The joint committee's first meeting was held in the Heart Axis space, a choice with symbolic significance in itself. The once-forbidden core area had now become a platform for dialogue between different factions. The juvenile Spirit Branch Tree had grown to nearly half the height of the Heart Axis cavity, its amber light enveloping the entire meeting venue, as if witnessing this historic moment.
Representatives attending the meeting came from every corner of the Spirit Branch Tree world: Floating Brahmas and aristocratic representatives from the upper layers, labor representatives from the middle layers, Darkened State Resident representatives from the Root Layer, and even emissaries sent by the Gu Tribe. Such a scene was previously unimaginable—Gu Tribe and Leaf Dwellers sitting at the same conference table, exchanging views as equals.
Orlen, as the guardian and liaison of the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree, sat at the center of the round table. He had not left the Heart Axis space for seven consecutive days, closely monitoring every subtle change in the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree. His connection with the tree grew deeper; he could sense its "neural network" extending to various regions of the Spirit Branch Tree, perceiving those subtle energy flows and transitions.
"According to our observations," upper layer researcher Odelia was speaking, "the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's growth has stabilized within a controllable range. It no longer seems to pursue expansion of physical size, but focuses on building and deepening energy networks."
"Indeed," Root Layer representative Willton, Eliel's student, added, "The energy quality we've detected in the Root Layer has improved dramatically. Many long-withered areas are beginning to revive, with new mycelial networks forming."
The Gu Tribe emissary Ticks emitted a low hum, their way of expressing agreement: "Gu Tribe territories have also felt the change. Our larval hatching rate has increased by 20%, while predatory instincts have notably decreased. This phenomenon is unprecedented."
Orlen listened to the various reports, a sense of satisfaction welling up inside. The juvenile Spirit Branch Tree was changing the Spirit Branch Tree world in its own way, not through violence or coercion, but by providing better options, promoting natural harmony.
"But problems also exist," upper layer aristocratic representative Prim raised concerns. "Energy redistribution has caused certain upper layer regions' Spirit-Drawing Towers to decline in efficiency, especially those focused on luxury goods production. If this trend continues, it may trigger social unrest."
"This isn't a problem, but a necessary adjustment," Orlen calmly responded. "For a long time, the upper layers have monopolized too many resources for unnecessary luxury production. Now, energy is being redirected to more urgent needs, such as improving living conditions in the Root Layer and middle layers, and restoring overdeveloped areas."
Prim looked displeased but didn't rebut. Talia intervened at the appropriate moment: "We can help the upper layers redesign their Spirit-Drawing Towers to adapt to the new energy type. In fact, the new energy is purer; if utilized properly, it will ultimately bring higher efficiency."
"The key point," Orlen summarized, "is that we need to abandon old thinking patterns. No longer upper versus lower, Leaf Dwellers versus Gu Tribe, but all life sharing one Spirit Branch Tree home together. The juvenile Spirit Branch Tree is teaching us this wisdom of coexistence."
The meeting continued for hours, discussing countless details: how to reconfigure migration routes to adapt to new energy distribution, how to handle boundary issues between Leaf States and Gu Tribe territories, how to adjust education systems to reflect new values, and so on. Though disputes were constant, the overall atmosphere remained constructive.
After the meeting, Calmur and Ms. Adelle stayed to accompany Orlen. Since planting the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree, they had formed a tight support circle, sharing the responsibility of guardianship.
"You look exhausted," Ms. Adelle said with concern. "Almost seven days with hardly any rest. You need to rest."
Orlen smiled and shook his head: "I'm fine. The connection with the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree gives me energy. Besides, I don't want to miss any changes."
"But you don't have to bear everything alone," Calmur pointed out. "Now there's a committee, other people can share responsibility. Serra would want you to take care of yourself too."
At the mention of his mother's name, Orlen fell into brief contemplation. Since the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's growth stabilized, Serra's projection had not appeared again. Sometimes he wondered if his mother's consciousness still existed within the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree, somehow observing all this.
"Perhaps you're right," he finally admitted. "I should rest a bit. But I want to go somewhere first."
"Where?" Ms. Adelle asked.
