It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

"...Thank you very much. I have another matter. I would like to borrow the Moonlit Pond from that ancestral hall."

Bai Lin said this, but Kong didn't show any surprise at all, and didn't even ask Bai Lin what he was going to do. He just looked at Fei'er next to him and said in a slightly playful tone,

"Oh? Are you going to leave Fei'er, who's traveling with you, behind and go have fun somewhere else alone?"

Kong's words were as unpredictable as ever, and his teasing was as sharp as ever. Bai Lin scratched his head, looked at Fei'er apologetically, and then replied,

"Of course not, it's just that the distance is quite far, and I definitely can't take Fei'er with me. Sorry, Fei'er, why don't you go back and rest today?"

Sora slowly walked to the other side, extended his hand to Fei'er, and said,

"Don't worry about that. I'll take care of Fei'er first. I have something to talk to her about. Come on, Fei'er, let's ignore this playboy."

Kong really made things worse... But Bai Lin knew that Fei'er would definitely not take it to heart, so he didn't take it too seriously.

Chapter 353: Don’t Be Anxious, Elf

Pushing open a door that normally belonged to a bedroom, Bai Lin suddenly felt suspended in mid-air, as if traveling at high speed on a roller coaster. Within her field of vision, everything visible transformed into streaks of light. The next moment, Bai Lin, panting, appeared at the ancestral hall.

It was only a moment, but Bai Lin felt like she had traveled a long distance. After calming down a bit, she once again took in the ancestral hall. Its mixed Chinese and Japanese architecture looked strange. It was only just past noon, yet the sky was already twilight, which also struck her as odd.

Although this ancestral hall was filled with strangeness from top to bottom, if an ordinary person stepped into it, they would definitely feel terrified by the unusual atmosphere and leave screaming. However, Bai Lin did not feel grateful, and even felt curious...

Who were they commemorating? Sora had said they were commemorating a hero from the past, but she had never mentioned who it was.

During this year, Bai Lin's only understanding of this "hero" was that he also loved to smoke. Every time Kong brought Bai Lin here, he would light a cigarette and place it on the tribute table in the ancestral hall.

Since he is a hero, I will pay tribute to him this time.

After Bai Lin lit a cigarette, he no longer paid attention to the ancestral hall. Instead, he leaned over to touch the moonflower and closed his eyes.

Recalling... the original scene, Bai Lin quickly opened his eyes and came to another place.

The dirt floor, the interweaving of tents and wooden houses, and the familiar streets all showed the poverty. Bai Lin didn't stand up immediately, but instead stroked the blooming moonflower in front of him.

"Klein, I'm here to see you again, but Katie isn't here this time. Don't worry, she and I are doing well."

Bai Lin's current location was the beginning of everything. The first "companion" she met in this world was also the "root" of everything that followed. Klein Eshleviathan—this name would surely remain with Bai Lin even after she successfully departed this world.

However, I hadn't come all this way to see her today. Although the road leading out of the village was sparsely populated, it was still early afternoon, so the villagers were probably quite active. Bai Lin immediately set off, running towards the Ice Forest.

If I were to be seen, I would probably be caught by Leon and the others and forced to drink again. Bai Lin couldn't help but think so.

The last time I came here was to worship Klein with Katie, so it had been a while. The reason for my visit this time, naturally, had nothing to do with Dragon Blood Village; I was simply here to find the eccentric Elf Queen.

Compared to Christina, Bai Lin knew a more elusive and powerful being: Kong. However, no matter how elusive Kong's behavior was, he had never once harmed Bai Lin. Meanwhile, Kress had a history of killing Bai Lin with a single wave of her hand, so Bai Lin had prepared herself for her return.

There were no extra monsters around the pool, and Chris was unusually not riding on her mount. Instead, she walked barefoot on the frozen ground, hugging her chest and pacing back and forth.

As Bai Lin ran over, he noticed that she seemed to be a little upset. Just as Bai Lin raised his hand and was about to say hello, the other party stopped and walked towards Bai Lin, complaining,

"You're too slow! You promised to come visit me often."

The Elf Queen, who used to be so high and mighty and loved teasing Bai Lin, now acted like a little girl, as if complaining about her boyfriend's lateness. Of course, Bai Lin didn't think so. She quickly sighed and replied calmly,

"You seemed to have said the same thing the last time I came to see you. It shouldn't have been a few months."

“A few months is a long time, okay!!!”

