Void Jigsaw Puzzle

The moment Zhong Chenmu received the message from Qing Chen, he held his breath and waited for her next message.

However, after those four words, there was silence.

His face darkened, and he said to Guo Ling, "It seems something really happened to Qingchen. She just sent me a message with four words: 'Critical Situation', and then there was no news."

Guo Ling immediately shook off his previous low mood. Compared to his second step into the "dual nature of reality and illusion," the Turtle Clan's invasion of the Hydrogen Clan was more urgent and important. After all, no egg can survive an overturned nest, and the Hydrogen Clan must not fall.

However, he had no idea in his mind and could only look at Zhong Chenmu.

Zhong Chenmu pursed his lips and frowned, as if he had made up his mind. He slowly turned his head, looked at Guo Ling and asked, "Brother Guo, if I try to let you complete the second step, or even the third step now, but there is a possibility that you will be infected by the Turtle Clan, are you willing?"

His expression was very serious and he didn't seem to be joking at all.

Guo Ling asked, "Xiao Zhong, I'm not afraid, but just now we were discussing the risks, and from your tone, you didn't suggest that I fully comprehend the 'dual nature of reality and illusion' at this time. Why did you change your mind so quickly? Is it because of what happened to Hongchen?"

Zhong Chenmu nodded. "Yes, we must race against time to find Qingchen. However, if we remain in this physical form, we can only use very limited means to contact her, which will only be superficial. Therefore, we both need to transform into virtual forms. For me, this is already very simple, but you can't do it yet, so you need to master it as soon as possible."

"We all transform into virtual forms? Is this for double backup?"

"Not really. After you transform into a virtual form, your main task is to do everything you can to contact Hongchen. After all, you are the person she knows best in Wuming City. I have a more urgent matter to attend to, and it's something only I can do. However, for the sake of confidentiality, I can't tell you now."

Guo Ling stared into Zhong Chenmu's eyes for a few seconds, then nodded firmly: "Let's do as you say!"

Zhong Chenmu responded with a look that was equally determined: "Don't worry!"

After saying that, he immediately mobilized the system in his mind.

The current system has long been integrated with him. Normally, it is a database with massive data. When needed, he can use the system to produce digital effects at any time and can freely control the number of pulses.

Before the "Reunification" game ended, he used this ability to reset all of Wuming City's population, eliminating the Turtle Clan's presence there. However, afterward, he discovered that only a select few—including Guo Ling—had mastered the "dual nature of reality and illusion" ability and were able to advance to the first step. Very few reached the second, let alone the third.

However, if everyone does not quickly comprehend the third step, the opening of Taibai Star will actually be meaningless, because if one cannot enter the virtual form, one will not be able to use elemental nodes for interstellar transmission, and will not be able to truly enter the universe.

Zhong Chenmu has not yet found a way to use the system to help people in Wuming City comprehend the third step in batches, but when it comes to individuals like Guo Ling, it is effortless.

A moment later, Guo Ling found himself weightless and his formless. Everything within his field of vision was a void. The Taibai Star landscape that had just appeared before him, with its tall buildings, neon lights, pedestrians, and trees, had all vanished.

However, he sensed the various existences surging in the void in a special way.

"Could this be the order, rules, and authority system that Qingchen mentioned?"

Guo Ling was extremely excited.

At this moment, he felt Zhong Chenmu's message as if he heard it with his own ears.

"Brother Guo, how do you feel? You've successfully comprehended the third step, huh? If you don't believe me, you can try to return to your physical form now."

"Really? How do we do that?"

"Just use your mind. When you are certain of your desire to return to physical form, you will return."

Guo Ling listened and did as he was told. Sure enough, he discovered that his vision, hearing, and all senses had returned to normal, and his body and the surrounding scenery reappeared.

Zhong Chenmu in front of him also existed in a physical form, looking at him with a smile.

"Brother Guo, it looks like you've fully grasped the 'dual nature of reality and illusion'... I'm quite envious of you. It took me a lot of effort to comprehend this third step. I was transported to the Xumi Star and back again, and traveled a long way across the universe before I finally comprehended and regained my embodied abilities."

"Hehe, those who plant trees will enjoy the shade." Guo Ling laughed, and suddenly thought of something and became a little excited: "So, I can go to Xumi Star to find her anytime?"

He didn't say who "she" was referring to, but they both knew.

Before Zhong Chenmu could reply, Guo Ling added, "Don't worry, I will definitely deal with this matter first. I know what's important and what's not."

"Okay! Let's take action!"

The two bodies disappeared almost simultaneously on the roadside under the neon lights.

This time, Guo Ling's switching experience was much smoother than before, and he quickly entered the new state.

At this moment, he suddenly felt a lot of information pouring into his "brain". It was the "virtual and real duality" operation manual injected into him by Zhong Chenmu through the system, which provided him with many tips.

"Unlike the physical form, communication in the virtual form is much more direct and simple, but also much more open. You can communicate with anyone directly by 'calling,' or 'sending a message,' and whatever you 'think' is what you want to convey to the other person..."

"...Therefore, there is no such thing as 'the heart is hidden in the belly'. If you hope to achieve the purpose of 'lying' through information, you must control your 'mind' very carefully..."

"...Of course, you can control the opening and closing of your 'mind.' If you close it, it means you are temporarily isolating yourself from the outside world. This may help prevent the spread of the Turtle Clan, but this has not yet been confirmed..."

Guo Ling carefully absorbed and digested this information and began to think seriously: "How can I contact Hongchen?"

Apparently, Zhong Chenmu had tried to send her messages many times, but apart from the four words that conveyed a warning and a plea for help, there had been no further response. If he tried the same thing, it might not be effective and might even alert the Turtle Clan.

He had to come up with a new approach.