Gu Ya reviewed the experimental data.
Among the brainwave readings, there were several peaks and one trough that even exceeded the instrument's monitoring range, showing a negative value before rapidly climbing to the peak.
There was no doubt that this was the period when Gu Ya had fallen into the abyss of consciousness.
"There are a few things I need to understand," Gu Ya said, standing up.
"First, what is the abyss of consciousness?"
Among the scientists, two were specialists in the field of consciousness research.
One of them said, "Young Master, the abyss of consciousness is a loophole hidden within consciousness. Theoretically, they are paradoxes of thought and logical traps."
Another added, "Young Master, to give you a very direct and simple example, avoiding death is an instinct for humans. However, when a person is gravely ill and near death, their consciousness might oscillate between dying first and clinging to life. In such cases, an abyss of consciousness may appear."
Gu Ya nodded. In plain terms, it was the point of contradiction within human consciousness.
Just like when one likes someone, the choice between secret admiration or confession presented two distinct and opposing consciousnesses. When these two consciousnesses could not merge, an abyss of consciousness would form in between.
"Young Master, ordinary people deal with the abyss of consciousness by concealing and evading it, using other mental stimuli to escape these points of contradiction."
"When someone cannot face past events, they instinctively evade them, and an abyss of consciousness will also appear."
"For ordinary people to cross the abyss of consciousness, they must endure immense pain."
Gu Ya nodded in understanding. He remembered that within Hong Fei's consciousness, a red balloon had guided him through the abyss of consciousness. At that time, Hong Fei must have endured significant mental pressure.
Gu Ya pondered for a moment and asked, "If I fall into the abyss of consciousness, is there any way to get out?"
One consciousness expert replied, "Theoretically, if your conviction is strong enough, you can escape the abyss of consciousness. However, we lack experimental experience and data in this area."
"Can ordinary people's consciousnesses intentionally fall into the abyss of consciousness?" Gu Ya continued to ask.
The two scientists exchanged glances. One of them said, "Theoretically, yes. However, the human subconscious does not allow it."
Gu Ya closed his eyes and meditated for a long time.
When he opened his eyes again, he asked, "Hong Fei, it was you who saved me from the abyss of consciousness, wasn't it? Why could you enter and also exit?"
Hong Fei tried hard to recall, her expression growing increasingly pained, her brow furrowed tighter.
After a few seconds, her brow relaxed, and she said, "I'm sorry, I don't remember very clearly..."
Gu Ya nodded thoughtfully. In that cave, he had killed those 'men' and two 'women,' effectively erasing Hong Fei's most unbearable memories.
Hong Fei continued, "...I vaguely saw you fall into a black well."
"I could sense that it was very dangerous in the well, but... I had a very strong desire to save you. This desire was so powerful, it was as if I had to do it, and only I could do it."
"Then I jumped in, grabbed you, and I found that I could even bring you out."
The two scientists listened intently to Hong Fei's words and thoughtfully remarked, "This is what we just said. As long as one's conviction is strong enough, they can overcome any psychological barriers and conquer the abyss of consciousness."
Gu Ya looked up, his eyes filled with excitement and determination.
He suddenly recalled the revolutionary martyrs, heroic fighters, and brave firefighters from his original world.
Their heroic figures and names flashed through his mind.
"Strong conviction..." Gu Ya said softly.
One scientist nodded and said, "Yes! Just like those Xianxia warriors who defended their homeland. Conviction can transcend life and death."
Gu Ya's gaze became even firmer. He said quietly, "We are atheists. But we have the most resolute and brave conviction in the world."
"Certain powers that be alter and enslave people's minds through religion."
"But conviction, a person's conviction, the conviction of a city, the conviction of a nation, cannot be changed."
"Conviction can transcend religious thought, transcend life and death, and is the highest sublimation of the ego."
The scientists nodded repeatedly, casting looks of admiration.
"Young Master, we strongly agree with and admire your ideology."
Gu Ya said calmly, "As long as a certain conviction is strong enough, it can overcome the fear of danger and death, and even escape the abyss of consciousness."
"Hong Fei, you are a very brave woman. You saved me at the most critical moment."
Hong Fei shyly lowered her head and said softly, "Benefactor... uh, Gu, Gu Ya, it was actually you who saved me."
"After I saved you, I was very exhausted. I... I even wanted to end it all."
"But my consciousness was suddenly enveloped by a scorching airflow. It was a thought of holding firm to one's resolve, striving upwards, never giving up, and facing death to live."
"That scorching force saved me, and it reignited my hope to live!"
"Now, it resides within me, becoming a part of my consciousness."
"I know that it is your thought, that you saved me."
"I am the one who should be thanking you!"
Tears welled up in Hong Fei's eyes, her voice trembling as she spoke, becoming more emotional.
The scientists behind her let out relieved and comforting chuckles.
One scientist said, "Our Young Master's heart is passionate, and he possesses a powerful, charming, and irresistible charisma."
Another female scientist added, "Yes, that's why we follow the Young Master wholeheartedly."
