The words of the Elven Queen only deepened Zhong Shenxiu’s confusion. As he pondered the meaning of the “Earth Guardian,” the Queen and the other elves all performed a deep bow toward the “Tree of Prime Essence,” their expressions so solemn as if they were paying homage to some reigning monarch! Could this “Tree of Prime Essence” hold a profound significance for the Elven race?
Zhong Shenxiu’s mind raced, ceaselessly turning over the matter. Just then, the Elven Queen suddenly stood, taking a swift step to stand before Zhong Shenxiu, and then knelt on one knee, her tone still serious and sincere as she spoke: “Please, allow us to look after the ▲Earth Guardian!” Huh!
Zhong Shenxiu was taken aback. For the supreme leader of the Elven race to show him such deference—he truly felt overwhelmed by the unexpected honor!
At this point, Zhong Shenxiu was certain that the “Earth Guardian” the Elven Queen spoke of referred to this very “Tree of Prime Essence.” Though he didn't know why the Queen valued it so highly, it no longer mattered; what was important was that he could now confirm the Elves would settle here! “That is no issue. I intended for you to help me look after these gardens anyway!” Zhong Shenxiu said with a smile.
With that, the two parties finally reached an accord. The Elven Queen agreed to bring her kin to settle in this place and to help Zhong Shenxiu tend to his flourishing flora and grasses! The smoothness with which events unfolded surprised even Zhong Shenxiu.
After emerging from the “Medium Pouch,” the Elven Queen remained visibly unsettled, evident in her slightly trembling frame. “Young Master!” Luo Jie'aer immediately rushed forward upon seeing Zhong Shenxiu.
Zhong Shenxiu needed no guess to understand her unspoken question, so he stated plainly, “Her Majesty the Queen has agreed!”
Hearing this, Luo Jie'aer broke into a happy smile. If her people could reside within the “Medium Pouch,” it was the optimal choice, both from a security perspective and otherwise!
Once the Elven race was settled inside the “Medium Pouch,” Luo Jie'aer would be able to see her relatives whenever she wished. “Your Majesty, what is this ▲Water of Life you mentioned just now? May I see it?” Zhong Shenxiu turned away from Luo Jie'aer and asked the Elven Queen calmly.
He recalled the Queen mentioning that this “Water of Life” was the very source of the “Soul Tree.” Without this “Water of Life,” the “Soul Tree” would struggle greatly to survive!
Though he had yet to see the “Soul Tree” itself, it was necessary to examine the composition of this “Water of Life.” If possible, Zhong Shenxiu would help them procure some! (As long as it wasn't a living entity, he could devise a method!) “This is the ▲Water of Life!” the Elven Queen said, handing Zhong Shenxiu an exquisitely crafted wooden jar.
Zhong Shenxiu eagerly opened the jar. Upon seeing the contents, he first paused in surprise, then burst into laughter.
The Elven Queen regarded Zhong Shenxiu with a peculiar expression. She didn't know what he was laughing at nor did she wish to ask; she only yearned to relocate to that pristine, secluded forest as soon as possible! Before leaving the “Medium Pouch,” she had explained the matter of the “Soul Tree” to him, and Zhong Shenxiu’s response had been a reassurance that he would handle everything! What exactly was making him laugh? Why did his expression carry a hint of smugness and amusement?
The reason was simple: the “Water of Life” presented by the Elven Queen was utterly astonishing to Zhong Shenxiu, not because it was rare—quite the opposite, in fact. To him, it was incredibly commonplace: just water imbued with potent spiritual energy!
For water like this, Zhong Shenxiu could instantaneously generate vast quantities. He truly hadn't expected this to be the scarce and exceptionally difficult-to-gather “Water of Life” the Elven Queen had described! What a twist of fate!
Originally, Zhong Shenxiu had anticipated a struggle to resolve the relocation of the “Soul Tree.” Now, it seemed the crucial “Water of Life” was settled, meaning the relocation issue would naturally fall into place!
Returning the small jar to the Elven Queen, Zhong Shenxiu suddenly said something quite strange to her: “Look here, is this what you call the ‘Water of Life’!”
As Zhong Shenxiu finished speaking, a sphere of water abruptly materialized before him. It was merely a simple water spell, but the true key lay ahead. Zhong Shenxiu performed a simple hand seal, brought his hands together to form a “Spirit Gathering Seal,” and pointed toward the water sphere. Following a flash of blue light, the “Water of Life” created by Zhong Shenxiu was complete!
