Earth Metaverse 10 years, October2 ,2031 AD.
Yi Yuan Villa remained lively even after the conference had ended.
While some members eagerly set off on their return journeys or took the opportunity to visit renowned destinations like Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, the majority chose to stay behind at Yi Yuan Villa.
With the echoes of the conference still fresh, many took this chance to engage with the newly appointed Grand Hierophant Ranzi or converse with the Grand Sage Kent under the guise of "discussion." As a result, both Ranzi and Kent barely had a moment's rest.
Early the next morning, Shawn received a brief but direct message from Kent:
"Let's catch up at Yi Yuan Villa."
The moment Shawn saw it, he quickly replied, "Can I bring Lindsay along? She's Grandma Lucy's granddaughter."
It was a sudden request, but Shawn had his reasons—Lindsay's interest in the Meta Origin Society was growing, and this meeting might be a rare opportunity for her.
As soon as Kent heard that Lindsay was Lucy's granddaughter, he immediately showed great enthusiasm. "Perfect timing," he said, his voice filled with interest.
When Shawn and Lindsay arrived at Yi Yuan Villa, the morning mist still lingered, casting a quiet and mysterious air over the courtyard.
Pushing open the door to the tea room, they found several figures already seated inside. Besides Kent, there was Grand Hierophant Ranzi, Sunzen Chapter Magister Dora, and Wyrm Guardians Chapter Magister Kennedy.
Seeing such a distinguished group, Shawn felt a slight unease—the atmosphere was far more formal and serious than he had expected.
"Lindsay? What are you doing here?" Dora was the first to speak.
"Aunt Dora, I arrived yesterday," Lindsay responded. "I saw you were busy, so I didn't want to disturb you." Clearly, she and Dora were well acquainted.
Dora's expression softened. "Come, sit with me." Then, turning to the others, she added warmly, "This is Lucy's granddaughter—a very bright young woman."
Shawn and Lindsay exchanged polite greetings with the group before taking their seats, doing their best to mask their unease.
As steam curled from the teacups, the conversation swiftly turned to the matter at hand.
Kent brought up the AGI-ST Program, his usual calm tone tinged with concern. "The momentum behind this program in recent years has been unexpectedly intense—more than we anticipated."
Dora nodded. "Although the All Sight Society started as a mere university club, it has expanded aggressively through social media, weekend salons, and collaborations with other organizations. If left unchecked, things will only escalate."
Kennedy frowned. "What's puzzling is that CP-Hub used to keep a tight leash on such movements. Yet this time, for some reason, the so-called 'stability' and 'security' agencies have turned a blind eye."
Kent's expression darkened. "Perhaps this aligns with CP-Hub's broader social stabilization strategy." His tone carried an unsettling implication.
Shawn exhaled before speaking. "The Know I Ching Society has been struggling under pressure from the All Sight Society, especially now that they've harnessed the AGI-ST Program's influence. Their presence is becoming increasingly dominant—and they're not even trying to hide it." Though he tried to keep his voice steady, a trace of unease crept through.
Just then, Lindsay, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. Her tone was clear, her words sharp.
"If the Know I Ching Society wants to turn things around, it must restructure. The All Sight Society's model—perhaps it's not entirely impossible to learn from."
Noticing the gazes fixed on her, Lindsay hesitated briefly before continuing. "I… I may not be entirely right, but I believe the Meta Origin Society has deeper resources and a stronger foundation. The Know I Ching Society should leverage that."
Her voice carried conviction, and she met the eyes of the assembled leaders, awaiting their response.
Dora smiled, her tone warm. "In that case, have you considered joining the Meta Origin Society? Given your background and perspective, I believe it would be an excellent fit."
Kent immediately followed up. "Magister Dora and I would be happy to recommend you."
Membership in the Meta Origin Society required at least two senior members' endorsements—Kent and Dora's open support was a clear and powerful validation of Lindsay.
Lindsay nodded, a spark of determination flashing in her eyes. "I'm honored. I look forward to contributing to the Meta Origin Society."
Shawn observed her expression and suddenly felt that Lindsay's gaze held a newfound resolve—one that made her seem more formidable than before.
Ranzi, hands folded before her, appeared deep in thought. But when he spoke, his voice was composed and steady.
"Welcoming a brilliant young member like Lindsay is a great step forward for the Meta Origin Society." He lifted her hands from the table and gave a formal gesture of respect.
Everyone, except Shawn, followed suit, murmuring their own words of welcome.
Then Ranzi's gaze swept across the room. "Our strength does not lie in short-term competition. The power of the Meta Origin Society is in our ability to understand and guide the flow of change. Technology is merely a tool—the key is how we use it. However…"
He paused, scanning the faces before him.
