In the mountains, the years passed without trace, and the cold's end did not mark the passing seasons. Xiao Guang moved back and forth amidst the misty forest, tirelessly searching. Like a bee, he often honed in on specific areas, gradually narrowing his radius in patient circles of exploration. He also sought out places that seemed to emit signals, only to find them dissolve into mist upon closer inspection. He had dashed towards areas with unwavering confidence, only to return empty-handed. He listened closely to the whispers of animals and insects, observed every possible corner fit for habitation, and hunted for any fragment of information left behind by a civilization's wisdom, all in the pursuit of finding one lost individual.
During this time, Xiao Guang gained a deeper understanding of insects, birds, and beasts. He was no longer afraid of his small stature. On the contrary, due to his size, rodents he encountered didn't view him as prey, and birds paid him no mind. Xiao Guang, who held the secrets of life, now roamed the forest alone, harnessing the power of insects.
Xiao Guang could now manipulate various insects with great skill. This technique was difficult to understand and even harder to convey. Tapping and knocking in specific patterns, insects followed only his lead, disregarding everyone else. He tried demonstrating this to Old Wei and the remaining members of the group, but they struggled to make insects obedient or even to halt their movement. In light of this, Xiao Guang had someone document the control process and brought it to Old Jin for analysis, yet even Old Jin couldn't unravel its intricacies. For the later stages, Xiao Guang simply needed to focus his mind to communicate with individual insects. Others found this almost magical.
Old Jin's affection for Xiao Guang had grown immensely. He frequently had people bring books to Xiao Guang, all written during his spare moments. The Northwest Base had found its rhythm; the scientific teams had developed flax-based recording tools to replace paper, and as long as the devices didn't require metal components, the base could produce them.
Xiao Guang had gradually brought back numerous people over time—groups and individuals alike. All these people were brought to Old Wei's camp, and from there, they decided where to go next. Each of the three bases had its own unique characteristics. The outpost led by Old Wei resembled a large inn, with honeycomb-like rooms always ready to welcome returnees. Its permanent residents had expanded to several hundred. The Northwest Base thrived, constantly producing and manufacturing. The base to the east felt more like an idyllic countryside, a place of tranquility and, at times, melancholy. Most were bereaved, their hearts unable to heal. They sought refuge within the estate, in quiet solace, letting time gradually mend their wounds.
With the return of some military personnel, the number of patrol teams had increased, moving between the three bases. Insect threats along their routes were no more; the biologists' deadly concoctions had eradicated them thoroughly. Moreover, numerous traps had been set up around the periphery, forming the first line of defense against larger animals, effectively preventing their intrusion. In their own words, even if wild rats returned, they'd likely be stung back halfway by poisoned needles. However, wild rats were scarce in the vicinity, mainly inhabiting the higher northern mountain areas.
Much had transpired during this period—Zhenzi and her brother Xu Dekai, along with her dear friend Liu Ying, Liu Moran's sister, and Old Wei's son Wei Youran, had all gone to the Northwest Main Base. Old Wei remained with a group of volunteers and became the caretaker of this cavern reception station. Initially, those who returned would stay here for a few days before heading to the Northwest Main Base to find their loved ones. A few, after facing disappointment, chose to stay at the outpost or, after a period, to move to the idyllic eastern base.
On this night, Xiao Guang sat perched upon a tree branch, nibbling on roasted bird eggs while sipping fruit juice, his gaze skimming over the pages of Old Jin's book. The moonlight illuminated the surroundings, and in the span of a year, Xiao Guang had matured significantly. Much delight had been gleaned from the various volumes Old Jin had written specifically for him. Nearly every time he returned to the cave, he would receive books brought by Old Jin's messengers, a gesture that deeply touched him. Old Jin never forgot his studies, and from the amalgamation of knowledge within these pages, it had become fascinating indeed. One could imagine that Old Jin spent hours crafting each day's lessons.
As a result, Xiao Guang approached his studies diligently, conscientiously answering the questions at the end of each book. Simultaneously, he posed numerous queries, anticipating Old Jin's forthcoming explanations.
