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

Chapter 442 [A Distorted History?]

Shaun nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Iris.

"Elder Iris, how are your injuries? Are you still able to fight?"

Iris slowly stood up. Although the wounds on his body were still shocking, his eyes remained firm.

"Lord Shaen, I can still fight."

"With the Tree People's ability to recover, I will be able to return to my peak condition in no time."

Xia En nodded slightly, feeling admiration for the treant elder's resilience.

"Okay, let's get started right away."

"Feiya, Xiange, and Jane, you will lead the warriors of the [Moonlit Clan] back to [Rhine City] first to assist in the city's defense arrangements."

“Joey, you, Carles, and Anne will come with me to venture deep into the forest and investigate the movements of the Ancient Spirits.”

After transforming, String Song becomes too large a target and is not suitable for combat in the forest.

With her wisdom, she is perfectly suited to manage all matters within [Rhine City].

Xia En was completely at ease entrusting the task of defending the city to her.

"Yes, Captain Shane."

Feiya nodded in agreement, and then quickly left with the warriors of the [Moon Wing Clan].

"Captain Shane, are we really going to venture deeper into the forest?"

"The strength of the Ancient Spirit Clan should not be underestimated, and they have an extremely strong control over the forest. We may be in danger."

Joey said with some concern.

Xia En's gaze was firm, and his tone was calm: "It is precisely because the Ancient Spirit Clan has strong control over the forest that we must take the initiative."

"Passive defense will only lead us into a bigger predicament."

"Only by understanding the enemy's movements and weakening their strength as quickly as possible can we gain the upper hand in the upcoming great battle."

Joey nodded. Although she still had reservations, her trust in Shane led her to choose to follow.

"Let's go, we don't have much time left."

After finishing speaking, Xia En took the lead and walked into the depths of the forest.

The group followed closely behind, their figures quickly disappearing into the dense forest.

……

……

Deep in the forest, the light gradually dimmed.

The tall trees blocked out the sun, and a rich, mysterious natural energy permeated the air.

Xia En could sense that the forest seemed to have its own consciousness, as if... every tree and every leaf was watching them.

This feeling is actually quite strange.

Especially considering that Shane is the Lord of the Rhine.

They should have been welcomed by the [Rhine Secret Realm], but instead, they are being targeted by this forest.

This contradictory feeling of both closeness and repulsion is quite peculiar.

Shane and his group continued their journey through the forest, where the trees grew denser and the light became increasingly dim.

An oppressive atmosphere permeated the surroundings.

It was as if the entire forest was exerting invisible pressure on them.

"Captain Shane, the concentration of natural mystic energy here is too high. I feel like I'm having trouble breathing."

"Joey said in a low voice, her forehead already beaded with sweat," she said.

Of the group, An was actually in the best condition.

As a spirit who is close to nature, such a high concentration of natural scents is of great benefit to her.

"This forest is resisting us."

Xia En whispered, "Everyone be careful and stay alert."

Just then, a slight noise came from the woods ahead.

Xia En immediately raised his hand to signal everyone to stop.

His [Peeping Eyes] activated swiftly, his gaze piercing through layers of trees to pinpoint the source of the sound.

In the nearby jungle, there was an area that looked like an Ancient Spirit Clan camp.

Several figures resembling the Ancient Spirit Clan were moving through the area.

The campsite is surrounded by tall trees and vines, as if it has blended into the forest.

If it weren't for Shane's [Prying Eyes] being able to penetrate the disguise of natural mystic power, they would have had a hard time discovering this place.

A huge altar stood in the center of the camp.

The altar was covered with intricate runes, radiating a rich, mysterious natural power.

Around the altar, dozens of giant apes formed from natural mystic power were sleeping soundly.

Their bodies undulated slightly with the rhythm of the altar, as if absorbing the altar's power.

Shaun noticed that the auras of these giant apes were closely connected to the altar.

Clearly, the Ancient Spirits are using the power of the altar to manufacture these weapons of war.

"These giant apes... were actually created through an altar?"

"Joey said in a low voice, a look of shock flashing in his eyes."

This means that the Ancient Spirit Clan has the ability to mass-produce this giant ape.

Although not all great apes possess legendary strength.

