Entropy Erosion Cycle: Absolute Zero

Chapter10: The Silent Discourse of Entropy

Stepping into the icebound hamlet of the Silent Valley, Lu Shang and Xia Ya found themselves immersed in what seemed a crystalline fairytale. Every dwelling was meticulously sculpted from colossal blocks of ice, radiating a dazzling brilliance under the sun's gaze. Ancient and enigmatic runes adorned the walls of these glacial homes, a silent language narrating the venerable history of this secluded community. A pure and tranquil ambiance permeated the air, as if all clamor and discord had been banished beyond the snow-laden embrace of this mountain vale.

Their guardian led them through the village's winding, snow-covered paths. Villagers emerged from their respective ice houses, their gazes filled with gentle curiosity as they observed these travelers from afar. Warm smiles graced their faces, and their eyes shone with friendliness and intrigue. They were clad in thick, white furs, blending seamlessly with the surrounding icy environment.

Lu Shang observed that the inhabitants of the Silent Valley seemed to possess an innate serenity and composure. Their movements were fluid and unhurried, their voices as soft as the valley's gentle breezes, as if they feared to shatter the prevailing stillness.

The guardian led them to the largest ice house, situated at the village's heart. This dwelling boasted a more imposing and intricate design, its roof adorned with a massive spiral carving that pulsed with an ancient and potent energy.

"This is where the knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations of our people are kept," the guardian stated, gesturing towards the ice house. "You may find all the answers you seek within these walls."

Lu Shang and Xia Ya followed the guardian inside. The interior space was more expansive and luminous than they had anticipated. Runes covered the walls here as well, and the floor was covered with thick, white animal hides. At the center of the ice house, a massive ice pedestal supported an ancient tome. Its cover was crafted from an unknown, ice-blue crystal that emanated a faint chill.

"This book contains the knowledge our people have recorded through the ages concerning 'String Resonance' and the 'Entropy Marks'," the guardian explained, approaching the pedestal and gently caressing the book's cover. "Since the first Resonator came to this valley, we have studied this mysterious power and striven to comprehend the enigmas of the cosmos."

Excitement surged through Lu Shang. He knew they had finally found a place where they could truly understand the "Entropy Marks" and the "Zero Entropy Mark."

In the days that followed, Lu Shang and Xia Ya took up residence in the Silent Valley. The guardian arranged for some of the elder Resonators to instruct them in the lore of "String Resonance" and the "Entropy Marks." Lu Shang discovered that the Resonators of the Silent Valley possessed a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of this power. They perceived the "Entropy Marks" not merely as a form of superability, but as a conduit to the universe's energy, a means of resonating with all things.

They explained to Lu Shang that the "Resonance" spoken of by the Prophet referred not only to the alignment of individual genes with the frequency of cosmic dark matter, but also, at a more profound level, to the connection between individual consciousness and universal consciousness – a spiritual resonance transcending the material plane. Only when an individual could truly relinquish the self and merge with the consciousness of the universe could they attain the state of "no self, no object," thereby potentially awakening the power of the "Zero Entropy Mark."

Lu Shang diligently sought to comprehend these profound theories, attempting the meditation and exercises taught by the Resonators of the Silent Valley. He gradually sensed that his own "Vacuum Decay" ability was becoming more pliant and controllable. He could perceive the surrounding energy fluctuations with greater precision and guide them with his mental will.

Xia Ya, too, found joy in her life in the Silent Valley. Endowed with an innate talent for communicating with the universal consciousness, she was greatly favored by the Resonators, who frequently imparted to her advanced techniques in telepathy and psychokinesis. Xia Ya's mental abilities improved remarkably in a short time; she could even communicate with the surrounding ice and snow through her mind, manipulating them to form a myriad of shapes.

Karl and the other surviving Resonators also received excellent care in the Silent Valley. They absorbed much knowledge about the "Entropy Marks" and gradually emerged from the grief of losing their Prophet. They felt immense gratitude towards the Resonators of the Silent Valley and expressed their desire to remain there, safeguarding this ancient wisdom alongside them.

However, the tranquility of their lives was destined to be short-lived. One day, the guardian approached Lu Shang and Xia Ya, his expression grave.

"Children, we may be facing trouble," the guardian said, a note of concern in his voice.

"What has happened?" Lu Shang asked quickly.

"We have detected a powerful energy signature rapidly approaching the Silent Valley," the guardian explained. "Judging by the energy's characteristics, it is highly likely to be the people of Ouroboros."

Lu Shang's heart sank. He had not anticipated that Ouroboros would find them so quickly. Their tracking abilities, it seemed, were even more formidable than he had imagined.

"How many are there? Can we defend ourselves?" Lu Shang inquired.

