Chapter 272: Teris, the Elven Sword Saint

Chapter 272: Teris, the Elven Sword Saint

"Lu Heng... Where are you? Respond to me! What kind of place is this? I'm lost! Can anyone hear me? Is there anyone who can help me?"

In the Moonshadow Forest, Lin Zeyu ran around the surreal trees, feeling a sense of familiarity no matter which direction he looked.

There was no response, and the forest was as quiet as a vacuum.

He raised his hand and condensed an Essence Energy Cloud Bomb, threatening, "If no one responds, I'm throwing this out!"

Still no response. He contemplated in his mind that if he threw the bomb, burning down the forest, the trouble he would cause might be a bit too much.

...

Inside the treehouse in the forest.

Lu Heng and Serian sat opposite each other, both falling silent.

The atmosphere was so tense it made breathing difficult.

Lu Heng kept thinking about how to break the stalemate.

Actually, from a rational perspective, Lu Heng believed that Su Muyu wouldn't be in danger; most of the time, the elves were kind.

But facing the current situation, Lu Heng couldn't help but worry.

Time passed, minute by minute.

Lu Heng pressed his left thumb against the Psychic Resistance Ring on his index finger, slowly rotating it to ease the anxiety in his heart.

After an unknown amount of time, the Celestial Phoenix outside the treehouse suddenly flapped its wings and took flight.

Lu Heng caught this movement in his peripheral vision and slowly exhaled.

A few minutes later, Su Muyu returned, spreading her energy wings and landing outside the treehouse. She slightly bowed to Serian in greeting.

Serian didn't know what decision the Knowledge Tree would make either. He glanced at Su Muyu a few times and said to Lu Heng, "The person is out. Do you have anything else to say?"

Lu Heng was satisfied that Su Muyu had come out safely. As for the Life Tree Vine source essence, if it was gone, it was gone. They could always find more source essences, as long as Su Muyu was safe.

So Lu Heng didn't press the issue further. He stood up and said, "I was a bit rude earlier. My apologies."

Serian waved his hand and replied calmly, "It's fine. You may go."

Lu Heng nodded in agreement, turned, and left the treehouse with Su Muyu.

In truth, the entire forest was Serian's eyes and ears. Any conversation within the forest would be known to him.

Even so, Lu Heng led Su Muyu to a spot out of Serian's sight before asking, "How was it?"

Su Muyu's eyes sparkled with joy, and instead of answering, she asked, "Do you know the origin of the Life Tree Vine source essence?"

Lu Heng closed his eyes and replied, "I know."

Su Muyu's face showed a hint of surprise. She didn't know what had happened outside the Ancient Tree Space.

Because her connection with the Celestial Phoenix had been cut off when she entered the Ancient Tree Space.

Lu Heng asked further, "Did the Knowledge Tree take back the Life Tree Vine source essence?"

Su Muyu shook her head. "No, but before I returned, it asked me to come back and return the Life Tree Vine. I agreed, and it gave me an Ancient Tree Blessing."

She briefly explained the effects of the Ancient Tree Blessing.

Lu Heng nodded in appreciation. "This blessing is very powerful and will be a great help for our upcoming mission."

Su Muyu leaned in and whispered in his ear, "There are many wounds on the Knowledge Tree's trunk, probably from an attack not long ago. It looks quite intense."

Lu Heng could guess what had happened. "It was probably the work of the Creator Organization."

After entering this world, the Creator Organization not only took the Lich's Soul Vault but also the Life Tree Vine source essence.

Based on this information, Lu Heng could almost certainly conclude that this metahuman team from the Creator Organization was a looting team.

Among the many metahuman organizations, there were various types of teams.

For example, there were looting teams, farming teams, or a mix of both.

Looting teams were typical; every time they entered the Abyssal Battlefield, they looted the natives of that world regardless of faction.

For instance, the Lionheart Empire's theft of the Black Iron Dwarves' Tempering Furnace was a classic looting act.

As long as the summoned individuals completed the main quest, they could return, and there were no rules restricting other actions.

