With the token of the Forest Lord in hand, Yun Fan encountered no resistance and even flew above the Blackwater Forest.
Neither humans nor fierce beasts dared to lay a hand on Yun Fan, lest the Forest Lord retaliate. Yun Fan was grateful for this, as he became the first warrior to emerge alive from the Blackwater Forest since it became a forbidden zone.
According to the map, Yun Fan had now entered the territory of the Elven race. He knew little about them, other than that he had caused trouble for their two daughters. According to the Forest Lord, the Elves had no conflict with the Zhan Tian clan. This was good, as although Yun Fan had hidden the truth about his Zhan Tian bloodline, powerful warriors like the Forest Lord could easily detect it. He had hoped that in this Great Thousand World, the Zhan Tian bloodline would no longer be universally reviled, but that was not the case. He felt a sense of helplessness.
He also knew that the Elven race was enemies with the Holy Light clan, one of the four remaining great clans in the Great Thousand World. The Elven race had once been a powerful clan, comparable to the top ten clans after the formation of the Great Thousand World. However, by helping the Holy Light clan, which bore a similar appearance, their own race rapidly declined. This was because the Holy Light clan, with the Elves' support, became one of the top ten clans, but instead of helping them in return, they seized the Elves' resources and enslaved them. Had it not been for the arrival of the Zhan Tian clan, which shifted the Holy Light clan's attention to them, the Elven race would likely have ceased to exist. After the great war ten thousand years ago, the Holy Light clan suffered heavy losses and did not continue to contend with the Elves. Although only four great clans remained, they were all suspicious of each other, each aiming to annex the others and dominate the Great Thousand World. This was why the Great Thousand World seemed to be regressing.
Currently, the four great clans were the Chaos clan, the Primordial clan, the Flavor clan, and the Holy Light clan, an anomaly among the four. Yun Fan had arrived at the Elven territory, only to be surrounded by a large group of beautiful Elves.
"Easterner, why have you come to the Elven territory?" the leader of the Elves asked Yun Fan.
Despite being one of the great clans, the Elven race was in a precarious position, constantly suppressed by the Holy Light clan and the Ziwei clan. Yun Fan's arrival was understandably met with xenophobia.
"Friends, please don't be agitated. I am merely passing through the Elven territory and have no ill intentions," Yun Fan said.
"Then please leave. Outsiders are not welcome here!" the leading Elf replied. Although they were hostile to outsiders, they did not attack Yun Fan, suggesting the Forest Lord was correct that the Elves were inherently kind. They were considered the kindest race in the Great Thousand World, with even their offensive skills not being particularly high, and their strongest techniques being restorative. Thus, they merely asked Yun Fan to leave.
However, Yun Fan stated, "I am passing through your territory to reach the continent of the Martial Soul Hall. Taking a detour would be too long. If you don't believe me, you can send someone to follow me!" Yun Fan recalled that Mu Qingxian had spoken to him about going to propose marriage. Regardless of the proposal, his primary goal was to reach the Martial Soul Hall, as the Zhan Tian clan seemed to have some connection with the Martial Soul Hall when they retreated ten thousand years ago.
If he were to detour, he would have two options: the Ziwei clan or the Holy Light clan. Neither was his ideal choice. Although the Holy Light clan had no current conflict with him, they were severely punished by the Zhan Tian clan during the war against the top ten clans. If his Zhan Tian bloodline were discovered, his life would be in grave danger. The safest option was to pass through the Elven territory.
The Elves exchanged glances and then told Yun Fan, "You may pass through our territory, but you must first register at the Elven Palace. Your identity will be verified, and only then will you be allowed to leave!"
"No problem!" Yun Fan agreed. Verifying his identity was acceptable, as he bore no grudge against the Elven race. As for the two maidens he had troubled, he could only say he was forced, and besides, the Elven race was so vast, he might not even encounter Lina and Anna. He felt there should be no major issues.
Finally, led by the group of Elves, Yun Fan boarded a teleportation array. After an unknown amount of time, the array landed. Yun Fan opened his eyes and was instantly stunned by the sight. Before him stood a colossal tree, emitting a faint green light, with countless pale blue insects and birds circling it. This massive tree supported an entire city, filled with exquisite palaces and other glowing trees.
Taking a breath, Yun Fan felt invigorated. The air itself carried a faint floral fragrance. This was undoubtedly a paradise, a sight rarely seen, even by Yun Fan. He had never witnessed such beauty in the universe, nor in the Great Thousand World. It was a truly fantastical place. He felt his horizons had been broadened.
The group of Elves then handed Yun Fan over to others before boarding the teleportation array to depart. It seemed their task was to patrol the borders outside the Blackwater Forest. Yun Fan was then led to a palace adorned with flowers, where every moment was a delight. He mused that if not for his pressing tasks, this place would be a perfect vacation spot.