Old Jin's books were tailored entirely for Xiao Guang. They no longer contained foundational knowledge or superfluous information, such as learning English or politics, law, and world history. Instead, the content revolved around practical subjects like biology, medicine, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and mechanics—knowledge that was most pertinent at the present time.
"In books lies a house of gold, in books lies a beauty like jade! Though you and I are worlds apart now, perhaps as I read on, I'll acquire the assets to match you."
Seated between the trees, Xiao Guang enjoyed his studies. While Old Wei's cave was indeed comfortable, and the people there were exceedingly friendly, Xiao Guang preferred this place. This was the cave where he had first stayed with Jun Ya and her father. Inside, there were everyday essentials packed by Jun Ya, and outside the cave was a series of five crooked characters he had carved: "Jun Ya's Treasure Trove!"
Every sight became a memory, every thought a reflection of the past, every gaze cast upon the remnants of regrets. Meeting you was my greatest fortune, and for the rest of my life, it will be you. Everyone hinted that we were not meant to be, that I shouldn't be obstinate. But for someone who has taken root in my heart, how can I simply let go?
The first time Xiao Guang succeeded in controlling a beetle, excitement coursed through him. This ability greatly expanded his range of movement and speed. The sensation of flying through the air made him realize that the forest was no longer an obstacle. Subsequently, he effortlessly returned to the tree hollow he had inhabited before.
Everything he had used was still in place, and he hadn't opened the sealed packages. During the day, he searched for survivors and explored the world. At night, he returned here to rest, studying under the moon's glow. When he grew tired of reading, he would organize and tidy up the tree hollow. Days turned into weeks, and eventually the tree hollow was meticulously arranged. Lantern houses woven from leaves adorned the perimeter, and fences crafted from branches had been erected. Over time, various materials were found and used for embellishment. With Xiao Guang's ability to control insects, he commanded them with ease, guiding them to complete tasks that would be otherwise impossible for human hands. Day by day, with the simple tree hollow as its core, the place underwent the master's transformation, evolving into a sturdy and beautiful airborne garden.
There was a pool of dew for swimming, a washing area, a cozy dining room, comfortable bedrooms, and windowsills perfect for gazing at the moon. Carefully arranged furniture and even a closet brimming with clothing were all present, making this sanctuary truly his own.
At this moment, Xiao Guang found himself alone amidst the trees, studying with contentment within the aerial garden atop the jungle canopy. On the desk lay books written by his teacher, while nearby, a lethargic beetle rested nonchalantly. The well-fed and watered beetle lay sprawled nearby, on the verge of dozing off. It didn't even know why it enjoyed being around this human. Sometimes, liking something just came naturally, without the need for reasons.
The knowledge Xiao Guang gained from the books he received this time was different from before. Within these pages, Old Jin introduced Xiao Guang to the origins, development, and transformation of civilization. From discussions about monarchs to texts like the "Shang Jun Shu," from the characteristics of empires to the essence of republics, they explored the fundamental nature of humanity and analyzed the relationship between closed societies, civilization, and technology. The text pondered the progression from primitive societies to modern ones, the formation and evolution of systems, and posed two key questions: What is the foundation for the survival of empires and autocracies? Do modern, highly educated societies tend to foster autocracy, or is it the primitive societies that are more predisposed? How long does the transition from republic to dictatorship take?
As Xiao Guang read this part, he contemplated deeply. He sensed that Old Jin hadn't disclosed everything explicitly. This wasn't just a book; it felt more like a letter, an exchange of thoughts. Moreover, these few pages had been handed over to Old Wei separately by a military officer who had come along with a patrol, not bundled with the rest of the supplies brought by the team.
Tomorrow, Xiao Guang was planning to make a trip back to Old Wei's side to replenish his equipment before setting off for a distant place—the rumored tidal flat—to search there. So, at this moment, Xiao Guang closed the book and prepared to sleep early. Yet, at this very moment, he noticed that the cover of the book seemed to be slightly open, revealing a piece of paper nestled within.
Xiao Guang began reading the contents, which included a passage that caught his attention:
"To dismantle a group, simply remove the backbone and courage of men, and strip women of their integrity and kindness, fostering an atmosphere of moral decay."
"I lack evidence, but my intuition tells me that crisis is imminent, and the base needs you!"