The others followed suit, each taking out their own tokens.
As soon as the tokens were revealed, a subtle change occurred.
HUMMM
A faint wave of energy spread outward from them, almost imperceptible, yet undeniably present. It moved through the forest like a whisper, flowing along the roots and branches, carried by the very life of the trees.
Then…
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even the wind seemed to halt.
Not a single leaf moved.
Not a single sound remained.
Meng Bai held his breath unconsciously, feeling as though the entire forest was watching them.
Seconds passed.
Then—
A response.
SHUA
From deep within the forest, a second wave of energy emerged. It was far stronger, far more ancient, and carried an undeniable authority. It surged forward, meeting the energy from their tokens.
The moment the two forces touched, the tokens in their hands began to glow.
Acknowledgment.
Permission.
And then… The forest changed.
