Then, he reached out, tickling Anna, which made her burst into giggles. Anna, not to be outdone, fought back with all her might, and instantly, the small woods echoed with joyful laughter. Naturally, our protagonist, Mo Han, enjoyed the view to his heart's content once again.

When Mo Han and the others finally left the forbidden area of the woods, dusk was beginning to settle. On their way back, Mo Han, unable to contain his curiosity, couldn't help but ask Anna about the reason for the taboo surrounding the area.

Hearing Mo Han's inquiry, Anna hesitated for a moment before replying, "This is actually one of our Elven secrets. However, since Brother Mo Han isn't an outsider, it’s fine to tell you. Besides, I’ve never been inside myself, so I don't know the details very clearly. But this forbidden ground has existed for a very long time. I’ve only occasionally heard my Mother say that within the Elven Forbidden Ground reside several Elemental Spirits—they are the most primordial forms of magical essence, possessing astonishing power. It seems that when our Elven mages are on the verge of breaking through to the peak of their abilities, they go into the forest to seek the help of these Elemental Spirits, allowing them to advance smoothly. That is precisely why our Elven race has never lacked high-level mages."

Hearing Anna's explanation, Mo Han exclaimed in astonishment, "There really are Elemental Spirits? Aren't those just legends? Legends say that all Elemental Spirits were wiped out during the ancient Great War of the Gods, which is why Elemental Spirits can no longer be found anywhere on the continent, leading to a significant decline in the overall level of magic in Dragon's Ascent Continent. I never imagined that Elemental Spirits still existed here."

This was why Mo Han was so surprised.

Anna saw his reaction and nodded, saying, "Indeed, they exist. As for why they are in the Elven Forest, I am not entirely clear. I only know they have been here since long before the Elven Forest even formed; the forbidden ground predates the forest itself. The specific era is impossible to trace. However, after the Elven Forest was established, our ancestors accidentally discovered this place and thus received their aid. With their help, the strength of the Elven race gradually expanded, leading to the current situation. Therefore, these Elemental Spirits are essentially benefactors to our race. That is why the Elves always send their most formidable warriors to guard the forbidden ground, prohibiting others from disturbing them and ensuring their peace."

Mo Han was even more astonished by this revelation.

So the Elven race had such a hidden history; it was truly unexpected. He wondered if he might have the chance to enter just once. If he could, his own strength might very well achieve a breakthrough. If he continued to fumble around blindly like this, he had no idea how long it would take to break past the cultivation of Great Magus and enter the realm of Saint Magus.

With that thought in mind, Mo Han resolved that if any opportunity arose, he absolutely had to find a way to get inside and see the results for himself.

Seeing Mo Han suddenly sink into thought, Anna couldn't help but ask him curiously. Mo Han explained his idea, wondering if Anna might know a way to help him realize this plan. Upon hearing this, Anna shook her head with difficulty and replied, "I am sorry, Brother Mo Han. It’s not that I don't want to help you, but this forbidden ground is not accessible to just anyone. Unless granted approval by the Mother, no one can enter, not even me, let alone someone who is not of Elven descent. So, I truly don't know what I can do to help you right now."

Mo Han had only asked casually; he hadn't genuinely expected Anna to take him in. Therefore, upon hearing her answer, he wasn't overly disappointed. Instead, he comforted Anna, telling her not to blame herself, and that it was fine if it wasn't possible—he was certain he would find a way to break through his bottleneck without needing to enter the forbidden ground.

Just then, several figures approached rapidly from the opposite direction. Mo Han glanced over and saw it was Tremor, accompanied by two Elven guards. Seeing Anna and the others, Tremor breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Your Highness, Mr. Mo Han, finally, I've found you both! Where did you go? Her Majesty the Queen wishes to express her gratitude for Mr. Mo Han’s kindness and has commanded me to invite him to dine with her. However, when I went to your usual residence, the guards informed me that you had gone out sightseeing. I have been searching for quite some time."

Hearing this, Anna spoke to Tremor with an apologetic expression, "I am so sorry, Uncle Tremor. I was too engrossed in showing Brother Mo Han the sights of the Elven Forest and completely lost track of time. By the time we realized it, it was already this late."

Tremor nodded and said, "It’s alright, no harm done. I imagine the Queen is growing anxious; we should hurry along."