In other words, as long as the main quest didn't prohibit it, metahumans could slaughter their allied factions in the Abyssal Battlefield without punishment.

Of course, most metahumans acted in their self-interest, which led to the existence of looting teams that took everything of value.

Additionally, farming teams were also unique.

Since weapons and equipment enhanced with divine energy through transmutation could be used by others, some teams engaged in farming.

A five-person team contract might only have two actual teammates, with the remaining three slots used for farming, dedicated to producing divine energy.

However, the number of farming teams wasn't too high.

Divine energy couldn't be traded; it could only be used for transmutation of weapons and equipment.

This significantly limited the farming teams' profits, as there was a limit to the number of usable weapons and equipment.

In the early stages, farming teams could bring along a few extra bombs, but in the mid to late game, their advantage wasn't as apparent.

Furthermore, the cannon fodder in farming teams, unable to enhance their combat power with divine energy, were often weak and easily perished in the Abyssal Battlefield.

As team contracts were one-time use and couldn't be changed once signed, the team would be short-handed if the cannon fodder died.

Unless they obtained a new team contract.

But team contracts were too expensive, which also limited the number of farming teams.

Moreover, during intense team battles, farming teams usually couldn't withstand mature five-person teams.

The numerical disadvantage was hard to overcome with equipment alone.

Lu Heng guessed that the Creator Organization's team was likely a looting team but probably not a farming team.

In fact, equipment enhanced with divine energy through transmutation could be bought with money, and if not, materials could be gathered to craft them.

Metahumans with vast wealth backing them didn't need to engage in farming.

On the other side of the forest, Lin Zeyu had been calling out for some time when he finally noticed a change in the surrounding trees. The branches retracted, revealing a narrow forest path.

Having been lost for a while, he didn't hesitate and ran along the path.

After a while, he spotted Lu Heng and his companion.

He ran up to them, panting and leaning on his knees, "This forest is like a maze. I almost couldn't find my way back."

Seeing that Lin Zeyu had returned, Lu Heng turned and headed towards the treehouse where Serien lived, "Let's inform the Forest Guardian that we're leaving for Colossus City tomorrow. We'll also ask if he has any news about Xie Shien's whereabouts."

With Su Muyu safely out of the Ancient Tree Space, it was clear that the Elder Elf, Serien, was indeed a trustworthy source for further communication.

The three of them approached the treehouse and, following Elven customs, bowed in greeting, "Elder, may we have a few more words with you?"

"Come in," Serien's voice echoed from within the treehouse.

The vine door slowly retracted, opening the entrance.

Lu Heng and his companions entered the treehouse and brought up their mission, "Our task leads us to Colossus City, and we're tasked with establishing relations between humans and the Elven race. So, we plan to depart for the city tomorrow."

Serien nodded in agreement, "Go, then."

Lu Heng continued, "Since the previous group of humans acted unfriendly, I'm concerned your people might be hostile towards us. Elder, could you provide us with a letter of introduction or a token of trust?"

"With that, we can quickly establish an alliance with the Elves and move on to the Abyssal confrontation stage without wasting time building trust."

Serien considered this and replied, "I can do that. There are a few Golden Tree Seeds under the fence outside. Each of you can take one to Colossus City. The Elves there will receive you upon seeing the seeds."

"Thank you," Lu Heng expressed his gratitude once more, following Elven customs.

After a brief pause, Lu Heng asked, "We have another companion, also with black hair and eyes, who wasn't transported to the same location as us. Have you seen him, Elder?"

Serien shook his head, "There have only been ten humans in this forest, no others."

"Alright, we'll find him another way," Lu Heng said.

After this, Lu Heng and Su Muyu left the treehouse and headed to the fence to retrieve the Golden Tree Seeds.

Su Muyu also informed Rong Xincheng's group, as they had already formed an alliance, and considered getting a Golden Tree Seed for them as well.

When Rong Xincheng and his teammates approached, Lu Heng gestured towards the treehouse.

