In the central plaza of Lanqi City, the warm afternoon sun of the new year shone down on the bustling crowd.
The venue was decorated to look like a pristine, natural sanctuary.
Ancient trees, transported from who-knows-where, encircled the plaza's edge. Hanging from their branches were Fluorite stones emitting a soft, white glow, and their bark was engraved with totem-like murals.
The ground was covered with fresh sod and moss, and the air was filled with a faint, refreshing fragrance—a mix of pine needles and unknown wildflowers.
In the center of the plaza, a round stage naturally woven from living vines was particularly eye-catching.
Mr. Tree, dressed in the green and white uniform of the Friends of Nature, stood at the center of the stage.
He wore a gentle and infectious smile, his voice carrying clearly across the entire plaza through some kind of sound system.
Gu Ming had just arrived, listening quietly from within the crowd.
