We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 243 Miracle
"The Elven Temple in the City of Giant Trees has been destroyed?"

Upon hearing this news, Xia En couldn't help but show a look of surprise.

His ultimate goal in coming to the City of Giant Trees was to find the Elven Temple and seek a chance to return to the past.

But now, Iris is telling him that the temple was destroyed long ago?!

This was simply an incredible joke that fate had played on him!

"Yes."

Iris could tell from Shane's reaction that he seemed to value the Elven Temple highly, so she kindly explained.

"When the Giant Tree God first arrived in this city, we always thought He was one of the incarnations of the Goddess of Life."

"But later, He gradually revealed His wolfish ambitions and began to spread that strange 'seed of life'."

"At that time, Old Hunter and I realized that there was definitely something wrong with the Giant Wood God."

As Iris reminisced about the past, her mood grew increasingly somber.

"However, the allure of the Seed of Life to the tree people in the City of Giant Trees is simply too great."

"Even though we old folks try our best to curb the spread of the Seed of Life, it's all in vain."

"It was around that time that old Hunter and I went our separate ways."

"It attempted to confront the power of the [Giant Tree God] head-on, while I resolved to live in seclusion in this dark forest."

Hearing this, Shane understood why Iris and Hunter had parted ways.

Their different personalities and perspectives led them to make different choices when facing this crisis.

These words also illustrate—

There are still some intelligent people within the Tree People.

Although the elders, including Iris, may not know the true nature of the Seed of Life, they at least have a vague idea of ​​part of the truth.

That's why they resolutely refuse to accept the "seed of life".

Iris continued, "As the number of followers of the Giant Tree God grew, one day He finally used His divine power to raze the Elven Temple to the ground."

"Even the statue of the goddess of life was smashed into countless pieces and buried in what is now the execution ground."

At this point, Iris's tone became filled with bitterness and helplessness.

"If we didn't truly have no chance of winning, why would we choose such an ostrich-like approach to escape?"

That's why I said it's not that I don't want to, but that I can't!

After hearing these words, Shane had a general understanding of Iris's mindset.

Its current state is somewhat similar to that of Augustine when he was defeated by the [Filthy Fate].

They all believed that the current [City of Giant Trees] was beyond saving, so they were forced to pin their hopes on the future and try to preserve as much embers and power as possible.

The idea itself is not problematic.

But now, isn't it Xia En who's here?

He has arrived. Relying on the immortality of Yan Yan and the [Projection Body], even if he cannot defeat the [Giant Wood God], he will surely cause Him considerable trouble.

However, it's understandable that Iris doesn't know much about Shane and his group and wouldn't dare to place a heavy bet on them.

From Iris's words, Shane also heard a noteworthy name.

"The Goddess of Life?"

"Isn't she the goddess of elves?"

"Besides, this name should be taboo in the City of Giant Trees, right?"

Iris replied, "In the mouths of the elves, that is naturally the Elven Goddess."

"But in fact, She is not only the mother goddess who created the spirits, but also the mother of all living beings in the world, the source of all living beings, and the one who holds the power over nature and life!"

When speaking of the so-called "goddess of life," Iris's tone suddenly became devout and reverent, as if she dared not utter the slightest blasphemy.

This shows the important position this deity held in its heart.

Xia En's heart skipped a beat.

The goddess of elves and the goddess of life—they sound like they differ by only one word.

But the actual gap is as wide as an insurmountable chasm!
His rank has been raised significantly!

Shane had always thought that the Elf Goddess was just a deity of the Elf race.

But judging from Iris's words, the other party is actually one of the creators of this world?

Of course, as a believer, Iris would certainly speak well of her god.

— Haven't you seen how those small sects also like to use terms like "supreme" and "omniscient and omnipotent" to describe their own deities?
The higher the status of the deity, the more honored the believers feel, even if it's just empty boasting.

However, based on Shane and Iris's interactions, this old tree man doesn't seem to be the kind of person who boasts.

In other words, there may be some exaggeration in what he said.

