They are as Da Wu described, generally older in age, with the youngest looking to be forty or fifty years old. Both men and women are present, wearing distinctive clothing.
Someone couldn't hold back and shouted, "Elder Qing Liu! Who is the young man you've brought?"
"Him? He's the one you've been talking about for a while!"
The elderly man named Qing Liu snorted, appearing somewhat eccentric and unwilling to respond properly.
However, the Meteor People seemed accustomed to it, some guessing who Baimu was, while others focused their attention on Baimu, hoping he would introduce himself.
"Sorry to intrude, I am Baimu."
The Meteor People who got the response were in an uproar.
"He's the one lost outside!"
"First time in a hundred years!"
"I heard there was a branch developing in the Ore Region? Honestly, I've never even heard of this region before…"
"Quick, inform the elder—"
Elder Qing Liu saw these people over fifty years old getting more anxious and was somewhat exasperated. He turned to Baimu and said, "Come on! Don't mind them! We'll go directly to the Dragon Temple to find the elder."
The Dragon Temple, Dragon Shrine, similar to ancestral halls of some clans in past lives, is a very important place for the Meteor People.
Outsiders are definitely not allowed to enter.
Hearing that he was about to be taken there, Baimu was a bit nervous. He feared that, despite swearing he was a Meteor Person, once inside the means would prove otherwise, leading to conflict.
That would be truly unjust for him.
Elder Qing Liu saw him looking nervous and merely thought it was the anxiety of nearing home. He smiled warmly, patting his hand, "Relax, the elder is very approachable, and everyone is welcoming you. This is your homeland! The resting place of your ancestors!"
"Ah... Mm..."
Baimu nodded.
Behind him, Mawile slowly followed, its gaze sweeping over the Dragon-type Pokémon around, basically confirming one thing—
These folks indeed seem a bit dull-minded.
Are dragons that keep bumping into each other for no reason actually normal dragons?
If you say it's training, that might be understandable, but they bring no Attribute energy, bump once and don't bump again—what kind of training is this?
Also, this one.
Mawile silently glanced at the Bagon following it eagerly. The latter had made faces at Mawile's jaws more than once; probably among them, its brain is the least functioning.
Even Hydreigon wouldn't act like this!
Mawile suddenly felt that Hydreigon is truly a valuable being... Should it cherish it a bit more than usual?
It began to reflect in silence.
Soon.
Led by Elder Qing Liu, Baimu arrived at the Dragon Temple, which embodied an ancient and majestic aura. It stood there quietly like a temple, invoking a sense of reverence in his heart.
Baimu himself wasn't sure why this was, but oddly felt he should remain respectful at this place.
"Ha, it seems you've also felt the dragon's aura! You've become a qualified Meteor Person!" Elder Qing Liu's excited voice echoed.
But before he could respond, an equally aged yet dignified female voice emerged.
"Failing to show steadiness in front of the younger generation, Qing Liu, your complaints of the children's lack of respect are purely brought upon yourself!"
Baimu and Qing Liu turned their heads, immediately spotting an elderly woman with gray hair tied with ribbons, dressed in a windproof cloak, adorned with petal-like patterns below her neck.
Her height was fairly normal, but she exuded a dignified aura, appearing highly revered.
"Humph! I do as I please!"
Elder Qing Liu mumbled dismissively, slightly bowing to show respect, and proudly said, "Elder, look who I've brought!"
"I know."
The Dragon Elder casually responded and then softened her gaze, looking at Baimu who politely greeted her, becoming incredibly kind, "Child, come over and let me have a look at you."
Baimu slowly approached, and the Dragon Elder extended a slightly pale hand from under her cloak, gently caressing his face and smiling, "Truly reminiscent… You bear an uncanny resemblance to your uncle, as if molded from the same frame."
"Uncle…?"
"Yes, Uncle Long He—your ancestor was once the most dazzling Dragon Tamer of the young generation at Meteor Falls, left when I was still very young and never returned. Didn't expect he went to the Ore Region…"
Speaking of this, the Dragon Elder inevitably felt a bit saddened.
After all, the uncle she mentioned, Long He, was already buried in a foreign land, with no trace of his remains found, and the descendants of the past acquaintance had fallen into insignificance, nearly cutting off the heritage.
"Returning is good, it's good to be back."
The Dragon Elder gently patted Baimu's shoulder, her tone full of comfort, "It's a pity I don't know whether Uncle Long He was your great-grandfather or grandfather."
"…"
Baimu simply nodded without speaking.
At this moment, he was full of gratitude, glad there wasn't some melodramatic scenario. The Meteor People were quite reliable, truly bringing out his ancestor.
However.
"Elder, I have something to report to you." Baimu didn't forget the main purpose of his visit. Seeing the elder's expression of attentive listening, he immediately shared about Rocket Team possibly searching for the Super Stone Mine near Meteor Falls.
The elder pondered for a moment upon hearing this and then turned aside, saying, "Since everyone is here, let's discuss this matter together."