Gu Ya smiled modestly and said, "Alright, enough flattery. You still have a lot of work to do."
"Proceed with the research and development of the consciousness uploading machine step by step. Every piece of data, every component, every instrument must be foolproof. Do not be arrogant."
"Yes, Young Master."
"Understood, we will proceed according to your vision."
"Rest assured, Young Master!"
By the time Gu Ya and Hong Fei emerged from the laboratory, it was already late at night.
Hong Fei appeared much more energetic, her face constantly graced with a smile.
Gu Ya looked at her with relief, realizing how beautiful she looked when she smiled.
"Gu Ya, where are you going next?" Hong Fei asked casually.
Gu Ya thought for a moment and said, "Since I'm already here, I'll go chat with my sister. If I don't go, she'll keep working. If I go, she might be able to rest a bit."
"Is it convenient to add one more person?" Hong Fei asked tentatively.
Gu Ya smiled and said, "Of course, let's go together."
"Hehe, Benefactor is always so gentle. Ye Ying must be very happy."
Gu Ya smiled faintly, but a sense of melancholy crept into his heart.
Hong Fei had suffered greatly from the ordeal, causing significant psychological trauma.
And Ye Ying?
She had a maritime accident at ten, became an orphan at eleven, witnessed the murders of villagers like Susan Lei at sixteen, and then lived and grew up independently in the hellish Adaiya region, tenaciously resisting fate.
Thinking of this, Gu Ya suddenly felt a pang of concern.
Even if he killed all of Ye Ying's enemies,
How would Ye Ying overcome the inner struggles in her heart?
She had four personalities... four personalities were four worlds...
"Gu Ya, we've arrived," Hong Fei reminded him softly.
Gu Ya collected his thoughts and led Hong Fei out of the elevator.
As they approached Ling Ling's office, they could hear conversations from within.
Listening carefully, the two were chatting and laughing, seemingly hitting it off quite well.
Gu Ya pushed the door open.
It was Wu Xuan.
For former lovers to be chatting so amicably was truly a spectacle.
"Gu Ya! Long time no see, I've missed you terribly!" Wu Xuan rushed over and hugged Gu Ya, as if wanting to lift him up.
Gu Ya smiled and asked, "What brings you to see my sister? I heard you two broke up."
Wu Xuan smiled with relief and said, "Oh, that's all in the past. We can still be friends and family, why can't I visit?"
"Actually, I know it was 'Pink Fox' that caused the trouble. It's good to part ways amicably."
Ling Ling smiled magnanimously and said, "You've come at the perfect time! No one is leaving tonight, you're all drinking with me!"
Gu Ya and Wu Xuan's faces turned grim, and they turned to leave simultaneously with perfect understanding.
"Hey!" Ling Ling shouted to stop them, "Each person is limited to three bottles. Not a drop more."
"Hong Fei, open the drinks!"
Hong Fei, as cheerful as a little rabbit, chimed in, "Okay! Good things are happening all at once, I'm going to drink a lot tonight."
Wu Xuan pulled Gu Ya aside and asked in a low voice, "Why does Hong Fei seem like a different person?"
Gu Ya smiled faintly.
In the evening, as the four of them drank, Gu Ya recounted the events in the laboratory.
"So, Hong Fei's emotional distress has been cured?" Wu Xuan asked with a smile.
Gu Ya nodded and said, "Yes! Look how relaxed and happy she is now!"
Hong Fei was already a bit tipsy and said, "Benefactor! I promise I'll live well and never again think of ending it all!"
"How old are you?" Gu Ya asked.
"Twenty-four," Hong Fei replied, blushing as the alcohol began to take effect.
Gu Ya looked at Wu Xuan.
Wu Xuan lowered his head, avoiding Gu Ya's gaze.
"Are you still looking down on her?" Gu Ya asked in a low voice.
Wu Xuan said softly, "Even though we broke up, my heart belongs to your sister now. Even if she never marries, I..."
"What about you! Do you want to be a lifelong admirer!" Gu Ya nudged him and said in a low voice, "A real man can pick things up and put them down!"
Ling Ling, also a bit tipsy, mumbled, "Little brother! Don't try to play matchmaker!"
Gu Ya spread his hands and said, "Whatever. One wants to be an old woman, and the other is willing to wait. A great opportunity is presented to Wu Xuan, and he doesn't seize it."
Hong Fei giggled drunkenly and said, "I don't want Wu Xuan. I already like someone. Even if he isn't mine, I'm willing to secretly admire him for a lifetime..."
"You two!" Gu Ya smiled, unconvinced, "You two are really alike."
Ling Ling squinted her eyes, glanced at Hong Fei, then looked at Gu Ya, instantly understanding Hong Fei's feelings.
She gave a smile and said softly, "I'll counsel you two another day! Tonight, let's get thoroughly drunk! Hong Fei, bring three more boxes of beer!"
"Sister! You said three bottles per person!"
"I don't care! Three boxes per person! You're not leaving this door until you finish it!"