The upper council chamber was a magnificent semicircular space, carefully shaped from the Spirit Branch Tree's oldest, strongest branches. Inside, the light was abundant, coming from dozens of meticulously arranged Spirit-Drawing Towers, each carved into a unique work of art. Surrounding the chamber were three tiers of stepped seating, each tier representing a different level of power, with the highest naturally belonging to the Great Floating Brahmas.
Orlen stood at the central podium in the council chamber, feeling the gaze of dozens of eyes upon him. He had never faced such a solemn occasion before, but strangely, he felt no fear, only a peculiar calmness. Perhaps it was the connection with the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree that gave him strength, or perhaps it was knowing he stood on the right side of history.
"Serra's son," the council chief, Great Floating Brahma Morian, began. He was an elderly Leaf Dweller, his face stern yet tinged with fatigue. "Your actions have already broken the balance of the Spirit Branch Tree world that has lasted for thousands of years. The council demands you explain your intentions."
Orlen looked around, seeing Calmur, Ms. Adelle, and Talia standing in the visitor's area. Their eyes conveyed encouragement and support. The two Gu Tribe guards had been required to remain outside the hall, which was not surprising.
"Respected Great Floating Brahma, esteemed councilors," Orlen began, his voice steadier than he had anticipated. "My actions were not to break balance, but to restore true balance. The so-called 'balance' of the Spirit Branch Tree world for so long has actually been an illusion built on inequality and oppression."
A wave of dissatisfied murmurs spread across the council seats, but Orlen continued:
"The growth of the second Spirit Branch Tree is not a threat, but an inevitable result of the Spirit Branch Tree's own evolution. It is not a foreign species, but a sprout nurtured by the Spirit Branch Tree itself. Its appearance is readjusting energy distribution, allowing each region, each species to fairly share the Spirit Branch Tree's bounty."
"Fair?" A councilor dressed in an elaborate robe stood up, his voice filled with sarcasm. "Your so-called 'fairness' is weakening the energy supply to the upper layers! Our Spirit-Drawing Towers' efficiency has decreased by twenty percent! At this rate, the prosperity of the upper layers will cease to exist!"
Talia stepped forward: "Councilor, according to my observations, the upper layer energy supply has not decreased, but transformed in form. The energy provided by the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree is purer, more efficient. Your Spirit-Drawing Towers need to be adjusted to adapt to this new energy, rather than reject it."
"More importantly," Orlen added, "living conditions in the Root Layer and middle layer regions are significantly improving. Darkened State Residents are beginning to produce photosynthetic reactions, meaning they no longer rely entirely on the upper layers' mercy to survive. This benefits the entire Spirit Branch Tree world."
Great Floating Brahma Morian pondered for a moment: "Young man, you say these changes are good, but such dramatic shifts inevitably bring risks. If the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree continues to grow, competing with the original Spirit Branch Tree for resources, what will ultimately happen? Can the two Spirit Branch Trees coexist?"
This was a key question, one Orlen himself had been contemplating. He touched the amber pendant on his chest, feeling a warm energy flow in, as if his mother was giving him guidance.
"Great Floating Brahma, the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree and the original Spirit Branch Tree are not in competition, but in a symbiotic relationship. They have already established an energy exchange network, just like—" Orlen searched for an appropriate metaphor. "Just like a tree growing a new branch, not to divert nutrients, but to better collect sunlight and rain, ultimately making the whole stronger."
At this moment, the council chamber's grand doors suddenly opened, and an elderly Darkened State Resident wearing the distinctive deep brown robes of the Root Layer entered. The entire council chamber immediately erupted in a buzz of surprise—Root Layer residents had never been allowed to enter the upper council.
"Elder Eliel!" Calmur exclaimed softly in surprise.
Eliel walked to Orlen's side, calmly facing the council: "Distinguished upper layer nobility, my appearance may surprise you, but the birth of the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree has changed everything. I come today to demonstrate the transformation brought by the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree."
He slowly raised both hands, palms up. To everyone's astonishment, his palms began to emit a soft green light—the unmistakable sign of Leaf Dweller photosynthesis, previously unprecedented among Darkened State Residents.
