Earth Metaverse 10 years, October 1 ,2031 AD.
Today is National Day.
Early in the morning, golden sunlight bathed the earth, its warm glow dispelling the lingering chill of mid-autumn and casting a soft halo over Sunzen City.
As was typical during holidays, the usually bustling city had emptied out, with many residents traveling. The streets, now quiet and nearly deserted, seemed to be in a rare state of tranquility.
The silence was soon interrupted by the ringing of a bicycle bell. Shawn, Lindsay, and a few of their classmates were riding down the wide road, enjoying the rare, unobstructed path ahead. Their mood mirrored the autumn sky—clear and carefree.
Their destination was Yi Yuan Villa, the meeting place for the Meta Origin Society, nestled at the foot of Yu'an Mountain.
Leaving the city behind, they were greeted by the majestic silhouette of Yu'an Mountain—its peaks layered like a silent giant, standing guard over the land. This mountain, along with Biji Mountain, Golden Horse Mountain, and Long Worm Mountain, was known as one of Sunzen's four sacred peaks, revered since ancient times.
Shawn and his friends soon reached Wangcheng Slope at the mountain's base. The path ahead was notorious for its steep inclines, sharp curves, and long, winding slopes. It was too treacherous to continue cycling, so they dismounted and began pushing their bikes uphill.
Though the climb was challenging, the surrounding tranquility, dense woodlands, and occasional birdsong provided a refreshing contrast to their growing fatigue.
"You guys know, Yu'an Mountain isn't just about scenic beauty—it's a cultural and historical treasure," Lindsay remarked, assuming the role of tour guide with a hint of local pride.
"Yeah, I looked it up," a bespectacled student chimed in, catching his breath. "This mountain has attracted many notable figures, including Xu Xiake. Even the Tang Dynasty poet-monk Daonan wrote about it." He pulled out his phone and read a seven-character verse aloud:
'The pines sing like jade chimes in heavenly resonance,
Ten thousand things shall forever guard this mountain...'
The group paused for a moment, listening. Hearing the ancient poem deepened their appreciation for the mountain's legacy.
After a brief rest, they pressed on.
Reaching the top of Wangcheng Slope, the road leveled out. They had barely mounted their bikes, eager to pick up speed, when they spotted an ancient temple hidden among the lush greenery.
"This is Qingzhu Temple," Lindsay said, pointing ahead, his voice carrying a note of reverence. "It's known as the 'First Temple of Zen in China.' Legend has it that it was built during the Nanzhao period and has stood for nearly a thousand years."
Shawn gazed at the temple's solemn façade. The curved eaves shimmered in the morning light, whispering silent stories of centuries past. Watching the steady stream of visitors entering to burn incense, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
"So many people come to pray this early?" he murmured. "We should visit sometime."
"Yes, the incense offerings here have always been abundant. On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, as well as holidays, it's packed with worshipers," Lindsay explained. "Both Qingzhu Temple and Yi Yuan Villa are landmarks of Yu'an Mountain. Many of the monks here are well-versed in the history of Yi Yuan Villa. It's said that the two places share a deep connection."
"Yi Yuan Villa… Qingzhu Temple…" Shawn's mind flashed back to something Kent had mentioned—Ranzi often spent entire days at Qingzhu Temple. A thought struck him. "Do these places have anything to do with the Meta Origin Society?"
Lindsay hesitated, then admitted, "I'm not sure. But I do know that Yi Yuan Villa has become a cultural hotspot. Not only is it a popular filming location for Netflix productions, but it also hosts frequent cultural events. The Meta Origin Society seems to have a strong presence there. According to my mom, my grandmother used to visit often..." His voice suddenly faltered, a shadow passing over his face. "It's also near the place where my parents accidentally consumed poisonous fungi…"
The air grew heavy.
Sensing the shift in mood, the bespectacled student quickly suggested, "We still have time before the meeting. Should we stop by Qingzhu Temple to offer some incense?"
Shawn shook his head firmly. "Let's find another time. We need to get to the venue and help set up."
With that, the group continued toward Yi Yuan Villa.