However, when such weapons of war appear on the battlefield, they will undoubtedly cause great casualties to the warriors of [Rhine City].

And perhaps...

There are far more altars in the forest than just this one!
This is the true meaning behind the words of the deceased Ancient Spirit Clan member: "The army is already assembling."

"Captain Shane, should we just destroy the altar?" Karl-Leigh asked in a low voice.

"If the Ancient Spirits continue to create these giant apes, the pressure on us will be even greater."

Xia En frowned, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

While directly destroying the altar could weaken the Ancient Spirits, it might also alert them and expose their whereabouts.

more importantly.

They know too little about the altar, and acting rashly could lead to unpredictable consequences.

Just as Xia En hesitated.

The fairy Tracy flew off Ann's shoulder and whispered.

"Let me go!"

“I am a fairy, and I look similar to the Ancient Spirits. They might not mistake me for an enemy.”

"I can infiltrate the camp and gather more intelligence."

Xia En looked at Cui Xi, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes.

"This is too dangerous."

"The Ancient Spirit Clan's attitude towards fairies is still unclear. What if you're exposed..."

Trish flapped her wings and said confidently, "Don't worry."

"Don't let my appearance fool you, I have my own ways of protecting myself."

"And I think they probably don't expect that I would be a scout sent by [Rhine City]."

An nodded and said softly.

"Captain Shane, let Tracy give it a try."

"Her abilities are indeed suited for this kind of task."

After a moment's thought, Shane finally nodded in agreement: "Okay, Tracy, be careful."

"If there is any danger, send a signal immediately, and I will come to your rescue."

Cuixi smiled slightly, then transformed into a ray of light and silently flew towards the Ancient Spirit Clan's camp.

Shane and the others hid in the bushes outside the camp, watching Tracy's actions with bated breath.

Not long after.

Everyone saw Tracy making contact with a member of the Ancient Spirit Clan.

The Ancient Spirit Clan member was clearly surprised by the appearance of this similar creature.

But he did not immediately show hostility; instead, he looked at Tracy with a wary yet curious gaze.

The Ancient Spirit asked in a low voice, puzzled, "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Tracy gestured and spoke in a babbling manner, using her body language to express her meaning.

"You mean...you're a fairy from afar, lost in this forest? You saw our camp and want to ask for help?"

Tracy nodded emphatically.

The Ancient Spirits frowned, clearly somewhat skeptical of Trish's statement.

However, Trish's appearance and aura are indeed very similar to those of the Ancient Spirits.

This prevented him from taking immediate hostile action.

The Ancient Spirits continued to press: "Where did you come from? Why did you get lost here?"

Tracy feigned composure, pointed to the distant horizon, and then revealed a tearful and sorrowful expression.

The Ancient Spirits remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing whether Tracy's performance was credible.

Finally, he nodded: "Okay, you can stay at the camp for now, but don't wander around."

"We need to verify your identity."

Tracy was secretly delighted, but outwardly she nodded calmly and made a gesture of gratitude.

She successfully infiltrated the Ancient Spirit Clan's camp and began cautiously observing her surroundings.

The Ancient Spirits in the camp were busy, seemingly preparing for the upcoming war.

Trish noticed that the number of giant apes around the altar was gradually increasing.

It is clear.

The Ancient Spirits are accelerating the production of these weapons of war.

at the same time.

Tracy also overheard the conversation between the Ancient Spirits.

"The king said that in a few more days, our army will be fully assembled."

"At that time, we will be able to destroy the invaders' cities in one fell swoop."

Another member of the Ancient Spirit Clan responded.

“That’s right, they invaded our homes and destroyed our forests. It’s time for them to pay the price.”

"And those elves who stole our homeland, they must pay for it in blood!"

At this moment, the [Ancient Spirit Clan] youth who had first encountered Cuixi spoke up and asked.

"Elves, what kind of creatures are they?"

The older member of the Ancient Spirit Clan replied, "They are creatures that resemble us in appearance, yet are extremely brutal."

"They are treacherous and cunning, and they admire killing and violence, but they like to use being close to nature to disguise themselves."

“Our ancestors were forced to come to this world because of their slaughter and expulsion.”

