Overt Scheme

Based on Jie Ning's speculation, the Sacred Tree's constant cycle of regrowth was the main reason it had managed to hold on for over a hundred thousand years.

Of course, in Jie Ning's estimation, this might also be related to the fact that most of the elves who had voluntarily sacrificed themselves over the years were not particularly powerful, and the soul energy they could provide was relatively limited.

After all, while the Sacred Tree represented the future, it was the existing strong who could protect the clan's survival in the present.

However, in Jie Ning's view, the Elf Race's current situation couldn't be too good either, or they wouldn't be this anxious.

Sure enough, when Jie Ning voiced this doubt, Anmu's response quickly confirmed his thoughts.

Anmu smiled bitterly. "Ever since both the Progenitor and the Sacred Tree met with misfortune, our race has been searching for a way to heal the Sacred Tree."

"But without the protection of a deity, the Elf Race quickly became a tasty morsel in the eyes of many powerhouses."

"Ever since news of the Progenitor's fall spread, our race has been constantly attacked by powerhouses from other races. Even now, there are still many Saint Realm experts who, having heard that the Elf Race once had a God-level powerhouse, attack us in hopes of obtaining so-called divine treasures."

"Now, counting myself, the entire Elf Race only has five Saint Realms left. And because the younger generation can't receive the Sacred Tree's blessing, most of their talents are far from ideal."

"If something happens to us old-timers, I'm afraid the Elf Race might really become a part of Bana Continent's history." Anmu said with some reluctance.

Listening to Anmu's account, some ideas slowly began to take shape in Jie Ning's mind.

Jie Ning organized his thoughts, then handed the seed back to Anmu.

Anmu stared blankly at the Sacred Tree seed being returned to him, a faint sense of despair beginning to creep into his heart.

Fortunately, in the next moment, his mood took a turn for the better.

"Let's go. Put that away for now. Lead the way—we'll go take a look at your clan's territory first. I'm also somewhat curious about where your Sacred Tree grows." Hearing Jie Ning's voice, Anmu's spirits lifted once more.

"Yes, Your Highness. I'll lead the way." Anmu walked ahead to guide them, and the others quickly prepared to follow.

Seeing that the group of elves seemed to intend to travel on foot, Jie Ning paused for a moment before realizing that among these elves, only Anmu was a Saint Realm.

Jie Ning silently mocked himself for perhaps being a bit out of touch.

His Divine Domain expanded, enveloping everyone, and Jie Ning said to Anmu, "You point the direction."

Feeling his body lose control, Anmu was momentarily startled, but he quickly recovered, steadied himself, and pointed in a direction. "Your Highness, it's this way."

With Anmu's demonstration, the others quickly understood that they could fly because of this His Highness. They barely managed to steady their nerves, though their hearts were soon in their throats.

Anmu could feel that they were flying toward the clan's territory at an extremely fast speed, the scenery below quickly vanishing from sight.

Before long, Jie Ning suddenly sensed an extremely dense aura of life in a forest ahead.

Jie Ning stopped in midair above this forest and looked at Anmu. "Is it here?"

Still a bit shaken by Jie Ning's speed, Anmu looked around carefully after hearing the question. After confirming, he said to Jie Ning, "Your Highness, yes, this is where our Elf Race resides."

With Anmu's confirmation, Jie Ning led the group downward.

Jie Ning flew toward a grand palace ahead, clearly the core of the Elf Race.

This palace seemed like an extension of nature itself, showcasing the elves' exquisite artistic skill. Sunlight filtered through the dense leaves, casting dappled shadows on the palace's wooden surface. The outer walls were made of a type of wood Jie Ning had never seen before, its grain like a rainbow after rain, reflecting a subtle luster in the sunlight.

Jie Ning could sense four somewhat powerful auras inside the palace, clearly the four remaining Saint Realms of the Elf Race that Anmu had mentioned.

Jie Ning made no effort to conceal his presence. His descent from the sky naturally drew the alertness of the palace guards.

"What—"

"Stop!" Before the guard could finish shouting, Anmu quickly called out to stop him.

"Elder Anmu." Seeing Anmu's figure, the guards finally relaxed.

At that moment, several figures quickly flew out of the palace. The newcomers immediately looked at Jie Ning and Anmu behind him.

"Elder Anmu, who are these two esteemed guests?" The leading elf first gave Jie Ning a polite smile, then asked Anmu.

After all, among the group, only Jie Ning and Arannis were unfamiliar humans, but given Anmu's respectful attitude, she decided to be cautious.

"Elder Biss, this is His Highness the God of Life, and the other is His Highness's consort." Anmu quickly introduced them, afraid of causing a misunderstanding.

The several elves immediately straightened their expressions and respectfully greeted Jie Ning. "Greetings, Your Highness."

Jie Ning looked at the four newly arrived Elf Saint Realms—all handsome men and beautiful women. It seemed Anmu's elderly appearance was indeed the exception.

Feeling Jie Ning's gaze on them, Biss and the others dared not move.

Fortunately, Jie Ning only glanced briefly before withdrawing his attention and saying to Anmu, "Since we've arrived at your Elf Race, Anmu, you all should communicate properly first."

"In a little while, take me directly to see the original growth site of your Sacred Tree."

Jie Ning's tone was calm, but Anmu dared not delay. He excused himself to Jie Ning.

Then he quickly pulled the other four Elf Saint Realms aside, briefly explained the situation, and discussed some possibilities with them.