At this moment, a powerful individual entered. Yun Fan recognized him as someone of significant strength, estimating him to be at least a Saint Emperor. Despite being a "big shot" in the universe, he felt like a mere subordinate in the Great Thousand World, a reality he had grown accustomed to.
The Elf introduced himself, "I am an Elven prince. I heard you wish to pass through our territory?"
Yun Fan was astounded by the Prince's appearance, which even surpassed his own in his prime. However, he believed mere looks were insufficient. A man should exude masculine energy. He admitted to feeling envious, his looks utterly outmatched.
"Yes, friend. I mean no harm and have no ulterior motive. I merely wish to pass through your territory," Yun Fan replied, explaining his situation. With his current strength, any hidden motives would be futile.
The Elven Prince nodded, "I will verify your identity quickly. In the meantime, you must not leave this place."
"Thank you," Yun Fan said. "I will abide by the rules here."
"Very well. You will have a result within three days," the Prince stated. He then took a strand of Yun Fan's power for verification. The Elves were primarily concerned about the Ziwei and Holy Light clans. As long as Yun Fan was not from those clans, they would allow him passage without prejudice, regardless of his strength. For Yun Fan, three days was but a blink of an eye. If he could utilize the Elven teleportation array, it would save him at least ten years.
Meanwhile, the Elven Prince arrived at the council of elders. These ancient and wise Elves had lived for eons and possessed vast knowledge.
"Prince, why are you here instead of cultivating?" an elder inquired.
The Elven Prince quickly explained, "Elders, an Easterner has entered our territory and wishes to depart. As we haven't had an outsider in many years, we need you to verify his identity. If all is in order, we will grant him passage."
The elders nodded and accepted the power sample. After analyzing it, their expressions changed drastically.
"Elders, what is it?" the Prince asked, worried if Yun Fan's identity was problematic.
One elder explained, "This power sample contains multiple bloodline energies! There is the power of Zhan Tian, Chaos, Primordial, and of course, Ziwei!"
"What?" The Prince was stunned, never imagining such a person could exist. This made his task difficult.
"And also, there is Void power, which is not a bloodline," another elder added. Upon hearing this, the Prince became enraged. No one in the Elven race detested Void power more. Not long ago, the Void Ancestor had suddenly appeared, abducted his two sisters, and returned them after taking their purity. This had deeply angered the Elven race. The Elves prided themselves on their purity, and his sisters had not yet completed their sacred rituals. Their purity being taken prematurely had disrupted the Golden Elven clan's plans. Hearing that Yun Fan possessed Void power, the Prince could not remain passive. If Yun Fan had any connection to the Void Ancestor, he would not let him go.
"Elders, I understand. Please keep this matter confidential," he declared and immediately went to where Yun Fan was staying.
"Already? Have you verified my identity so quickly?" Yun Fan was pleased with the Elves' efficiency. It had only been half a day since they took his power sample. He was eager to leave this beautiful place, though he knew he had important tasks to attend to.
"Is there no problem with my identity?" Yun Fan asked uncertainly.
"Of course not!" the Elven Prince replied coolly.
"That's good," Yun Fan sighed with relief.
However, in the next moment, the Elven Prince commanded, "Seize him!"
"What?" Yun Fan was utterly bewildered by this sudden turn of events. He did not resist, knowing the Prince's strength far surpassed his, and there were other experts of similar caliber. Moreover, this was Elven territory, so resistance would be futile. He decided to remain cautious, hoping the Elves' kindness would spare him immediate death.
"I wish to know why you are doing this," Yun Fan asked, confused.
The Elven Prince stated, "You possess Void power, which means you are one of the Void Ancestor's people?"
Yun Fan's expression darkened. In the Great Thousand World, the Zhan Tian clan was the most reviled, and the Void Ancestor was the most hated individual. It seemed even possessing Void power put him in danger. He felt his hope rapidly fading.
"You may have misunderstood. I have no connection to the Void Ancestor," Yun Fan said urgently, daring not to admit anything.
"Take him away and investigate the situation," the Elven Prince ordered his subordinates.
"Yes!" The Elves stepped forward and took Yun Fan away. Before Yun Fan was removed, his power was sealed. The Prince threatened him, "You had better not have any connection with the Void Ancestor, or no one can save you!"
Yun Fan replied, "You can investigate as you please." He was then escorted away.
The Elven Prince knew that only his mother, the Elven Queen, could determine if Yun Fan had any connection to the Void Ancestor. The Elven Queen possessed the ability to revive the dead and divine the future. If she concluded Yun Fan was unrelated, it would be one thing. But if she determined otherwise, Yun Fan would surely perish.
