Chen Yu's round, gelatinous head sank into contemplation as he recalled the fragmented information gleaned from adventurer logs, merchant caravan rumors, and Count Bran's boastful tales.
Far to the west, beyond the continuous Shadow Mountains and the vast Golden Radiance Valley, and further westward still, lies a fertile region celebrated by bards as the "Emerald Crown."
There, countless ancient oak trees tower into the clouds, their forests so dense they seem capable of swallowing the sky.
Legend holds that the ancestors of the elves gathered under a sacred oak with a trunk as massive as a mountain and a canopy that could shade the entire sky. Under its protection and inspiration, they thrived and multiplied, gradually establishing numerous elven city-states founded on the highest principles of equality, justice, and harmony with nature.
These city-states are loosely connected and largely autonomous. However, to collectively resist threats and incursions from the outside world—including human kingdoms, orc tribes, and even Abyssal demons—they spontaneously formed the Ancient Tree Council. They also centralized the legitimacy and interpretive authority of their faith within the Nature Temple, overseen by ancient elves.
This is one of the few, historically long-lived, yet relatively secluded and mysterious elven nations on the continent.
It has no specific name. Some call it the Emerald Kingdom, others call it the Holy Hymn.
Nearly all elves who now adventure across the continent or settle in human kingdoms originate from this distant homeland.
Even for many elven descendants born abroad, that sacred land bathed in the light of the Sacred Oak is a homeland they dream of and yearn to see once in their lifetime.
The "dew" that condenses and drips from the veins of the Sacred Oak's immense silver leaves is regarded as a symbol of holiness, purity, and natural life, known as Sacred Oak Water.
It is a necessary material for many high-level elven magical rituals, blessing spells, and even certain ancient contracts. It can even be refined by skilled elven alchemists into "Sacred Oak Dewdrops," which can be used to purify curses or heal fatal injuries.
Of course, Sacred Oak Water itself is not particularly mysterious or rare.
Every rain that falls over the elven city-states is a gift of sweet dew from the Sacred Oak.
But the key issue is that the sanctity and efficacy of Sacred Oak Water seem to be intrinsically linked to the environment where the Sacred Oak itself exists.
It can only maintain its legendary miraculous effects within the range of the Sacred Oak's influence. Once it leaves the elven city-states, far from the Sacred Oak and the collective faith of the elves, the so-called Sacred Oak Water likely rapidly degenerates into ordinary dew, losing its unique sacred purifying power.
Only through alchemical means might it be possible to solidify its effects.
Alders fumbled through the pocket of his traveling cloak and finally pulled out a piece of yellowed parchment.
Then, he extended a withered finger and gently traced a line in the air.
A quill with a nib glowing faintly with magical luster floated out from his sleeve, hovering above the parchment.
As if held by an invisible hand, the quill began to write fluidly on the parchment, leaving behind lines of elegant, complex elven script and alchemical symbols, accompanied by detailed plant sketches and proportional diagrams.
"The purification potion must be brewed within the Sacred Oak's domain," Alders explained slowly, watching the quill write. "This requires an alchemist proficient in both alchemy and elven magic to personally travel to the Emerald Crown, collect fresh Sacred Oak Water as the primary ingredient, and concoct it on the spot."
After writing the final symbol, the quill automatically flew back into his sleeve.
Alders gently rolled up the parchment, tied it with a thin green vine, then looked up at Chen Yu and Eserin.
"This should be difficult for them, right?" Arthur's gel bubbled as he inwardly muttered. Difficult? Of course it's difficult. The problem is, these elven city-states of the Emerald Crown are notoriously conservative and exclusionary, quite hostile to outsiders entering their sacred lands.
Almost only pure-blooded elves, or a very few foreign allies granted special permission by the Nature Temple, are allowed entry.
Where would he find an elven alchemist who is both proficient in alchemy, willing to risk traveling to the elven city-states, *and* be accepted by them?
But at that moment, Eserin stepped forward, reached out, and took the parchment scroll Alders offered.
She carefully examined the formula and instructions on it, then turned to Chen Yu, nodded slightly, and smiled.
"Your Majesty need not worry. I was planning to return to my homeland anyway to visit old friends. Moreover, I have some knowledge of alchemy. Bringing back this purification potion along the way is not a problem."
