The Elf Queen's beauty transcended mere words. Each flutter of her lashes surpassed the term "beautiful." A crystalline green jade adorned her smooth forehead, faintly exuding divine charm. Her eyes, brighter than the stars, held a purity untouched by worldly desires, embodying all that was good, yet sharp with regal authority that subdued anyone who met her gaze.
Her flawless cheeks, lightly flushed, blended with the mature grace of a noblewoman. A high, elegant nose and plump, naturally red lips shimmered without adornment, sweeter than any immortal fruit. She was the epitome of classic and wild Western beauty, her slender neck and glistening collarbone bathed in sunlight, complementing her angelic face and enchantress-like figure. Known as the Sea Continent's foremost beauty, only peak cultivators were deemed worthy to behold her visage—ordinary experts lacked even the chance.
Her beauty was matched by an imperial majesty that inspired awe and self-consciousness, deterring prolonged stares. Beauty alone wasn't enough; her regal yet approachable aura, laced with the dominance of a supreme ruler, captivated all. Even the Dwarf Clan Chief, with his unique aesthetic tastes, acknowledged her unparalleled charisma, unmatched across the Sea Continent.
Silence gripped the venue. Even Yan Yue Qi's eyes held a flicker of admiration for both her strength and beauty. The men held their breath, entranced.
Cheng Bich, Bao Qiao, and Li Huan stood frozen, their faces alight with awe. This was their first glimpse of the Elf Queen's face. A century ago, Tian Die Dao attended with only Wu Ji, as the other three lacked the status to be present. Now, the Treasure Dragon Fairy gaped, her veiled eyes hiding her emotions, while Wu Ji averted her gaze to avoid losing composure.
Hai Ying Tian had sealed Hai Fei Yun's senses, protecting his son from the same enchantment overwhelming him. His own eyes battled clarity against infatuation, a critical moment to overcome his inner turmoil. Bach Hieu Sinh's gaze burned with unrestrained fervor, veins faintly visible in his eyes, yearning to kneel and beg her hand. His elder companion sealed his own senses, relying on hearing alone.
Dan Vo Hanh sealed Dan Manh's senses and consumed a mind-clearing elixir to maintain composure. Ji Kha, a soul cultivator with a robust spirit, remained the most composed, resisting her allure. Shui Shuang Hua and Lan An were the exceptions. Shui Shuang Hua's clear eyes showed no interest in beauty, while Lan An, briefly stunned, quickly regained his calm, his gaze filled with pure appreciation.
Having once been charmed by the Fox Clan Chief, Lan An's mental fortitude had grown. Noticing Yan Yue Qi's complex expression, he clasped her soft hand, smiling reassuringly. "No need for envy. My Yue Qi is no less radiant."
"Hmph, just a pretty shell," Yan Yue Qi huffed, her tsundere tone masking the sweetness in her eyes.
Lan An chuckled, wrapping an arm around her slender waist, his heart content. The Elf Queen's beauty was indescribable, but his words were sincere, not mere comfort. Yan Yue Qi and the Elf Queen embodied distinct ideals—Eastern and Western—each peerless in their own right. Yan Yue Qi lacked only the commanding aura honed by ruling at the pinnacle, something her role as Yan Clan Leader hadn't yet fully cultivated.
This regal charisma was the fatal allure that drove men to obsession or inferiority. Like a beautiful secretary versus a director, most would see the latter as superior and more desirable. "Her Heavenly Fragrance Jade Body enhances her charm, a dual-cultivation physique that naturally captivates," Jin'er giggled in Lan An's mind.
Lan An nodded. If so, his Su Mai, once matured, would surely rival her. A Nhi pouted, disappointed that Lan An wasn't smitten by her mother as she'd hoped. "Brother Lan An's definitely pretending. He's secretly obsessed!" she consoled herself.
The Elf Queen scanned the guests, accustomed to their reactions. Even Ji Kha, composed as he was, averted his gaze when her eyes met his. Hai Ying Tian's eyes reddened, his infatuation overpowering his clarity. Bach Hieu Sinh's gaze radiated blatant admiration and possessive desire, tinged with lust.
The Elf Queen shook her head, faintly disappointed. But when her gaze met Lan An's clear, black-and-white eyes, filled only with admiration and respect, she paused. No trace of improper thoughts clouded his look. He nodded politely, transmitting, "Thank you, Your Majesty, and the Queendom for the Million-Year Ginseng."
A flicker of curiosity and appreciation sparked in her eyes—the first time a man had looked at her so purely. "That was A Nhi's gift, not mine," she transmitted back, her voice neutral. Sensing the awkward atmosphere, she spoke aloud, "Please, be seated."