"The most urgent matter before us is still this: lifting the seal on the Meta Origin Society."
His tone was calm, yet the weight of her words was undeniable.
A tense silence filled the tea room. Even the fragrant aroma of the tea seemed momentarily subdued.
Outside, the wind whispered through the trees, rustling the leaves in hushed tones—as if nature itself were listening.
As the room fell into silence, Kent took a slow sip of tea before speaking. "Time is running out, but we need the right opportunity—otherwise, we risk alerting the opposition."
His sharp gaze moved from one person to another, as if assessing their reactions. "That said, we can't just sit idly by. I believe Lindsay's idea has merit. We should consider establishing a branch at Sunzen University. It would serve two purposes: supporting the growth of the Know I Ching Society and testing the feasibility of setting up a university branch." Kent's eyes settled on Ranzi as he voiced his suggestion.
Ranzi nodded in agreement, then turned to Dora. "From now on, you'll serve as the Chapter Magister for the Sunzen Chapter. What's your take on this?"
Dora smiled. "I agree! But technically, you're still the current Chapter Magister since the position hasn't been reassigned yet. You'll have to handle both roles for now, so the final decision is still yours."
In the Meta Origin Society, also known as the Ten Thousand People's Club, a new chapter could be established once a founding member had at least 10,000 followers. The chapter's executive leader, known as the Chapter Magister, was elected, while the founder retained the lifelong title of Chapter Watcher. Many chapters operated with a combined Magister-Watcher leadership model.
Kent interjected in a matter-of-fact tone, "Dora, don't push it. You can take on the role temporarily, and once your chapter convenes, you can make it official. Ranzi has enough on his plate, stepping into the position of Grand Hierophant."
Dora gave a small nod. "Understood. I'll follow the leadership's arrangements." Then she turned to Shawn. "Shawn, would you be willing to take the lead in establishing the Meta Origin Society's Sunzen University Branch?"
The question caught Shawn off guard. He instinctively glanced at Kent, who shook his head slightly. "Shawn's current situation makes it inconvenient for him to formally join the Meta Origin Society," Kent said, his voice firm yet leaving no room for further explanation.
The truth was, only a few select individuals—Elder Pingzi, Ranzi, and Kent—knew about Shawn's unique connection to Kapteyn's Star.
Dora seemed to have anticipated this and smoothly continued, "If Shawn isn't available, then perhaps Lindsay would be a better fit. Sunzen University already has strong support networks in place, including Principal Will and Dean Les." Her tone was gentle, but her words carried a deeper implication.
Shawn caught the meaning and turned to look at Lindsay. Without hesitation, she gave a small nod. "I can give it a try."
Around noon, the owner of Yi Yuan Villa, Verna, entered the room.
"Excuse me—shall I prepare lunch?" she asked, her voice warm as her eyes met Ranzi's.
Before Ranzi could respond, Kent spoke up with a grin. "Of course , Since we're already here, we might as well enjoy a proper meal."
Verna chuckled. "Secretary Kent, I only have simple mountain greens and wild herbs—not exactly the fine cuisine of your city."
Her presence immediately changed the atmosphere in the room. Almost instinctively, Kennedy and Dora stood and bowed in greeting.
Verna appeared to be in her early forties, with a tall, graceful figure. Her beauty wasn't ostentatious but carried a quiet elegance, refined by time and experience. She wore a simple yet sophisticated qipao-style dress that accentuated her poise. Her most striking feature, however, was her eyes—deep and clear, filled with both the wisdom of the past and a quiet control over the future.
Ranzi gave a soft smile, his tone unusually tender. "Whatever you see fit, Verna."
Verna's gaze swept around the room, as if silently taking note of each person. Her eyes lingered briefly on Lindsay before she gave an approving nod, showing a quiet but evident interest in her presence.
Then, in a gentle yet deliberate tone, she asked, "Regarding the lifting of the Meta Origin Society's seal—do you need my help?"
The room fell into a sudden, charged silence.
Shawn instinctively looked at Ranzi, but the Grand Hierophant's expression remained unchanged, save for a subtle shift in his gaze.
Kent nodded slightly. "If we have your support, Verna, our chances will be much stronger."
Verna smiled faintly. "Good." Without another word, she turned and left, leaving behind an air of contemplation in the room.
Shawn couldn't shake the feeling that Verna was a figure of immense influence within the Meta Origin Society—someone whose presence and words carried an unspoken weight.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room, momentarily dispelling the tension that had settled over them. A quiet sense of anticipation and unease filled the air, as if the meeting had set a new course in motion.
As Shawn gazed outside, he had a distinct feeling that a new chapter was about to unfold—one that would be far more complex and unpredictable than he had ever imagined.