Chapter 177: Pureblood Elves
Countless people in the real world were searching for Illya, while Chu Feng had already taken her to the other world.
The castle area of the other world kept expanding and developing rapidly. The entire place was thriving.
When the shaman saw them, he smiled and said, “You’re finally back. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”
Chu Feng asked curiously, “What is it?”
“We’ve been rescuing half-elves recently.”
Chu Feng nodded. “I know. You’re in charge of that, so go ahead.”
Half-elves had it rough, often wandering and homeless. The Crescent Village had already started secret rescue operations before—but now, things had changed.
Crescent Village now had money and supplies. They had marked certain places with special signs to guide half-elves to designated meeting points and then bring them to the village.
Recently, they’d recruited a few members from the Eagle Clan to form an air force, which made long-distance rescues possible.
The tribe was wealthy now and had more resources and rescue options than before.
As the tribe grew, they were starting to run short on manpower. Chu Feng supported the idea of taking more people in.
“This time, we accidentally rescued two elves.”
Chu Feng: “…Accidentally? You accidentally rescued elves?”
Elves were rare—how could anyone accidentally rescue one?
Illya frowned. “Then we should send them back to the Elven Tribe. They’re pureblood elves, after all.” That made them different from the half-elves like her.
Chu Feng glanced at Illya. He felt that she didn’t have a great impression of pureblood elves—there was a sense of distant respect or even unease.
The shaman nodded. “That was my thought too. But they don’t want to go back.”
Illya frowned deeper. “Why not? Elves are usually very picky about where they live and don’t like mingling with outsiders. To many elves, we half-elves are considered dirty and impure. Pureblood elves should hate it here.”
Illya had never been to the Elven Tribe himself, but it was said that their lands were like eternal spring—lush greenery, blooming flowers, endless fruits to eat, and even ancient trees of life.
Pureblood elves were usually vegetarians who lived off plants and fruits—like immortal beings.
Chu Feng chuckled. “Is it because of instant noodles and potato chips?”
The shaman thought for a moment. “Maybe. Also, probably the game consoles.”
Chu Feng was stunned. He’d just been joking—he didn’t expect that to actually be the reason.
Even pureblood elves can be tempted by instant noodles and potato chips?
Illya asked suspiciously, “Did you run into those elves by chance, or did they see the rescue signs and come on purpose?”
The Crescent Village had left hidden rescue symbols outside. Half-elves could read them—and elves probably could too.
The shaman gave a strange look and said, “They seem to have come on their own, looking for help.”
Illya tilted his head, took a deep breath, and asked, “So they knew there were rescue efforts for half-elves, and purposely took advantage of that?”
The shaman nodded and said, “It should be.”
Illya sneered and said, “Hitching a ride from a half-elf—what a shameful thing that must be for the proud elves.”
“Looks like those two elves are not doing very well,” Chu Feng said.
“Indeed, not very well. The falcon said when they found those two elves, they were in terrible shape, dirt poor, and nearly frozen to death,” the shaman replied with an odd expression.
Chu Feng noticed the shaman’s expression and thought he seemed a bit gloating. The relationship between elves and half-elves was probably like that between nobles and commoners. Commoners naturally held a sense of reverence for nobles, but they were still happy to see nobles fall from grace.
“What does the shaman plan to do?”
Shaman Qiu Luo shook his head and said, “I don’t know either. One of them is an ability-user.”
Illya asked in surprise, “Is it a plant-type ability?”
Shaman Qiu Luo nodded. “Yes.”
Elves had a higher probability of awakening abilities, and once awakened, they were usually of the plant type. It was because of their numerous plant-type ability-users that elves could live freely and comfortably in the wild.
“That’s strange. Plant-type ability-users are treasures of elf tribes. Why would the tribe allow someone like that to leave?” Illya asked.
Qiu Luo shook his head. “I find it strange too. Those two elves didn’t say anything—maybe they’re hiding something.”
Chu Feng asked curiously, “Shaman, between you and that person, whose ability is stronger?”
Shaman Qiu Luo frowned and said, “In terms of pure plant-stimulation power, I’m no match for him.”
Chu Feng nodded. “But when it comes to potion-making, he’s no match for you, right?”
Qiu Luo shook his head. “Elves are born with great advantages. Many of them are naturally carefree and dislike studying potion-making, but if they put their mind to it, their learning ability is frightening.”
Chu Feng rolled his eyes and thought to himself: ‘Naturally carefree’ is just a nice way of saying lazy, isn’t it?
“Does the shaman want to keep him?” Illya asked.
Qiu Luo shook his head. “It depends on what you all think. The guy carries something valuable with him.”