The Elven Queen could hardly believe what she was seeing. Being intimately familiar with the “Water of Life,” she instantly recognized the water sphere before Zhong Shenxiu as precisely that. Yet, she couldn't believe it could be formed so easily and quickly! They, the Elves, went through immense hardship to collect a single drop of ‘Water of Life’! This was utterly monstrous! Every surrounding elf, without exception, was utterly dumbstruck; their eyes were completely fixed on that water sphere, as if the rest of the world had instantly vanished! “Is this the ‘Water of Life’ you speak of?” Zhong Shenxiu asked again, controlling the water sphere to float before the Elven Queen.
Observing the water sphere from such close range, the Elven Queen became even more agitated. The reason was clear: she noticed that this water-sphere-shaped “Water of Life” was even purer than the contents of her jar!
What an astonishing realization! The jar she presented held the purest “Water of Life” in the entire Elven race, yet it paled in comparison to the temporary water sphere Zhong Shenxiu had conjured! It was less a blow and more a profound shock! However, what stunned the Elven Queen even more was Zhong Shenxiu’s next utterance!! “Would you like to learn the technique I just used?” Zhong Shenxiu looked at the Elven Queen with a half-smile, his expression akin to coaxing a young girl.
The Elven Queen was nearly overwhelmed by this succession of shocks. To offer to teach her that move—did that mean if she learned it, she too could gather the “Water of Life” so effortlessly?
The temptation was too immense for the Elven Queen to refuse. She hastily replied, “Yes!” Zhong Shenxiu smiled again; he seemed to have completely gained the upper hand with the Elven Queen. “Mm, I will teach you. I believe with your aptitude, you will learn it quickly!” Zhong Shenxiu added encouragement without fail.
“Really?” The Elven Queen revealed a rare glimpse of girlishness, yet none of the surrounding elves dared to mock her, for the technique Zhong Shenxiu had just displayed was too incredible! None of them, not a single elf, could resist its allure! (A side note: The “Water of Life” was not only used to nourish the “Soul Tree” but could also rapidly enhance the growth of an Elf, making it considered a supreme treasure within the Elven race!) “Of course, it’s true!” Zhong Shenxiu replied earnestly, shamelessly so, almost reaching out to pat the Elven Queen’s head.
Subsequently, at Zhong Shenxiu’s request, the Elven Queen led the way to see the so-called “Soul Tree”! The location of the “Soul Tree” was a strictly forbidden zone; even ordinary elves were not permitted near it. Bringing an outsider like Zhong Shenxiu here was a huge breach of protocol!
When Zhong Shenxiu and his entourage arrived at the destination, several elves were busy tending to a towering tree, repeatedly spraying the “Water of Life” from their pouches onto the trunk, deeply absorbed in their work! “Your Majesty!” These elves finally noticed the Elven Queen’s arrival, yet they remained perched on the branches, showing no intention of coming down!
The Elven Queen waved her hand, making a strange gesture that essentially instructed the elves to continue, before turning to Zhong Shenxiu beside her and saying, “This is the ‘Soul Tree’!”
Even without her words, Zhong Shenxiu would have surmised as much, for the “Soul Tree” was indeed extraordinary. Its greatest feature was that it was mobile, its trunk twisting and turning periodically, causing the leaves upon it to rustle incessantly! So this was the “Soul Tree”? Truly interesting!
A knowing smile touched Zhong Shenxiu’s lips. Although he was curious about the “Soul Tree,” he had no intention of conducting research here and now. After all, this particular “Soul Tree” was vitally important to the Elven race, and any reckless action on his part could easily incite their collective wrath!
If possible, Zhong Shenxiu would request a seed from a “Soul Tree” and attempt to cultivate a new one in seclusion, where he could slowly study it—even dissecting it limb by limb would be permissible! (Perhaps a bit cruel, a slight sigh!)
After touring the “Soul Tree,” the remaining task was to formally begin the great relocation!
Since they had prior experience moving the “Tree of Prime Essence,” moving these “Soul Trees” proved to be a simple affair!
Now, the entire Elven race was busy. This time, unlike the previous desperate escape, they organized their belongings with a sense of anticipation and excitement, happiness shining on every elf's face! They were finally saying goodbye to a life lived in constant fear; they could finally live happily! “Are these the elves responsible for construction?” Zhong Shenxiu swept his gaze over the more than fifty elves assembled before him and turned to ask Allison, whose expression was notably serious. “Yes, these are the most elite construction experts of our clan!” Allison replied with great deference. “Good!” Zhong Shenxiu nodded, then inquired, “Are you prepared?” “Completely prepared!” Allison answered again.
The moment she finished speaking, she and those fifty-plus elves vanished from their spot!
Simultaneously, Zhong Shenxiu couldn't help but let out a mischievous grin. The reason was simple: he had prepared a surprise for these elves inside the “Medium Pouch”!
He truly looked forward to seeing their expressions then! (Zhong Shenxiu thought to himself…)