Chapter 1557: Chapter 176: The Long Road Ahead_4
In a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere, everyone kept approaching the destination of their journey. Five days later, after a long trek, they finally arrived at the Elf Forest of the Tian Yuan Clan.
The damaged vegetation on the outskirts of the Elf Forest had already regained some vitality under the elves’ efforts. Returning to her homeland, Xing Er immediately became excited, flapping her wings and moving forward quickly. Yan Shi and the Grand Elf Envoy Audi walked ahead together, and Yan Shi whispered to Audi as they walked, "Grand Elf Envoy, I’ve always had a question for you."
Audi was taken aback and said, "What is the question? Ask away."
Yan Shi said earnestly, "According to the continent’s historical records, the Dwarf Clan, Winged Tribe, and your Elf Clan are all peace-loving races. Although the dwarves are somewhat short-tempered, their character should be upright, right? How could they join the Dark Forces?"
Audi’s eyes flashed with a hint of melancholy, and he shook his head, saying, "I don’t know why it turned out this way either. Our Elf Clan has always been on good terms with the Winged Tribe, even though contact has been sparse in the past century. According to what we understand, it is simply impossible for the kind-hearted Winged Tribe to become allies with the Dark Forces."
Upon hearing their conversation, Ah Dai and Xuan Yue joined in. Xuan Yue said, "The dwarves and winged people are two powerful races. There must be a reason why they joined the Dark Forces. I guess there are two possibilities. One is that they are being threatened by the Dark Forces, such as having their heirs captured and used as leverage."
Ah Dai shook his head and said, "That possibility seems unlikely. Even if their clan leaders succumbed to threats, their clansmen would not willingly follow the Dark Forces, as it conflicts with their inherent character. There must be other reasons."
Xuan Yue nodded, saying, "I agree that this possibility is low. Another reason I suspect is that these two races have been corrupted by the Dark Forces with something like soul magic, causing them to lose their true nature, making it possible for them to be utilized by the Dark Forces, becoming part of the dark alien races, including the belligerent Half-Beast. This is a possibility."
Audi trembled all over, saying, "Xuan Yue makes sense; this is the only way to explain why they would willingly be used by the Dark Forces."
Ah Dai said, "I have another question: why did the Dark Forces control the dwarves and winged people but not also the Elf Clan? The strength of the Elf Clan compared to those two races is no less! Although Elf City is protected by the Barrier, if the Dark Forces were to attack with full force, I’m afraid it couldn’t withstand it."
Xuan Yue thought for a moment and said, "The fact that they did not control the Elf Clan indicates that the leader of the Dark Forces is very shrewd. Don’t forget, the Dark Forces have only amassed such strength after centuries of recuperation. Before this, they could only carefully operate underground, fearing detection by our church. They would not do anything that might expose them. If I’m guessing correctly, even the Winged Tribe and Dwarf Clan have only recently been controlled by them. The reason they haven’t controlled the Elf Clan is that they are wary of causing too much disturbance within the Tian Yuan Clan, alerting us. The Elf Clan is on the farthest outskirts of the Tian Yuan Clan and is most likely to relay any news. As long as the Barrier of Elf City can withstand an attack from the Dark Forces for a short while, the emergence of the Dark Forces could very well be exposed. They dared not take the risk, so they did not act. Now, as grandpa said, the Dark Forces are likely focusing all their efforts on opening the entrance to the Demon Realm, concentrating their full strength to accomplish their highest mission in the shortest time possible. This is why the Elf Clan has remained safe."
Upon hearing Xuan Yue’s words, Ah Dai realized, "So that’s how it is. It seems the Elf Clan is quite fortunate."
Audi sighed and said, "Actually, there might be another reason that concerns the Dark Forces. Although our Elf Clan may not have the same attack power as the dwarves and winged people, our willpower is extraordinarily steadfast. As long as the Elf ancient tree and Elf King remain, elves cannot be swayed. If either the Elf ancient tree or Elf King were destroyed, the Elf Clan would only face one outcome – annihilation. If the Dark Forces were to confront us, there would be only one result – mutual destruction. Even if they win, it would be at a significant cost, with no benefit to them, hence their inaction against us. Ah, I truly hope the Dark Forces can be eliminated soon, so our Elf Clan can return to a peaceful life. You’ve all been traveling these days and must be tired. Rest for a night here, and tomorrow I’ll take you to the Death Mountain Range."
By now, everyone had arrived at the outskirts of the Barrier within the Elf Forest. Due to the presence of the Dark Forces, the Elf Barrier remained closed. However, with Elf Princess Xing’er present, the Barrier posed no hindrance to them. Upon entering the interior of the Elf Forest, several teams of Elf Clan soldiers came to greet them.
Escorted by the elves, Ah Dai and his party arrived at the earthly paradise of Elf City. Gazing at the tranquil and clear lake, Ah Dai sighed, "In the Tian Yuan Clan, only Elf City remains as a land of purity."
Audi said proudly, "Unless the entire Elf Clan is wiped out, we will never let darkness taint this beautiful place. Ah Dai, look, who’s coming."
