Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
Chapter 327: Hermit Forest (1)
Lori’s refusal was expected, and Elven Empress Alice did not press further. She took a deep look at Lori, her heart almost certain that Lori had a significant connection with an Elven Arch-god, possibly even a vessel for the deity. Alice did not know how Lori managed to share a body with a god but decided it was best to keep such matters to herself. The thoughts of a god were not something she could easily fathom. The elf race was already in a precarious position; if they angered a god and were abandoned entirely, their extinction would be imminent.
The Life Tree had recovered, and the output of the Life Spring had increased significantly. What was once a trickle now had a “gurgling” sound. Elven Empress Alice felt a surge of renewed hope. Regardless of the circumstances, the elf race’s greatest challenge—the depletion of the Life Spring—had been temporarily resolved by an unforeseen turn of events. Had Lori not treated the mischievous dragon’s forehead earlier, Alice might not have noticed the life force emanating from Lori.
“Hand her over to me for now,” the Elven Empress said, pointing to the Life Tree Spirit. She had no intention of denying anything but wanted to do something for the Life Tree Spirit in her final moments before she left the Emerald Forest. Lori looked at Xi Wei for confirmation. Seeing him nod, she carefully handed the Life Tree Spirit, held by both hands, to the Elven Empress.
The Elven Empress gazed lovingly at the frail Life Tree Spirit with a hint of apology in her eyes. It was true that they, the elves, had failed to protect her, and no excuse could change that fact. She channeled her magic power, her robe billowing without wind, and a soft green aura emanated from her scepter. The scepter floated in mid-air, hovering beside her, and with a gentle wave, a rustling sound emerged from the grass and trees.
A beautiful rosebush grew at the Elven Empress’s feet, stopping at a height that reached her hand. A single, exquisite rose bloomed there, its petals crystal clear and as rosy as a maiden’s lips. The Elven Empress took a deep breath and gently placed the Life Tree Spirit’s small body into the center of the rose, her gaze filled with reluctance. The rose petals then softly closed, protecting the Life Tree Spirit within its heart.
“This is my companion summon, a main branch of a legendary-grade Rose spirit. It will not grow further after use. If used as material, it can enhance an elf’s understanding of the laws of nature. I will use it now to protect the Life Tree Spirit. It can withstand one Legendary-grade attack, and attacks below Legendary-grade will have almost no effect on it,” Alice explained as she gently plucked the rose.
A faint starlight scattered. The moment it was plucked, the entire rosebush withered rapidly, as if completely devoid of life, eventually turning into dry plant matter and merging with the soil. Afterwards, Alice untied a ribbon from her hair, pierced a hole in the rosebud, and threaded the ribbon through it, creating a necklace-like adornment. She solemnly handed the rose necklace to Lori, her expression serious, and instructed, “Then, the Life Tree Spirit is entrusted to your care. Please protect her well. If anything happens to the Life Tree Spirit, even at the risk of incurring the wrath of the God of Contracts, I will lead the entire elf race to wage war against your human race!”
“Please rest assured,” Lori replied, accepting the rose necklace and nodding solemnly to Empress Alice, promising, “As long as I am alive, the Life Tree Spirit will remain safe.” Empress Alice nodded slightly, her stern gaze shifting to Xi Wei. “I will protect her as well.” Seeing Xi Wei’s assurance, Empress Alice finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had heard of the deeds of the King of Winter and knew that entrusting the Life Tree Spirit to anyone else would be impossible. However, she could place some trust in the King of Winter, who showed so much consideration for demi-humans.
“Then, take this Star Dew Holy Judgment Sword with you as well. Remember to return it after you are finished…” Empress Alice retrieved the Star Dew Holy Judgment Sword that had been hovering above the Life Tree. The golden light gradually receded, revealing the sword’s true appearance: an unsharpened dark gold longsword. Ancient elvish script was inscribed on the blade. In the dim light, these inscriptions shimmered like a rippling water surface, appearing quite mystical. Xi Wei had never used it before, so he was unsure how to activate this peculiar sword, rumored to be a powerful weapon.
After handing the longsword to Xi Wei, Empress Alice seemed to recall something and quickly reminded him, “Oh, right, did I tell you that the Star Dew Holy Judgment Sword requires at least fifty adult Unicorns to activate?”
“You mentioned it, but you didn’t specify how many,” Xi Wei replied, storing the Star Dew Holy Judgment Sword in his Space Ring. At this moment, Lori handed him the rose encasing the Life Tree Spirit. A stream of system notifications appeared, dazzling him, but his attention was focused on the ongoing conversation with the Elven Empress.
“Is that so…” Empress Alice tiredly rubbed her temples. She had been exhausted lately, often forgetting things she had said moments before, requiring the Elf Elders to remind her frequently. Looking at the King of Winter, who was ready to depart, and the two young girls beside him, she kindly advised, “The matter of the Unicorns is up to you. Although the Unicorns still reside in the Emerald Forest, they have actually become separate from the elves. Their entire herd is in the Hermit Forest and hasn’t been seen for hundreds of years. Even if an elf actively seeks them out, they will be unceremoniously expelled. They have quite bad tempers, especially towards men.” Empress Alice emphasized the word “men” as she spoke to Xi Wei.
“Thank you for the reminder. I will be careful,” Xi Wei nodded.
“Then, you may depart. I will have the fireflies guide you to the Hermit Forest… Good luck…” With that, Empress Alice’s figure gradually faded, dissolving into a blossom-scented breeze that dispersed into the forest and vanished.
Where she had stood, a group of fireflies began to form a shimmering river of light. Xi Wei withdrew his gaze and turned it to the steadily flowing Life Spring. The water gurgled and spilled over the edge, forming a clear pool on the ground.
“The Elven Empress is just gone like that…” Xi Wei stroked his stubbled chin, contemplating. “It seems like a waste to let the Life Spring just flow onto the ground like this. Since Lori is confident about the Unicorns, maybe I should collect a few tons of water before we leave?” A gust of wind swept through the forest, and two leaves slapped Xi Wei’s face, eliciting a string of curses from him. Lori and Connie, the two little lolis, let out bell-like giggles.
At the elven stone gate, Empress Alice’s figure reappeared amidst a fragrant breeze. A smile touched her cool, pretty face as she turned and gradually disappeared into the depths of the forest.
Heh heh heh.
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