Kress took another step forward and immediately started arguing with Bai Lin. The elf seemed to be slightly taller than Bai Lin, but Bai Lin just looked into her eyes calmly and said coldly,

"Stop it, you don't miss me that much anyway. Otherwise, I'm your dependent now, you can easily send a familiar or something to communicate with me."

After Bai Lin finished speaking, the Elf Queen's eyes, which were full of resentment, suddenly turned into smiling eyes. She said with interest,

"Oh? A hero who knows nothing about magic, actually learned this? But you have to know that if your mouth doesn't match your pretty face, I will just want to tear you apart."

As she spoke, the Elf Queen placed one hand on Bai Lin's cheek and started to touch her. Bai Lin quickly opened her hand and replied bluntly,

"Whether you need to talk properly depends on the person you're with. If you could be more normal, I'd be happy to have a good chat with you."

"It's precisely because you're so arrogant even when you need help that I really want to play a trick on you," Chris replied with a sweet laugh. Then, she tiptoed back slightly, hopping gracefully and sitting down. A wooden chair suddenly appeared beneath her, allowing her to sit down easily.

Bai Lin glanced behind her and sat down. She knew that this probably meant that Chris had stopped arguing and was getting down to business.

When dealing with people with this kind of happy-go-lucky mentality, it is best to treat them calmly.

"Before we get down to business, Xiao Bailin, let me tell you something. It's precisely because you're increasingly daring to talk to me so coldly that it proves that we're getting closer and closer."

Chris's hands were placed on her knees, but the words coming out of her mouth were all in a set. Bai Lin couldn't help but feel a black line on his face, and immediately fought back forcefully,

"Even the Elf Queen is like this. Are all of you elves supposed to look obedient but still say all sorts of nonsense?"

This counterattack was very effective. Chris was choked. She seemed to have not expected Bai Lin to be so sharp as to ridicule her entire race. But soon, Chris recovered. She put her hands on the handles of the chair, leaned forward, and retorted with a little excitement,

"Obviously, I only do this to the people I like! Besides, what does the personality of the people in my race have to do with me as the clan leader?"

Bai Lin immediately diverted the topic, and the war on the topic had completely shifted to Chris's side.

Chapter 354: Elves Take Care of Themselves

This was the fundamental difference between Chris and Sora. No matter what, Bai Lin had never once truly argued with Sora. Even if Bai Lin had done so, Sora wouldn't have argued with her. Chris, on the other hand, would. Hers wasn't a teasing that transcended mystery and familiarity, but rather a pure nature.

Or maybe... just as she said, she likes Bai Lin. Of course, from Bai Lin's somewhat dismissive expression, it can be seen that she doesn't think that Chris really likes her.

"You like me? What a racial joke! You're already hitting me with thunder the first time we meet. How can we continue to get along?!"

Bai Lin's counterattack was very powerful and full of confidence. Although his tone was not particularly fierce, it still made Chris's heart retreat a step. She said to Bai Lin with a little regret, but in a very sad tone,

"Hmm...did that incident really not have such a big impact? Is it because of that incident that you don't visit me often? If that's the case, I'm really sorry - do you think I would say that?"

Christina seemed to be getting serious. She folded her arms across her chest, crossed her legs, raised her chin, and said to Bai Lin with a look of contempt,

"Know your position! You're the one who came to ask me for a favor today! Besides, you came into the forest alone with a knife, so killing you once would be the least of your punishment."

This time, Chris felt a truly strange feeling. Bai Lin had always let her tease him, but how could he become so sharp-tongued after his trip to the city? It was like a well-behaved sister who had always obeyed her brother's every word, but suddenly one day she started to ignore him. Chris felt a sense of unease.

Bai Lin shrugged, her attitude was the same as before, neither hot nor cold. It was precisely because of this attitude that Chris felt a little annoyed. Just when Chris was about to start lecturing Bai Lin again, Bai Lin spoke first,

"Chris, it's just like you said. I brought my girlfriend with me when we first met. There's really no need to keep mentioning that you like me. Besides, you said you wouldn't be attracted to me if I didn't look like this. So why bother brooding over this fake relationship?"

The Queen of Elves was slightly stunned. Then, all her annoyance turned into a slightly raised crescent at the corner of her mouth. Christina's tone returned to its old lively tone, and she spoke,

"But you have such a good appearance, come, give your sister a lick——"

Bai Lin stretched out a hand, restrained Christina who was about to stand up, and said,

"Let's get down to business first, dear sister?"