As they passed Qingzhu Temple, the road sloped downward. Rounding a bend, their view opened up—revealing an elegant manor nestled within rolling green hills, shrouded in mist. The villa exuded an air of timeless mystery, as though it had been draped in a veil of ancient wisdom.
They rode up to the entrance, parked their bikes, and took in the sight before them.
Lindsay sighed softly. "Yi Yuan Villa has stood for nearly a thousand years. Though it's been restored several times, its ancient charm remains intact."
Her words carried a weight beyond their simplicity, as if distilling centuries into a single breath. The group fell silent, gazing at the villa with newfound reverence.
The main gate was set in the middle of an old street-side building. Above it, bold calligraphy proclaimed: Yi Yuan Villa—the strokes powerful and enduring, imbued with an air of mystery, as if weathering time itself had only deepened its significance.
In front of the gate, a trillium flower bloomed, its deep purple petals swaying in the wind, as though extending a delicate hand in welcome.
Shawn's eyes lingered on the manor, his curiosity growing. "Such a remarkable place… What was it originally used for?"
Lindsay smiled knowingly. "Originally, this manor was a sacred site where the Bai and Yi tribes held their seasonal ceremonies. Legend has it that for generations, Sunzen kings had a tradition—after offering incense at Qingzhu Temple, they would come here to sip tea and rest.. Over time, the villa became synonymous with refined gatherings, drawing dignitaries and intellectuals alike. Even today, provincial and municipal leaders occasionally visit, as if hoping to absorb its auspicious energy."
Shawn listened intently, his gaze drifting back to the bold characters on the gate. A thought surfaced:
Why did the Meta Origin Society choose Yi Yuan Villa as its gathering place? Could its name hold some hidden connection to Meta-I Ching?
Stepping through the entrance, they found themselves in a meticulously designed courtyard. The villa's architecture, square and symmetrical, gave it a serene, balanced beauty—like a perfectly carved seal.
Unlike traditional courtyard homes, Yi Yuan Villa featured a spacious atrium, now set up as the meeting venue. The arrangement was understated yet dignified:
At the front, a large electronic screen stood beside a microphone stand. Rows of wooden chairs lined the space, each labeled with the name of a different Meta Origin Society chapter. Near the entrance, posters displayed key information: Conference Agenda, Venue Guidelines, and Meeting Services.
Guests arrived in small groups, holding bottles of Yi Yuan Spring—a local mineral water so clear it seemed to reflect the villa's deep-rooted history.
The atmosphere buzzed with quiet excitement, murmurs and laughter weaving together.
Nearby, an older scholar addressed a group of young attendees. His voice was calm yet firm, carrying the weight of history.
"Yi Yuan Villa is more than a meeting place for the Meta Origin Society—it is a symbol," he said. "For centuries, scholars of the I Ching have gathered here to discuss the laws of the universe, refining and expanding the principles of Meta Origin Culture before spreading them far and wide."
His words, steady as an ancient zither, commanded respect. The young listeners nodded, their eyes shining with admiration.
Shawn absorbed every word, but his thoughts were a whirlwind. He glanced at the towering pines and ancient roof tiles, piecing together the puzzle—the mystical presence of Yu'an Mountain, the solemnity of Qingzhu Temple, the enigmatic depth of Yi Yuan Villa. A thread connected them all… but what?
Narrowing his eyes, he murmured to Lindsay, "Maybe the true secret of Yi Yuan Villa isn't in its history, but in whether we can truly grasp the essence of 'I Ching.'"
Lindsay's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Perhaps. But at the very least, all of this has deepened my understanding of the Meta Origin Society—and my respect for Yi Yuan Villa."
Just then, a commanding voice filled the air.
Kent, Secretary-General of the Meta Origin Society, stepped onto the stage.
"Welcome, Meta-friends! Today, we gather to honor our past and explore the future—how Meta Origin Culture can evolve and thrive in modern society."
The room fell silent.
Shawn's heart pounded. Was this conference truly about the future of Meta Origin Culture? His gaze shifted to the stage—where soon, Ranzi would deliver his keynote speech.
What would he reveal?