn would dedicate himself to studying the ancient wisdom as well.
These were the days of the annual Laozi Cultural Festival at the Heavenly Serenity Palace.
Ranzi had been invited by Taoist Master Li, the host of the temple, to lead a special lecture series titled "Seven Days of Heavenly Serenity: Returning to the Heart", focusing on the I Ching.
Commonly known as Laozi Temple, Heavenly Serenity Palace is a sacred site dedicated to Laozi, the great pre-Qin philosopher and founder of Taoism. The temple is located in Guo Yang, just about five kilometers from Ranzi's childhood home.
Shawn Wen's grandfather had recently retired as principal of Laozi Middle School, and the role has since been taken over by Ms. Liu Sha, the former director of the school. Since Ranzi had once studied at Guo Yang First High School—the predecessor of Laozi Middle School—he had specially requested the festival organizers to invite both headmasters of his Alma mater for a visit.
That evening, Grandpa and Principal Liu Sha brought Shawn Wen to meet Ranzi.
Upon entering Ranzi's hotel suite, Grandpa clasped his hands together, bowed slightly, and introduced himself with respect.
Shawn Wen followed his grandfather's lead, mimicking his gesture.
Principal Liu Sha, who seemed to have known Ranzi for some time, exchanged only a few polite words before the conversation turned warm and natural.
Ranzi was in his sixties, with silver hair and graying eyebrows, but his sharp gaze and calm demeanor radiated wisdom. His eyes held a clarity that suggested a mind still keen and insightful.
With a gentle smile, he greeted the three guests and motioned for them to take their seats. It was clear that the two chairs beside him had been reserved for Grandpa and Principal Liu Sha, while Shawn Wen's seat was an impromptu addition.
The room was already filled with more than ten people—some seated on the sofas, others cross-legged on the floor, and a few were even sitting directly on the carpet. The atmosphere was both relaxed and deeply focused.
Low murmurs filled the space, with discussions seemingly revolving around "celestial induction"—the idea that heaven and humanity are interconnected.
"Apologies for the interruption—let's continue where we left off," Ranzi said with a slight smile.
Then, in a calm and measured voice, he resumed:
"The concept of 'celestial induction' and the so-called'divine right of kings' promoted by the Zhou I Ching were later interpretations imposed by Confucian scholars in feudal society. These ideas were used by dynasties to justify their rule and control the people—but they do not reflect the true essence of the original I Ching."
As soon as he finished speaking, Grandpa leaned forward slightly and asked in a low voice, "Master Ranzi, if the Zhou I Ching is not the original form of this wisdom, then what exactly is the original I Ching?"
It was a question that seemed to be on everyone's mind.
Ranzi chuckled and raised his hand in a casual wave.
"Principal Shang, there's no need to call me Master—after all, you were the principal of my Alma mater," he said warmly. "We are gathered here for the Laozi Cultural Festival. Since Laozi is the ancestor of Taoism, aren't we all his students? Let's simply address each other as fellow seekers."
"Very well, Senior Brother Ranzi," Grandpa replied, clasping his hands together in a respectful gesture. His face lit up with joy, his eyes filled with admiration.
Shawn Wen, too, felt a deep sense of respect for Ranzi. Not only was he an expert in I Ching studies, but he also carried himself with great humility. The thought that he and Ranzi had both come from the same school filled Shawn Wen with a quiet sense of pride.
Ranzi's voice carried a gentle yet encouraging tone as he continued, "That's an excellent question!" He paused, then looked around at the expectant faces in the room. "If no one objects, why don't we delve into the history of the I Ching today?"
Excitement flickered across the room.
"We are here precisely to enlighten from you," a young man in a green robe, holding Buddhist prayer beads, said with reverence. His words carried the formal tone of a disciple addressing a Dharma master.
However, within the context of I Ching studies, referring to Ranzi's teaching as "enlightenment" seemed somewhat out of place.
Ranzi, ever gracious, merely smiled. "Brother, your words are too kind. This is no grand enlightenment—we are simply having an open discussion," he said lightly, his tone kind and inclusive. His humility only deepened the admiration of those present.
Then, turning back to the group, he continued:
"The development of the I Ching can be divided into four major stages, corresponding to the four great versions of the I Ching."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the room.
Everyone was familiar with the Zhou I Ching. Some had even heard of the Gui Zang and Lian Shan, but those only accounted for three I Ching.
What was the fourth I Ching?
At that moment, a thought struck Shawn Wen.
He suddenly recalled something he had read in A Brief History of the Development of the Meta-Origin Society—a reference to something called the Meta-I Ching.
His curiosity deepened.
What exactly was the fourth I Ching?