Chapter 402: Passage Trial

Deep in the mountain villa, the rock cavern remodeled into a workshop was brightly lit.

This place is far from the main residential area, personally overseen by Zhao Lao Nian, responsible for researching and maintaining the light‑screen passage leading to the "Mirror-image Zhongyuan".

Unlike the somewhat lax guard of before, today the atmosphere here is unusually solemn, with the number of sentries and hidden posts more than doubled.

As Chen Wen entered the workshop accompanied by Qian Gui, Zhao Lao Nian, in his role as Commander, was directing several capable assistants in adjusting a seemingly ordinary rock wall.

On that rock wall, a patch shimmered like water ripples, emanating an indescribable energy — this was where the light screen lay.

Before it stood a simple device made of a metal frame and a few core crystals, emitting a low hum.

"Your Lordship."

Seeing Chen Wen arrive, Zhao Lao Nian hurried forward, his face showing the focus typical of a technician, as well as a hint of worry he could not conceal.

"How is the situation?"

Chen Wen's gaze swept over the stabilizing device and finally came to rest on the ever‑fluctuating light screen.

"Your Lordship, the passage itself remains stable, unchanged from before."

Zhao Lao Nian reported.

"Based on past experience, sending ordinary elite scouts or messengers back and forth poses no major obstacle if they carry the specially made talismans that offset some energy erosion; the crossing is brief, taking only a few breaths."

He shifted his tone, his brows furrowed.

"But… this humble official has repeatedly calculated and discovered a problem."

"Speak."

"This light screen seems able to discern the 'Origin'."

Zhao Lao Nian organized his words, trying to describe that mysterious feeling.

"This humble official, together with Sir Zhang, Envoy Wang, and others, once tried to approach the passage entrance and all felt a faint repelling force; the closer we got, the more our minds trembled with unease, as if something beyond the light screen were warning us of great danger."

"Conversely, ordinary soldiers approaching feel no such strong sensation."

He looked at Chen Wen, his tone grave.

"This humble official suspects it is related to the Iron Crow Army and its master."

"They regard Your Lordship and us as 'variables' and wish to eliminate us as soon as possible."

"Although this light‑screen passage exists due to a rule loophole or some factor they have not noticed, its inherent underlying rules may naturally repel us 'anomalies' strongly."

"Ordinary human spies coming and going face little resistance, because their nature remains within the bounds permitted by the 'script'."

"But for Your Lordship and us, if we personally set foot in that realm, the resistance will likely double—not only will the crossing take longer, the experience will be far from easy."

Chen Wen listened silently, his expression unchanged.

This speculation is logical.

"Since the master of the Iron Crow Army can replicate the entirety of Zhongyuan and set a historical script, it is no great feat for them to leave a rejection mechanism against 'variables' on the barrier between the two worlds."

"How exactly would it happen?"

He needed more concrete information.

"It is hard to predict precisely."

Zhao Lao Nian shook his head.

"According to model simulations and analysis of energy fluctuations, passing through may subject one to immense mental pressure, like swimming against a strong current, and there is even a risk of briefly losing consciousness."

"Afterward, there may be a period of weakness, its length varying from person to person."

"Moreover, this humble official worries that frequent or prolonged stays in that realm could alert the Iron Crow Army's master earlier."

Qian Gui stood nearby, listening, his face growing ever more solemn.

He stepped forward and pleaded earnestly.

"Your Lordship, since the risks are so unclear, why not follow the old practice and have your subordinates select capable individuals to go on reconnaissance, bring back intelligence for your judgment?"

"Your Lordship's priceless person need not expose itself to such peril."

Chen Wen fell silent for a moment, then turned his gaze once more to the shimmering light screen.

He could sense that the newly born Lv. 2 power within him seemed to faintly resonate with some existence beyond the light screen—there was a weak attraction, but a deeper, rule‑based repulsion.

This feeling was clearer than Zhao Lao Nian's description.

He knew Qian Gui's advice was the prudent course.

But……

He slowly shook his head, his tone calm yet resolute.

"I understand your concerns."

