Chapter 322: Mysteries of Mingsha City
by xennovelThis… this too.
While coming to his senses, he noticed that although a long queue had formed at the main gate, not one person had yet stepped inside.
After the gate slowly opened, what lay beyond wasn’t an array of amusement rides but a vast, empty plaza. With keen eyesight—or even a telescope—one could glimpse several other entrances of the entertainment complex.
Of course.
Yet the expansive Qing brick plaza wasn’t entirely barren.
Stretched out before them were several grand altars—by rough count, as many as thirty-five.
Atop each massive altar stood a three-story dome-ed building, reminiscent of Yan City’s Temple of Heaven yet distinct in its design, especially the central structure which exuded a commanding presence.
“Are you sure this really is an amusement park? It doesn’t look like some special historical complex or ancient formation.”
As visitors snapped back to reality, many sought out the staff once more.
Truth be told, their minds brimmed with myriad questions. They had come for an amusement park—so how was this supposed to work? “Hello, this is definitely an amusement park. Please follow me!”
The staff member at the gate seemed well-prepared. After speaking, he led the way toward the altar closest to the entrance.
Seeing this,
the group of visitors hurriedly followed him.
After a few minutes, the group ascended the first altar and arrived before the dome-ed building.
“Hello everyone, what you’re about to see is Experience Hall No.1!”
Turning around,
the staff pointed to the dome-ed building where, on the first level, a plaque boldly displayed the characters for Hall No.1.
“Here’s how it works! Our Mingsha City has launched a new attraction called ‘Dreams of Antiquity.’ If you’re intrigued by a particular region of the Long Kingdom, you can follow the staff’s instructions and wear the necessary gear to witness scenes from ancient times.”
At that moment, the staff continued his explanation.
“Dreams of Antiquity? So you’re saying this attraction is akin to Dino Park’s ‘Soaring Through the Horizon’?”
One visitor paused to consider.
By the way, Dino Park’s hottest attraction right now is called ‘Soaring Through the Horizon.’
Once you settle into a specially designed chair over there, you’ll embark on a breathtaking 5D global flight through a dynamic lens.
The visuals showcase landmarks of Lanstarr, as well as the sea skyline of the Long Kingdom and the Great Wall. Beyond these, fantastical scenes based on various IP stories abound.
In short, it’s an experience perfect for the whole family.
“Hello, our ‘Dreams of Antiquity’ is different—it’s not like Dino Park’s ‘Soaring Through the Horizon’ where everyone sees the same scene. Here, cutting-edge technology ensures that each person sees a unique, non-repetitive perspective!”
The staff immediately shook his head in response.
“I see. Glimpsing ancient Long Kingdom scenes doesn’t sound too bad after all.”
“Honestly, I’m pretty curious too,” one visitor admitted.
After the explanation, some visitors promptly pulled out their IDs to try it, while others still harbored questions.
“I’m from Yan City. Can I see how Yan City looked during the Song Dynasty?”
“Hello! That isn’t guaranteed. Since the scenes are random, we can only promise that you’ll see a specific area of ancient Long Kingdom.”
The staff quickly shook his head.
“By the way, I noticed that the central experience hall in Sifang City is huge and distinct from the others. Does this mean the ride there is better?”
Another visitor inquired.
“No! The central building is simply a landmark structure and isn’t open for visitors.”
“Oh!”
“So, can we go in now?”
“If there are no further questions, you may proceed. Each hall only holds fifty participants. If Experience Hall No.1 is full, please try another hall.”
The staff nodded in agreement.
“Then what are we waiting for? Since we’re here, let’s give it a try!”
Coming to his senses,
one visitor immediately produced his ID and stepped into the reservation passage.
Before long, long queues had formed before more than thirty halls, and the first group of visitors had already entered.
After roughly ten minutes, the first man to exit the hall emerged, his face etched with confusion and disbelief as he kept glancing back at the dome-ed building.
After a long pause,
hesitating for a while, he finally seemed to decide and rejoined the tail end of the line.
“Hey man, how was it in there? Was it as thrilling as Dino Park’s ride?”
Noticing his puzzled look, a fellow visitor couldn’t help but ask.
“Thrilling? Not exactly. It felt odd—I saw Bianliang during the Song Dynasty from the perspective of a chef inside a tavern, with all sorts of diners around. Outside, the experience was too brief to catch the full picture.”
The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“A chef? That doesn’t sound too exciting! So why are you still waiting in line?”
At his words, some visitors couldn’t conceal their disappointment.
