Elves, a threat to the tribe. (5400)

"Sigh—" The Ancient Elf chieftain sighed slightly.

He raised his staff and waved it gently.

The other elves lowered the weapons in their hands one after another.

Then, he slowly spoke: "It seems this was indeed a misunderstanding."

This Elf Clan chieftain also knew that what Cao Xing said was reasonable.

"Please allow me to apologize to this human lady."

"Brave and powerful Lady Renice, please accept my most sincere apologies."

After speaking, he slowly bent his waist and then bowed solemnly to Renice.

The other elves also bowed to them one after another.

This group of elves had a rather straightforward nature, and after the misunderstanding was resolved, they generously admitted their mistake.

Seeing them take the initiative to apologize, the anger on the female archer's face gradually dissipated.

She looked at her lord, seemingly seeking his opinion.

Cao Xing nodded slightly to signal his approval.

Renice understood his thoughts, took a deep breath, and said: "Since it was a misunderstanding, then let this matter pass."

The Elf Clan chieftain said solemnly: "Thank you for your forgiveness, Lady Renice. You are still a friend of our Ancient Elf clan, and we can discuss the matter of going to your territory."

"However, regarding the specific details, please follow me into the tribe first."

After hearing this, a smile gradually appeared on Cao Xing's face.

It seemed that his plan to abduct all these Ancient Elves and sell them to the Giant Chamber of Commerce would not need to be implemented.

He also readily responded: "Alright."

Soon, the two walked straight to the front of the group of elves.

The crowd parted automatically for them.

The Elf Clan chieftain turned around and led them forward.

Not having walked more than a few meters, a large amount of shrubs and vines appeared in front of them, blocking their path.

As the Elf Clan chieftain waved his staff and uttered low syllables,

these plants all parted automatically, expanding a wide path for them.

Following this hidden passage, they traveled forward for about several hundred meters.

The scene before them suddenly opened up!

Cao Xing saw a wide forest area appear ahead.

All around grew towering trees with thick, straight trunks; treehouses, wooden platforms, and various traps were built upon the trunks.

Clearly, these large trees were the places where this group of elves rested and fought.

Besides that, the ground was covered with various colorful flowers, and some flowers climbed onto the trunks of the giant trees and the small wooden houses, resembling a scene from a fairy tale.

The temperature here was much higher than in the dense forest.

Even though there were no open flames or heating devices, one could still feel very warm.

Coupled with the embellishment of various flowers, it decorated this place like a paradise.

Renice couldn't help but exclaim: "What a beautiful place."

This group of elves had lived here for so many years and had already built the tribe to be quite beautiful.

The Elf Clan chieftain, Oriel, explained from the side: "This is the outer area of our tribe. The battle a few days ago allowed that group of human mercenaries to invade this place."

As he spoke, Cao Xing and the others looked ahead.

Indeed, there were traces of war there.

Giant trees had collapsed, and the treehouses on them had long been smashed into powder and fragments, with some blood still remaining on them.

They didn't speak and continued to follow the Elf Clan chieftain forward.

Soon, they arrived at the tribal area, in a large building constructed from branches and vines.

"The two of you, please follow me inside first."

After speaking, the Elf Clan chieftain entered the interior of the building.

Cao Xing and Renice also followed behind and entered.

Inside, there was also a wide space, and the temperature was very comfortable.

And just at this moment, Cao Xing saw a group of peculiar creatures.

It was a group of female elves flying in mid-air.

They were dressed in light green gauze dresses, the hems of which swayed gently in the air.

Their figures were tall, and behind them grew a pair of transparent wings, like butterfly wings, appearing light and agile.

On their exquisite faces, their eyes were like clear lake water, their long, beautiful hair fell down like a waterfall, and a few small wildflowers were dotted among the strands.

Their whole bodies radiated a natural, tranquil beauty.

Cao Xing and Renice looked at this group of female elves together, unable to help but be slightly stunned.

Renice murmured: "Such beautiful elves—"

These female elves indeed possessed extremely stunning appearances!

Coupled with the transparent wings on their backs, they appeared even more otherworldly.