From the way she addressed him, Bai Lin seemed to have compromised. But in reality, Bai Lin simply didn't want to engage in any more rambling with this guy. She used her rhetoric to completely erase any slight discomfort in Chris's heart.

Honestly, while Kress appeared to be a powerful, cunning, and eccentric figure, the longer Bai Lin stayed in Camitlan, the more he realized how simple and understandable Kress, the Elf Queen, truly was. His words, which had just steered her in the direction he desired, also proved Bai Lin's conviction.

Chris sat upright and nodded, as if she was very pleased with Bai Lin's call of "good sister". Bai Lin took a step back, and she also took a step back. At least in Chris's eyes, this was the situation.

"Then I'll ask directly."

Bai Lin took out the small bag he had prepared long ago from his waist, opened it slightly, and placed it in front of Chris. Chris widened her eyes, took a look at it in the afternoon sun, sniffed it, and then frowned and looked at Bai Lin.

"What is this? It's obviously not a good thing. Even our elves, who are nearly immune to all poisons, can react like this. How dare you humans hold it in your hands?"

Christina's words completely lowered the atmosphere. It was clear that the word "danger" was written between the lines of her words. Bai Lin also frowned as he put the things away.

"It's true that this thing has been endangering Camillan recently, but I think as the Queen of the Elves, you might have some clues."

The reason was simple. Bai Lin had made a basic assumption about Le Tianxiang. If there were powerful individuals behind the scenes pushing this plan from the beginning, it would be fine. But if it was just an ordinary underground organization, it would be impossible to push something of this magnitude in such a short period of time without leaking any information.

Especially since… the one who gave me the firsthand information was that Kong, the one who always had a mysterious presence wherever he went. She actually waited until something happened before contacting me. It was really strange no matter how I thought about it.

In addition, the appearance of the vampire last night had awakened Bai Lin, and the possibility that aliens were involved in this matter was the reason why Bai Lin wanted to ask Claire. She had enough reason to suspect that Le Tianxiang was actually brought to humans by an alien with ulterior motives.

Besides the Cat Spirit Clan leader, Christina was Bai Lin's most trusted and influential alien leader. Excluding the hard-to-find old goblin, Kress was the most suitable candidate. It was precisely for this reason that Bai Lin sat here, questioning Kress.

"Me...? I'm the Queen of the Elves, but I'm far away and don't communicate that often with my people..."

It was rare for Kress to seem a little shy, perhaps because she felt a little guilty for not being able to live up to Bai Lin's call of "good sister". Bai Lin also sighed, stood up and said,

"If that's the case, forget it. I'll think of another way when I get back..."

"Wait!"

Seeing Bai Lin about to leave, Chris quickly stopped him. Her expression was very serious, and she asked Bai Lin in a serious tone and at a fast pace,

"Will humans affected by this substance feel as if they are in a fantasy world, ascending to heaven, and thus become dependent on it, even developing a distorted understanding of reality?"

Bai Lin held his chin, recalled the previous feeling, thought for a few seconds, and gave an answer.

"Yeah, that's pretty much what you said. From my personal point of view, even though you might have a clear mind that you shouldn't be seduced by something, your body is slowly creeping towards the edge of temptation... It's like you're completely out of control."

Chapter 355: A True Elves Should Be Like This

With a hint of surprise, Chrissy accepted Bai Lin's statement. She found it hard to believe that someone like Bai Lin could actually experience such a thing firsthand. Perhaps... he was trying to track down his own experience?

"Well, I don't know much about this substance. But there are rumors that there is a plant that can pollute the world if someone is intentional."

Claire's gaze suddenly became profound. She gazed at the golden-orange light of the afternoon sun shining through the icy branches of the forest, and spoke in a rather slow tone,

"Even the underworld and the living world are connected, but the resurrected dead are merely plague-like husks that spread the disease. This is the most famous rumor I can think of regarding this substance."

Bai Lin frowned. This was truly mysterious. However, since Kress had said so, the so-called "楽天香" might really be something of this level.

"So, who is in charge of this substance? Is it indeed part of your alien race?"

It seemed that Kress had no intention of correcting Bai Lin's term "alien". Instead, she pondered for a moment and answered seriously,

"That's for sure. This kind of thing isn't something you humans can easily create. Who knows, it might even affect me..."

