Lanqi City's central plaza, once a leisure spot for its citizens, was now a sea of people, the atmosphere heavy.
A temporarily constructed high stage stood in the center, with Gu Ming and Mr. Tree seated on opposite sides.
Below the stage were an expectant audience and media outlets with their cameras and long lenses set up.
Gu Ming glanced around and was surprised to see Elder Huo, who should have been in the Capital for the New Year, in the crowd. After a moment of shock, he clasped his hands in a distant greeting, wishing him a Happy New Year.
The elder gave a casual wave of his hand and glanced at his phone.
The number of online viewers for the livestream had long surpassed one million.
As the discourse began, Mr. Tree maintained his customary look of profound compassion. He took the offensive, his gentle voice carrying across the entire plaza:
"Young friend Gu Ming, your doubts about the Cyan Pine Unmoving Technique stem from a misunderstanding of the pure, natural way.