He then met the tall Elven Queen, crowned with crystals, and explained the situation. His two sisters were also present. Anna and Lina's eyes widened. They did not believe Yun Fan had harmed them; they thought they had initiated the encounter while out of their senses. Hearing Yun Fan's name, they exchanged glances, wondering if he was indeed the one they had wronged.
Observing their reaction, the Elven Queen declared, "No need for divination. Take them to identify him!"
"Yes!" The Elven Prince led the way, with the two sisters following him to see Yun Fan. Upon seeing Yun Fan, the sisters were stunned. He was indeed the one they had wronged. They were surprised by the coincidence of meeting again in the Elven territory and assumed he had escaped his predicament.
"It's you!"
"It's you!"
All three were excited. However, Yun Fan felt a pang of guilt, as being identified was never a pleasant experience. The Elven Prince's rage surged, "Boy, so you are the beast who took my sisters' purity!"
"That phrasing is a bit harsh," Yun Fan said awkwardly. "I was also a victim."
"Hmph!" the Elven Prince said coldly. "You cannot escape today!" He was determined to punish Yun Fan, as Yun Fan's actions had prevented his mother from recovering and his sisters from practicing the restorative arts to heal her. He simply wanted to kill Yun Fan.
At this moment, Lina and Anna stepped in front of Yun Fan.
"Sisters, do not stop me! I must kill him to avenge you!" the Elven Prince declared in anger.
"Brother, he was also a victim!"
"Yes, at the time, he actually saved us. Otherwise, we would have died from the effects of the potion with no solution!" The two sisters shielded Yun Fan, which deeply moved him.
"You!" The Elven Prince softened, surprised that his sisters were miraculously defending Yun Fan. He warned them, "He has Void power. Perhaps he is a disciple of the Void Ancestor. You may have been deceived, and he is not a victim but the instigator!"
Hearing this, Yun Fan was prepared. "I have something to say. The reason I possess Void power is because the Void Ancestor forced me to cultivate the Void Sutra before letting me go!" He added, "At the time, I was acting under duress!" Although this was the truth, the Elven Prince clearly did not believe him, nor would anyone else. Who would believe someone was forced to cultivate? It was like being offered a million dollars and refusing it.
The Elven Prince said to Yun Fan, "Your words are weak. Since my sisters are defending you so fiercely, you will meet my mother. She will decide your fate!"
"No problem!" Yun Fan knew he had no other choice and followed them to meet the Elven Queen.
Anna whispered to Yun Fan, "Young Master, please don't be angry. Our reputation is a small matter, but my mother's injuries cannot be healed now!"
"Mhm," Lina added. "That's why they are so angry. But now that my mother is not killing you, you are safe!"
"Injuries?" Yun Fan asked, confused.
Anna explained, "My mother was injured by the Holy Light clan ten thousand years ago while resisting them. She was afflicted with their Annihilation Power, and her injuries have not healed since. The Annihilation Power continues to erode her body." She continued, "We were cultivating the Elven race's most potent recovery technique, and we could not break our bodies before achieving mastery. Now that we have broken our bodies, all our previous efforts are in vain!"
Yun Fan finally understood the reason. He had not expected the Holy Light clan's Annihilation Power to be so terrifying. He then said, "Perhaps I can help with this matter!"
"Really?" They looked at Yun Fan excitedly. Yun Fan himself was not entirely sure. He had only made a preliminary guess. His power was Zhan Tian power, which could devour everything. However, the Holy Light clan was also a great clan with formidable bloodlines, and he was uncertain if he could devour the Annihilation Power. If he could, he would not only save the Elven Queen but also gain Holy Light power, further enhancing his bloodline. He was not confident of success.
"It might not work, but I can try," Yun Fan nodded.
The sisters then arranged for Yun Fan to stay before going to see the Elven Queen. However, they soon returned, dejected.
"What happened?" Yun Fan asked, seeing their crestfallen faces, assuming they had been refused.
Anna confirmed, "My mother said you do not have the ability, and she does not need your help!"
Yun Fan was speechless. He had hit a wall. Still, he couldn't dwell on it. If they didn't need his help, then so be it.
That night, the peaceful and harmonious Elven race was suddenly engulfed in chaos. A streak of light flashed across the sky, and a winged figure descended upon the Elven territory. This person resembled a Westerner from Earth, a man with a gloomy expression. He strode boldly onto the Elven Palace grounds.
The Elven Prince coldly asked, "Saka Angel, what brings you here?" Yun Fan, observing from the shadows, realized this individual's strength far surpassed that of the Elven Prince.
Saka Angel declared, "The Elven race! Our clan leader commands you to provide one hundred thousand Elven children, boys and girls, to aid in his recovery!"
