Earth Metaverse 10 years, September 15 ,2031 AD.
Shawn had been enrolled at the university for some time but had never sought out Mr. Ranzi.
He thought to himself, "If our meeting is meant to happen, it will happen naturally. There's no need to force it."
Yet, Ranzi's words often echoed in his mind: "The I Ching must be realized through one's own experience."
Today was a significant day—the entire department was attending "Eastern Philosophy and Cultural Heritage (Lecture 1)." The lecturer, Professor Les, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, was known as the "Thought Catcher" for his engaging and humorous teaching style.
"Students," Professor Les began, "some people say the I Ching is merely a fortune-telling book. But did you know it is actually the foundation of Chinese philosophy?" He turned to the blackboard and wrote: "I Ching, Esoteric Studies, and Philosophy." Then, with a smile, he asked, "Who can describe the relationship between Esoteric Studies and philosophy?"
The room fell silent. Students exchanged glances, but no one spoke.
Then, a female student raised her hand. "Professor, hello. My name is Lindsay from Class 31-2. I think Esoteric Studies leans more toward intuition and perception, while philosophy is grounded in logic and reasoning. The two, in a way, complement each other."
Her response drew attention. She had a gentle demeanor, and her bright almond-shaped eyes carried a quiet, knowing smile.
Shawn, at first glance, felt his heart stir—an inexplicable sense of familiarity washed over him.
Professor Les nodded. "Excellent answer! The concepts of 'Dao' and 'Nothingness' in Esoteric Studies share similarities with the metaphysical ideas in philosophy. The key difference, just as Lindsay pointed out, is that one emphasizes intuition, while the other is rooted in structured reasoning."
He turned back to the class and continued, "The term 'metaphysics' here originates from a passage in Laozi's writings: 'Metaphysics is the gateway to all mysteries.' Historically, Esoteric Studies has been understood as the pursuit of profound and hidden knowledge. In fact, the Zhou I Ching, along with the works of Laozi and Zhuangzi, are collectively known as the 'Three Pillars of Esoteric Studies.' Some scholars believe Esoteric Studies only emerged as a philosophical movement during the Wei and Jin dynasties, but I argue…"
He paused for a moment before adding, "I argue that its roots stretch much further back, likely intertwined with ancient mysticism and the earliest forms of the I Ching—especially what is known as the Meta I Ching. For those interested, I encourage you to explore further."
Meta I Ching?
Shawn's eyes widened. "So, even the academic world acknowledges the Meta I Ching as the most ancient form of the I Ching?"
Professor Les continued, "Thus, in its early stages, the I Ching and Esoteric Studies laid the foundation for what would later evolve into philosophy. Over time, they influenced and integrated with one another."
Shawn couldn't help but wonder—was the professor trying to challenge the modern skepticism toward Esoteric Studies and the I Ching? To clarify, from the very beginning, that philosophy, econometrics, and Esoteric Studies were deeply interconnected—and yet, in today's world, many misunderstand Esoteric Studies, reducing it to mere fortune-telling, Feng Shui, or even superstition.
As the lecture progressed, Professor Les touched on a growing phenomenon: why Esoteric Studies has been gaining popularity among young people in recent years.
"For many, Esoteric Studies serves as both a psychological coping mechanism for modern anxieties and a cultural response to the unchecked expansion of technology," he explained.
By the end of the lecture, he left the class with a thought-provoking assignment:
"What new perspectives does Esoteric Studies offer for today's society and individuals?"
The discussion left a deep impression on the students.
That evening, Shawn and his roommate, Zavier, decided to invite a few classmates for an informal discussion on Professor Les's question. Shawn specifically suggested inviting Lindsay to join.
The gathering was set to take place in the student lounge of Phoebe Court.
Before most of the guests arrived, Donner leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "Shawn, don't waste your time. It's fine for professors to discuss Esoteric Studies from an academic perspective, but what's the practical use of it for you? You'd be better off studying AI, algorithms, and blockchain—those are the real forces shaping the modern world."
As he spoke, he casually toyed with the "All-Seeing Eye" medal pinned to his chest, as if silently making a point.
He hadn't been invited, but upon hearing that Shawn was hosting the discussion, he had decided to crash the gathering, bringing along Jolie as well.
Shawn, unfazed, continued greeting the students as they arrived.
The lounge was softly lit, casting a warm glow on the young faces gathered inside. Outside, the deepening night reflected against the windowpanes, contrasting with the cozy atmosphere within.
Lindsay scanned the room briefly before speaking, her voice clear and resolute—like a fresh spring breaking the evening's quiet.
"At its core, Esoteric Studies compels us to reflect on the relationship between humanity and nature. For instance, the 'phasing' theory of the Five Elements is essentially a framework for ecological balance. If we applied this holistic perspective to environmental issues, we might be able to prevent excessive resource depletion."
Several students nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting newfound curiosity. Lindsay felt a quiet satisfaction—her words had resonated.