"A significant number, and their equipment is highly advanced," the guardian replied. "While the Resonators of the Silent Valley possess considerable power, our numbers are few, and we have always lived in isolation, lacking combat experience. If Ouroboros launches a full-scale attack, we may find it difficult to withstand them."

"What should we do?" Xia Ya asked, a hint of anxiety in her voice.

"We must make a decision quickly," the guardian stated. "Either we relocate immediately, seeking another sanctuary, or we unite and fight Ouroboros to the death."

Lu Shang fell silent. He knew that relocation was not a sustainable solution; Ouroboros's influence spanned the globe, and they would inevitably be found. Yet, facing Ouroboros in direct combat seemed an insurmountable challenge given their limited strength.

As he hesitated, the Prophet's dying words suddenly echoed in his mind: "The awakening of the 'Zero Entropy Mark'… lies not in forgetting… but in… true… resonance…"

"Guardian," Lu Shang asked, "you mentioned earlier that the awakening of the 'Zero Entropy Mark' lies in true resonance. What does that mean?"

The guardian paused, his gaze penetrating as he looked deeply into Lu Shang's eyes, as if seeking to understand the very depths of his being. "Child, can you feel it? This valley, this snow, the energy flowing through the air… they all vibrate at a specific frequency, they are all calling out to us…"

Lu Shang closed his eyes, focusing his senses on everything around him. He could indeed feel a unique energy permeating the silent valley, a frequency that subtly resonated with the "Vacuum Decay" ability within him.

"True resonance refers to the complete fusion of individual consciousness with the consciousness of the universe," the guardian continued. "Only when your consciousness can merge with everything around you, sensing the breath and pulse of all things, will you truly comprehend the mysteries of the cosmos and thereby master the power beyond ordinary 'Entropy Marks'."

A jolt of understanding, like a lightning strike, coursed through Lu Shang. He suddenly grasped the meaning behind the Prophet's words. The so-called "resonance" was not merely a genetic alignment, but a profound connection of the soul, a harmonious unity with the universal consciousness.

"Then… how can we achieve this true resonance?" Lu Shang asked urgently.

"It requires time, constant practice, and profound comprehension," the guardian replied. "However, perhaps now, we have an opportunity to attempt it."

He gestured towards the ancient tome at the center of the ice house. "This book contains the Resonance Meditation methods passed down through generations of our people. Perhaps it can help you find the bridge to connect with the universal consciousness."

Lu Shang and Xia Ya exchanged a look, hope shining in their eyes. They had perhaps found the key to confronting Ouroboros.

"Guardian, we are willing to try!" Lu Shang stated firmly.

The guardian nodded, gesturing for Lu Shang and Xia Ya to follow him to the ice pedestal. He carefully opened the ancient book, revealing pages filled with intricate runes and diagrams.

"This book contains the core Resonance Meditation methods of our people," the guardian explained. "You need to feel each rune with your heart, understand the meaning contained within each diagram, and then try to merge your consciousness with them, resonating with the frequency of the universe."

Lu Shang and Xia Ya nodded, holding their breath as they carefully examined every detail on the pages. The runes and diagrams appeared ancient and enigmatic, as if holding boundless wisdom.

Following the guardian's instructions, they began to attempt the Resonance Meditation. Their consciousness gradually sank into a deep and tranquil state, the world around them fading into a blur, with only the ancient runes and diagrams shimmering in their minds.

Moments stretched into what felt like an eternity. Lu Shang and Xia Ya seemed to enter a boundless cosmic expanse, their consciousness constantly expanding, attempting to connect with the surrounding energy. They could feel the silent valley resonating with them at a specific frequency, as if whispering the secrets of the universe.

Just as they were immersed in their meditation, the guardian's expression suddenly shifted. He abruptly looked up, his gaze fixed on the outside of the ice house.

"They're here!" the guardian exclaimed, his voice filled with alarm.

Lu Shang and Xia Ya jolted awake from their meditative state. They could sense a powerful energy signature rapidly approaching the Silent Valley.

"It's Ouroboros!" Karl's voice echoed from outside. "They've surrounded the village!"

The guardian took a deep breath, his gaze shifting to Lu Shang and Xia Ya, concern etched on his face. "Children, it seems we have little time left. You must find a way to resonate with the universal consciousness as quickly as possible. Only then will we have a chance of survival."

Lu Shang and Xia Ya nodded, knowing that the true test was about to begin. They had to find a way to master the power of the "Zero Entropy Mark" before Ouroboros breached the defenses of the Silent Valley.

They closed their eyes once more, striving to sink their consciousness back into the Resonance Meditation. The sounds of battle cries and energy explosions grew closer, but their hearts remained increasingly calm. They could feel the frequency of the universe flowing gently around them. As long as they could find the correct point of resonance, they could grasp the power that transcended all else. The silent discourse of entropy whispered in their ears, and they were straining to hear the call from the depths of the cosmos.