The Elves were outraged. One hundred thousand! It was an exorbitant demand, an unbearable burden for the Elven race, whose numbers were already scarce.
The Elven Prince retorted, "Impossible! Our Elven race will not compromise with your Holy Light clan!"
Saka Angel sneered, "So, your Elven race wishes to go to war?"
The Elves were furious, but also taken aback. The Elven Queen was in poor condition, having fallen to the Saint Emperor rank due to the Annihilation Power. Engaging in war with the Holy Light clan would be a futile endeavor.
Saka continued, "Inform your Queen to prepare. I will return in one month to collect them!" With that, Saka Angel arrogantly departed, leaving no room for refusal or consideration. He knew the Elves would not refuse. Even in their weakened state, the Holy Light clan was still superior to the Elves. The Holy Light clan's command was absolute, and the Elves had no choice but to comply.
"Damn it!" The Elven Prince was enraged. For ten thousand years, the Holy Light clan had extorted resources from the Elves through various means, but this demand for people was a devastating blow. He immediately reported to the Elven Queen.
The Elven Queen raged, "If my strength had not been diminished and I were not constantly corroded by the Annihilation Power, I would not fear the Holy Light clan!" While she may have exaggerated, if she had recovered, she would have been a Saint Emperor. Even then, she would not have been a match for the Holy Light clan, but they would not have dared to act so brazenly. If she had broken through to Saint Emperor, the Holy Light clan would still have the power to annihilate the Elves, but they would have to pay a heavy price, potentially allowing the other three clans to annex them.
"Mother, must we agree?" the Elven Prince asked indignantly. He lamented his lack of strength, vowing to one day avenge them.
The Elven Queen said, "At this point, we have little choice." The Elven race had previously sought help from the Ziwei clan, but they had made exorbitant demands and refused to assist, even for a great price.
The Elven Queen then said, "I intend to place my hope in that young man!"
"Yun Fan?" the Elven Prince inquired, puzzled.
"That's right," the Elven Queen replied. "He told your sisters he had a way to save me!"
"But does he really have a way?" the Elven Prince harbored doubts. How could a mere mortal, weaker than himself, possess such a solution?
The Elven Queen stated, "This is our only option. Also, inform the Elven race to prepare for war. Even if we fail, our Elven race will not yield!"
"Yes!" The Elven Prince immediately went to make preparations.
***
One day later, Yun Fan was brought before the Elven Queen.
"I heard you have a way to save me," the Elven Queen said to Yun Fan.
"Yes," Yun Fan replied. "I can certainly try."
"If you fail, I will kill you," the Elven Queen declared. "If you succeed, I will have my two daughters marry you!"
Yun Fan was stunned. He did not have a hundred percent certainty of success. He could only gamble that Zhan Tian power could neutralize the Annihilation Power, but he couldn't guarantee it. As he prepared to explain, the Elven Queen said, "Begin!"
Yun Fan could only brace himself. If he couldn't cure her, he would find an opportunity to escape. If he could, there would be no problem. He carefully examined the Annihilation Power and found it to be incredibly formidable. If not for the Elven Queen suppressing it with her life, she would have died long ago. The Annihilation Power was indeed potent. He then infused his Zhan Tian power, a mixture of four bloodlines, into the Annihilation Power and discovered it had an effect. While single powers could be countered by Annihilation Power, a mixture of four forces proved insurmountable. This was Yun Fan's conclusion. He then told the Elven Queen, "Your Majesty, I have a way to cure you!"
"Really?" The Elven Queen was overjoyed. If Yun Fan could truly heal her, it would avert the current crisis for the Elven race.
"Mhm," Yun Fan nodded. "The process might be a bit painful!"
"It's fine," the Elven Queen said. "Begin! Let's not waste time. I can endure any amount of pain!"
"Alright!" Yun Fan nodded and began to dissolve the Annihilation Power for the Elven Queen. During this process, the Annihilation Power resisted. The Elven Queen endured immense pain, beyond suffering. However, at this moment, she showed a look of shock as she discovered that Yun Fan possessed Zhan Tian power. While Yun Fan's Zhan Tian power was easily detectable by Saint Emperor realm experts, it was undetectable by Saint Emperor realm individuals. Before regaining her full strength, she couldn't perceive it unless Yun Fan actively displayed it. She felt immense relief that she hadn't killed Yun Fan, or the Elven race would face great calamity.
"Yes!" Yun Fan nodded and began to treat the Elven Queen. The process was agonizing. At this moment, the Elven Queen revealed a look of shock, discovering that Yun Fan possessed Zhan Tian power.
"Good!" Yun Fan nodded and began to dissolve the Annihilation Power for the Elven Queen. The process was agonizing. At this moment, the Elven Queen revealed a look of shock, discovering that Yun Fan possessed Zhan Tian power.