Arrival at the Emerald Tree Sea: Baptism of the Breath of Life
After two days of relentless sprinting, the massive bone wings of the Shadow Wing Guards sliced through the thin clouds, carrying Fa and her group like ghosts diving downward. They landed silently on a concealed clearing at the periphery of the Emerald Tree Sea, covered in thick dense moss and decaying leaves. As everyone leaped from the backs of these mounts from the realm of the dead and set foot on the soft, resilient ground, an overwhelming, almost tangible breath of life surged toward them like a warm tide, instantly enveloping their bodies.
This breath was pure and rich, carrying the fresh sweetness of budding plants, the warm moistness from deep within the soil, and the lush fragrance of countless blooming flowers. It seemed to possess the power to cleanse the soul, roughly dispelling and dissolving the lingering blood, despair, and cold aura from Dark Tide Island on everyone, leaving only lungs filled with freshness and a refreshed clarity of mind. Even the weakened Dekli on Kayla's shoulder seemed to regain a hint of color on her pale face, letting out an almost inaudible sigh of comfort.
"Hoo..." Celestia took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and felt the pure life energy circulating within her body, easing the fatigue and tense nerves from days of rushing.
The Emerald Tree Sea unfolding before them formed a stark, almost extreme contrast to the perilous Ink Dark Forest they had experienced before. The Ink Dark Forest was a mysterious realm ruled by eternal night—towering giant trees twisted like ghostly claws, completely blocking out sunlight, perpetually shrouded in suffocating fog laden with toxins and illusions, foul swamps lurking beneath every seemingly flat layer of fallen leaves, the air forever drifting with oppressive and deadly whispers.
In contrast, the Emerald Tree Sea was a living, magic-infused pure land, the most beloved masterpiece of the Goddess of Life. The towering "Dawnlight Ancient Trees" were the soul pillars of this forest; their trunks were not ordinary wood-colored but like the finest emerald meticulously carved, with a soft, pulsating green glow flowing throughout, as if harboring a beating heart of life inside. Sunlight was no longer a stingy giver; it generously pierced through the layered canopies, turning into countless cascading beams of light, forming Tyndall effects in the air floating with tiny spores, like flowing liquid gold. The light spots sprinkled on the ground covered in thick moss and soft fallen leaves, gently swaying and shifting with the breeze brushing the treetops, like a silent, eternal dance of light and shadow. The rustling of leaves rubbing together produced continuous, soft, rhythmic sounds, as if the entire forest was humming softly, recounting ancient secrets.
The scents in the air were layered: initially, the fresh crispness of tender grass and new leaves with morning dew, followed by the sweet fragrance of unknown wildflowers, and deeper inhalation revealed the reassuring warm earthy aroma from fertile humus soil. This breath was not just an olfactory delight but seemed to permeate the skin, nourishing every living being that entered.
The winding forest paths were not artificially carved but naturally paved by living roots covered in velvet-like emerald moss and flexible vines, soft and springy underfoot. The paths were dotted with star-like wildflowers in vibrant colors, and countless mushrooms emitting faint, dreamy glows like fireflies, quietly twinkling under tree roots and beside rocks. Looking up through the gaps in the branches, one could vaguely see the elves' ingenious life magic creations—空中 platforms woven from giant leaves and fresh flowers, and aerial bridges entwined with glowing vines that seemed naturally grown, elegantly suspended between the treetops, blending seamlessly with the forest like hanging aerial gardens under a green dome. Those glowing vines dangled down, swaying gently in the wind, indeed resembling natural lanterns adorning the forest.
Fa stood quietly, surveying this vibrant wonderland. Her right eye's profound star pupil rotated slightly, with deep azure light flowing endlessly within, like a miniature star. She wasn't just observing with her eyes but using this magical eye containing the secrets of the stars to meticulously sense the surging torrent of life magic deep beneath the earth. Every tree, every leaf, every wisp of breeze was like an independent note, together composing a grand and harmonious symphony of life. "Here..." she spoke softly, her voice seeming to merge into the forest's whispers, "the power of nature is pure and vast, far surpassing the Ink Dark Forest. Every inch of land, every strand of air here is steeped in an ancient and powerful will of life. They are breathing, they are singing."
Arya stood beside her, her emerald eyes reflecting the lush forest, shimmering with indescribable attachment and belonging. She reached out, her fingertips gently brushing the faintly glowing bark of a nearby Dawnlight Ancient Tree, the motion as tender as touching a long-lost dear friend. "This is the Emerald Tree Sea," her voice carried a subtle tremble, of excitement and emotion, "the eternal pride and home of the elven race. My childhood was spent running under these shades, chasing in these lights and shadows, playing with gentle unicorns by clear streams." She turned, facing her companions from different worlds bearing heavy missions, a sincere and hopeful smile blooming on her face, as if the forest's sunlight condensed in her eyes: "I know every path here, every spring. Follow me, let's first visit Elder Serandir. He might guide us."