Rong Xincheng was tactful, leading his teammates to the treehouse and performing the Elven greeting.

After a while, when they didn't hear a refusal from within, they turned to retrieve the Golden Tree Seeds from under the fence.

Meanwhile, Blake Feld and his group, after their conflict with Serien, hastily left the forest.

...

After a night's rest, the group of six departed from the Moonshadow Forest the next day.

Once they were out of the forest, Lu Heng, Su Muyu, and Rong Xincheng mounted their Mechanical Tigers, while Rong Xincheng's group ran behind on foot.

Lu Heng slowed down the tigers to let the others catch up, then took out a map of the Quel'Dore Continent and handed it over, "Here's the map. It marks the location of the Elven King's City. Just head there directly. Be cautious along the way, and you shouldn't encounter any danger if you avoid the Abyssal Summoners. With the Golden Tree Seeds, you'll be received once you reach the city."

Rong Xincheng thanked him and asked, "Aren't you going to the Elven King's City?"

"Yes, but we might take a detour to complete some tasks along the way. We'll meet up with you once we reach the city," Lu Heng replied.

Rong Xincheng thought for a moment and asked, "Regarding the Abyssal Summoners, is there anything specific we should be cautious about? I'm worried that dealing with a group like that won't be easy."

Lu Heng nodded, "Initially, it's best to avoid direct conflict with the Abyssal Summoners.

"They've been summoned for a purpose, likely with tasks to fulfill, just like us.

"They probably have main quests to complete, just like ours.

"For example, if our challenge quest is to kill 20 Abyssal Summoners, they might have a corresponding task to kill us.

"However, we're not the primary race in this world. Their target is likely the Elven race.

"In other words, we can rely on the Elves' strength to deal with the Abyssal Summoners. For the required kill count in our challenge quest, we can complete it with the Elves' assistance.

"The most dangerous task is probably the one involving the unknown force. Be vigilant about that.

"Once we meet up in the Elven King's City, we'll gather all the clues and see if we can deduce what this unknown force is."

Rong Xincheng's group listened attentively and agreed, "Alright, I'll follow your plan."

"Then let's part ways here," Lu Heng said, commanding the Mechanical Tigers to fly into the sky, soon disappearing into the clouds.

...

Above the clouds, the howling wind blew their hair wildly.

Su Muyu removed her hairpin, holding it in her mouth, and then re-tied her hair, exposing her forehead. She secured her hair into a ponytail with a headband and re-inserted the hairpin.

Flying into the wind, her hair was indeed prone to getting messy.

She summoned the Celestial Phoenix to fly ahead and block the wind.

"Where are we going?" She had memorized the map of the continent and knew that it would take at most half a day to reach the Elven King's City, Colossus, at their current speed.

Lu Heng was studying the map, considering their next destination.

The reason for their separation from Rong Xincheng's group wasn't just the lack of transportation but also another factor.

Lu Heng wanted to find an Elf, Teris, the Elf Sword Saint of the Quel'Dore Continent.

This was a powerful Elf he had heard of before his rebirth, renowned for his sword skills.

Once, a human metahuman had learned an ultimate sword technique from this Elf Sword Saint.

This time, the Abyssal Battlefield mission would last for 30 days. With such a long duration, there was hope of learning this ultimate sword technique if they were diligent.

Of course, the prerequisite was to find this Elf Sword Saint.

Lu Heng had only heard rumors about Teris, which mentioned several place names, but he wasn't sure where the Sword Saint was located.

"Let's go take a look at the Twisted Tower first."

The Twisted Tower was located north of the Moonshadow Forest and west of the Storm Cliffs. Rumors claimed that Sword Saint Teris had once appeared near the Twisted Tower.

Since the Twisted Tower was relatively close to the Moonshadow Forest, Lu Heng chose this location first.

After half an hour of flight on the Mechanical Tiger, the three of them landed near the Twisted Tower.

The Twisted Tower was a magical tower, its structure twisted and contorted as if wrenched by a giant hand, making it quite unique.