"Yet the sensory ability I have recently obtained is profound and ineffable; without personally placing myself in that realm, I cannot verify its truth or efficacy."

"Even if others were sent and returned with vast information, for the crux of what I seek it would be like scratching through a boot—hard to get to the essence."

He turned his body and looked at Qian Gui and Zhao Lao Nian.

"The primary purpose of this trip is not to gather ordinary intelligence, but to verify my own connection with the 'Fortune Momentum' of that realm."

"This is something no one else can do for me."

He paused, a flash of determination crossing his eyes.

"As for the risks… since the root lies in the repulsion of the Origin, it is not merely a matter of luck."

"Having resolved to overturn this established game, if we dare not even personally challenge this first gate, how can we speak of what comes after?"

"Some roads must be walked by oneself; some gates must be passed by oneself."

Qian Gui and Zhao Lao Nian, upon hearing this, were both shaken in heart and spirit.

Your Lordship's words, every sentence reasonable, also revealed an irresistible sense of responsibility.

They understood that this was no longer a simple scouting mission, but a crucial exploration by Your Lordship of his own path.

"If so, your subordinates swear to follow you unto death!"

Qian Gui fell silent, bowed solemnly, his eyes full of resolve.

Zhao Lao Nian also took a deep breath.

"I will stay here, exerting all my strength to keep the passage stable, awaiting the lord's return!"

"Good."

Chen Wen nodded.

"What preparations are needed?"

Zhao Lao Nian hurriedly said.

"The passage is ready; it can be opened at any moment."

"Just in case, please, my lord and Envoy Qian, wear this Heart-Guarding Talisman close to your person; it may somewhat lessen the mental shock of the crossing."

He handed over two warm jade talismans, their patterns intricate, imbued with a faint soothing energy.

Chen Wen and Qian Gui received them and wore them as instructed.

The two checked their belongings again: clothing in the style of the False Song, a small amount of coin, a simple map, defensive gear, and recording tools.

Everything was kept simple, striving to reveal no flaw.

Chen Wen finally glanced at the light curtain, feeling the subtle yet powerful repulsion directed at him personally.

He took a deep breath, adjusting his condition to its peak.

The fourfold effect brought not only strength, but also an extraordinarily tenacious will.

"Let's go."

He spoke calmly, stepping first toward the shimmering entrance.

Qian Gui followed closely behind.

As Chen Wen stepped into the light curtain, he felt as if he had plunged into a layer of extremely viscous gel.

Enormous resistance came from all directions, and a cold, imposing will like an invisible hammer struck hard at his consciousness!

Countless chaotic hisses and sharp warnings seemed to ring in his ears, while light and shadow flickered wildly before his eyes, nearly tearing his senses apart.

The Heart-Guarding Talisman instantly grew hot, emitting a cool current that shielded his mind, but what it could counteract was merely a drop in the bucket.

He gritted his teeth, relying on his far‑beyond‑ordinary physique and will, forcibly steadied his stance, and moved forward step by step with determination.

Each step felt as heavy as a thousand jin, as if he were carrying mountains.

Behind him, Qian Gui's face instantly turned pale; he clearly endured great agony as well, yet he clung tightly to Chen Wen's heels without the slightest retreat.

Inside the workshop, Zhao Lao Nian stared nervously at the light curtain.

Only after their figures entered the light curtain did they not vanish instantly as scouts usually did; instead, they moved as if stuck in a mire, their actions becoming extremely slow and arduous.

The surface of the light curtain consequently rippled with far greater disturbance than usual.

Time passed bit by bit.

A passage that normally took only a few breaths now seemed extraordinarily long.

Zhao Lao Nian's palms were slick with sweat as he silently counted.

After nearly thirty breaths had fully elapsed, Chen Wen and Qian Gui's figures finally disappeared completely into the light curtain.

The violently undulating light curtain also gradually returned to its former undulating state.

"Did… did it succeed?"

A young artisan could not help but ask in a low voice.

Zhao Lao Nian did not answer; he simply stared fixedly at the light curtain and the device maintaining the passage.

He knew that merely passing through was only the first step.

The true test still lay ahead.