Celestia folded her dark four wings behind her, her gaze piercing through the layered tree shadows toward the deeper forest where a faintly visible, astonishingly massive tree crown outline loomed—that must be the location of the Elven Royal Court "Eternal Crown." Expectation and anxiety intertwined in her ice-blue eyes: "May the forest's wisdom guide us to clues about Elios..."
Kayla carefully adjusted the weakened Dekli into a more comfortable position on her shoulder, her rough voice breaking the momentary poetic immersion: "This place is beautiful like a painting, I'll admit. But don't forget what we're here for! Not for vacationing and flower gazing." She warily scanned the seemingly harmless depths of the dense forest, "The prettier the place, the more likely it hides deadly stuff."
TISK's Lava Hammer in hand flickered with dangerous red light and cold chill under the sunlight filtering through leaf gaps, two extreme forces forming strange ice-fire patterns on the hammer body. He nodded in agreement, his stout frame steady as a rock: "Kayla's right. Scenery can't be eaten, and it sure can't save lives."
Lin Ya had already crouched down, his bare feet directly on the warm moss ground. He closed his eyes, palms flat against the earth, expression focused and devout. Visible emerald fungal networks spread from his fingertips like living things, quickly connecting with the ground beneath and the root systems of surrounding ancient trees. A vast and warm life energy surged into his body through this network, making him let out a satisfied sigh: "Too... too wonderful. The natural power here is pure and vast, like an boundless sea of life. The trees... they're welcoming us, I can feel their goodwill." The vines and green leaves on his body seemed more vibrant, slightly unfurling.
Yuyuer gripped his staff with a dragon bone shaft topped by a softly glowing blue crystal orb. His keen gaze was drawn to the distant glimmer of water, the moist and sweet air invigorating him. "The water elements here... are unbelievably pure!" he whispered excitedly, the crystal orb's light brightening a bit, "I feel the call of lakes and streams. Perhaps I can communicate with the water spirits, with those ancient beings—they are the forest's eyes and ears, maybe they can tell us some... intelligence overlooked by the elves."
Zhamisi's crimson vertical pupils sharply scanned the seemingly harmonious scene around, her slender snake tongue flicking rapidly, capturing every subtle scent molecule in the air. "Beauty is often the deadliest disguise." Her cold voice carried the distinctive hiss of serpents, "Doomsday Rebirth's shadows are omnipresent; their tentacles have already silently probed into this pure land. Don't be deceived by the surface tranquility; stay vigilant."
Rex's mechanical body emitted an extremely faint system self-check hum, his helmet's electronic eyes constantly zooming, performing precise thermal imaging, energy fluctuation, and terrain scans of the surroundings. "Terrain complexity assessment: Extremely high. Vegetation density up to 97%. Limited visibility areas: Widespread." His low metallic synthesized voice analyzed calmly, "Favorable for concealment and ambushes. Potential threat points: Multiple marked. Recommendation: Maintain highest alert level, formation tight."
Salsa's controlled mechanical cat body quietly crouched at Lin Ya's feet, amber electronic eyes slowly scanning around, its internal core seemingly interacting with some invisible energy field. "Here... permeated with a powerful soul energy field," her electronic tone carried a subtle fluctuation, "several times denser than expected. If a stable connection can be established, perhaps I can summon more powerful... ancient guardian spirits, as aid."
Fa took in everyone's reactions, her gaze finally landing on Arya, the azure light in her star pupil steady and profound. "Alright, Arya." Her voice was clear and steady, "You're more familiar with this place. Lead the way, take us to see Elder Serandir."
Whispers of the Forest: Encounters with Elves and Nature Spirits
The group followed Arya's light steps, treading the winding path paved by living roots and moss, delving deeper into the heart of the Emerald Tree Sea. The forest's scents changed with their strides, sometimes rich floral fragrances, sometimes fresh grassy notes, sometimes moist earthy aromas. Sunlight through leaf gaps cast ever-changing light spots on them.
Soon, they encountered the true masters of the Emerald Tree Sea—the elven residents. These elves, regardless of gender, possessed astonishingly elegant auras. They wore light, flowing green robes woven from some faintly glowing plant fibers, their hair adorned with delicate wreaths of fresh flowers or emerald tender leaves. Their faces were serene and transcendent, eyes clear like forest springs. When their gazes caught Arya's familiar figure, that serenity instantly shattered into surprise.
"Arya! It's really you!" An elf girl who looked like a human child dashed out like a gust of wind from behind a massive fern, her emerald eyes sparkling, unhesitatingly throwing herself into Arya's arms, hugging her slender waist tightly. "You've finally come back! We all miss you so much!"
