The Mianloong Chamber is one of the most enigmatic and sacred locations within Mt. Firmament. To the people of Hongzhen and the surrounding region, it holds immense significance, both as a site of deep mystery and as a symbol of their reliance on the Sentinel. This chamber is tied to the very origins of the Sentinel and its role in shaping the history of the land.

Origins and Function of the Mianloong Chamber

The Mianloong Chamber was not always the resting place of the Sentinel. Its creation dates back to ancient times when a colossal vehicle descended upon Mt. Firmament alongside the arrival of the Sentinel itself. The local people, unaware of the true nature of the Sentinel, believed that it came from a faraway star, and the Mianloong Chamber served as its hibernation pod. Over time, it became a focal point for those seeking to understand the Sentinel and its mysterious powers.

The chamber is situated deep within the heart of Mt. Firmament, shielded by defenses built by the Court of Savantae. This ancient research organization, known for studying the strange time fluctuations around the mountain, played a crucial role in the development of the chamber’s defense mechanisms. These mechanisms were specifically designed to protect the Sentinel and its resting space from unwanted intrusion, ensuring that the Sentinel could maintain its slumber uninterrupted.

The Sentinel and Its Hibernation

The Sentinel, once an ever-watchful protector, now spends increasingly longer periods of time within the Mianloong Chamber. Lately, the Sentinel has been retreating into the chamber more frequently, entering a state of rest that has become increasingly necessary as its condition worsens. The reasons behind this extended slumber remain a subject of speculation, but it is believed that the Sentinel’s health is directly tied to the stability of Mt. Firmament. As the Temporal Disruptions continue to wreak havoc, the Sentinel’s powers appear to be weakening, forcing it into a deep sleep for its own preservation.

This state of dormancy has become a matter of concern for the people of Hongzhen. They are deeply grateful for the Sentinel’s protection, but they are also beginning to fear that the Sentinel’s time may be running out. Magistrate Jinhsi, who has been tasked with overseeing the safety of the people, is especially concerned about the Sentinel's diminishing strength and its ability to stabilize the time flow around the mountain.

Defense Mechanisms and the Court of Savantae

The defense mechanisms surrounding the Mianloong Chamber were the result of a delicate agreement between the local people and the Court of Savantae. At first, there was great tension between the two groups. The locals viewed the Court’s attempts to study the mountain as disrespectful to the Sentinel, and they were wary of their research. However, after negotiations, a compromise was reached. The locals allowed the Court of Savantae to continue their studies, understanding that their research into time fluctuations could provide valuable insights. In exchange, the Court helped to build and maintain powerful defense mechanisms around the Mianloong Chamber, ensuring that any potential threats, whether from outside or within, would be kept at bay.

The design of these defenses was closely tied to the knowledge the Court had gathered about time manipulation. As such, the Mianloong Chamber became both a sanctuary for the Sentinel and a place of great power, safeguarded by mechanisms that harnessed the strange, unpredictable flow of time in the area.

The Cipher Key and the Risk of Access

One of the most critical aspects of the Mianloong Chamber is the Cipher Key, a complex and mysterious artifact that controls access to the chamber. This key is not stored in a single location for safety reasons; its control panel is kept separately to prevent unauthorized access. The Cipher Key’s activation is a process that requires careful handling, and it serves as the final safeguard against potential threats seeking to exploit the Sentinel’s resting place.

It is believed that once the Cipher Key is activated, the chamber can be unsealed, but this comes with risks. The Fractsidus, an organization of time manipulators with their own agenda, have shown a keen interest in the Mianloong Chamber. They have infiltrated Mt. Firmament before, and their attempts to reach the chamber could pose a significant threat to the Sentinel’s safety. In this tense situation, Magistrate Jinhsi and the local defenders are doing everything they can to ensure that the Cipher Key remains protected and that no harm comes to the Sentinel.

The Sentinel’s Sacrifice and the Price of Leaving Mt. Firmament

Another significant aspect of the Mianloong Chamber's legacy is the harsh truth it reveals about the cost of living on Mt. Firmament. Long ago, the Sentinel helped protect the people of Hongzhen from the Tacet Discords, but it also revealed a terrifying truth: leaving Mt. Firmament shortened one’s lifespan drastically. Those who had spent significant time under the Temporal Barrier were particularly vulnerable. The longer someone lived within the temporal bubble, the less likely they could survive once they left.