They had expected the hall to mimic Dino Park’s experience—tumultuous, 5D rides showcasing ancient capitals and territories of the Long Kingdom. Instead, it turned out to be just a tavern. “No, it’s different! Truly different! Although it may lack the sheer thrill of Dino Park’s ride, its scenes are indescribably vivid—the settings mirror reality so closely. You’ll see for yourself once you’re inside.”
The man added.
Regardless of what others thought, he intended to go in and see more. If possible, he even wished the experience could last longer.
“So, once inside, what gear do we need? Are they glasses or something else?”
Hearing this, another visitor interjected.
“Just as he said—since we’re here, we might as well try it out.”
“The staff handed us VR goggles. Once you put them on, it looked like they applied a special visual solution on your forehead. When I asked, they explained it was a bespoke formula essential for clear vision.”
The man replied.
In truth, even though he was busy fielding other visitors’ questions, his mind kept returning to the ten-minute scene he had just witnessed.
“Hmm? You want to see it again?”
Before the previous visitor could add more, another man who had just exited the hall joined the end of the queue.
He bore the same puzzled expression—equal parts baffled and intrigued.
“Hmm!”
“So, what did you see? Was it Bianliang again?”
“No! My view was bizarre—like seeing a cow. It seemed to be set in some remote village, and everyone was dressed in Tang Dynasty attire.”
The man replied.
“A cow?”
Not only were the waiting visitors stunned, but even the one who experienced the chef’s perspective was taken aback.
“It really was a cow! I’m absolutely sure—I even saw a cow right next to it.”
“This…”
Before anyone could comment further, a Mingsha City staff member arrived at the end of the queue with a loudspeaker.
“Dear visitors, please do not rejoin the queue if you have already experienced the ‘Dreams of Antiquity’ project! Each ID can only experience it once per day. If you wish to ride again, please come back tomorrow.”
“Ah? Each person only gets one ride per day?”
At those words, the two visitors instantly wore expressions of deep disappointment.
For some reason, in that moment, their hearts felt unexpectedly empty—as if they’d lost something vital. It was a feeling they had never experienced before.
“Yes, our turnstile only accepts one ticket per ID. Even if you’re next in line, you won’t be allowed entry again.”
The staff continued,
“Then… could I pay extra? Or can Mingsha City set up a pay-per-time system so we can enjoy the view for longer?”
Coming back to his senses,
one visitor thought for a moment and quickly asked, “So, if I pay extra it works, right?”
Another quickly added.
At that moment, regardless of whether it cost a few dozen or even a few hundred per minute, he would unhesitatingly dig into his wallet.
In their eyes, the project’s ultimate goal was profit—if you’re willing to pay, there shouldn’t be any issue.
“Hello, this isn’t something our regular staff can decide. If you want to experience it again, please come back early tomorrow.”
“Uh…”
So it was.
Reality remained unchanged.
On a top forum in the Long Kingdom, the chatter was buzzing.
Netizens, frustrated for not being able to visit Mingsha City, kept asking online, “What’s really happening in Mingsha City? Is it as fun as Dino Park?”
“A video uploader just posted footage, saying the new attraction is called ‘Dreams of Antiquity’—seemingly modeled after Dino Park’s ‘Soaring Through the Horizon.'”
About half an hour later, one netizen replied.
“It’s almost ten o’clock now. How was the first group’s experience? Was it as thrilling as Dino Park?”
Curious netizens couldn’t help but ask.
“According to those who experienced it, while the scenes weren’t overly thrilling, they were quite enchanting. Moreover, everyone sees a different perspective—with glimpses of ancient society, even animals! It’s utterly addictive; nearly all first-timers lined up for a second round.”
An informed netizen further commented.
“Everyone sees something different? So, did you catch the rest of it?”
This response immediately piqued the interest of onlookers.
“No. The staff at Mingsha City stated that each ID can only experience the attraction once per day—even those willing to pay extra couldn’t re-enter.”
“Offering extra money proactively? That sounds intriguing!”
“Hmm, there must be something truly captivating about it; otherwise, no one would be so eager to pay extra.”
“Now I’m curious too—I want to see what perspective I’ll get.”
Online discussions were mixed; some netizens focused on whether the project was enjoyable, while others compared Dino Park’s and Mingsha City’s attractions. “So, does Mingsha City’s ‘Dreams of Antiquity’ and Dino Park’s ‘Soaring Through the Horizon’ each have their own unique charm?”
After sifting through the comments, one netizen responded:
After considering all the feedback, one person concluded.