"The afternoon test time is approaching. Please all participants be aware and prepare to return to reality."
Zheng Lin’s instructions sounded.
"10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1."
In a flash of light, Shen Jingqi exited the application.
"Alright, thank you all for participating. Everyone, take a few minutes to rest first."
Shen Jingqi removed the neuron connection sensors.
At this moment, he was back in the psychiatric hospital.
He looked at Lin Shuwang, who was still wearing the neuron connection sensors but consciously had returned to reality.
Shen Jingqi headed to the bathroom.
By the sink, when cold water droplets splashed on his face, Shen Jingqi returned to the present moment.
One cannot step into the same river twice.
But one cannot live in memories; one must live in the present.
All those beautiful and painful memories will pass.
Love and hate will become the past.
"Next, we’ll invite three participants to give their overall experience and suggestions. I will also provide some feedback based on your data."
Zheng Lin sat in front of the computer, taking notes.
"No. 1, Lin Shuwang. Your compulsion scores fluctuated before, during, and after the test, but overall they were close to normal levels. Additionally, we observed that your pineal gland was activated. And you completed the game with incredible speed, then entered online mode. What was your experience? Feel free to share with us. We’re also very curious."
"Lin Shuwang scores first in Beijing City, nearly perfect in every subject, often surpassing the second place by dozens of points. He is a science student but does not lean exclusively towards any subject."
Shen Jingqi whispered while sitting next to Zheng Lin.
"Oh, Lin Shuwang, you’re still an academic star, or rather a genius. Let’s hear from the academic genius."
Lin Shuwang’s expression was calm.
"In [Sensory Paradise], there is no time. A moment is eternity. There’s also no space. Travel infinitely without reliance on anything. In single-player mode, I saw the big fish, the Great Peng bird, and all spaces in all directions through time immemorial. ’Existence and non-existence give birth to each other, difficulty and ease complement each other, length and shortness shape each other, height and depth lean against each other, sound and voice harmonize, and front and back follow each other.’ Suddenly, I understood this phrase from the ’Tao Te Ching.’ I’ve pondered over it for a long time in reality but in [Sensory Paradise], it materialized."
"In [Sensory Paradise], there are no other people. I love it. I can’t find a place in reality where I won’t be disturbed. I’ve asked a practitioner why they go to the most dangerous places for practice, and they said it’s just not to be disturbed. But even now places like the secluded orchid valley, Mount Everest, Mount Zhongnan, the Antarctic are increasingly covered by people’s desires and gaze. The once quiet places or spots rarely visited by people are now gradually overrun by tourists’ footprints. In the vast scenery, there’s no place devoid of people anymore. Besides my own study, once I step outside, there are people."
"I don’t like interacting with people. I’ve never told anyone, and I don’t think there’s a need to tell anyone. I don’t want to understand others nor need to be understood by others. I don’t want to know what others want to do; I find knowing doesn’t help. It’s not that I’m avoiding crowds, I just don’t want to interact. But I really like plants and animals. I want to grow some plants and animals; my parents are supportive, but my house isn’t big, and I currently don’t have much energy to care for them. By the way, I’ll be able to take the college entrance exam next year, and my dream is to go to Shen University because there are many plants and animals there, and I can visit them whenever I have time."
"In [Sensory Paradise], I don’t need to interact with people, but I can engage with various animals and plants. Mountains, rivers, lakes, birds, fish, rocks, insects, clouds, fog, rain, snow, wind, thunder, sun, moon. I’m in contact with nature, and every moment is fulfilling. A little bird lands on my shoulder, pecking away at seeds on a tree. The flowers and fruits of a cactus are fragrant, and although it has thorns, it doesn’t prick me intentionally. A little hedgehog follows behind me, flipping its belly upward upon seeing me. They have no ill intentions and are truly cute. The wind and rain cleanse my body and mind, and the sunlight pours over my soul. I rise with the wind, traveling on it, no longer distinguishing between time, space, and the other side. I saw something, then it burst into a hole, and I cleared the level." Thɪs chapter is updated by ɴoᴠel Fɪre.nᴇt
"In online mode, I experienced true freedom. I could do what I wanted and not do what I didn’t, and I really like [Sensory Paradise]. I hope to continue experiencing it if I get the chance."
Lin Shuwang was speaking eloquently, his voice clear and rhythmic, carrying the rare steadiness and free spirit of youth.
"Okay, thank you, Shuwang, for your valuable sharing. It was truly wonderful, and even the experience is so philosophical and artistic."
Zhao Xin’an clapped with enthusiasm.
"We are currently in the testing phase and not yet officially open. Once our tests are complete, usage rights will be granted so that participants can experience all projects."
"Once [Sensory Paradise] is officially promoted and launched, there will be 24/7 backend technical support available for guidance and safety protection."
Zheng Lin glanced at Shen Jingqi before adding:
"Alternatively, since you’re the first to clear the levels, we can treat you as our first sample to clear the game. If you’re willing to continue the research, we can grant you access. However, our testing team will need to monitor in the background. Are you willing?"
"Alright, Dr. Shen, Nurse Qin, I can do the monitoring around the clock, but if I’m not available, please step in."
Shen Jingqi and Qin Si agreed.
"I have a question," Wei Lian raised his hand.
"This lady and I only made it through a few dozen levels in single-player mode; can we continue to experience it?"
"We warmly welcome and invite you to be part of a tracking study. You just need to use single-player mode at stipulated times; would you be willing?"
"Let me think about it. Could you first check my current state?"
At this moment, Wei Lian’s condition differed somewhat from before.
Though he previously seemed comical and attention-seeking, in quiet moments, he often appeared terrified and timid.
Now, he appeared to have some level of humility and assertiveness.
"Delusion scores decreased in the post-test; data analysis showed a significant effect size. Cognitive abilities and reality assessment improved, and fear and dissociation reduced significantly."
"No. 2, Wei Lian, your delusions have changed, can you feel it?"
Wei Lian smiled gently:
"I can feel it. My thoughts have changed. My views of the world and my self-perception have changed as well."
"I used to critically judge myself internally, always feeling scrutinized."
"In [Sensory Paradise], I cried for the first time. My fears were released. I no longer trembled; my hands stopped shaking, and my heart wasn’t restless. My mind wasn’t afraid. Those voices finally stopped appearing.
"I can distinguish things around me, see the light, and watch the sunrise. My body and soul are clean. I think [Sensory Paradise] accepted me."