But Donner, lounging in the corner, remained unimpressed. He twirled a pen between his fingers, a smirk tugging at his lips, already prepared to counter her point.
"Esoteric Studies? It's just a collection of outdated theories. What practical value does it have? Modern society runs on tangible wealth and technological progress, not arcane philosophies."
His tone carried a deliberate edge—an open provocation.
Jolie chimed in immediately, her voice laced with disdain. "Exactly. Even those who claim to believe in Esoteric Studies still chase after money and power. In the end, isn't that what really determines happiness?"
As she spoke, she cast a pointed glance at Lindsay, clearly waiting for her reaction.
Lindsay frowned slightly, feeling a bit displeased. Before she could respond, the girl sitting next to her spoke up. Her voice was gentle yet firm, like a breeze stirring the quiet night.
"That's just an individual's perspective—it doesn't define the full meaning of Esoteric Studies. I believe it's more about fostering introspection and helping us find our own direction, rather than simply chasing material gains." Her eyes carried a quiet strength, silently standing by Lindsay's side.
Sensing the tension in the room, Shawn stepped in at just the right moment, his voice smooth and steady, like the toll of a distant bell in the night.
"I understand Donner and Jolie's viewpoint," he said calmly, unfazed by the earlier debate. "But we can't overlook the value of Esoteric Studies as a way of thinking. Take Qi Men Dun Jia, for example—it's a system for analyzing the complexities of time, space, and events. Even today, some use it for strategic decision-making and personal growth."
Zavier, who had been quiet in the corner, finally spoke up. His voice was uncertain, almost trembling. "But isn't fate already predetermined? If someone is destined for success, they'll get what's meant for them. And if not… well, isn't everything pointless anyway?" There was a helplessness in his tone, as if he had long resigned himself to the whims of fate.
A murmur spread through the room. Some nodded in agreement, while others shook their heads in disagreement. The discussion was heating up.
Shawn frowned slightly, his tone turning more serious. "Zavier, you're misunderstanding. Esoteric Studies isn't about passively waiting for good fortune—it's about recognizing patterns and making informed choices. Just like understanding the changing seasons helps farmers know when to plant and harvest, Esoteric Studies offers insight, not absolute answers."
Donner let out a scoff, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Even if it provides some insight, it's nowhere near as precise as AI and algorithms. Technology is the real key to the future." His tone carried an air of mockery, as if dismissing Shawn's ideas as outdated.
The discussion threatened to spiral into another heated argument. Just then, an older student knocked on the table, his voice steady and measured, like a lighthouse cutting through the fog.
"The real value of Esoteric Studies lies in its framework of thought," he said. "When combined with technology, it could open up entirely new possibilities." His words rippled through the group like a stone dropped into still water.
Some students immediately suggested using big data to interpret metaphysical principles, while others remained skeptical about its practical applications. The debate intensified, expanding into new territories of thought.
Still unconvinced, Donner smirked, his tone laced with provocation. "So you're saying Esoteric Studies and technology can merge? If that's true, can this combination actually change society—or even alter an individual's fate?"
Shawn met his gaze, his expression unwavering. He took a deep breath and replied with quiet conviction, "At the very least, it gives us a new lens through which to view the world." His words carried a finality that left no room for further argument.
The room fell into a thoughtful silence. The discussion had challenged perspectives, sparking curiosity rather than providing easy answers.
More than two hours had passed, yet few seemed ready to leave. Some students had veered off-topic, casually chatting and getting to know one another. Others remained engaged, still contemplating the ideas raised.
Outside, the night deepened, but the warm glow inside the room seemed to illuminate more than just the space—it lit up the questions and possibilities in everyone's minds.
Lindsay had been listening quietly after her initial remarks. As she glanced at Shawn, she found herself admiring his calmness and insight. A sense of relief washed over her—this discussion might actually help others gain a deeper understanding of Esoteric Studies.
Suddenly, she spoke up. "Why don't we start a discussion group?"
The room fell silent.
She continued, "We could hold regular meetings—maybe once a week—where we explore different topics, or even apply I Ching principles to contemporary issues."
Donner scoffed. "Sounds like a fortune-telling club."
Jolie playfully nudged him. "Don't be so cynical! I actually think it's a great idea." She shot him a knowing glance.
Shawn considered it for a moment, then nodded. "It's an interesting concept. Not just for learning, but for practical exploration as well. How about we call it the Know I Ching Society?"
"Perfect!" Lindsay was the first to express her approval. "It reflects both learning and discovery."
A few others chimed in, voicing their support.
Zavier suggested that Shawn and Lindsay take the lead in organizing the group, and no one objected—except Donner, who remained unimpressed, a smirk still playing on his lips.
As the students gradually dispersed, Lindsay lingered for a moment. Her gaze fell on the pendant hanging from Shawn's neck.
"Your pendant is unique," she remarked.
Shawn smiled faintly. "Thanks. Let's work together and get the Know I Ching Society up and running soon."
And with that, a new journey began.