At the same time, as Renice spoke, those female elves who were flying back and forth simultaneously turned their gazes over.

After noticing the two human figures at the door, fear immediately appeared in the eyes of these female elves, and they emitted "chirping" low cries, flying around in a panic.

The tribe chieftain Oriel waved his staff again and then spoke a few sentences in the Ancient Elf language.

This group of female elves, flying around everywhere, gradually calmed down, although the gazes they directed at Cao Xing and the others still carried vigilance.

At this time, Cao Xing also noticed something else; behind this group of female elves, there were many figures lying down.

It was a group of Elf Clan warriors, only they were wrapped in tree vines and leaves, looking as if they had suffered relatively serious injuries.

Oriel turned around and said: "This Otherworld Lord, may I ask how you should be addressed?"

"Just call me Cao Xing."

"Lord Cao Xing, these are one of the reasons why I cannot immediately go to your territory."

"These warriors are too severely injured to withstand the rigors of a long-distance migration; we need to wait for them to recover for a while longer and regain the ability to move before we can go."

Cao Xing nodded slightly.

He did not speak, but instead observed the injuries of this group of Elf Clan warriors.

At the same time, that group of female elves had already begun to take action.

They kept flapping their wings, then flew to the area overhead, and gently plucked a verdant leaf.

Holding the leaf in their hands, they gently exhaled a breath.

Before long, a crystal-clear dewdrop appeared on the verdant leaf.

Then, this group of female elves would fly to the side of those warriors and drip the dewdrop they had just collected onto their wounds.

This action seemed to be healing the wounds for this group of warriors.

Cao Xing asked: "Chieftain Oriel, according to your estimation, how much longer will it take for these warriors to regain their ability to move?"

The Elf Clan chieftain pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head and said: "I'm not very sure about the specific time, but I estimate it will take at least ten days to half a month."

Cao Xing frowned; the monster siege would begin in nine days, and according to this timeline, it would be a bit too late.

The Elf Clan chieftain Oriel said somewhat dejectedly: "However, half a month is just my expectation; this sacred tribe is still shrouded in crisis."

"Although we repelled that group of mercenaries last time."

"I estimate they will not give up and will come again later."

"By then, there might be even more casualties."

Cao Xing nodded slightly, knowing this was a very likely scenario.

After all, there were hundreds of elves here!

Every elf's value was quite astonishing; if one could capture and sell all these elves, they would immediately become rich!

Even Cao Xing had this thought before, let alone those mercenaries!

However, this group of elves was already regarded by Cao Xing as his own possession, so he certainly wouldn't let others get their hands on them.

Thus, he took out several hundred bottles of [Improved Advanced Life Potion] from his backpack.

"Chieftain Oriel, see if these potions can be used to help the warriors recover from their injuries."

After the Elf Clan chieftain took the potions from Cao Xing's hand and examined them for a while, a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes.

"Is this actually a Life Potion? And the production method used seems quite ancient."

"This kind of potion can indeed help with the warriors' injuries."

Cao Xing said: "As long as it's useful, then in that case, let the warriors take it first."

The Elf Clan chieftain said solemnly: "Thank you, Lord Cao Xing!"

After speaking, he waved his staff and guided the potions in his hands over.

Then he uttered a few sentences in the Ancient Elf language.

Those female elves immediately flew over cautiously and took these potions.

Then they flew over and fed them to the wounded lying on the ground.

As a bottle of Life Potion went down their throats, their pale complexions regained a bit of color.

"%…" Those female elves emitted crisp and melodious sounds, appearing very excited.

Although he couldn't understand it, it sounded very pleasant.

Seeing the warriors gradually recover, a look of emotion also appeared on the tribe chieftain's face.

"The healing effect of this potion is quite good; at this rate, I estimate they will be able to regain their mobility in two or three days."

A smile also appeared on Cao Xing's face.

Two or three days was perfectly enough time.

However, by comparison, recovering using the Life Potion was still not as fast as using the Ice Healing Art.

Cao Xing said: "Chieftain Oriel, besides this potion, I have an even faster recovery method."

"Not only can it make these warriors full of vitality in a short time."