Oh? Bai Lin seemed to have sensed some vested interest and became slightly interested. Since Kress had said so, it also meant that the Elf Queen might be involved in this matter.

"Since this thing will pollute the world, it's not a good thing for you, Chris."

Bai Lin spoke his mind directly, smiling. From Bai Lin's perspective, he should be direct with Christina regarding matters of concern, but more subtle with matters of the heart. After all, while Christina might be playful, she was still the Elf Queen, and she couldn't just play around.

This time, Chris seemed to be much more sober. She glared at Bai Lin fiercely and said,

"How come you're so talkative after a trip to the city? Don't expect me to help you. I won't leave this forest. Even if you want me to possess you, I can't do it from such a long distance!"

She seemed ruthless and rejected Bai Lin's expectation. But the smile on Bai Lin's face did not diminish at all. She continued to approach Chris and said,

"How could that be? The help I need from you is not that complicated. I just want to hear if there is any solution for this substance."

Bai Lin's meaning was simple. Since this thing was made by an alien race, as one of the alien race, Kress would know more about it. It would be more reasonable to ask her for some emergency measures. Kress looked at Bai Lin's beautiful but actually somewhat creepy smile and turned her head away in shame.

"You're being a bit annoying, Shiro Rin. If you're going to smile, smile at me sincerely... Never mind, I understand what you mean. This matter could indeed affect me... and my people, so I'll get involved a little."

As she spoke, the sound of breaking waves echoed from behind Claire. Water droplets like long chains slid down from the silver-white staff, dripping evenly into the central lake without even causing a ripple.

The staff hovered steadily on the ground in front of Kress, stretching between Bai Lin and Kress. Kress stood up and waved at Bai Lin. Her expression was now completely expressionless, a look of extreme seriousness. For the first time, Bai Lin felt the majesty of the Elf Queen.

I didn't expect this guy to be able to differentiate between work and life. Bai Lin thought so, and understood what he meant and threw the bag in his hand back to Chris.

Chris took the bag and closed her eyes. In an instant, a vast array of emerald green magic patterns, interlocking like gears, materialized three-dimensionally around the staff. Chris clutched the bag tightly in both hands, chanting a short, chant-like incantation like a devout young woman.

A green-gold light, rich with life, first appeared from the tip of Claire's finger. Bai Lin's gaze was drawn to the light. But it wasn't just that: the light had already focused all the pheromones in the surrounding space onto the tip of her finger.

Bai Lin could clearly feel the wind brushing against her cheek, even the warmth caressing her fingertips. This lifeless ice forest suddenly thawed like a spring breeze, letting in new life.

However, everything in front of me has not changed.

The next moment, the leaked light began to overflow with more and more contents. A large amount of green liquid dripped down from between her two fingers. Some of it dripped along the leather wrapping, while others spilled onto the ground.

But no matter what, Chris's behavior is undoubtedly promoting life. She sows hope, and thus attracts more time and things that support her "hope."

Her golden hair swayed in the windless air, a demeanor inherent in an Elf Queen. The purity that brings life and hope will ultimately be sustained by life and hope.

Soon, her hair fell back down her back, and the light from her staff completely vanished. With a wave of her hand, most of the green liquid dripping onto the ground vanished into the cold mist, as if it had never existed.

Even so, a small amount of liquid remained on the floor. As if she had seen something worthy of a prank, Chrissie gave a wicked smile. Like Qianhong's "young master," she propped herself up with one hand on the armchair, her legs raised high.

Under Bai Lin's puzzled gaze, Chris's small and clean jade feet touched the green liquid with the tip of her thumb. Bai Lin instantly thought of something bad. She raised her head, looked at Chris, and asked in a tone as normal as possible,

"Chris, have you figured out anything?"

Chrissy's smile was even brighter than Bai Lin's when she was facing her, but her mouth emitted a deep and profound laugh, like a "hmm hmm" sound. She was like a little girl, making exaggerated and cute expressions to him.

"Do you want to know? Do you really want to know?"

Her questions gradually became more urgent, like an invitation, but also like a temptation, making the alarm bells in Bai Lin's mind ring more rapidly.

Chapter 356 Licking

However, the more Bai Lin looked at Claire's expression, the more she began to recall how she had treated Claire. She quickly suppressed the slight panic in her eyes, put on a sour face, and said in an indifferent manner,

"Come on, we're both busy."

Chrissy suddenly felt bored, and her smile faded. She sighed, closed one eye, and asked Bai Lin,