Chu Feng asked curiously, “What is it?”
Qiu Luo frowned. “There’s a very rare substance among the elves called Life Essence. It can enhance cultivation and extend lifespan. It’s said to also increase the probability of awakening plant-based powers.”
Chu Feng was surprised. “There’s such a good thing?”
Qiu Luo nodded. “Yes, but it exists in extremely small quantities. Elves only use it on their own kind and guard it strictly.”
Chu Feng asked doubtfully, “Wouldn’t something that valuable attract a lot of people to try and seize it?”
Qiu Luo nodded. “Of course. But the elves aren’t to be messed with, and their settlements are highly secretive.”
“Secretive? How secretive?”
Illya glanced at Chu Feng and said, “There are many plant-type users among the elves. Most elven villages are surrounded by special plants with hallucinogenic effects. Outsiders who get too close quickly lose their sense of direction. Elven territory is very safe. Usually, the only captured elves are the curious ones who venture out into the world and get caught.”
Chu Feng nodded. “I see.”
“Jocelyn is carrying the seed of the Tree of Life.”
Upon hearing that, Illya gasped and said, “That thing? Could he be the Sacred Guardian of the Ancient Tree of Life?”
Chu Feng was confused. “Sacred Guardian? What’s that?”
“It’s the one who guards the Ancient Tree of Life. Even pure-blooded elves can only approach the tree if they are its Sacred Guardian. Only they have a chance of obtaining the seed. Serving the Tree of Life is an honor, and all elves consider it a great pride to become its guardian.”
“So being a Sacred Guardian means you have to stay with the tree all the time?” Chu Feng asked.
Illya nodded. “Of course.”
“Staring at a tree that doesn’t talk all day—how boring must that be? That guy must be incredibly boring!” Chu Feng joked, but when he turned around, he saw both the shaman and Illya staring coldly at him.
Chu Feng thought to himself: Looks like jokes about the Tree of Life are off-limits. This tree is not only popular among elves but even among half-elves.
“So, since he has the seed of the Tree of Life, does that mean we might be able to obtain Life Essence too?”
Shaman Qiu Luo shook his head. “Growing a Tree of Life isn’t that easy. Out of dozens of saplings, just one or two maturing is already a great achievement. To ensure their survival, I’ve heard elven tribes have several plant-type users working together to care for each tree.”
Chu Feng frowned. “So there’s a manpower shortage?”
Qiu Luo nodded. “A bit, yes. But there’s one thing that makes it not entirely impossible to cultivate a Tree of Life.”
“Witch Stone?” Chu Feng asked.
Qiu Luo nodded. “Yes. Witch Stones seem to nourish the Tree of Life. But they’re gradually disappearing in this region, so Trees of Life have become even rarer.”
Chu Feng rested his chin in thought and said, “If the Tree of Life is really that valuable, it might be worth trying to grow one.”
After all, he had recently obtained many Witch Stones and couldn’t absorb them all quickly. He just didn’t know how many were needed to grow one Tree of Life—if the cost was too high, he’d really have to think twice.
Illya looked at Chu Feng. “So you’re thinking of planting a Tree of Life?”
Chu Feng looked back at her. “Do you want to plant one?”
Illya nodded. “It’s extremely hard to cultivate a Tree of Life even for elf tribes. If our tribe could grow one, it would be a great source of pride.”
Chu Feng looked at Illya and sensed that she seemed quite concerned about the ancient Tree of Life.
He thought to himself, If Illya likes it, then it’s no problem to put in some effort to plant one.
“Let’s put aside the ancient elven tree for now. On my way here, I saw everyone studying the language from our side!”
Learning a foreign language isn’t easy! Back when he was in school, he had really disliked language classes.
Shaman Qiu Luo nodded and said, “Yes! Didn’t you say last time that anyone wanting to go over there must pass a language requirement?”
Chu Feng nodded. “That’s right!”
At the very least, they needed to know the basics.
Shaman Qiu Luo smiled. “Everyone’s very enthusiastic about learning. Manning’s been pulled in as the teacher!”
Chu Feng: “…” Manning as the teacher? Then how are these people even going to speak? Manning himself barely understands it.
Shaman Qiu Luo explained, “The phones and tablets Manning brought had a lot of study materials downloaded. Everyone’s been using those.”
Chu Feng asked curiously, “Weren’t there also games on those devices? Aren’t they more interested in playing than studying?”
Shaman Qiu Luo nodded. “There are indeed some who start learning and then end up playing games instead.”
Chu Feng: “…Of course. I knew it. Learning a foreign language can’t compete with the fun of games.”
