"Elder! A light pillar! A light pillar has appeared near the beehive!" the Martial Artist standing atop the tree canopy shouted down at Zhou Zixing, who was waiting below.
"Good. Understood." Zhou Zixing responded calmly, then turned to Ouyang Nan beside him. "I'll go support Elder Qian. Keep a close watch on your side. If you spot a light pillar, set out immediately to support us. If you don't see one, watch the front of the passage. When we return, we'll release a light signal."
Ouyang Nan's Defense Pod was positioned inside the passage. If Zhou Zixing returned after supporting Qian Ying and the two Defense Pods met inside, the passage would naturally become blocked. That was why Zhou Zixing reminded him to watch for light in the passage. As soon as he saw it, Ouyang Nan could withdraw, ensuring the shrub passage remained clear.
If another pillar of light rose near the beehive, Ouyang Nan would have to lead the team there to provide support. That had been the rule from the start.
"Yes, Elder Zhou. I'll be careful," Ouyang Nan replied.
Zhou Zixing did not delay any longer. He climbed directly into the second Defense Pod and directed the people inside to push it, gradually accelerating toward the beehive.
Ouyang Nan gave the Martial Artist still in the tree canopy a reminder to stay alert. Then he looked toward the distant end of the passage, hoping everyone would return safely from this trip. Most importantly, he hoped his nephew-in-law would return safely.
Standing in the dark passage, Ouyang Nan felt, for the first time, as though he had returned to the family Old House, with nothing to worry about—just eating and drinking well, then sitting in his favorite lounge chair and staring blankly at the sunset.
Sigh. Perhaps