374 Elf Queen's Brazen Negotiations with Humans
Wang Jian's dark chuckle sent shivers of desire through Selena. She knew that her defiance would likely be met with consequences, and she couldn't deny the thrill of such punishment. As his hands gripped her curvaceous buttocks and smacked them forcefully, she gasped and moaned in response.
The pain and pleasure mixed together, driving her further into the depths of submission. "Yes, Master," she whimpered, her body arching to present herself even more. "I've been bad. Punish me."
As they indulged in their intimate play, not a single elf had perished from the curse. They were suffering, feeling the torment of the incineration energy coursing through their bodies.
Wang Jian remained safe in Selena's chamber. This was because of Selena's ability to sense any approaching elves. In case someone appeared, Wang Jian could swiftly escape by utilizing the Shadow Spatial Portal embedded within her bracelet.
Once there were no one in her chamber, Selena could infuse that bracelet with her qi to send a signal directly to Wang Jian that there was no one around her.
In this manner, Wang Jian could immediately utilize his Spatial Ability to warp in front of her.
Anyway, Wang Jian had a good reason of staying in Selena's chamber right now. This was because he was a little unsure of the results of his poison.
Only while being inside the Elven Dominion could he find how the poison was working on the enchanted forest and even on the World Tree.
And till now, it was working amazingly.
Meanwhile, in the heart of the Elven Dominion, Elf Queen Ilyndra and her experts were using all their knowledge, abilities, and even their precious resources to combat the relentless incinerating energy and curse that plagued their enchanted forest.
They employed a wide array of rare resources, each with unique abilities and properties, but the malevolent energy proved to be an insidious adversary.
Elf Queen Ilyndra, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, stood at the forefront, her elegant features etched with determination.
She consulted her council of experts, including scholars, healers, and elemental masters.
Their attempts to counter the incinerating energy proved futile, as this sinister force possessed the ability to merge seamlessly with any herb or substance they used to target it.
One of the elven scholars, known for his extensive knowledge of botany, attempted to employ the unique properties of the Everbloom Orchid, a rare and potent herb known to restore vitality and mend injuries.
However, even the Everbloom Orchid proved powerless against the relentless incinerating curse.
It withered in his hand, its once vibrant colors fading to ashen gray as it failed to counteract the malevolent energy.
A group of elven elemental masters tried to utilize their control over water and ice to extinguish the incinerating energy, but it only flared with greater intensity in response.
The frigid attacks of the masters turned to steam, their powers rendered ineffective.
The healers, well-versed in the art of mending wounds and curing ailments, combined their skills and invoked ancient healing rituals.
Yet, their efforts merely slowed the progression of the curse but couldn't eradicate it completely.
Elf Queen Ilyndra's frustration deepened as she watched her most knowledgeable experts fall short.
The malevolent incinerating energy appeared to adapt and resist any attempts to counter it, and even their extensive knowledge of rare resources and their elemental mastery proved inadequate.
Amid the turmoil within the enchanted forest, a group of elven scouts arrived at the heart of the forest where Elf Queen Ilyndra was overseeing efforts to contain the incinerating curse. The lead scout, with an air of urgency, approached the queen and her council of experts.
"Your Majesty," the scout said with a respectful bow, "a group of humans has approached the borders of our enchanting forest. They are waving a white flag, signifying their intention for peace and negotiations."
Elf Queen Ilyndra's delicate features hardened as she absorbed the news. The timing of this human delegation was suspicious, to say the least. It was hard to dismiss the possibility that these humans might be connected to the recent devastation in the enchanted forest. n-/o/(V.-E-.l)/B(/I-.n
Nevertheless, the queen knew that her responsibility extended beyond her doubts and suspicions.
She had to consider the well-being of her people and the forest that was now afflicted by a malevolent energy.
As frustrating as it was, she had to entertain the possibility of negotiation.
With a furrowed brow, she gave the order, "Prepare my Spirit Projection Ring. I shall personally speak with these humans and hear what they have to say."
The council of elven experts and scholars nodded in agreement, their expressions mirroring the queen's mix of concern and apprehension.
The Spirit Projection Ring was quickly retrieved, a delicate and ornate artifact that allowed her to communicate with others from a distance.
