Chapter 1088: Chapter 76: The Melody of Growth_3
Byinlog, soaring in the sky, saw the situation below and his heart sank to the pit of his stomach. Such peculiar magic was something he had never encountered before. All he could do was to keep using Wind Blades to free the soldiers from their bondage, but his abilities were limited after all. In no time, he found himself overwhelmed, while most of the soldiers continued to cry out as the plants attacked them.
At this moment, the Elf Queen and Ah Dai, along with eighteen others, began their operation. They infiltrated the Royal Palace without making a sound. Since the center of the chaotic growth due to the Melody of Growth was on the other side of the palace, the plants on this side, although also growing rapidly, were slower by comparison. The eighteen, all carrying the aura of elves, were not attacked by the plants. The tall vegetation provided them the best cover as they moved smoothly through the vibrant plants around them. The Elf Queen and the four top Elf Envoys continually drew vitality from the air to rapidly restore their magic power. Ah Dai and the Yan Shi brothers stayed close to the Elf Queen, ensuring her safety. Among the nine Elf Envoys, seven were archers who flew while raising their Elf Shortbows, always alert to their surroundings. Led by the Elf Queen, they swiftly headed deep into the Imperial Palace of the Sunset Empire.
At last, Byinlog’s subordinates arrived. Over a dozen magicians of great power took action together. Although unable to stop the plants’ attack, they significantly reduced Byinlog’s burden. Using the wind series’ sonorous magic, Byinlog shouted, "All Forbidden Guards inside the palace, heed my order, organize immediately and counter the plants. We have invaders, guard your posts!"
As his burden was lightened, Byinlog’s heart gradually calmed down and he had a flash of insight, realizing the origin of this plant-controlling magic—it could only be the work of Elf Magic from the Elf Clan. Yes! The Elf Princess was inside the palace; they must have come to rescue her. No good, this was a diversion! Byinlog seethed with anger. The Elves dared to create such chaos right under his nose. He delegated the task of rescuing the soldiers to his subordinates and, stimulating the wind element within him, he flew rapidly towards the palace where the Elf Princess was imprisoned. He clearly knew of the Emperor of the Sunset Empire’s obsession with the Elf Princess. If she were rescued, he feared a bloody storm would soon sweep through the palace.
Emperor Quan Yime of the Sunset Empire, the thirty-fourth in his line, had been fast asleep, dreaming sweetly after a tiring night with his consort. The abnormal clamor from outside woke him from his sleep, and he abruptly sat up, cursing, "Who’s the bastard making such noise? When I find out, I’ll flay him alive." The beauty sleeping beside him opened her drowsy eyes and embraced Quan Yi’s arm, cooing softly, "Your Majesty, what’s happening outside? I’d just fallen asleep and now it’s so noisy. You were so fierce! You’ve made me so sore I can’t muster any strength."
No man dislikes praise from their woman in that regard. Quan Yi pinched his consort’s tender face and chuckled with a smirk, "My little darling, are you getting frisky again? Wait until I’ve checked outside, then I’ll come back to comfort you." Having said that, he put on a coat and walked out to the adjoining room. Seating himself on the throne of the Sunset Empire wasn’t a fluke for Quan Yi. Despite his philandering ways, he often displayed wisdom in critical situations. It was his decisiveness and sagacity that won over the magician Byinlog. Under his considerable influence, Quan Yi stood out from his brothers and succeeded the throne three years ago, thereby securing his position today. As the emperor, being ruthless and cold-blooded was essential; he showed no mercy to his enemies. The dark forces within the Empire were kept in check under his firm control, and the imperial treasury swelled continuously with the influx of shady revenue.
Reaching the door, the waiting maids hurriedly opened it, and Quan Yi demanded in a grave tone, "Where are the Guards?"
Four figures appeared before him like lightning. Dressed in black, they bowed and said, "We greet Your Majesty." These four were personally handpicked by Byinlog to be Quan Yi’s protectors. Renowned for their prowess, even Byinlog heaped praises on them. They had slain assassins attempting to infiltrate the palace and kill Quan Yi over a dozen times and had accomplished many tasks for him, thus securing his trust.
"Good. What happened outside?" Quan Yi asked indifferently. The grand hall where he resided was surrounded by sealed corridors for safety reasons, with many Guards stationed around, rendering it impossible to see the outside from the doorway.
The leading Guard Shui Tian spoke quietly, "Your Majesty, something has happened outside. A moment ago, Lord Byinlog commanded all Guards to stand watch at their posts as if there are assassins. Moreover, for some reason, the plants have gone wild and are rapidly growing everywhere. The crazily sprouting plants have nearly attacked all the patrolling guards; most of them have been bound by the plants, losing their combat ability."
Quan Yi’s brow furrowed slightly, and with a cold laugh, he said, "Who knows what fool wants to die? Let’s go and have a look." His face showed no surprise as his composed demeanor exhibited his regal bearing. The four Guards escorted him outside. When Quan Yi reached the palace doors, even his dark nature was taken aback—the plants outside the palace had transformed beyond recognition, growing at least tenfold in size, twisting and turning as though alive, creating an eerily grotesque scene.
