Chapter 263: Mysteries of the Ancient Architecture

Li Shaoqing, the person in charge of the exhibition area, gave an intriguingly mysterious introduction.

Overseas networks.

Netizens abroad bombarded the live chat with doubts, claiming that nothing about it was scientific or withstands scrutiny! Li Shaoqing argued that each architectural complex had its unique style and was nothing like some labyrinth of mirrors that traps you inside. As long as you remember the orientation of the Mingsha Academy’s entrance, there’s no way you can get lost.

Especially the netizens from H Country were the harshest. They insisted that Long Kingdom’s ancient architecture exhibit was designed solely to accentuate the mystique of its historic buildings – the very tools for these structures were merely copied from their ‘Master Carpenter’.

Meanwhile, Long Kingdom’s netizens found themselves at a loss for words. They too suspected that the Mingsha City display was just an overblown gimmick.

After all, it’s not a maze. How could anyone possibly get lost?

“Doesn’t it seem a bit unbelievable?”

On site, Li Shaoqing noticed the reporter’s reaction and immediately chuckled.

“Well, just a bit! I’m sure many viewers in front of their TVs feel the same way.”

The reporter nodded in agreement.

“In that case, let’s remove these signposts. We’ll head to the Third Exhibition Area first and wait there for the arriving visitors. Let’s see how many of them actually reach the main entrance of the Third Exhibition Area in the end.”

Li Shaoqing glanced back toward the North Campus gate and added,

At that moment,

visitors who had already obtained tickets for the Ancient Architecture Exhibit Area started entering one after another.

There was no other way – such confidence came from the fact that even the workers who built these complexes often got lost without guidance, let alone first-time visitors to the North Campus! “Is this really going to work?”

The reporter hesitated.

It wasn’t that she doubted the plan outright. The exhibit was meant to showcase the exquisite and mysterious charm of Long Kingdom’s ancient architecture to audiences at home and abroad. This immersive display was exactly in tune with modern tastes. But what if the visitors ended up reaching the Third Exhibition Area before them? Some of the visitors were from overseas – they cared little about Long Kingdom’s pride; once they arrived, that was that.

What would happen if these visitors got there first? Judging by the live stream, audiences from both home and abroad were watching in large numbers.

“It’ll work!”

Li Shaoqing smiled again and pulled a walkie-talkie from his pocket, saying, “All staff, please note: immediately remove the signposts leading to the Third Exhibition Area! Also, instruct all security personnel stationed at the site not to guide any visitors who inquire about the route.”

According to the original plan, after the introduction of the Second Exhibition Area, the reporter would be led on an in-depth exploration of the outer Eight Formations Array formed by the ancient complexes.

But now, since some people didn’t believe, why not let them experience it first? They’d see the Third Exhibition Area with the reporter before being taken inside later.

“You…”

The reporter wanted to say more, but before she could, Li Shaoqing’s words had already come out. She took a deep breath and said, “Then let the audience witness firsthand the marvels of Long Kingdom’s ancient architecture!”

It was obvious to anyone that there was a hint of stiffness in her voice.

The staff at Mingsha City worked quickly – within minutes the signposts were completely removed.

“This way, please!”

Li Shaoqing immediately led the reporter into the depths of the ancient complex.

Perhaps it was because Li Shaoqing was guiding them, but as the group weaved through the ancient structures in the Second Exhibition Area, nothing felt too extraordinary – the buildings even reminded them of those in Wudi City.

Thus,

numerous netizens began firing off live chat messages.

“What’s going on? Don’t mess this up!”

“Exactly! I noticed the reporter was clearly being obstructed. I can’t believe the person in charge is this blunt.”

“The ancient architecture exhibit is hard to pull off, but if it runs smoothly there’s no big problem. I just checked H Country’s exhibit – it isn’t nearly as impressive. Their mortise-and-tenon joints don’t even compare to Mingsha City’s.”

“Sigh… This Cultural Expo is really nerve-wracking.”

In truth, the concerns extended far beyond the viewers at home – even the leaders at Jinlong Ancient City wore frowns.

“Are we putting too much pressure on them?”

A deputy couldn’t help but glance toward the chief person in charge.

They had repeatedly demanded that the other side make more of a spectacle. But now, it seemed the sub-exhibition had gotten out of hand. What if they couldn’t rein it in?

“Mingsha City wouldn’t do something they aren’t sure of, and besides, Long Kingdom’s ancient architecture is said to be aligned with feng shui. Theoretically, this display shouldn’t be a problem.”

Upon hearing this,

the Chief Leader, arms crossed, shook his head slightly.

“Leader, that may be so, but it seems the project head is overly confident in creating an atmosphere. Even the host couldn’t stop him.”

The deputy couldn’t help but add.

“Even in purpose-built mazes people manage to find their way out. How could this be any different?”