Only then did Chen Yu remember.
Right. Eserin is a genuine high elf. Furthermore, she has long been responsible for logistics and potion-making in Rootwhisper Forest; most of the territory's Cold-Resistance Potions were made by her. Her alchemical skill is certainly not low. She truly is the most suitable candidate.
Viola's spiritual form drifted over again, gently embracing Eserin from behind and letting out a soft, hehe chuckle. "Letting you go back alone won't do. The road is so long, what if you encounter some danger along the way?"
Eserin was taken aback, turning her head to look at Viola. "Your meaning is?"
Viola mysteriously blinked her eyes. "I've already found a companion for you to return with. Don't worry, protecting you is absolutely no problem. It's settled."
Having said that, she didn't wait for Eserin's response. Her spiritual form dissipated lightly, as if melting into the air.
Eserin could only shake her head helplessly. She looked back at Chen Yu, her tone serious. "As Lady Viola said, Your Majesty, I will bring the potion back safely."
"Additionally, regarding the alchemical techniques and catalytic magic formations for cultivating Arcane Ancient Trees, I have compiled them into a complete manual and taught them to several of the most talented and responsible young elves in the territory. You need not worry about the legion's subsequent expansion."
Since Eserin had already made thorough preparations and arrangements, Chen Yu didn't say anything more.
There were still a few days before Eserin's departure.
After enjoying a sumptuous open-air feast in Rootwhisper Forest, Chen Yu finally, contentedly, stepped onto his Stone Sword and wobbled his way back to Slime City.
As for that fellow Alders, instead of staying in the comfortable and pleasant Rootwhisper Forest, he insisted on leaning on his walking stick and following Chen Yu back to Slime City.
Judging by his leisurely demeanor, as if strolling in his own backyard, he was clearly determined to latch onto him.
But this is, after all, a genuine Forest Sage, an Extraordinary professional, knowledgeable and quite powerful... Having him stay in Slime City could be considered him helping guard the kingdom.
Thinking of it that way, Chen Yu simply allowed this old sage to follow. After all, the Slime Palace is big enough; housing one more elven old man wouldn't make much difference.
What did surprise Chen Yu a bit was that the "mysterious companion" Viola mentioned took the initiative to reveal himself just one day later.
Early the next morning, in the main hall of the Slime Palace used for formal audiences and council meetings.
Arthur was kneeling on one knee below Chen Yu's Oakwood Throne.
His posture was standard and respectful, his helmet bowed low, but the Soulfire in his eye sockets burned with unusual intensity, as if silently declaring his resolve.
"Your Majesty," Arthur's hoarse yet clear voice rang out in the empty hall, "A comfortable environment cannot cultivate an excellent knight. My path of nature requires more experience, broader horizons, and more direct confrontation with evil foes."
Count Bran, perched on Arthur's shoulder, surprisingly did not jump out to object or crack jokes this time.
Once Arthur finished speaking, he immediately puffed out his chest, vigorously patted Arthur's helmet with a wing, then heroically waved his other wing, excitedly cawing.
"Caw! That's right! Calm waters cannot nurture an excellent sailor. It seems this foolish retainer of mine has finally come to his senses."
"Adventure is the greatest bond between this Count and Arthur, from when we met until now, caw! Your Majesty, I also want to go see if that legendary elven holy land is truly as beautiful as the songs sing."
"..."
Chen Yu's entire gelatinous body was squatting on the Oakwood Throne, his little eyes looking down at the undead-crow duo below.
He couldn't help feeling that Bran was treating this serious mission to the Emerald Crown as a sightseeing tour.
However, he also knew that although Count Bran usually appeared cowardly and fearful, deep down he truly loved adventure and yearned to see the wider world.
If not for that, he and Arthur would never have left the Dark Realm in the first place, much less encountered him.
Chen Yu's entire gelatinous body leaned forward slightly, as if carefully pondering.
Arthur's Judgment power is indeed special. It resembles high-level undead power, yet belongs to the natural domain. This kind of power almost can only grow and solidify through judging evil, purifying corruption, and practicing its beliefs on the boundary between life and death.
Arthur is right.
Staying in a peaceful and stable kingdom, his power would find it difficult to make significant progress.