But the fact that the Fairy Goddess is the Goddess of Life should be true!
Xia En frowned, feeling increasingly puzzled.

Since he transmigrated, he had never heard of the name "Goddess of Life" in the Seven Seas.

If the Elf Goddess was merely a deity of the elves, then it would be reasonable for her to disappear with the extinction of the elven race.

How could a deity who holds such an important power over "life" disappear so completely, as if there were no trace of him left?
Can the power of [Hui Si Ming] really reach this level?
Xia En always felt that there was a deeper hidden story behind this.

While Shane pondered these questions, Iris answered another of his questions.

"We can mention His name here because this dark forest can stand against the divine kingdom of the [Giant Tree God]."

"While we can't stop the Giant Tree God's expansion, at least we don't have to worry about being captured by them just because of their name."

This simple sentence is enough to illustrate the persecution and hardship these believers have suffered in recent years.

Soon, Iris straightened her expression and asked.

"Outsider, now you know what you wanted to know."

Are you still going to rescue old Hunter?

Upon hearing this, Xia En fell into thought.

At present, Iris's attitude is very clear.

Although it has a past relationship with old Hunter, it is impossible for it to lend a helping hand due to its own position and situation.

For a time, Mumu couldn't find any other elders she could trust.

On the contrary, the treants who worship the Giant Tree God make up the vast majority of the Giant Tree City.

It can be said that they are now in a situation where they are surrounded by enemies and have no one to help them!
on the other hand.

The original target, the Elf Temple, has been destroyed, and even the goddess statue has become historical debris.

Continuing to linger in the City of Giant Trees seems pointless.

but……

Xia En thought about the help Old Hunter had given him earlier, and then about the devastation of the entire city recorded in the photographic stone. Finally, he let out a long breath and said firmly.

"I will still go."

The situation was extremely bad at this point, and it had become a very troublesome problem.

But he might not be without any chance of winning!
Even when he was only at the second tier, Xia En dared to cause chaos in the Blood Moon Secret Realm.

Now that he's stronger, his courage hasn't diminished at all!

Furthermore, the City of Giant Trees is suspected to have intricate connections with the Fel God.

Both logically and emotionally, Xia En has every reason to continue exploring.

Even if we take a step back and consider [Giant Tree City] as a leveling spot to increase Ship Soul experience, wouldn't that be a good idea?

With that thought in mind, Xia En no longer hesitated and said.

"Thank you for your explanation, Elder. I will take my leave now."

"Don't worry, I won't be a burden to you."

Then, he turned to look at Mumu beside him: "Mumu, stay here and don't move around."

"With Elder Iris's protection, you will be safe and sound."

"Why are you……"

Iris was greatly shocked by Shane's reaction, her deep-set eyes widening in disbelief.

It simply couldn't understand why this outsider would dare to utter such words when they were in such a desperate situation. Was it just recklessness?
Foolish arrogance?
Obviously not.

Shane clearly came to this answer after deep thought.

Moreover, Iris saw in him a resolute confidence.

It's like the confidence to face any difficulty head-on and fight your way through!

Iris herself once possessed this same powerful confidence.

However, as he grew older, the situation worsened, and he became burdened by other tree people, he gradually lost his confidence and became calm and cautious.

In the end, they only dared to eke out a living in this dark forest, becoming what are known as the "hermits".

this moment.

Iris suddenly realized: "I see."

"So... I'm just getting old?"

It was indeed touched by Xia En for a moment, but reason quickly suppressed this impulse.

It is no longer young.

It represents not only itself, but all the slumbering tree people in this dark forest.

Therefore, it can no longer gamble everything.

Iris lowered her head slightly, looked at the dazed and confused Mumu, and offered some words of advice.

"Little one, you should stay here."

"We can hold out in this forest for a long time, and perhaps we will live to see a miracle happen."

To everyone's surprise, Mumu shook her head firmly after hearing this.

"No, benefactor, I want to go too."

It pleaded with Shane, "Please take me with you!"

