In the blink of an eye, another day had passed.
Luo Xiu and his group had traveled a long way, finally arriving at the Immortal Grass Forest. Just as Bai Mo had said, once they stepped within the bounds of the Immortal Grass Forest, they would be affected by the Ageless Heavenly Emperor's "Decrepitation Curse," rendering them unable to use their cultivation. However, Luo Xiu discovered that his Divine Sense was not affected and could still be used as usual.
At the edge of the forest, Lao Ba looked at the towering trees and asked, "Crown Prince, our cultivation is restricted now. If we just walk straight in like this, won't we get ambushed?"
The corners of Luo Xiu's mouth lifted slightly as he waved his hand, retrieving a bottle of potion from the Human Sanctuary. This was the exact potion Bai Mo had given him before he left. Bai Mo had told him that drinking this potion would make them invisible for a certain period and perfectly conceal their auras. Even if they encountered the Ageless Heavenly Emperor, they wouldn't be detected as long as they didn't get too close.
"This stuff grants invisibility. Who wants to go first?"
"I, Lao Ba, am immune to all poisons! Let me do it!"
A short while later, watching Lao Ba roll around in agony on the ground, Luo Xiu and Black Fatty exchanged a glance, both filled with belated fear.
However, Luo Xiu soon noticed Lao Ba's body blurring and turning transparent until he disappeared entirely. He had vanished into thin air, leaving not even a trace of his aura to be sensed.
"HEY!"
Suddenly, a strange cry came from the Void.
AWOO! Black Fatty cried out as his wolf form tumbled to the ground. It was Lao Ba who, bored out of his mind from being invisible, had kicked Black Fatty.
"Haha, Crown Prince, this invisibility potion really works! Get me another dozen!"
Luo Xiu stared at the more than half-full bottle in his hand, gulped nervously, then steeled himself and took a sip.
***
「A moment later.」
All three of them had entered a state of invisibility. Lao Ba carried Luo Xiu and Black Fatty on his back, spreading his wings and flying toward the depths of the Immortal Grass Forest.
"Crown Prince, so what's the plan now?"
Luo Xiu released his Divine Sense to scout their surroundings, remaining vigilant. "Let's find some Spiritual Medicine first. I need to replenish my Qi Huang Medicine Power."
"Hehe, then let me tell you, the one thing the Elf Race isn't short of is Spiritual Medicine." Lao Ba added, "But then again, Crown Prince, you're so drained. It's about time you replenished yourself."
"..."
「After a long time.」
The three of them arrived deep within the Immortal Grass Forest. The depths of the forest opened into a basin, where a tree of breathtaking proportions grew. The massive tree was divided into several layers, with wooden buildings constructed on the branches of each tier. They were filled with the unique style of the Elf Race, like something from a fairy tale world. On the highest level of the tree, majestic palaces stood tall. Even from a distance, the sight was awe-inspiring.
Luo Xiu stood on Lao Ba's back, admiring the spectacular scenery. "This really is an Immortal Realm!" he couldn't help but exclaim.
Lao Ba chuckled. "This is the Ancient Elf Tree, said to be of the same caliber as the Divine Tree, Construct Wood. The Elf Race was a race born from this Divine Tree, which is why all elves call themselves children of the forest."
Luo Xiu said no more, quietly releasing his powerful Divine Sense.
「A moment later.」
He located a vast Medicine Garden on the highest level of the Ancient Elf Tree.
"There's a Medicine Garden over there. Let's go there first."
The three of them then chose to walk, remaining cautious the entire way. Along the path, Luo Xiu encountered quite a few elves. He found that these so-called elves didn't differ much from humans, except their ears were somewhat pointed, their hair was green, and their clothes were also green. Furthermore, there were only female elves, with no males in sight, and they generally appeared to be seven- or eight-year-old girls.
***
「At the highest level of the Ancient Elf Tree.」
「In the Medicine Garden.」
The three of them snuck in like thieves, hiding under a medicinal tree. Luo Xiu watched the little elf girls carrying wicker baskets as they happily shuttled through the garden, and a smile appeared on his face. This reminded him of an old acquaintance—Dou Dou. In those little elf girls, he seemed to see Dou Dou's shadow. They were all so lively and cute, so innocent and naive.
I imagine these elves have always lived carefree lives here. Suddenly, I find myself envying them.
"I've heard elves are also quite delicious," Lao Ba commented.
Luo Xiu's expression darkened slightly. "You'd best not try anything funny. Don't forget, the Ageless Heavenly Emperor is still here."
"You're right. We three should just stick to getting some herbs," Lao Ba agreed.