"Every corner of the Root Layer is changing," Eliel explained. "We are beginning to directly absorb and transform the Spirit Branch Tree's light energy, no longer completely dependent on decomposed matter. This is not coincidental; it is the result of the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's rebalancing."
The council chamber erupted in commotion. This physiological change far exceeded anyone's expectations.
"Furthermore," Eliel continued, "the Gu Tribe's invasion has completely stopped. Leaf States previously occupied by the Gu Tribe are regaining vitality. The juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's energy network seems to be suppressing all destructive behavior, promoting cooperation and symbiosis."
Great Floating Brahma Morian fell into deep thought. As council chief, he needed to choose between conservatism and transformation. Finally, he slowly stood up:
"Serra's son, you and your mother have opened a door we never imagined. Change has begun and cannot be reversed. The council will not obstruct the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's growth, but we need to monitor its impact, ensuring the stability of the Spirit Branch Tree world."
"This is a wise decision, Great Floating Brahma," Orlen respectfully nodded. "I suggest establishing a joint committee with representatives from all regions to jointly study and guide these changes. Including upper layers, middle layers, Root Layer, and even Gu Tribe representatives."
Another wave of commotion swept across the council seats. The idea of equal dialogue with the Gu Tribe was still difficult for many upper layer residents to accept.
"This is too radical!" an elderly councilor protested.
"No, it is necessary," surprisingly, Morian supported Orlen's proposal. "If we are to adapt to the new reality, we must put aside old prejudices. A joint committee is a good idea."
He surveyed the entire chamber: "I propose we vote. Those in favor of establishing a joint committee and recognizing the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree as a legitimate component of the Spirit Branch Tree ecosystem, please raise your hand."
Initially, only a few hands were raised, most councilors hesitant. But when Talia and several influential Floating Brahmas raised their hands, more people joined. Eventually, more than half the councilors indicated their approval.
"The motion passes," Morian announced. "The joint committee will be formed within three days. Serra's son, you will participate as the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree's spokesperson."
This decision marked a historic turning point in the Spirit Branch Tree world. Orlen felt a deep sense of satisfaction; his mother's vision was gradually being realized.
After the council adjourned, Orlen and his companions walked out of the council chamber, standing on a viewing platform in the upper layer. From here, they could overlook the vast landscape of the Spirit Branch Tree—dozens of Leaf States gently swaying in the breeze, while in the distant Heart Axis location, the amber light of the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree was clearly visible, like a beacon in the night.
"You've done it, Orlen," Ms. Adelle said proudly. "You not only planted the second Spirit Branch Tree but sowed the seeds of reconciliation and equality."
"This is just the beginning," Orlen gazed at the distant juvenile Spirit Branch Tree. "Changing power structures takes time; deeply rooted prejudices won't disappear overnight. But we've taken the first step."
"And a crucial step," Eliel added. "Now, everyone can see different possibilities."
Calmur stood nearby, tears glistening in his eyes: "Serra would be proud of you, Orlen. Her sacrifice wasn't in vain."
Orlen touched the amber pendant, feeling a faint but definite pulse of energy, as if it were his mother's response.
"What do you plan to do next?" Talia asked.
"I need to return to the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree," Orlen said firmly. "There's still much work to do—helping it grow, studying its abilities, guiding it to establish a deeper connection with the original Spirit Branch Tree. At the same time, I want to explore the entire Spirit Branch Tree world, witnessing the changes firsthand, and helping people adapt to the new reality."
He looked to the distance, imagining a world no longer divided by class and prejudice, a future where all life could equally share the Spirit Branch Tree's bounty.
"It's a long road," he said softly, "but worth traveling."
The last ray of the setting sun fell upon them, while at the Heart Axis, the light of the juvenile Spirit Branch Tree grew brighter, as if responding to this promise. The Spirit Branch Tree world stood at the beginning of a new era, and Orlen, the bridge connecting two worlds, would lead this peaceful revolution, completing the great work his mother had begun.