Outside the tower, there was a surrounding wall, enclosing a courtyard.

Lu Heng and his companions landed outside the courtyard and walked up to the gate, calling out, "Is anyone there?"

After a few seconds, a female Elf's voice echoed from within the Twisted Tower, "Who are you?"

Lu Heng took out the Gold Tree Seed and replied, "We are humans from another world. We just came from the Moonshadow Forest, and according to Elder Serien's guidance, we are heading to the Elven Capital."

Elder Serien seemed to hold a high position among the Elves, and possessing the Gold Tree Seed he gave would make conversations with other Elves much smoother.

The female Elf's voice from the Twisted Tower indeed became more relaxed, "In that case, you should continue north. This place is still far from Colossus City."

Lu Heng explained, "We are unfamiliar with this continent, and we have some questions to ask. May we?"

The Twisted Tower fell silent for a moment, and then the first floor's gate opened.

A female Elf with golden hair, pointed ears, and a robe stepped out, appearing rather young.

However, it was difficult to discern an Elf's true age solely based on their appearance.

"Hello, I'm Lu Heng, and these are my companions. May I ask your name?" Lu Heng recognized this female Elf as an Arcanist, evident from her robe and the staff in her hand.

"You can call me Aelena."

The female Elf Arcanist opened the courtyard gate but didn't invite them in. She stood at the gate and asked, "You can ask your questions here. It's not convenient for outsiders to enter the Twisted Tower."

Lu Heng didn't insist on going inside and directly stated his purpose, "Do you know where Sword Saint Teris is?"

Arcanist Aelena showed a surprised expression, "Are you going to find Teris with Elder Serien's Gold Tree Seed?"

"Is there a problem with that?" Lu Heng looked puzzled.

Aelena covered her mouth and laughed, "The relationship between these two Elf Elders isn't very good. If Teris finds out you came from the Moonshadow Forest, he might beat you up."

"Oh..."

Lu Heng was unaware of this information and asked, "Can you tell me about it? I don't want to offend Teris."

Aelena thought for a moment and said, "Alright, come in."

Apparently, her gossip soul was burning brightly. Suddenly, someone was willing to listen to her gossip about the story of two Elf Elders, and she became interested.

She invited them in and used her staff to create three cups filled with an unknown spring water.

After they sat down, she began her story, "Do you know who the current ruler of Colossus City is?"

"Queen Aureana, right?" Lu Heng replied.

"Yes, Queen Aureana, the most beautiful queen of Quel'Dore. Before she became queen, she studied under many powerful Elves..."

Aelena began to tell the story, "Queen Aureana had many teachers, and the most famous ones were three.

"The first was Grand Mage Augustus, the second was Forest Elder Serien, and the third was the Sword Saint Teris you're looking for.

"All three teachers cared deeply for their student, Aureana. Who wouldn't adore such a beautiful Elf girl?

"But these three teachers possessed different powers.

"Grand Mage Augustus was one of the greatest arcanists in Quel'Dore, mastering the truth of arcane arts.

"Forest Elder Serien controlled the natural power, commanding the plants on the continent.

"Sword Saint Teris, of course, mastered the strongest sword techniques of the Elf race.

"They all wanted to mold Aureana into their ideal image, but their philosophies differed.

"When Queen Aureana was young, she was very intelligent and learned the skills of all three teachers. But when it came to choosing a path to specialize in, there was a disagreement.

"All three teachers wanted Aureana to follow their path and specialize in one area, which led to a dispute.

"As their dispute intensified, the young Queen Aureana couldn't balance the relationships between her three teachers.

"In the end, the three of them had a contest."

Su Muyu listened intently and asked, "What happened? Did they get into a fight?"

Aelena shook her head and replied, "No one knows. It's rumored that they had a contest, but no one witnessed it.

"After that, Serien and Teris left Colossus City, while Grand Mage Augustus stayed and continued to mentor the young Aureana.

"A few years later, Aureana became the queen of the Elf race.

"The relationship between Serien and Teris was terrible and hasn't improved to this day."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end