Chapter 56: The Gathering
The grand hall was adorned with lush foliage, creating an intimate atmosphere as a backdrop to the bustling crowd. "They're here, hurry inside," a beautiful girl at the entrance greeted two newcomers. Leaves surrounded the hall, encircling it in a verdant embrace, their vibrant shades highlighted by the silk threads.
"Well, well, isn't today beautiful?" Xu Dekai teased.
"Get lost!" came a dismissive white-eyed retort.
On the side, Fang Tong felt awkward and somewhat surprised that Xu Dekai dared to jest with the girl.
"This is my sister," Xu Dekai introduced proudly.
"Oh, hello, hello," Fang Tong said in his heart, "No wonder you're so fearless in flirting and banter."
"Hello, I'm Zhenzi," Xu Dekai's sister greeted with a sunny smile. Despite her petite stature and appearance, she looked nothing like her older brother's burly build.
"I've heard about you, Brother Fang. You're a true hero, leading everyone out of the cave," Xu Dekai's sister praised Fang Tong.
"Oh, it's nothing, really. You can just call me Xiao Fang," Fang Tong replied modestly.
"Really? Alright, then I'll call you Xiao Fang," the mischievous young girl said.
"Don't, she has ulterior motives," Xu Dekai said. "You see, Officer Shichang's full name is Shixiaofang, and he's a whole generation older than her. She's defiant and likes to tease people."
"Is that true?" The sister disagreed with her brother's exposé.
"Isn't it? You wanted to run before you even learned how to walk, always daydreaming about riding grasshoppers like they're steeds. Officer Shichang said you're a prime target for keeping an eye on. Let me tell you, if you call Xiao Fang 'Xiao Fang,' don't let Officer Shichang and Fang Tong get the wrong idea."
"No, Shichang won't be so petty," the sister refuted.
"Call him Officer Shichang or address him as 'Uncle.' Got it?"
"Understood, geez! Let's go inside quickly. Half of them haven't arrived yet, you should hurry. There's delicious food inside, all sorts of delicacies from the mountains and seas."
"Oh?" Xu Dekai's eyes lit up.
"Exactly, and there are many special treats too. Hurry up, take advantage of their absence and eat a bit more."
"Alright, alright, let's go!" Xu Dekai pulled Fang Tong along briskly.
Fang Tong was somewhat surprised. So, they could eat first? The leaders here were surprisingly easygoing?
Xu Dekai had a keen eye, as if sensing Fang Tong's confusion. As they walked, he explained, "Rest assured, eat boldly. Even Su Lao and the others are greedier than us. Oh, that old Ma is a master at pocketing things. Eat a bit before they arrive."
Being pulled along by Xu Dekai, Fang Tong found it amusing. Despite himself, he felt an indescribable sense of relaxation. In these few days here, the long-lasting gloom had dissipated.
As they reached the entrance, cheers suddenly erupted around them. Following the gazes of the crowd, they saw two golden-armored beetles weaving through the leaves in the distance, their loud roars filling the air. Behind them, countless green figures seemed to be leaping. On closer inspection, they were green grasshoppers, darting through the forest with astonishing speed. They jumped from one leaf to another, one branch to another, occasionally gliding with outstretched wings. Wherever they went, leaves and branches swayed, each jump following the next in a breathtaking dance, as if the entire forest had come to life.
"Here they come, here they come!" Xu Dekai showed no regret for missing out on food and drinks. He rushed with Fang Tong towards the edge of the platform, leaning against the railing and shouting loudly. "Hey, over here! Xiao Guang, ladies, right here!"
Fang Tong knew that the ones arriving now, riding the golden-armored beetles, included the legendary figure - Xiao Guang. He was known as the ceiling among humans who could control insects. Rumor had it that his survival during a major crisis was due to his ability to control marine creatures as well. What was even more remarkable and commendable was his legendary rescue of thousands of people. Thanks to his pioneering efforts, scientists broke away from relying solely on industry and started researching insect control, achieving tremendous success in a short period. The other person who could control the golden-armored beetles was probably Su Lao's daughter. And behind them, the scattered dots of green were the vast army of grasshoppers. They held tranquilizer spears, safeguarding the sanctuary of the spirits.
Half an hour later, the hall was filled with people. Chairs and tables encircled the podium, with those scheduled to speak occupying the innermost circle. Xu Dekai, who didn't necessarily need to speak this time, found a spot near the entrance. There were even more delicacies piled there than on the tables, giving him a chance to savor them. He sat with a few of his close friends: Wei Youran, the son of Old Wei; Officer Shi Xiaofang; Huang Zhong; Li Hao; and Han Tiaotiao from the mountain village base. They were all lounging, alternating between watching the podium and eating and drinking. Fang Tong and Zhenzi, on the other hand, found themselves in the front row. They might need to step on the stage to introduce the situation.
Most of the seats were taken, with Su Lao and his daughter, along with some scientists, occupying the rear positions. It seemed like they wouldn't be speaking today. Around the podium in the front were about twenty people. Half of them had come with Fang Tong, while the other half were personnel scattered around for reconnaissance and information gathering. Among them, one person stood out: Xiao Guang.
He sat there quietly, his eyes wrapped in bandages, yet he consistently drew people's attention, making them involuntarily stare at him. From the moment Fang Tong entered, he had been captivated by Xiao Guang, not because of the bandages around his eyes, but because of his aura that seamlessly blended with the surroundings, exuding an air of calmness. It was as if he were the only person in the world when he was present, and when he wasn't there, the world lacked his presence. After observing for a while, Fang Tong even felt his radiance, like the vastness of the sky, the depth of the sea, and the solitude of a creator. Suddenly, Fang Tong felt an impulse to follow him. He steadied his mind, glanced around, and realized that it wasn't just him who seemed entranced. Many among those who had come with him were similarly affected, seemingly losing their composure.
Perhaps sensing that some people across were staring at him, Xiao Guang turned his head slightly in their direction and nodded in acknowledgment. Just when Fang Tong was thinking that it couldn't be like the legends, where even someone with blind eyes could sense things, Xiao Guang turned his head again and nodded towards Fang Tong, who was still a bit stunned. This left Fang Tong dumbfounded for a moment. Was this... possible? That bandage couldn't be fake, so how could his field of view be broader than mine?
Maybe his silly expression was too obvious, as Zhenzi, not far away, couldn't help but burst into laughter. Xiao Guang seemed to know everything, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he looked toward the lively Zhenzi and gestured for her to quiet down. After all, it was a meeting, and the front row especially should be quiet.
The podium was elevated, allowing for two people to stand and speak. For now, no one had gone up yet. Seats were arranged based on needs, professions, and interests. Prior to entering, there had been notifications about the main content of the meeting and the functions of different areas. The circular layout of the hall gave off an egalitarian feel, diminishing the perceived importance of the front row. On the contrary, positions near the entrances were preferable since the refreshments and snacks were placed there. Currently, some individuals with rather large appetites were feeling quite at ease, munching and drinking in the back. Watching them and feeling that the snacks on the table weren't that abundant, Fang Tong felt a bit annoyed. Not having to speak would be much better.