"Child, you must remember, this is the blood feud that has plagued us for generations!"

"Only blood can wash it away!"

The young man from the Ancient Spirit Clan, though still somewhat puzzled, nodded emphatically and said, "Yes!"

Hearing this, Tracy was greatly surprised.

The elves described in the 【Ancient Spirit Clan】 were completely different from the elves she knew; they were practically two different species!

She had never heard of the elves having such a brutal history, let alone the slaughter and expulsion of the Ancient Elven race.

In her mind, the elves have always been a race that is close to nature and loves peace, so how could they have such a deep hatred for the Ancient Elf race?
She realized that there must be some kind of misunderstanding.

Or...is someone deliberately distorting history?

If that's the case.

It's not hard to understand why the Ancient Elven race harbors such hostility towards Rhine City and the elves.

At this moment, the elder member of the Ancient Spirit Clan spoke again.

"By the way, our reserves of [Holy Stones] are almost exhausted."

"Hamar, send someone over again right away."

"Yes!"

One of the Ancient Spirits nodded and immediately left the camp.

"[Holy Stone]?"

Tracy opened her eyes slightly and looked at the altars.

At that moment, she suddenly realized that the stones placed near the altar were none other than [Rhinestones]!
These rhinestones are clearly the source of the secret power that enabled the altar to create the giant ape.

It's not hard to tell from the words of the elder of the Ancient Spirit Clan.

The Ancient Elven race clearly also has its own Rhinestone mines and is mining and using Rhinestone extensively to manufacture weapons of war.

This way.

The high-purity Rhinestones that the elves need to purify the Fountain of Life may be found in the Ancient Elf's mining area!
Trish quickly memorized this information, preparing to find an opportunity to pass it on to Shaun.

However, just as she was preparing to leave the camp.

A high priest of the Ancient Spirit Clan, dressed in a distinctive robe, suddenly appeared before her.

"Who are you? Why are you here?"

The high priest's gaze was sharp as a knife, fixed directly on Tracy.

Tracy felt a pang of anxiety, but still tried to communicate with the other person using gestures.

But this time.

The high priest sneered, "Trying to fool me with this trick?"

"It's no use. You have the aura of both elves and humans on you!"

"not good!"

Tracy realized she had been exposed and immediately spread her wings, preparing to escape.

However, the high priest was faster.

He raised his hand and waved it, and a chain formed by natural secret power instantly wrapped around Tracy's body.

"Seize her! She's an enemy spy!"

The high priest shouted.

The surrounding Ancient Spirits immediately reacted and quickly surrounded Cuixi.

Tracy struggled desperately, but the chains of natural magic bound her tightly, preventing her from escaping.

Just at this critical moment, a black void rift suddenly appeared beside Tracy.

Shaun's figure leaped out of the crack, and the Void Blade in his hand slashed down fiercely, instantly severing the chains binding Trish.

Tracy said somewhat apologetically, "Captain Shane, I'm sorry."

"fine."

Xia En shook his head: "I originally planned to wipe out this camp."

"It's just that the order is different."

"Besides, eliminating all the witnesses would make for a perfect infiltration, wouldn't it?"

As soon as Xia En finished speaking, the High Priest of the Ancient Spirit Clan's face instantly turned gloomy.

He clearly hadn't expected the enemy to be so bold as to directly break into their camp.

"Intruder! Die!"

The high priest roared and quickly formed hand seals.

The runes on the altar suddenly lit up, and a rich natural power surged out like a tide.

Several giant apes awoke and stood in front of Shane and Tracy.

"Captain Shane, watch out!"

"Tracy exclaimed."

Xia En's expression remained unchanged, and he slightly raised the Void Blade in his hand.

Black, void-like energy flowed along the blade, emanating a chilling aura.

"A few giant apes are no match for me."

Before he finished speaking, Xia En's figure suddenly disappeared from the spot.

next moment.

He had appeared behind a giant ape.

The Void Blade sliced ​​through the air like the Grim Reaper's scythe, instantly cleaving the giant ape's body in two, which then dissipated into the air as a form of natural energy.

at the same time.

Joey and the others also joined the battle from outside the camp.

(End of this chapter)