"Even if they get injured in the future, as long as they aren't missing arms or legs, they can recover to their peak state in a short time."

[part:deepseek-v4-flash]

Hearing this, the Elf Clan Chief immediately looked over and asked with slight surprise, "There's actually such a powerful method?"

"Doesn't that mean these warriors can all become undying beings?"

Cao Xing smiled and said, "Undying is still out of the question, but I can definitely multiply your survivability several times over."

Obviously, he was naturally referring to the SSS-rank talent [Eternal Power].

As long as these elves were recruited into the territory, they would be able to enjoy the blessing effect, and this level of injury would have no effect at all.

The Elf Clan Chief immediately became interested.

Just as he was about to ask what method it was,

Cao Xing, who was in front of him, suddenly changed expression.

He quickly said, "Chief Aurer, someone is approaching the tribe. Warn them to be careful."

Hearing this, the elf mage was somewhat puzzled, because he had not yet sensed anything unusual.

But he also trusted Cao Xing's words, quickly gripped his staff, and struck it hard against the ground!

"All on alert!" (Ancient Elf language)

With the staff in his hand as the center, the plants on the ground seemed to come alive, leaves dancing wildly,

and also transmitted Chief Aurer's words outward.

Instantly, the warriors in this tribe entered a state of alert!

The female elves all flapped their wings and hid in the corners.

The elf warriors outside, meanwhile, climbed to the platforms on the large trees as fast as possible, preparing for battle.

At the same time.

In the forest outside the elf tribe, a large group of shadowy figures had already appeared.

They wore uniform armor and weapons, and everyone's expression was grim as they closed in from different directions!

This was a group of soldiers!

Soon, they approached the tribe.

There were no words between the two sides.

After arriving, this group of soldiers immediately launched an attack.

The elf archers on the tree trunks also attacked upon seeing the enemies.

"Whoosh! Whoosh whoosh!"

A large number of arrows shot out.

That group of soldiers kept swinging their weapons, methodically dealing with these ranged attacks.

The two sides had already begun fighting.

At the same time, Cao Xing, Renice, and the others also arrived at the open ground outside the tribe.

Seeing the large group of armored figures around them, a look of confusion appeared in their eyes.

"Hm? Weren't they saying the ones attacking the elf tribe were a group of mercenaries? Why do they look more like soldiers?"

"And judging by the style of their armor, it doesn't look like the Ice Crystal King or the Orchid Kingdom. Which country's soldiers are these?"

He glanced at their information.

[Kingdom Soldier: Jaden Baker]

[Race: Human]

[Affiliation: Ostia Kingdom]

[Level: 35 (Tier 4 Elite Creature)]

[Attributes: ——]

"So they're actually soldiers of the Ostia Kingdom."

"In other words, this forest is near the Ostia Kingdom?"

A thoughtful look appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

He had heard of this kingdom before.

It had once destroyed the Renova Kingdom where the Qi Queen resided, and among the nearby kingdoms, its strength was considered quite formidable.

His gaze returned to the battlefield, ready to act at any moment.

Below, those soldiers also displayed astonishing combat power.

The dense rain of arrows did not stop their advance, and they kept closing in on the elf warriors!

At the same time, as the elf spearmen entered the field.

They gripped their spears tightly, the muscles in their right arms bulging slightly, and then threw with all their strength!

"Swoosh!"

One sharp spear after another, carrying sonic booms as they pierced the air, struck that group of kingdom soldiers.

Piercing through their bodies despite their armor!

A large swath of soldiers fell one after another.

Seeing this scene, there was no panic in the eyes of that group of soldiers.

Among them, a soldier who looked like a squad leader shouted, "Shield Guards, form ranks!"

Hearing the command, a large group of warriors wearing breastplates and holding large black shields charged out from the rear.

They held their giant shields horizontally in front of them, blocking one spear and arrow after another.

Then they began an orderly advance.

Soon, they closed in before this group of Ancient Elf archers and prepared to knock them down from the trees.

Just then, that group of elf warriors charged out with longswords and battle axes, and the two sides directly engaged in close combat.