Elf Queen Ilyndra slipped the ring onto her finger, her blue eyes alight with determination, and prepared to engage in negotiations with the humans who had ventured to their borders during a time of crisis.
Kang Huian, Wang Jian's First Concubine, led the group of humans who had come to negotiate with the Elves. Their arrival was met with a mix of curiosity and suspicion from the elven scouts guarding the forest's borders. These humans, dressed in dark, elegant robes, looked out of place in the serene surroundings of the enchanted forest.
As the elves watched with a degree of wariness, a shimmering construct of spiritual energy emerged from the forest. It was the projection of Elf Queen Ilyndra, who had used her Spirit Projection Ring to engage in the negotiations. Kang Huian calmly observed the apparition, knowing that this was the ruler they had come to speak with.
Queen Ilyndra's projection regarded Kang Huian and her team of humans with a mixture of dignity and curiosity. Her voice, carried by the magic of the Spirit Projection Ring, resonated through the air, echoing softly as she addressed them. "I am Elf Queen Ilyndra, ruler of this enchanted forest. What business do you humans have with us during this troubled time?"
Kang Huian stepped forward, her demeanor confident and her eyes steady as she addressed the queen's projection. "Your Majesty, I am Kang Huian. We come as emissaries of our ruler, Emperor Wang Jian. We understand that your forest is facing a grave crisis, and we offer a solution that can help alleviate this disaster."
juxtaposed with the tension in the air.
15:26
Ilyndra's anger flared instantly at the audacity of Kang Huian's words, and her voice dripped with icy She paused for a moment, her gaze unwavering. "Naturally, this assistance shall have its price. The price would be the Fountain of Essence."
As Kang Huian calmly presented her proposition regarding the Fountain of Essence, Elf Queen Ilyndra's projection grew tense. The serene, natural beauty that surrounded them was starkly juxtaposed with the tension in the air.
Ilyndra's anger flared instantly at the audacity of Kang Huian's words, and her voice dripped with icy disdain as she responded. "How do you know that our forest faces disaster?" The queen's blue eyes locked onto Kang Huian's spirit, demanding an answer.
Kang Huian's face remained impassive, and she responded to Ilyndra's outrage with a calm that could only be described as unsettling. "Your Majesty, we understand your anger, but it is only natural that we know of your forest's plight. It was the Empire of Emperor Wang Jian that crafted the poison that has afflicted your dominion."
Ilyndra's anger flared further, her projection growing brighter as she shouted, "You admit to this despicable act! You have caused pain and suffering to my people, and now you have the audacity to make demands?"
Kang Huian's sly smile persisted, and she nodded. "Indeed, we have caused this disturbance, and we are willing to resolve this if you hand over the Fountain of Essence."
At this point, the Elf Queen's patience wore thin, and she lunged forward with a surge of spiritual power, attempting to attack Kang Huian. She planned to beat Kang Huian to the brink of death and then use her to negotiate with her Emperor.
However, just as her spiritual attack was about to land, a protective barrier of pure qi and spirit enveloped Kang Huian and her team.
The barrier shimmered with azure light and proved to be impenetrable. It was the protective aura of the Azure Spirit Lion, serving as a formidable shield against the Elven Queen's wrath.
Elf Queen Ilyndra could only watch in rage and frustration as her assault was repelled, unable to harm the humans.
"Azure Spirit Lion...Are you really intent on protecting these humans from my wrath?" Elf Queen Ilyndra spoke a bit menacingly.
In the meantime, the Azure Spirit Lion flared up its power as it responded coldly, "It was your Elven Race who offended us first by continuously seizing my territory and adding it to your dominion!"
Through gritted teeth, Ilyndra seethed, "Very well... even a creature like you dares to insult my Elven people. Rest assured, you will face consequences for your actions!"
Elf Queen Ilyndra's spiritual construct slowly dissipated. When her ethereal form dispersed entirely, her sapphire eyes snapped open in her chamber. It was time for her to consider the last option available to her.
Summoning her trusted advisors, Ilyndra addressed them with determination in her voice. "Gather all elves, including my daughters, it is time to perform the 'Verdant Resurgence Ritual.' We shall awaken the World Tree and harness its mighty power to address this dire crisis."
