The laughter and relaxed atmosphere didn’t last long. Suddenly, the formations on the shore divided in perfect unison, as if driven by an invisible force, revealing a wide path.
At the end of this path, two figures carrying an unmistakable, powerful aura were slowly approaching.
Their appearance immediately drew everyone’s gaze.
Saint Rank experts... and two of them at once.
A trace of solemnity flashed through Starlight’s eyes. He marveled in his heart that the Night Elves’ strength truly lived up to its reputation; they had dispatched two Saint Rank experts just for this occasion.
As the two figures drew closer, their features became clear. Starlight finally saw that the newcomers were two elders with grey-blue skin.
One had a resolute face and an upright posture, wearing bright silver armor etched with runes. The longsword at his waist emitted faint glints of cold light, appearing ready to be unsheathed at any moment.
The other had a deep gaze and an elegant, composed demeanor. His long silver hair was meticulously groomed, and his robes swayed slightly in the morning breeze. Every movement he made exuded a sense of transcendence.
From their attire, Starlight could clearly identify their status—one was a Sword Saint, and the other was a Saint Archmage.
However, Starlight was slightly surprised; this was the first time he had witnessed true elders among the elves.
Although Ming Ye, whom they had met before, didn’t look young, he seemed much younger compared to these two. While these two Night Elf Saints were full of vigor, the marks of time on their faces were quite evident.
As the Princess, Lian naturally showed proper respect to the two clan elders. She nodded slightly, bowed to them, and softly reminded her companions.
“These two are elders of our clan, Sword Saint El and Archmage Ryan. They have come specifically to welcome us.”
Starlight and the others naturally didn’t dare to be slow, following Lian in offering respectful greetings. However, the two Saints’ gazes only swept lightly over them before focusing their attention on Lian.
“Princess Lian, welcome back. The arrangements for the rest of the journey are in place. Please follow us back into the valley,” Sword Saint El said in a deep, resonant voice as he bowed slightly to Lian by the gangway.
“As for these... outside friends, if they don’t mind, please follow our escort.”
Archmage Ryan’s eyes shimmered with a peculiar light, seemingly surprised by the composition of Starlight’s group. He nodded to them with a gentle tone.
With the elders’ approval, Lian and Starlight’s group stepped down the gangway and boarded the carriage prepared for Lian—an exquisite vehicle driven entirely by magic.
As they entered the carriage, the two formations on the pier closed back up in an orderly fashion, forming a long escort with them in the center. The armored soldiers instantly created an impenetrable barrier.
Under the escort of the Ranger Squad, they followed a canyon beside the pier and set foot on the land of Night Lotus Valley.
Starlight observed the scenery outside through the window. Although it was already mid-morning, a soft blue mist still lingered in the valley, as if veiling the land in a thin shroud.
Under the sunlight, the mist refracted a faint blue glow, making the surroundings appear as hazy as a dream.
He could see large white flowers blooming on both sides of the canyon. These were the namesake of this place, a plant called the Night Lotus.
The fresh fragrance they emitted intertwined with the mist, adding a touch of elegant scent to the air.
Unlike the vibrant vitality felt under the World Tree, Night Lotus Valley gave a sense of extreme mystery and tranquility, causing one’s breathing to slow down involuntarily.
After a brief introduction from Lian, the two Night Elf Saints understood the purpose of Starlight’s visit. Putting aside the two humans, Starlight and Po Kong, the identity of Moen and her sister also surprised them somewhat.
“Friends, you might be disappointed. Aside from a very small number of clansmen permanently stationed outside, we haven’t dispatched anyone to leave the Star-Song Forest recently.”
Saint Archmage Ryan spoke in his calm voice. There was no fluctuation in his words, as if he were stating a common fact, yet it was difficult to discern his true thoughts.
This transcendent calm made Xia Duo feel a bit frustrated. After all, she was the one who had brought the group to Night Lotus Valley; returning empty-handed was not her style.
“Master Ryan, please forgive my intrusion, but if no one was dispatched, then who were the elves that appeared in Dragon Valley and the Crimson City-State?”
Xia Duo’s eyes shimmered as she asked in a firm tone.
“Hmph, we have no need to lie to you. If you weren’t the Princess’s friends, I would drive you out for such baseless suspicion alone,” Sword Saint El, who had been silent, let out a cold snort. His sharp gaze pierced toward Xia Duo like a sword.
Facing this sudden sharpness, Xia Duo did not back down, bravely meeting El’s gaze.
“I am simply stating our thoughts truthfully. After all, Night Lotus Valley is not under the jurisdiction of the World Tree, and the Night Elves possess the largest port in the entire Star-Song Forest. This is undoubtedly the most suspicious direction.”
Seeing that Xia Duo wasn’t suppressed by his aura, a trace of imperceptible surprise flashed in El’s eyes, but he had no intention of yielding either.
Seeing the atmosphere in the carriage become awkward, Ryan sighed softly and waved his hand to signal his old partner not to let the conflict escalate.
“Enough, there is no need to argue over this further. It is understandable for this Tree Elf lady to have such thoughts; after all, the relationship between our two races is not as good as people imagine.” Ryan’s tone carried a hint of deeper meaning, as if hinting at something.
At his reminder, Xia Duo swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue. She knew she had been a bit impolite in front of two Saints, but her stubbornness wouldn’t allow her to simply admit fault.
At this moment, Lian spoke up to smooth things over, saying softly, “Once we return to the tribal lands, I will help you gather information. If it really is as you say, we will certainly give you a proper answer.”
Hearing this, Xia Duo took a deep breath to calm herself slightly, then lowered her head and stopped speaking.
Starlight and Po Kong exchanged a look; they knew Xia Duo could be stubborn at times. However, given that the other party had offered a way out, there was no point in dwelling on it further.
For the rest of the journey, the atmosphere in the carriage remained heavy. Even the usually lively Lian became somewhat reserved under the authority of her two elders.
She sat quietly to the side, her gaze occasionally scanning the scenery outside as if she were lost in thought.
After several hours of travel, the escort finally crossed the winding canyon that seemed to have no end.
As they emerged from the canyon, the view suddenly opened up. A massive basin stretched out before them—the central area of Night Lotus Valley.
Starlight and the other three were arranged to stay in a Night Elf guesthouse. The place was filled with an air of mystery and elegance, forming a sharp contrast with the bustling streets outside.
As she was about to leave, Lian walked softly to the four of them. With a hint of reluctance in her eyes, she spoke in a gentle voice.
“Please settle in here and rest. The environment is perfect for relaxing. I’ll try to find time to come play with you, so remember to prepare some tasty treats for me!”
After speaking, she didn’t forget to give Starlight a playful wink before gracefully following her guard away from the guesthouse.
Rate on N.U.