「A short while later.」
Once the little elf girls finished gathering herbs and left, Luo Xiu and his companions snuck into the depths of the Medicine Garden. Luo Xiu directly found a secluded spot and sat down cross-legged, seeming rather impatient. After giving Lao Ba and Black Fatty a few instructions, he began to activate the Qihuang Technique to absorb the medicinal power from the air.
Meanwhile, Lao Ba and Black Fatty were going wild with excitement, looking like country bumpkins who had just arrived in the city.
"Damn, these are Holy Elf Peaches!"
"And this, the Hundred Life Fruit!"
"Pfft, that's nothing! Look over here, the Golden Body Ginseng Fruit!"
"..."
***
「Somewhere in Everlasting City.」
「In a secluded courtyard.」
Su Shenyun, clad in a pink short skirt, sat aimlessly on a vine swing. She swayed her snow-white legs, her fair hands gently teasing the glowing butterflies that fluttered around her. It was likely the unique fragrance from her Innate Allure Bone that had attracted them.
Suddenly, the enchanted courtyard gates slowly opened. A petite figure holding a magic wand and dragging a long skirt walked in. She looked like a little girl, only about seven or eight years old. But Su Shenyun knew this was no real child, but the High Priest of the Elf Race—the Ageless Heavenly Emperor.
Su Shenyun smiled. "I still prefer to see the High Priest in her adult form."
The Ageless Heavenly Emperor snorted coldly, her childish voice carrying an authoritative tone. "Princess Shen Yun, I, the High Priest, am only sparing you on account of that crazy woman, Pink. Once this matter is concluded, I will naturally let you leave. As for those herbs you stole earlier, I will also gift them to you."
A bitter expression filled Su Shenyun's face. "Is it alright if I go out for a stroll?"
"Do as you please, but I will have someone watch you at all times."
The Ageless Heavenly Emperor snorted coldly again. She was about to turn and leave when her brows suddenly furrowed. Then, in a flash, she vanished.
Su Shenyun hopped off the swing and stared curiously at the spot where the Ageless Heavenly Emperor had disappeared.
Did something happen? She seemed to be in quite a hurry.
"..."
***
「In the Medicine Garden.」
Luo Xiu slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a long, turbid breath. The plants in this garden were all Heaven and Earth Treasures, so in just a short while, he had absorbed enough medicinal power to completely replenish his Qi Huang Medicine Power.
At that moment, Lao Ba and Black Fatty were squatting in a thick patch of medicinal herbs, whispering to each other. Curious, Luo Xiu followed the sound, plucking a Holy Elf Peach larger than his own head from a tree along the way.
"What the hell are you two doing, sneaking around over here?"
Hearing his voice, Lao Ba hurriedly turned and made a hushing gesture with his wing. He then whispered, "Keep it down, Crown Prince! Look over there!"
Curious, Luo Xiu leaned in and peered through the herbs. His gaze fell upon a large pool where many elves were bathing and frolicking. His face instantly darkened. "Damn it... so you two have been hiding here watching others bathe."
Lao Ba grabbed a medicinal melon from the ground with one of his claws and stuffed it into his beak. "Crown Prince, I am a gentleman of integrity! We're not peeking; we're appreciating art. Besides, that pool is the Holy Elf Pond. After those elves leave, we three brothers can go for a soak. It aids in Body Refinement. Won't that be delightful?"
Luo Xiu had no interest in this. Glancing around, he noticed a large pile of fruit pits and melon rinds in front of the two idiots. They must have secretly eaten a ton of Spiritual Medicine in this short time. Eating Spiritual Medicine while peeping on bathing elves... they really know how to live.
"Alright, stop looking," Luo Xiu said. "What's so interesting about a bunch of little girls? We have important business to attend to."
"There are a few adult elves over there," Black Fatty said earnestly.
Lao Ba let out a strange cry. "Oh, look at that! They're dancing and shaking their butts! How scandalous! But I, Lao Ba, like it!"
Luo Xiu sighed silently. "By the way, remember to pick up these pits and seeds. We'll see if we can plant them in the Land of Lawlessness later."
"Don't rush me, Crown Prince. Just let Lao Ba watch a little longer. I'll pick them up in a bit."
Just then, a small figure holding a magic wand appeared out of thin air in front of Lao Ba. It was the Ageless Heavenly Emperor! A moment ago, she had sensed an anomaly in the Medicine Garden and had rushed over at once. Just as she'd suspected, thieves had infiltrated the place!
Looking at the half-eaten holy peaches and spiritual melons discarded on the ground, she was so furious she felt her lungs would explode.
"What are you doing?"
Lao Ba, thoroughly engrossed, was annoyed at being interrupted. He kicked at the Ageless Heavenly Emperor with his foot and shoved her petite body to the side. "Get lost! What kind of idiot are you, disturbing Eighth Master while he's watching the ladies?"
"..."