Seeing this, Mo Han and the others said no more, following directly behind Tremor toward the banquet.

Upon entering the banquet hall, Mo Han noticed that besides the Elven Queen, Elder Aierui and another elder were present. However, Elder Luyi and his faction were absent, which Mo Han found strangely more comfortable.

Seeing Mo Han and the others enter, the Elven Queen immediately spoke with a smile, "Young friend Mo Han, are you satisfied with the scenery of our Elven Forest? Please, come and take a seat. This entire feast is held in your honor, so please do not be polite. It’s just that Elder Luyi and the others happen to have an urgent matter and could not attend; I hope you do not mind, young friend."

Hearing this, Mo Han quickly smiled and offered his thanks, "Hehe, Your Majesty, you are too kind. I haven't done anything worthy of such grand hospitality, but since it is Your Majesty's kind intention, it is my honor, and I certainly will not stand on ceremony."

With that, he proceeded toward his designated seat.

The Elven Queen smiled upon hearing his words and said, "Heh heh, young friend, you jest. We wronged you first with our misunderstanding, yet not only did you bear no grudge, but you helped us uncover the murderers of our kin, ensuring they were not wrongly accused. You could even be said to have averted a war between the Elven race and the Kanya Empire. For these mercies alone, you are more than worthy of this meal. From this day forward, you will also be an honored guest of the Elven race, free to enter and exit our Elven Forest as you please. Consider this a small token of our appreciation."

As the Elven Queen finished speaking, Elven guards presented a tray. On the tray rested a jade token shaped like a leaf, shimmering with a vibrant emerald green.

Mo Han looked curiously at the Elven Queen, unsure of the purpose of this jade pendant.

Anna, however, became visibly delighted and quickly exclaimed, "Brother Mo Han, quickly accept it and thank the Queen Mother! This is the token of Elven gratitude. Only those who have rendered a great service to the Elven race are qualified to receive it. Our kind has only issued one such token in the last hundred years; counting this one, yours will be the second. So, hurry and thank the Queen Mother!"

Mo Han then understood the significance of this seemingly unremarkable jade pendant and spoke with a hint of being overwhelmed, "Such a precious gift, I dare not accept it rashly. Your Majesty, please take it back."

Hearing Mo Han’s words, the elves in the hall showed expressions of astonishment, while the Elven Queen and Elder Aierui cast looks of genuine admiration toward him. Most humans would dream of obtaining the help of the Elven race to further their own interests, yet Mo Han was able to refuse such a temptation—this spoke volumes about his character.

The Elven Queen quickly smiled and insisted, "Young friend Mo Han, please accept it. Our Elven race has always repaid kindness. If we failed to uphold this principle, wouldn't it ruin the reputation we have maintained for thousands of years? Therefore, we will not take back this jade token. Whenever you need assistance, you may bring this token to us at any time."

Seeing the Queen's unwavering resolve, Mo Han had no choice but to thank her and accept the jade pendant.

The remainder of the evening passed in a joyful atmosphere. Through the events of that night, the Elven Queen and Elder Aierui grew even more appreciative of Mo Han, winning their goodwill.

Returning to the small cottage arranged for him by the Elven Queen, Mo Han began to meditate. He realized that although the magical essence within the Elven Forest was not as potent as that in the Elven Forbidden Ground, the ambient magic here was still significantly richer than in the outside world, noticeably accelerating his progress in meditation.

At this realization, Mo Han understood why Elven mages were consistently one of the most formidable military units among the races. Cultivating long-term in a place saturated with rich magical energy would surely boost one's training speed by more than double that of the outside world. While this effect might not significantly advance his magical cultivation now, it could certainly refine the purity of the magical essence within his body, which was entirely beneficial.

By midnight, Mo Han had completed his meditation session and felt completely refreshed. He secretly marveled; under normal circumstances, he would never have finished his meditation so quickly. This clearly showed that the Elven Forest was indeed an excellent place for mages to cultivate.

If time permitted, Mo Han genuinely wished he could remain here and cultivate diligently for several years. Perhaps then he might have hope of breaking through his current realm and reaching the level of Saint Magus. However, these were mere fantasies.

Setting aside the fact that Daili and the others were waiting for him outside, there was little more than a year left until the invasion of the Underworld Clan. He simply did not have the luxury of time to settle down and cultivate peacefully.