Chapter 338: Chapter 337: The Gradually Chaotic Forest (V)
Chapter 338: Chapter 337: The Gradually Chaotic Forest (V)
Afterwards, Katie went silent, perhaps overwhelmed by Fang Zheng’s “life motto,” as it was the first time she had ventured out of her home. She had found a spot to be alone with her thoughts. Meanwhile, Fina also appeared to be deep in thought, silently grasping her scepter as she sat by the stream, quietly watching the flowing river.
Only Nymph, Hailien, and the Astrologer maid remained busy taking care of the elves. Fang Zheng had also inquired whether Nymph could heal the elves’ emotional wounds by blocking their memories, as she had done in the forest for the Mage. However, Nymph hesitated and told him that forcefully altering and changing people’s mental memories could lead to uncontrollable consequences, so Fang Zheng ultimately had to give up on the idea.
Luckily, it wasn’t long before the Elf Village residents organized a rescue team when the patrol hadn’t returned, and upon seeing the signal from the elf maidens, they rendezvoused with Fang Zheng and his group. And now…
“I have learned everything from my kin, thank you for your help, outsider.”
An elf, wearing a green leather armor and cloak and carrying a longbow, agilely leaped from a tree branch and landed steadily in front of Fang Zheng, then respectfully performed an elf’s greeting to him.
“Although that child did not describe in detail what happened to our kin, we have learned of their plight from the whispers of the wind. Thank you for avenging them, and for rescuing them from their dire fate.”
“No need to be so formal.”
Looking at the elf in front of him, who appeared only a year or two older than himself but spoke with the seasoned tone of a wise sage who had weathered many storms, Fang Zheng responded with a wry smile.
“I am a Paladin after all, and I would intervene when I see injustice.”
Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s reply, the elf blinked curiously and scrutinized Fang Zheng’s attire—indeed, his clothes were far from a Paladin’s.
“Nevertheless, you and your companions saved our kindred. We will not be ungrateful. Please join us in heading to the village, and let us—at the very least—treat you as a gesture of our gratitude.”
Facing the elf, Fang Zheng hesitated. Although he could guess that the elf was likely ten times his age, he cautiously chose his words.
“Perhaps you have already been informed by your companions, but I and my party are here for the Order Alliance’s assessment task. Our destination is the Peak of Ice and Snow. We do not intend to linger long in the Forest of Life and disturb you. Moreover, given the tragic events that have befallen your people, it may seem inappropriate to expect your hospitality.”
“Nevertheless, they survived.”
Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s reply, the elf captain looked at him more tenderly.
“Although several of my kin have returned to our Mother Nature for eternal rest, most have survived and did not despair under the vile abuse of those horrendous creatures. It will be difficult for them hereafter, but I believe my kin will overcome all this, as long as there is life, there is hope.”
At this point, the Elf Captain paused, then glanced at the other people behind Fang Zheng.
“Thus, you are our benefactors, and we will not be ungrateful. Moreover, it is already the afternoon, and it would be dangerous to enter the Peak of Ice and Snow at this hour. And, as residents here, although we spend most of our time in the forest, we are more familiar with the conditions of the Peak of Ice and Snow than outsiders. Perhaps, we could still be of some help to you.”
“Since that is the case, I shall graciously accept your offer.”
Now that the Elf Captain had spoken so compellingly, Fang Zheng naturally would not refuse further. Moreover, the elf was right; they were newcomers here and would naturally rely on the dwarves and elves familiar with the area. Also, perhaps they could find some clues about their commission in the Elf Village.
His initial refusal was merely to avoid awkwardness. If it had simply been about slaying, it would have been different, but Fang Zheng felt that after what so many elves had endured, the atmosphere in the entire village wouldn’t be the best, and it was better not to impose as outsiders. However, it seemed he still knew too little about the elf kin.
The girls were, of course, very keen on the elves’ invitation, as elves rarely venture out and interface with humans. Oftentimes, one would only encounter them in border areas, and their homelands remained a mystery to other races. Nevertheless, many bards relayed enchanting tales of the elf homelands.
Thus, since no one objected, Fang Zheng couldn’t say much more and followed the elves towards their village.
Located deep in the Forest of Life by a tranquil stream, the meeting place of the elves was not the grand gathering spot people had imagined. It was a small village inhabited by about a hundred elves, with houses made of branches and vines, resembling Mongolian yurts, placed high in ancient trees. Though lacking,
“This is a bit different from humans, who seem to prefer praising victors,”
Hearing Fina’s explanation, Nymph, holding the Little Fire Dragon, blinked curiously.
“For elves, they only fight to protect their homeland and forest, but even such battles… are saddening as well,”
Afterwards, Fang Zheng and the others were arranged in the guest hall, and the elves who had initially gathered there curiously to observe these outsiders soon dispersed, and not long after, the entire village had once again become tranquil.
Holding the Little Fire Dragon in her arms, Nymph gazed at the Elf Village before her. It was sunset now, the crimson radiance filtering through the gaps in the tree shade, spilling into the air of the village. Several birds with beautiful feathers could be seen chirping and fluttering through the trees. The forest, which appeared somewhat dim from the sunset, now gave off a warm and comfortable feeling.
“However, I still find the Heavenly Dao Palace a bit more beautiful,”
Hearing Nymph’s remark, Fang Zheng also glanced at the Little Angel beside him, and Nymph nodded excitedly.
“Because the Heavenly Dao Palace feels like you can freely fly in the sky, while here… it feels somewhat restrictive. Ah, but the scenery here is also nice, let me sing a song to boost everyone’s spirits!”
“No, let’s skip that,”
Hearing this, Fang Zheng suddenly shuddered.
Honestly, Nymph, the Little Angel, was nearly perfect in every way, with a well-behaved and obedient personality, and she could assist Fang Zheng in various aspects, except for not having direct combat abilities. She hardly had any flaws.
No, to be precise, the Little Angel did have one fatal flaw.
And that was her singing.
Fang Zheng vividly remembered that the first time he appreciated the Little Angel’s singing was the night after they arrived at the Heavenly Dao Palace. With nothing else to do, the group found a spot on the prairie to have a bonfire party. During this, the Little Angel offered to sing a song to liven things up. Since Nymph had a charming voice, everyone agreed to her request without much thought.
Then… there was no “after that.”
When Fang Zheng woke up, it was already noon the next day. Except for Nymph, almost everyone else had lost consciousness, including the Little Fire Dragon and a small kitten, all looking as if they were about to head to the brink of the Netherworld. Even Black Katie had slumped against a nearby Bodhi tree and passed out so thoroughly that even the usually very steady and reliable Grand Priestess could not hold her Silver Staff steady when she woke up!
As for what song Nymph had sung that night…
Sorry, Fang Zheng had completely no memory of it.
Or rather, no one remembered it.
Strange. On normal days, her humming carried no issues, but why did her singing become so destructively powerful whenever she sang earnestly?
Hearing Fang Zheng’s refusal, Nymph showed a slightly dissatisfied expression. But before she could say anything more, a “thud thud” of knocking came from outside the door.
Hearing the knock, Fang Zheng sighed with relief and quickly responded. Ever since opening up about her feelings, the Little Angel had grown closer to him and no longer kept asking him not to abandon her like before. This was the good side. But the downside was that the Little Angel also gradually began to show her temper. However… Fang Zheng really could not agree to her request!
If it wiped out the entire Elf Village, that would be a huge problem!
Following Fang Zheng’s voice, the door was gently pushed open, and the Elf Captain whom Fang Zheng and the others had met earlier walked in with a smile.
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