Chapter 357: Chapter 76: The Melody of Growth_4
"What, what is happening?" Quan Yi asked in surprise. Just then, a thick vine suddenly shot forward, coiling towards Quan Yi. The whooshing sound of the vine startled him and he subconsciously stepped back, tripping over the doorstep behind him and almost fell. His four guards instantly formed a shield in front of him. Blue, red, green, and yellow forces flared out, shredding the attacking vine immediately. However, the plants didn’t cease their assault. Drawn to the scent of live humans, they continued their onslaught on the palace gate. Quan Yi’s guards displayed tremendous power. Each of them drew their weapons and under the effect of their fierce aura, none of the plants could move past the line they drew. The plants were obliterated from their onslaught.
Quan Yi recovered from his shock and was immediately filled with anger. Since inheriting the throne, he had never been so humiliated. He was a great king, yet he was under attack at his own doorstep. The large plants obstructed his view, preventing him from seeing what was happening outside. The relentless attack by the plants was blocked, but his guards were momentarily unable to break out.
Just then, a clear voice resounded, "Go, scattered Wind Blades." A great swathe of green light descended from the sky, severing almost all of the attacking plants at their stems, greatly relieving the pressure on the four guards. Byinlog descended from the sky and landed at the palace gate, bowing slightly and saying, "Your Majesty, are you okay?"
Quan Yi huffed in anger and said, "I’m fine for now, Master. What the hell is happening? Have these plants gone mad? They are attacking people!"
Byinlog gave a bitter smile and replied, "This is entirely man-made. If my judgment serves me right, this should be the magic of the Elf Clan. However, the area this magic covers is vast, it’s evident that it is an advanced magic from the Elf Clan. As an old servant, I am incapable of stopping this spell, we can only wait for the magical effect to wear off. I recommend you return to the halls for now, it will be safer."
Quan Yi frowned and queried, "The Elf Clan? Why would the Elf Clan use their advanced magic on the palace of my Sunset Empire? As far as I know, we don’t have any grievance with them. These despicable Elves dare to challenge my authority, they must be punished."
Byinlog sighed, saying, "Your Majesty, have you really forgot about the Elf Clan Princess you captured more than two years ago? Our grudges with them are not just existent, but perhaps deep-seated." When Quan Yi was gifted the Elf Princess by a Duke, Byinlog disapproved. If Quan Yi had merely toyed with a normal Elf it would have been fine. But this Elf Princess held a significant status in the Elf Clan. Byinlog had predicted that the Elf Clan would retaliate, even going to the extent of becoming enemies with the Sunset Empire, but Quan Yi was infatuated by the beauty of the Elf Princess, and forcefully dismissed his advice. Two years had passed without any incident and Byinlog had let his guard down. But now, the Elf Clan finally struck when the Imperial Palace of the Sunset Empire was least prepared. This strange Elf magic had caused a tremendous loss to the palace, although there were no casualties, the rapid growth of the plants had disrupted the entire arrangement of the palace. Traps that were set against assassins were almost entirely destroyed, some structures too were demolished. What angered him most, was that he had fallen into the trap, lured away by the Elf magic. As soon as he realised the issue, he did not dare to head directly to the Elf Princess; to him, Quan Yi’s safety was the priority.
Upon hearing Byinlog’s words, Quan Yi felt a tug at his heart. The pretty little elf that was gifted by the Duke two years ago had left a deep impression on him. Despite the fact that she only looked about fifteen or sixteen years old, her pure and jade-like temperament, her delicate features as though masterfully sculpted, and her graceful figure, had him utterly infatuated. But to his dismay, he was unable to get close to this Elf Princess he coveted. Whenever he attempted to approach her, an annoying green light would block him from getting within a foot of her. Byinlog had once told him that the Elf Princess carried the bloodline of the Elf King, and Quan Yi could do nothing until three years had passed and the power of the Elf King’s bloodline had subsided. Two years had passed since then, and he had almost forgotten about the beautiful girl. With Byinlog’s reminder, Quan Yi’s desire was sparked anew. But the assault from the Elf Clan also ignited his rage. He said tersely, "Master, are you saying that this attack on the palace is the doing of the Elf Clan? How dare such a minuscule Elf Clan act so audaciously. Ah! Master, they’re here to rescue the Elf Princess, aren’t they? She’s currently imprisoned not far from here, in another palace. You must hurry and check it out. We can’t let them take away the Elf Princess." His strong lust for the Elf Princess consumed Quan Yi’s mind. The fervent light in his eyes flickered endlessly, as no other woman’s appeal matched the one he deeply desired. The plants outside had almost been eliminated by Byinlog’s powerful attack and could no longer pose a threat to the palace. The four guards stood vigilantly at the palace gate, constantly scanning the surroundings, fearing someone might threaten Quan Yi’s safety.