Her soul-stirring voice snapped the crowd from their daze. They hurriedly averted their eyes from her captivating face and sat, heads bowed. Hai Ying Tian swallowed a pill, steadying himself as his heart pounded, striving to regain composure. Hai Fei Yun and Dan Manh, their senses sealed, remained oblivious.
"Master, perhaps veil your face to help the guests focus," A Lian Ya transmitted discreetly.
The Elf Queen sighed inwardly. Even her high-ranking Elves were dazed by her presence. As a courtesy for this joyous occasion, she'd unveiled her face, but the situation necessitated cover. The silk veil reappeared, restoring ease to the crowd.
Guests sighed with regret yet relief, their emotions complex. "Haha, we old folks arrived late. Forgive us, Your Majesty!" an aged voice echoed as two figures descended.
Lan An's calm expression turned peculiar. "Seniors?" the Elf Queen laughed, her eyes warm with gratitude and nostalgia.
Few knew that, as a playful young girl, she'd snuck off Elf Island and saved a gravely injured couple. In gratitude, they guided her to the Heaven-Defying Wood, boosting her strength. Combined with her innate talent, she ascended to the throne. That couple stood before her now, revered as elders she deeply respected.
The pair landed, weathered from travel. The old man lacked an arm, the woman was hunched, their white hair and weary eyes betraying hardship. Yet none dared underestimate them—seniors addressed by the Elf Queen were no ordinary figures.
"Khao Clan Elders…" Ji Kha rose, saluting respectfully. Tian Die Dao and Bach Hieu Sinh followed, as did Hai Ying Tian and Shui Shuang Hua. Others, seeing this, showed deference, recognizing their stature.
Lan An, pulling Yan Yue Qi, approached and bowed solemnly. "Thank you, Seniors."
"You are?" The couple exchanged glances, shock in their eyes, exclaiming, "It's you!"
Lan An smiled sincerely. "Years ago, your act of casting me into the void saved me from a lifelong regret. This junior dares not forget."
Indeed, this couple, once roadside vendors, had thrown him into the void, enabling him to save the Liu Clan and Liu Shi Qin from disaster. Without them, the Liu Clan would have fallen, and his aunt Liu Shi Qin would have faced a tragic fate—an unbearable thought. Though he rarely spoke of it, Lan An was eternally grateful.
"Truly that boy from back then?" The couple stared, hearts roiling. They swore they'd never seen such cultivation speed. Spending most of their lives exploring ancient ruins for unsolved mysteries, they were unaware of Lan An's exploits, making his progress from Nascent Soul to late Deity Transformation in three years unfathomable—rivaling only the legendary Poison Person.
The Elf Queen, noting their acquaintance, grew more curious about Lan An. Bach Hieu Sinh, stung by the scene, suppressed rising killing intent and stepped forward. "Seniors, my father sends his regards."
The couple nodded, smiling. "Headmaster Bach, ever busy, has it tough."
"Not at all. Meeting you here is my great fortune," Bach Hieu Sinh replied warmly.
Lan An and Yan Yue Qi returned to their seats, his gratitude expressed. He remained unclear on the couple's true identity. After a brief exchange with Bach Hieu Sinh, the couple turned to the Elf Queen, chuckling, "Arriving late is our fault, so let us old folks present our gift for Your Majesty's birthday."
"No need for formalities. Your presence is the greatest gift," the Elf Queen said, her rare youthful smile shining.
"Etiquette matters," the couple laughed, producing a small, translucent sapling, its icy leaves and stem glinting like crystal.
The Elves leapt to their feet, disbelief in their eyes. Myriad Treasures Pavilion and Pill Valley followed, stunned. "Spirit Root Tree, extinct since ancient times. Only the Khao Clan could find it," Tian Die Dao murmured, eyes gleaming.
"Spirit Root Tree?" Lan An and Yan Yue Qi exchanged grave looks.
"Every 300 years, it blooms, fruits, and ripens—a 900-year cycle yielding one fruit that grants a Spirit Root matching its element," Jin'er explained.
"What?" Lan An gasped, understanding the crowd's reaction. Spirit Roots were innate, yet this tree could grant new ones. Though it took 900 years, its value was heaven-defying. While Elves cultivated Wood and Wind, a Spirit Root Tree could birth an Ice Elf branch, vastly boosting their power.
"Seniors, this is too precious," the Elf Queen said, biting her lip, aware of the Ice Spirit Root Tree's value. For cultivators, 900 years was fleeting, and an additional Spirit Root was a dream.
"Take it. It's young and far from fruiting. Entrusting it to the Elves brings us joy," the couple said, stroking their beards.
"Thank you, Grandpas!" A Nhi, like a little angel, cradled the Ice Spirit Root Tree, utterly enchanted.
The crowd's expressions grew complex. Hai Ying Tian gritted his teeth and stood, unwilling to let Sea Palace's gift pale in comparison. He produced an item…