Arya's body stiffened for a moment, then was overwhelmed by immense warmth. Tears welled in her eyes as she gently stroked the girl's silky silver hair, her voice thick with nostalgia: "Little Leaf Bell... I miss you all too, miss every leaf in the forest." She lifted her head, offering a warm smile to the other elves gathering around, then gently pushed the girl back a bit, turning to introduce to her companions: "These are my closest family and friends in the Emerald Tree Sea." Then, to the elves: "They are companions I've met from various places; we've come bearing an important mission."
The elves' curious and friendly gazes fell on Fa's group. They showed slight surprise at Kayla's rugged appearance and TISK's stout lava form, pure curiosity toward Rex's mechanical body and Salsa's mechanical cat, and a hint of instinctive caution toward Zhamisi's serpentine features. However, when their eyes swept over Lin Ya, that surprise instantly turned into an almost instinctive reverence. They could clearly sense the vast natural power emanating from this seemingly young "tree person," connected to the forest's origin.
At that moment, the bark on several ancient trees by the path rippled like water waves. Several petite, exquisite figures emerged from within—wood spirits! Their skin showed varying shades of bark textures, heads topped with variously shaped tender green leaves as hair, large eyes like the purest amber. As soon as these little forest sprites appeared, their gazes locked firmly on Lin Ya. They emitted fine, pleasant whispers like wind chimes swaying, stepping lightly to surround Lin Ya, some bold ones even extending tiny, twig-like fingers to gently touch his pant legs or the back of his hand, postures respectful, as if paying homage to a noble sovereign.
One of the most lively wood spirits, with a heart-shaped leaf on its head, lightly leaped and landed steadily on Lin Ya's open palm. It tilted its tiny head up, saying in a childish yet clear voice: "Forest's... master? Guardian? Welcome... your... return." Its vocabulary seemed somewhat limited, but the meaning was exceptionally clear.
Lin Ya's smile on his face was as warm as spring sun. He carefully used a fingertip from his other hand to lightly touch the leaf on the little wood spirit's head, the action full of affection. "Thank you for your welcome, little ones." His voice was as gentle as a forest breeze, "But I'm not a master, nor any lord. I'm just... a listener of nature, one of the guardians of all growth. Just like you." His words seemed to carry a soothing power for the soul, making the surrounding wood spirits even more jubilant, emitting crisper whispers, hopping happily around him as if holding a small celebration.
Fa quietly watched this warm and magical scene, the ice condensed in her heart from the Dark Tide Island experiences seeming to quietly melt a corner by this pure natural warmth. These untainted nature spirits were the best embodiment of the Emerald Tree Sea's unique charm.
Not far away, in a sun-dappled forest clearing, came bursts of clear, silver-bell-like laughter. Several elf children were playing. In their small palms, emerald wood elements condensed, easily shaping into round wooden balls like kneading dough. Then, with a fingertip touch, soft light elements infused them, making the balls glow with warm halos inside. The children laughed, tossing these glowing wooden balls into the air, then shooting tiny light arrows from their fingers to hit them. The light balls traced graceful arcs in the air, light arrows interweaving, like a flowing dance of light. Pure joy overflowed in the air, composing a vivid and harmonious picture of forest life.
Arya gazed at those carefree children, her eyes distant and gentle, a nostalgic smile on her lips: "Long ago, I was just like them. My light balls were always not quite round..." She whispered softly to Fa beside her, "Elven children, in their growth, naturally draw close to and gradually master the powers of light, wood, and wind elements. With age and talent growth, elves can also comprehend the more active fire element. Ultimately, they all become guardians of the forest, maintaining the balance of this pure land."
Fa's gaze also fell on those tender figures chasing light balls, a complex emotion flashing in her star pupil—gentleness, and a hint of imperceptible heaviness. "Their smiles are the hopeful light of this forest's future." She responded softly.
The ecology along the way was overwhelming. Several snow-white unicorns, their fur shining with pearl-like luster like the finest satin, elegantly strode out from the dense forest depths. Their spiral horns on foreheads had tips condensing a soft yet sacred aura of light. These noble creatures paused, using eyes pure as amethyst to quietly and curiously appraise the visitors, gazes appraising yet without hostility. When their eyes met Lin Ya's, they even slightly nodded in greeting. In the towering treetops, "Light Feather Birds" flew in flocks, their feathers not a single color but shifting in sunlight with rainbow-like gorgeous sheen, like moving, living auroras, leaving splendid trails on the green canopy. Occasionally, behind a massive tree fern, a wood spirit's small head would quietly peek out, amber large eyes spinning, shrinking back shyly upon discovering Lin Ya's gaze, leaving only a faint rustle of leaves and a light giggle.
"Incredible..." Celestia marveled sincerely, her white wings unconsciously slightly unfurling, seeming infected by this harmony, "The vitality and balance of this forest far exceed my imagination. It itself is a living poem of praise."
Pride welled up on Arya's face: "The Emerald Tree Sea is a treasure nurtured by the elven race with blood and sweat over millions of years. Protecting its purity and balance is a mission engraved in our bloodline."