Chapter 116: Yearning on the Rooftop

In 1973, Stephen Hawking concluded through his calculations that as a black hole loses mass during its formation, it simultaneously emits radiation in the form of energy into its surroundings. This is the famous Hawking radiation theory. The theory posits that the radiation emitted by a black hole contains no information regarding the matter inside it; once the black hole concentrates and evaporates into nothingness, all the information within it vanishes as well. This is the so-called "black hole information paradox," which contradicts the principles of quantum mechanics, as modern quantum physics asserts that such information can never be completely destroyed.

For over thirty years, Hawking attempted to explain this paradox through various conjectures. He once suggested that quantum motion within a black hole was a special case, arguing that because the gravitational pull is so intense, quantum mechanics no longer applies. This explanation failed to convince many skeptical scholars in the scientific community. Now, however, it seems Hawking has finally provided a more persuasive answer to the paradox he once posed. He proposed that black holes never truly seal themselves off—rather, over a vast expanse of time, they gradually radiate more and more heat, eventually opening themselves up to release the information contained within.

On August 16, 2016, Professor Jeff Steinhauer of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa published a paper in the journal *Nature Physics*, demonstrating the quantum effects of Hawking radiation. He created an acoustic black hole rather than an optical one, using a long tube containing sound particles, or phonons, to act as an "event horizon." In 2014, Professor Steinhauer discovered that phonons were being produced randomly at the horizon. In his latest results, he proved that these phonons were one of a pair of correlated particles, thereby confirming the quantum effects of Hawking radiation.

...All of this leaves physicists, who have been striving to build upon the knowledge of their predecessors, in a state of deep distress. They know that the West is also searching for the ultimate answer to stabilizing space, yet in this current era, there have been no particularly useful discoveries or theories substantial enough to support significant progress in the science of spatial stabilization.

While groping for a direction, they are actively preparing the energy and high-level cultivators required for this round of spatial stabilization. Cultivators—figures once relegated to the pages of novels—have finally begun to emerge one by one in the face of a crisis shared by all humanity. Although their appearance brings both benefits and drawbacks in equal measure, this era requires not only scientists but also people like them, who can mobilize both their own internal power and the forces of space to work together for a sustainable future.

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. With no one able to remain aloof from the situation, many have been forced to step forward to the front lines of history, burning bright to do their utmost for the future of all mankind, as well as for the future of their own families and friends.

They know the hope of success is slim, but no one dares to slacken even slightly. As the days of doomsday draw near, many researchers work through one sleepless night after another, their eyes heavy with fatigue. They dare not waste a single moment, poring over every article and research report on space and time, from basic physics to the latest modern studies, reading them over and over again.

Finally, they achieved a small breakthrough: utilizing the fine control that powerful cultivators have over energy to mend the edges of fractured rifts, rather than relying solely on the space’s own capacity for self-repair as was done previously. Though these efforts might contribute little to a true resolution, they have given their all.

While the entire Chinese Academy of Sciences and the world's top scientists continue their active efforts, one thing must be prepared for as soon as possible: the organization of a core group of individuals with absolute strength to perform targeted repairs as spatial rifts expand.

In Jinling City, on the top-floor balcony of Hua Feng’s apartment building, two beautiful girls and a sunny young man sat on the floor.

"Xiao Meng, Bai Feng, have you received the notification? Our temporary team has been selected to go to North America to attend something called the 'Dawn Academy.' It seems our mission has changed once again." Hua Feng opened a beer and drank it to himself, feeling relaxed as the cool breeze of the evening brushed against him.

"I received it. If China needs us to go, then we will go. As warriors of China, the direction of our motherland is our direction!" Bai Feng said.

"That's right, Sister Feng is right. Brother Hua Feng, since the country needs us to be students and learn extensive world knowledge to form a team capable of making a difference when the crisis arrives, we should just strive to do our best!" Yun Meng took out a chilled fruit beer, opened it, and took a small sip.

The cool sensation of the beer felt intimate, reminding her of the wind and snow she faced on the snowy plains. Having been away from home for so long, she couldn't help but look toward the northeast, where her home was. She wondered how her father was doing and if his old wounds had healed.

Seeming to notice Yun Meng becoming melancholy after speaking, Bai Feng and Hua Feng shifted closer to her. "Since you've both expressed your stance, I, as a man, certainly can't be outdone! Let's go together and meet those elites from all over the world!" Hua Feng said.

"I heard that, besides those training domestically, China has also pulled five hundred people from various special operations brigades to go to this academy!" Bai Feng tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and spoke softly to Yun Meng and Hua Feng.

"Yeah, the start date is set for the 25th of this month, which is April 25, 2118, by the Gregorian calendar. We’ll set off together on the 23rd to get familiar with the environment and prepare for the next steps." Within a short time, Hua Feng had already finished two beers, his face flushed as if he had applied rouge.

Yun Meng knew he was the type to flush easily after drinking, but she didn't want to tell him to slow down. Recently, she didn't know why, but her mood had been inexplicably low. There were things she couldn't wrap her head around, so she simply stopped trying.

"Then let's prepare to set off together—so that in the future, we can still sit here together, feeling the breeze, drinking beer, and chatting as we please. We will still be able to see the starry sky, just like those countless nights in our childhood when we would stare up at the stars in a daze." Bai Feng suddenly became lively, her white windbreaker fluttering gently in the wind.