The day passed swiftly.
Today was a special occasion in the Elven Queendom, far from its usual serene tranquility. Thousands of Elves, adorned in resplendent attire, danced through the air, their joy illuminating the ancient forest. Melodious songs echoed across the heavens, while forest beasts pranced in lively celebration, the atmosphere electric with festivity.
It was the birthday of the Elven Queendom's sovereign—the Elf Queen.
No one knew her true age, only that since her ascension, Elf Island had grown immensely powerful. Even A Lian Ya, the Queendom's foremost genius, was personally mentored by her. Though Elves were not naturally adept at combat and had a small population, they had become a Ninth-Grade Power in the Sea Continent, boasting a Golden Rank genius and a Queen revered as a pinnacle expert across the planet.
The Elven Guards and Elven Legion were formidable, disciplined with absolute military might, all at the Deity Transformation Stage, their strength unparalleled. Elite archers with high-speed wings, they excelled in battle. Their logistical prowess in cultivating spiritual herbs was unmatched, and the Elves' resilience was legendary.
In a vast clearing within the ancient forest, surrounded by lakes and mountains, the scenery was a breathtaking blend of nature's finest. This was the Elves' venue for hosting guests, its spiritual energy so dense it rivaled the Spirit Realm Pearl.
Rows of ancient tables and chairs were meticulously arranged, adorned with fragrant flowers, rare herbs, and exquisite spiritual fruits. Lan An and Yan Yue Qi shared a table, seated beside Tian Die Dao and her four maids. Their collective beauty dimmed the surrounding flora, six peerless women whose presence alone was a spectacle.
Nearby, Shui Shuang Hua sat alone, her ethereal aura untouched by worldly dust, radiating a cold detachment that kept others at bay. Even the dozens of high-ranking Elven women present secretly admired the guests' beauty and charisma.
The Elf Queen and A Nhi, the event's stars, had yet to appear.
"Young Master Lan, please enjoy the wine," a beautiful Elven attendant said, her rosy lips curving as she gracefully poured a glass for Lan An.
"Thank you," Lan An nodded, eyeing the wine. Its vibrant red hue sparkled with clarity, its rich aroma spreading delightfully.
"Try it, Yue Qi," he offered, passing the glass to Yan Yue Qi.
She bit her lip, taking a delicate sip. Her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms, the wine's potent sweetness lingering on her lips. "You try," she said, passing it back, subtly offering the side marked with her lipstick.
Lan An grinned, drinking deeply, feeling his spiritual energy purify. His eyes brightened. "Fine wine!" he exclaimed. The Elven attendant smiled, refilled their glasses, and excused herself.
"This is Elven Wine, brewed from thousands of rare spiritual fruits over ages, mixed with pristine spring water. Unique to the Sea Continent, it enhances the purity of a cultivator's spiritual energy—a priceless treasure," Bao Qiao said, licking her lips greedily, savoring the rare treat.
"I've tasted Monkey Wine in the Sea Continent. It's nearly on par with Elven Wine," Wu Ji nodded, approving.
The Monkey Clan was renowned for its fruit cultivation and winemaking, their Monkey Wine famed across the continent. Lan An's eyes glinted perhaps a visit to the Fire Monkey Clan for some wine was in order.
A peculiar scene unfolded. After a sip of Elven Wine, Tian Die Dao's cheeks blazed red, her stunning beauty radiating as she approached Shui Shuang Hua's table.
"Our lady's at it again," Cheng Bich and Li Huan exchanged glances, shrugging helplessly.
Lan An's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Two peculiar women are about to clash," he murmured.
Yan Yue Qi stifled a laugh, watching intently. Tian Die Dao's bold move drew every eye in the venue. Bach Hieu Sinh smiled affably, his thoughts unreadable. Hai Ying Tian and Hai Fei Yun gazed at Tian Die Dao and Shui Shuang Hua with longing, eager to conquer them. Pill Valley's Vice-Master Dan Quin and disciple Dan Manh remained silent, unobtrusive. Other guests had arrived, but Lan An recognized none.
One figure caught his attention—an elderly man with an immortal-like demeanor, his long beard and hair flowing. Ji Kha, the Second Elder of the Heavenly Secret Palace, occasionally glanced at Lan An, prompting caution. According to Jin'er, Ji Kha was a mid-Body Integration expert and a late Void Refinement soul cultivator, a formidable force. Yet, Lan An sensed a trace of wariness in Ji Kha's gaze, puzzling him. Why would such a powerhouse fear him?
