Presented by Xian Wei

  Before the Elders of the Order of Primordial Wholeness

  The Grand Hall of Celestial Inquiry was shrouded in an air of unyielding tradition. Its walls bore the inscriptions of centuries-old doctrines, and the seated elders, adorned in resplendent robes, exuded an air of unwavering authority. At the heart of this imposing chamber stood Xian Wei, a lone scholar before the great tribunal, preparing to unveil an argument that could shake the foundations of accepted wisdom.

  "Honored elders, esteemed scholars," Xian Wei began, his voice steady but resolute, "for countless generations, we have adhered to the belief that matter is composed of indivisible fundamental particles. This principle has formed the cornerstone of our studies, our techniques, and even the foundation of our cultivation arts. Yet, through meticulous experimentation, I have found evidence that challenges this ancient tenet."

  Murmurs rippled through the assembly, but the Grandmaster of the Order, Lao Ming, raised a hand for silence. "You stand before us not to parrot heresies, but to defend your claims with reason. Proceed."

  Xian Wei nodded, unfurling a scroll upon which intricate sigils and recorded observations were inscribed. "We have long taught that matter consists of indivisible units—particles so fundamental that they cannot be broken down further. But this belief, venerable as it is, does not hold under scrutiny."

  A scoff came from Elder Jiang Tao, his lips curling in disdain. "Another brash attempt to undermine our wisdom? This arrogance blinds the young. You lack the years to grasp the full picture."

  "Indeed!" Elder Shen Ru snapped. "Our ancestors, whose wisdom eclipses your fleeting insights, established this truth ages ago. And you—a mere upstart—think to overturn it?"

  "Then let the evidence speak," Xian Wei responded, his tone unwavering.

  He raised his hand, and a refined sphere of celestial ore hovered before the gathered assembly.

  "In this refined celestial ore, I have applied a process of deep alchemical dissection, seeking its smallest constituents. Upon intense refinement, the ore releases fragments—negatively charged particles that appear regardless of the source material."

  A hush fell upon the room. Even Elder Song, known for his unshakable faith in tradition, leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued.

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  "These particles behave in a way that suggests they are not fundamental, but instead, components of a greater structure. They carry uniform properties regardless of the substance I extract them from." Xian Wei’s eyes gleamed with conviction as he continued. "This directly contradicts the claim that matter is indivisible."

  Grandmaster Lao Ming narrowed his eyes. "You claim these so-called ‘negative charges’ exist in all materials? Are you prepared to demonstrate?"

  Xian Wei drew a deep breath, before activating a carefully inscribed array. As the celestial ore fractured under controlled energy, wisps of violet light flickered—tiny luminous orbs spiraling outward, visible to all.

  Gasps spread through the ranks of scholars and elders alike.

  "Impossible," Zhou Han muttered, his previous amusement now replaced with unease. "Such uniformity... across all matter?"

  Pressing forward, Xian Wei conjured an intricate diagram in the air. "If negatively charged particles exist within matter, then the question arises—why do everyday objects not exhibit such a charge? The answer is balance. There must be an opposing force, a positive charge, maintaining harmony."

  Elder Song folded his arms, his tone contemplative. "You imply a structured composition of matter? A balance of forces?"

  "Exactly," Xian Wei replied. "The most stable configuration would be a model where the positive charge is uniformly distributed, with these negative charges embedded within—much like plums in a pudding. This would explain both stability and observed reality."

  A loud scoff rang out. "Ridiculous!" Elder Shen Ru slammed his palm against the marble armrest of his seat. "You are merely rearranging the same falsehoods with new words! To challenge our wisdom is to challenge the very foundation of the sect!"

  Elder Jiang Tao sneered. "And what next? Shall we discard the Dao itself? Shall we turn our backs on the ancestors who shaped the heavens?"

  A few elders nodded in agreement, their expressions twisting into open disdain. Some whispered amongst themselves, their words laced with contempt. "Perhaps he simply seeks to make a name for himself," one murmured.

  "Or perhaps he lacks the wisdom to comprehend true profundity," another added with a smirk.

  Xian Wei held his ground, his expression serene. "Truth is not beholden to tradition. If the ancestors were mistaken, should we remain blind in reverence, or should we seek to uncover what they could not?"

  A low murmur spread through the hall. Some elders remained steadfast in their outrage, others were merely skeptical, while a rare few seemed to consider his words seriously.

  The Grandmaster remained silent through the barrage of disapproval. Finally, as the noise settled, he spoke with measured weight. "Enough. Xian Wei has presented his case with diligence and reason. Whether his claims hold merit remains to be determined through further inquiry, not ridicule."

  Elder Shen Ru looked ready to protest but bit his tongue under the Grandmaster’s gaze.

  "This matter requires deliberation," Lao Ming continued. "We shall not dismiss it outright. But let it be known—shaking the foundation of our teachings is no trivial matter. You tread dangerous ground, Xian Wei."

  A verdict was not given that day. But within the sacred halls of the Order, a crack had formed in the foundation of long-held belief. The battle for truth had begun.