Choosing to accompany Eserin back to the Emerald Crown, filled with unknowns and challenges, is indeed a good choice.
But how did Viola guess that Arthur would take the initiative to propose leaving?
Unable to figure it out, Chen Yu simply stopped thinking about it. After all, that Viola is always mysterious.
In the end, he agreed.
"Very well. Since you have decided, then go."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Arthur responded solemnly, his Soulfire flickering with gratitude and determination.
"Caw! Leave it to this Count!" Count Bran patted his chest in assurance.
......
Two days later.
Edge of Rootwhisper Forest, morning.
A thin mist shrouded the forest like a veil. The sunlight had not yet fully dispelled the night's chill. Arthur, Eserin, and Count Bran were already prepared to depart.
Arthur had changed into relatively lightweight traveling leather armor, covered by a cloak to conceal his form, with only a knight's straight sword hanging at his waist.
Eserin wore a simple mage's traveling robe, her satchel filled with necessary supplies and alchemical tools.
Two carefully selected, endurance-strong plains horses with white hooves stood quietly beside them, snorting and exhaling faint white breath.
Count Bran stood on Arthur's other shoulder, yawning sleepily. "So tired, this Count is dying. Aren't you two sleepy?"
Eserin simply nodded slightly to Arthur. "Sir Arthur, I'll trouble you for the journey ahead."
Arthur straightforwardly performed a knight's salute, his voice hoarse but firm. "It is my duty."
Eserin smiled. Compared to when she first met Arthur, there was less sense of distance in her eyes.
Chen Yu, sitting on his Stone Sword, slowly floated to a stop before Arthur.
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to your sister?"
Arthur hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "No. Storm Fortress is too far. Making a special trip back would be troublesome. And... goodbyes are always saddening."
His voice grew slightly lower.
As he spoke, he turned to look at the two people who had come to see them off—Galvin and Anna.
"My friend, Alice, and my father... I'll trouble you to look after them."
Galvin merely gave him a faint look, a slight curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. "So you think I am stronger than your father and better able to protect them? Interesting."
He paused. "I hope you don't let your skills grow rusty outside. When you return, we still have an unfinished match."
Having said that, he turned around decisively and strode away.
Anna looked at Arthur, then turned to look at Galvin leaving. She hurriedly bowed deeply to Arthur. "Teacher, I wish you a smooth journey and a safe return. I... I'll follow Teacher Galvin back now!"
Having said that, she jogged to catch up with Galvin's retreating figure, not forgetting to turn back and wave vigorously at Arthur.
Arthur nodded, also raising his hand and waving silently in the direction they left, as a farewell.
On the other side, Eserin had also finished saying her goodbyes to Viola, Old Bloom, as well as the Glimmerlings and elves.
"Your Majesty, we are setting off." Eserin offered Chen Yu a final bow.
"Wait, take this." Chen Yu suddenly said.
His gelatinous body wriggled slightly. A clump of emerald-green gel separated and nimbly jumped onto Arthur.
This gel rapidly flowed, like a living liquid, seeping through the seams of Arthur's leather armor and covering the bones beneath his full-body armor.
Then the gel began to rapidly mimic and transform. Arthur's undead body was actually disguised as the appearance of an adult male elven warrior, even mimicking the distinctive elongated, pointed ears of an elf.
Chen Yu's mimicry ability was clearly more advanced than before. As long as Arthur didn't actively reveal himself, almost no one could see through his disguise from appearance alone.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Arthur, already accustomed to this kind of disguise, didn't show much curiosity this time. He simply moved his new body a bit.
"We're off."
Amidst Count Bran's farewell cries, Arthur took one last look at Chen Yu, then walked side by side with Eserin, leading their horses, out from the forest's edge.
Their figures gradually blurred in the morning mist, eventually disappearing into the depths of the forest path leading westward.
Viola's spiritual form stood at the forest's edge watching. She didn't seem worried about the safety of this adventuring party. Instead, she asked Chen Yu in a relaxed tone, "Want to try the freshly made blueberry jam? As breakfast, spread on freshly baked rye bread, it tastes quite good."
Hearing this, Chen Yu immediately felt his round little belly grow a bit hungry. The morning chill seemed to be dispelled somewhat by this warm suggestion.