Unbeknownst to Lan An, the Heavenly Secret Palace was shaken by his exploits. After investigating his actions and prowess, they confirmed his "Son of the Heavenly Dao" status. The Palace Master had yet to decide whether to befriend or oppose him, leaving Ji Kha eager to avoid Lan An. Had he known Lan An would be here, he'd have declined the invitation.
Lan An's greatest grudge against the Heavenly Secret Palace was with Ji Shao Huang and the Grand Elder, who caused Ji Bing's severe injuries and forced Ji Ya into hiding. Given the chance, he'd make them pay.
Meanwhile, Tian Die Dao reached Shui Shuang Hua. Barefoot, her jade-like feet hovered centimeters above the ground, walking on air. "Sister Shuang Hua, can Dao Dao sit here?" she asked coyly.
Shui Shuang Hua didn't glance at her, nodding perfunctorily while sipping Elven Wine. "Thank you, Sister Shuang Hua! Dao Dao's admired you forever," Tian Die Dao giggled, reaching for her hand.
Shui Shuang Hua deftly dodged, her brows furrowing. In a voice like celestial music, devoid of warmth, she said, "This Sect Master dislikes familiar address. Treasure Dragon, call me Sect Master Shui."
"No way!" Tian Die Dao pouted, shaking her head impishly. "That's not intimate! Dao Dao felt a connection the moment we met. Let's be sisters!"
Lan An's mouth twitched—she was bolder at wooing women than he was. Yet her charm faltered against Shui Shuang Hua's indifference. The Water Heaven Sect Master closed her eyes, ignoring her completely—a first for the Myriad Treasures Pavilion's Holy Maiden.
Tian Die Dao's cheeks puffed like a piglet's, her ample chest heaving with indignation under her white robes. She glared at Shui Shuang Hua, speechless with frustration.
Lan An couldn't hold back, bursting into laughter at her adorable plight. "Lolo, no laughing!" Tian Die Dao whirled, lunging at him. Her soft hands gripped his neck, playfully strangling him.
"Alright, no laughing!" Lan An surrendered, raising his hands, barely containing his mirth.
Unappeased, Tian Die Dao pounded his chest, oblivious to Yan Yue Qi's bullet-like glare. The crowd's expressions shifted at the scene. "Worthy of the Son of the Heavenly Dao, so close with the Myriad Treasures Holy Maiden," Ji Kha thought, finding it fitting.
Dan Quin and Dan Man's eyes flickered with subtle envy. Pill Valley and Myriad Treasures Pavilion competed in the elixir market, natural rivals, though the latter diversified beyond pills. Hai Ying Tian and Hai Fei Yun's faces darkened—Lan An, their enemy, backed by Myriad Treasures Pavilion was a nightmare.
Only Bach Hieu Sinh remained unfazed, sipping tea as if detached from the chaos, until a fervent glint sparked in his eyes at a resounding announcement: "The Elf Queen arrives!"
A Lian Ya's voice heralded the arrival. Two rows of stunning Elves, their translucent wings fluttering, danced and sang, leading the way. A Lian Ya, in heroic battle armor, wielded an azure longsword, striding ahead like a war general.
Behind her, the Elf Queen emerged in a resplendent golden robe, clinging to her exquisite curves, each movement stirring primal desires. Her mature, alluring aura blended with regal authority, commanding the heavens. Unlike her battle with Old Man Ice Sword, her warlike intent was fully restrained.
Her flawless hand held a tiny angel in a princess dress—A Nhi. As the Elf Queen and A Nhi advanced, every blade of grass and tree bowed in reverence, hailing the sovereign of nature. Regrettably, her mystical face remained veiled by gossamer silk.
Lan An felt a pang of disappointment but remained patient—such beauty was worth waiting for. Memories of meeting a seventh-grade fox demoness at the Fox Clan surfaced, tinged with nostalgia.
Hai Ying Tian's eyes held complex emotions, avoiding direct gazes at the peerless Queen. Bach Hieu Sinh's fervor only grew, a mad gleam in his eyes, his mind weaving grand fantasies: "Hide well! Not all are worthy of her face, but I am the exception!"
As the Elf Queen gracefully descended, guests and Elves rose in unison. "Happy birthday, Your Majesty!" their shouts shook the heavens, echoing across Elf Island.
The Elf Queen's galaxy-like eyes swept the crowd, her gentle yet commanding voice resonating: "My deepest thanks to all for attending. This Queen is profoundly grateful."
In the envious gaze of Bach Hieu Sinh alone, her jade hand lifted, and the silk veil fell. Time itself froze in that moment.