But in terms of numbers and equipment quality, the Ancient Elf Clan was naturally far inferior to this kingdom's soldiers.

With the tight coordination on the Ostia Kingdom's side, those elf warriors were beaten back step by step!

It looked like they were about to lose.

And just then, the Elf Clan Chief Aurer quickly walked over.

He raised his staff, chanting incantations.

"Will of nature, our homeland is being violated, our land is being trampled."

"Heed my call, and unleash your wrath upon these invaders!"

Instantly! The plants and trees within a thousand meters around seemed to be endowed with a certain spirituality.

"Rustle rustle~!"

The vegetation began to grow wildly, and those trees also continuously swung their branches, beginning to attack the enemies!

One soldier after another charged halfway before suddenly having their legs entangled by weeds growing beneath their feet.

Before they could react, a large number of vines pierced through their arms, hearts, and even brains!

Causing one fatal wound after another!

"Squelch! Squelch squelch!"

As the continuous piercing sounds rang out, in the blink of an eye, dozens of soldiers had already fallen!

Not only that, the forest within a kilometer radius seemed to have been completely activated.

Those plants began to enter a state of frenzied slaughter, and more and more soldiers were killed.

Even those soldiers holding giant shields and wearing heavy armor could not withstand it at all.

Those vines and weeds were simply omnipresent, drilling in through the gaps in their armor and into their bodies.

They could even feel these vines, after absorbing their own flesh and blood, growing wildly inside their bodies, clogging their blood vessels in an instant and filling their internal organs!

At such a terrifying sight, even this group of well-trained soldiers could not help but let out terrified shouts: "Damn it! What kind of method is this?"

"Quick, block these vines, cut down the weeds on the ground!"

"No good, these vines are growing too fast!"

Obviously, the Elf Clan Chief's move caught the Ostia Kingdom soldiers completely off guard.

The advantage that group of kingdom soldiers had just established collapsed in an instant with this outburst!

Even Cao Xing was somewhat surprised.

What the Elf Clan Chief used should be that Commander-level skill—Nature's Wrath.

In this kind of forest environment, its effect was indeed extremely powerful!

Even without Cao Xing taking action, they could resolve this crisis.

However, this situation did not last long.

As waves of black mist spread from the rear, they also brought a vile, chilling aura.

That group of soldiers voluntarily opened a path for this black mist.

"Heh heh heh—"

As a sinister laugh rang out, a strange figure appeared before that group of soldiers.

He wore a black robe, held a black staff of a rather bizarre design, as if arms were twisted together, and an aura of darkness emanated from his entire body.

"This kind of elf magic is somewhat interesting—"

"However, it still cannot compare to the power of forbidden curses."

"Compared to my magic, it is not worth mentioning at all."

As his words fell, he struck the black staff against the ground!

A terrifying black aura emanated from the staff, spreading outward across the ground in all directions.

Those grasses and plants, the moment they touched this black aura, seemed to have all their moisture drained, withering in an instant.

Then, within a short time, they turned into black dust and dissipated into the air.

Even those elf warriors, upon contact with this black aura, felt the moisture in their bodies draining madly, and before long their skin became dry.

The Elf Clan Chief realized the danger of this black aura and instantly ordered, "Retreat!"

That group of elf warriors retreated without hesitation.

In the blink of an eye, the black aura spread across a thousand-meter area,

and all the hundred-meter giant trees and plants touched by this black aura all turned into patches of black dust,

dissipating into the air. Even the ground turned into a thick, inky black!

It was truly barren, not a blade of grass remaining.

Everyone wore grave expressions as they watched this scene.

Even Cao Xing was somewhat surprised inwardly.

"What kind of magic is this, to actually have such power?"

"And it seems this magic has even affected the terrain. For a long time to come, this area will not be able to grow any plants."

"Ordinary people and animals that step into this area will also have their bodies invaded by the residual power on it,"

dying within a short time, forming a forbidden zone of life.

2

Obviously, this kind of magic was powerful, but also highly harmful.

And Cao Xing recalled something Victoria had once said.

A wizard who controlled black magic had fled to the Ostia Kingdom.

Could it be that what this person mastered was also black magic?