The small tree-man straightened its chest: "I can't just watch Grandpa Hunter be executed and do nothing!"

"I would rather die in battle than rot away like this."

"I'm prepared!"

Seeing its determined gaze, Xia En swallowed his words of persuasion.

Beside her, Iris was once again deeply moved.

It vaguely saw the shadow of its friend Hunter in Mumu when he was young.

Has that sapling that was just sprouting grown into a mature tree?

"That's fine."

Iris sighed, and a thick, dark branch fell from her body.

"Consider this my token, representing my stance. You should take it with you; perhaps... it will come in handy."

……

……

After the three left.

The treant Wendt walked up to Iris and whispered, "Lord Iris, you can still leave the Black Forest, can't you?"

Iris did not deny it, and said calmly, "That's right, but it will cost all the treants of the Hermitage Sect an extremely heavy price."

"I can't take that risk to gamble on a slim chance of winning."

Wendt said dejectedly, "Do they... really have absolutely no chance?"

"Really do not have."

Iris said with a wry smile.

Then, he looked up and saw tiny rays of light in the sea above, casting a glimmer of light upon the City of Giant Trees.

Upon seeing this, Iris, as if possessed, added a comment.

"Unless...a miracle occurs."

……

……

Another corner of the City of Giant Trees.

A vacant lot that the tree people call "Execution Square".

There were no trees on the open ground, but some broken walls and ruins stood there all alone.

The walls were crooked and heavily eroded by seawater, and looked like they had been abandoned for a long time.

If Shane were here, he would see...

The layout of these broken walls bears many similarities to the temple in the Emerald City.

In the mud and sand on the seabed, several fragments resembling human-shaped sculptures can be seen.

From these fragmented clues, one can vaguely glimpse the past glory of this place.

But now, this place has become an execution ground.

Several towering trees, nearly ten meters tall, stand guard around the square.

In the outermost area, there are tree people of varying heights.

Their purpose in coming here is simple.

They're just here to join in the fun!

Just like how many people would gather to watch an execution in the marketplace in ancient times, the executions in the City of Giant Trees were a rare form of entertainment for the Tree People.

Tree people have a much longer lifespan than humans.

Aside from the daily tasks of expanding outwards and capturing sacrificial offerings, they always have to do something else.

Watching executions being carried out was a good form of entertainment.

Firstly, it allows us to appreciate the ugly behavior of those die-hards.

Secondly, it can also promote and strengthen the majesty of the [Giant Tree God].

Today, far more tree people came to watch this execution than usual.

After all, Hunter's name was quite well-known in the City of Giant Trees.

The people all know that it is an old-fashioned conservative with a fiery temper. In the eyes of the reformers, it is like a thorn in their side, something they can't bear to leave until they get rid of it.

At this moment.

Surrounded by the crowd, Hunter's body was bound by countless vines, forcing him to kneel in the center of the square.

Above, the tree spirit presiding over the execution wore a sorrowful expression.

“Hunter, I never imagined that you would protect those treacherous humans and allow them to harm our companions.”

"Having committed such a grave mistake, is there anything else you'd like to say?"

Hunter stared intently at the tree-man and snorted coldly.

"Hmph, Fana, your acting skills are getting better and better. Even I was fooled by you."

"Now, are you trying to distort the truth again?"

The tree spirit that executed it was none other than its former comrade-in-arms, Elder Fana.

Upon hearing this, Fana remained unfazed: "Old Hunter, I don't understand what you're saying."

"After being reported by several young tree people, your crimes have been confirmed without a doubt. What are you still trying to deny?"

The young tree people that Fana mentioned were Nigel, Golis, and others.

At this moment, they also stood in a corner of the square watching.

Hunter glanced at the group out of the corner of his eye and felt a profound sense of despair.

The younger generation is the hope of a race.

But now, most of them have joined the embrace of the Giant Tree God, and fewer and fewer young treants are holding fast to their faith.

Do the Tree People really have a future?
(End of this chapter)