“We should have told the supervising leader over there to stick to the original plan. The ancient architecture exhibit is a sure win – there was no need to take such risks!”

The deputy finished, and another leader beside him chimed in.

In his view,

it was likely that this approach was taken because of explicit instructions from here.

“Hold on, let me call them to check the details.”

After a short moment of frowning in thought,

the Chief Leader waved his hand dismissively!

As a senior leader, he couldn’t possibly involve himself in every detail of every exhibit, especially not the specific steps and elements. If he did, there’d be no time for anything else.

“Alright then!”

For a moment, the atmosphere in the meeting room grew silent.

Online and in reality alike,

the first group of visitors had already entered the North Campus. They glanced around, wanting to proceed further but too hesitant to step forward, and eventually turned to a Staff Member, asking, “Excuse me, what is this ancient architecture exhibit area?”

“Good day, sir. You’re in the First Exhibition Area, which features an introduction to Long Kingdom’s ancient architecture, including historical details and various mortise-and-tenon structures. Ahead is the Second Exhibition Area, which leads to the Third Exhibition Area. Feel free to follow the path.”

The Staff Member explained promptly.

“Oh!”

After a puzzled nod, the first group of visitors followed the direction indicated by the Staff Member into the exhibition hall.

Within a minute or two, as more domestic and international visitors streamed in, those who had initially passed the ticket check officially stepped into the Second Exhibition Area.

However, after walking for another ten minutes, they saw nothing but a series of ancient buildings – no strange or novel attractions. So they approached another gatekeeper.

“Excuse me, what exactly is being exhibited in the Second Exhibition Area?”

“Hello, sir. The Second Exhibition Area showcases the feng shui layout of Long Kingdom’s ancient architecture. If feng shui isn’t your interest, you can proceed to the Third Exhibition Area.”

The Staff Member explained.

“Oh! So it’s feng shui layout. Let me take another look.”

And so,

the visitors began to wander again. Even if they didn’t fully understand feng shui, the term itself sounded deeply mysterious, and they were curious to discover what made it so different.

After ten minutes – even half an hour – many of the earliest visitors in the Second Exhibition Area started growing impatient!

They passed through one doorway after another and strolled by one small courtyard after another, yet saw no sign of the Third Exhibition Area. What worried them more was that they hadn’t even retraced their steps!

According to the map, Mingsha Academy occupied only a small area. After more than half an hour, they should have reached the Third Exhibition Area by now.

“What’s going on? Where exactly is the Third Exhibition Area?”

The more anxious they became, the faster their pace, only to find that the number of doorways and courtyards ahead only multiplied.

After forty minutes to an hour, the visitors finally found another Staff Member and asked, “Hello, how far is it to the Third Exhibition Area? As the exhibit host, can’t you put up some clear signposts?”

He complained aloud.

Beside this visitor were several international tourists with cameras, looking both confused and anxious.

“Sir, we originally had signposts leading to the Third Exhibition Area. However, to fully showcase Long Kingdom’s feng shui layouts and to preempt criticism from some netizens, we had to remove them temporarily,” the Staff Member explained.

“What? You removed them to avoid criticism?”

“Yes, many simply don’t believe in Long Kingdom’s feng shui. But rest assured, the signposts will be reinstated at six in the afternoon!”

“Alright then.”

The visitor grumbled and headed back toward the doorways.

In no time, another half hour passed, and complaints from visitors only grew.

Some were completely exasperated: “What are these people doing? Why question everything? How am I supposed to find my way now?”

“If you claim there’s a problem, prove it! I wasn’t questioning anything. Just give me the signposts already!”

“This isn’t fun at all. It’s not fun in the slightest.”

Just as the real-life visitors began venting their frustrations, the live broadcast finally picked up some new developments.

Li Shaoqing was shown, guiding the reporter through a uniquely styled ancient gate into a small square where the view suddenly opened up.

Up until now, the camera had been weaving through the ancient complex. Who would have thought that deep inside this labyrinth lay such a square? It truly felt like stepping through a hidden path into another world.

After a moment, as the camera focused on the arrangement around the small square, many viewers in front of their computer screens jumped to their feet in amazement, murmuring,

“Whoa, what the heck is this?”

The square was perfectly square, surrounded by ancient cypress trees. Directly to its north stood an imposing ancient gate with a plaque boldly displaying four large characters in seal script.

The camera perfectly captured this ancient plaque! Even though most viewers couldn’t read the characters, it didn’t stop them from feeling the grandeur of the gate and the overwhelming aura of solemnity.

After all, when they saw the ancient structures on Lutai and Zhaixing Pavilion, they hadn’t felt anything like this.

“What the heck? Quickly check what these characters are!”

Then, coming back to their senses, many viewers lamented their own lack of culture that prevented them from fully appreciating the spectacle.