Essence

Ciri still held Joshua's hand, wiping the wound on it with a handkerchief. But the young Spellcaster's movements were somewhat rough—there was no way they could be called gentle.

As for the three High Elf elders, Joshua had just beaten one of them senseless, which had practically maxed out their hatred toward him.

But Joshua had no interest in discussing his purpose with them. After Ciri finished treating the wound on his hand, he looked toward Arl beside them.

"I need to receive the baptism of your Sacred Tree. Can you take me to its true body?"

Joshua's words completely touched the most sensitive nerve of every High Elf present.

The place where the Sacred Tree's true body stood was the holiest place of their race. Sure enough, someone quickly stepped forward to stop Joshua.

"Stand down!"

The stern rebuke stopped the High Elves, including the two High Elf elders.

The voice did not belong to Elder Queitoan or the Elder Sindonal, but to a High Elf standing opposite Joshua.

If Joshua remembered correctly, her name was Enya.

"The Sacred Tree has already permitted him to enter the holy ground."

Elder Enya's voice seemed to be suppressing something. Yet after seeing the white bird perched atop Joshua's head, she had no choice but to make way for him.

The other two elders still wanted to say something, but in the end, they could only watch Joshua descend the steps and follow Arl deeper into Aserkelo.

A large number of High Elves had gathered outside the hall, their burning gazes fixed on Joshua.

Ciri tightly gripped her staff and warily watched the surroundings. If an arrow came flying from somewhere, she could react immediately.

But none came...

The High Elves gathered outside the hall wore tense expressions. When Joshua approached them,