"Eternal Light Island. That was the first location of the Gu Tribe invasion, and also where my mother was last seen. I want to see the changes there with my own eyes."
Calmur and Ms. Adelle exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement: "We'll accompany you."
The three left the Heart Axis space, following a newly formed energy channel toward Eternal Light Island. This channel had naturally formed after the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's growth, connecting various important nodes of the Spirit Branch Tree, providing more efficient movement than traditional paths.
Upon reaching Eternal Light Island, Orlen could barely recognize the place. The Leaf State once covered with amber-colored rust spots now burst with new vitality. Fresh buds grew from withered edges, creating a striking contrast; the central Spirit-Drawing Tower had been recultivated, no longer a mere energy collector, but an organic component of the ecosystem.
More surprisingly, the island was inhabited not only by Leaf Dwellers but also by a small number of Gu Tribe and Forest Pendant tribe members peacefully coexisting. They each handled different tasks: Leaf Dwellers managed light energy collection, Gu Tribe maintained the island structure, and Forest Pendant tribe tended to vegetation. This collaborative model was previously unimaginable.
"Incredible," Calmur marveled. "Such enormous changes in just a few weeks."
"This is exactly what mother hoped for," Orlen said softly, walking toward the island center.
Near the Spirit-Drawing Tower, he noticed a newly built monument. Upon closer inspection, it was a transparent stele made of special resin, encasing an amber-colored leaf and a small segment of Gu Tribe antenna, symbolizing reconciliation and rebirth. The inscription was simple yet powerful:
"Dedicated to Serra and all lives sacrificed for peace. May the Light of the Spirit Branch Tree forever illuminate our path."
Orlen stood before the monument, a complex mix of emotions rising in his chest. Sorrow, because his mother couldn't witness the realization of her dream; joy, because her sacrifice wasn't in vain; and a deep sense of responsibility, because the journey had only just begun.
"She will see it," Ms. Adelle said softly, standing beside Orlen. "In some way."
Orlen nodded, reaching out to touch the amber pendant. Since the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's stable growth, the pendant's energy had weakened, but it still maintained a warmth. Perhaps this was the last trace of his mother's existence, accompanying him through the remainder of the journey.
They stayed on Eternal Light Island for an entire day, observing, learning, recording. Orlen spoke with island residents, understanding their experiences and feelings. Most people indicated that although the changes came suddenly, the results were positive. Energy supply was more stable, quality of life improved, and most importantly, hostility between different races was fading.
At sunset, the three stood at the highest point of Eternal Light Island, overlooking the entire Spirit Branch Tree world. The setting sun's glow intertwined with the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's amber radiance, creating a scene of unprecedented beauty.
"I want to establish a school," Orlen suddenly said. "A school without racial or class distinctions, teaching the new generation of the Spirit Branch Tree world about equality, symbiosis, and respect."
"That would be the perfect continuation of Serra's legacy," Calmur agreed.
"Not just a school," Ms. Adelle added. "There should also be a research center, focused on studying the relationship between the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree and the original, and how to maximize the benefits of this symbiosis."
Orlen smiled, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Why not both? We could establish a center in the transition zone between the original aristocratic area and the Root Layer, serving as both a school and research institution. This would literally be a 'bridge,' connecting the upper layers and Root Layer."
They eagerly discussed details, outlining the framework for a brand new institution. Night fell, and the Spirit Branch Tree switched to cold light mode, making the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's amber glow more prominent, like another star in the night sky.
On the way back to the Heart Axis space, Orlen felt a profound satisfaction. Though countless challenges lay ahead, the transformation of power structures would take time, and deeply rooted prejudices wouldn't disappear overnight, but the direction was set, and change had begun.
The juvenile Spirit Branch Tree and the original would grow together, just as upper layers and Root Layer would learn to coexist, and Leaf Dwellers and Gu Tribe would discover the value of cooperation. This wasn't an end, but a new beginning, a journey of exploration and reconciliation.
And Orlen, both Leaf Dweller and Darkened State Resident, a child of both upper and Root Layers, would continue to play the role of bridge, guiding the Spirit Branch Tree world toward that future his mother dreamed of—a new world without boundaries, only harmony.