Though he wasn't paying close attention, Jie Ning could still feel their emotions gradually rising.

Soon, led by that "Elder Biss," the elves came before Jie Ning and respectfully said, "Welcome, Your Highness, to our Elf Race."

Biss then asked, "Your Highness, the Sacred Tree's growth site is behind the palace. Would Your Highness like to rest first?"

"No need. Let's go directly." Jie Ning was now full of curiosity about this "Sacred Tree's" growth site.

"Your Highness, please follow me." Receiving Jie Ning's reply, Biss dared not delay and led the way.

Soon, the group rounded the palace.

Behind the palace was a massive valley, narrow at the entrance but quickly opening up, the entire valley's scenery instantly laid bare before the eyes.

Jie Ning stepped into the valley and found it shaped like a funnel from top to bottom, the life force within it exceptionally abundant. He could sense that the air here was unusually rich in wind and water elements.

The wind and water elements collided and intertwined in the air, coalescing into patches of thin mist.

At the center of the valley lay a crescent-shaped lake. On the land within the crescent's curve was a small mound with a pit—clearly the original spot where the Elf Race's Sacred Tree had grown.

Jie Ning's first glance went to the pit, but he quickly shifted his focus to study the valley's overall layout.

The pit itself held nothing miraculous; simply put, the Earth Element within it was exceptionally active.

However, it was the valley's overall structure that truly amazed Jie Ning.

'Though the air is saturated with wind and water elements, the valley's configuration exerts a strong pull on the Earth Element in the ground, trapping it here. That's why the Earth Element in this pit is so active.'

After observing for a long while, Jie Ning inwardly sighed with regret. Though the valley's formation was indeed remarkable, it wasn't what he was looking for.

Behind Jie Ning, everyone stood in silence.

Arannis gazed at the beautiful valley before her, a sense of wonder stirring within her as she looked around.

She could feel the wind element in this valley was exceptionally dense, yet it seemed somewhat mischievous. One moment it was right by her ear, the next it had mingled with the nearby water element and drifted away.

Instinctively, Arannis tried to grasp this playful wind element with her mental power. Soon, she felt she was about to catch it.

But perhaps other wind elements thought the game shouldn't end so soon. They aligned themselves like a bridge, and in the blink of an eye, the wind element Arannis was chasing had darted to another direction.

Unknowingly, Arannis grew competitive and continued her pursuit.

Without realizing it, the wind elements around her gathered into a vortex.

"Hm?" Sensing the elemental fluctuation, Jie Ning immediately noticed Arannis had entered an epiphany.

Jie Ning's Divine Avatar appeared swiftly, his Divine Domain enveloping all the elves present as he moved them out of the valley, leaving his Sanctuary Main Body behind to guard Arannis.

"Your Highness..." Brought out of the valley by Jie Ning's Divine Avatar, Biss and the others maintained respectful expressions.

They could tell that the prince's consort had entered an epiphany, and a hint of envy stirred within them. Epiphanies were rare and sought after, especially for those at the Sanctuary level—a single one could greatly advance one's progress on the path of the laws.

With Arannis's epiphany, Jie Ning's mood improved considerably. Looking at the elves, he decided not to beat around the bush and said directly, "I can solve the matter of your Sacred Tree."

Biss and the other elves exchanged excited glances. Though they had known it was possible, this was the first definitive confirmation...

"However..."

The word "however" brought the elves back to calm. Finally, Biss asked, "May I ask what conditions Your Highness has?"

"That can wait. Regarding the current state of your Sacred Tree, I have two methods." Jie Ning smiled faintly at Biss's question and continued.

"Please speak, Your Highness."

"The first: I directly use divine power to stimulate this 'seed' to sprout. But once my divine power's effect wears off, it will grow like your previous Sacred Trees, eventually reverting to a seed."

"The second: I first restore this seed to health, then let it grow step by step. In that case, there's a chance it could recover into the form of the first Sacred Tree recorded in your history."

"Which do you choose?" Jie Ning smiled at the elves. "Of course, you can discuss it first."

Biss seemed to have already made up her mind. She asked cautiously, "If we choose the second option, is there something Your Highness requires of us?"

Jie Ning showed no surprise at the elves' choice and said frankly, "If you choose the second method, this Sacred Tree of yours will need to stay by my side for a long time before it fully recovers. And I cannot remain here..."

"During this process, if you need the Sacred Tree's blessing, you'll have to come to my permanent residence, the Life Duke's Territory."

"Your Highness, how long is 'a long time'?" Biss asked directly, dismissing the first option entirely after hearing Jie Ning's explanation.

Jie Ning estimated roughly and said, "At least sixty to a hundred years, depending on the specifics."

The elves breathed a sigh of relief. This timeframe was well within what they had discussed earlier—such a short period was an unexpected delight.

After confirming among themselves, Biss spoke again, "Your Highness, we choose the second option."

Jie Ning confirmed with them, "If you choose the second option, this Sacred Tree will take root in my City of Life throughout its growth. Are you certain?"

Biss said firmly, "We trouble Your Highness. But may I ask if the Life Duke's Territory can accommodate us elves taking up residence?"

Jie Ning smiled. "Naturally."

"The Life Duke's Territory welcomes everyone, including elves."

In truth, there had never been a first option. The so-called first method was merely a temporary fix—drinking poison to quench thirst. The Elf Race had learned countless lessons from that.

Only the second option was their true remedy, and these elves knew exactly which to choose.

As for whether Jie Ning would deceive them—at the very least, the current Elf Race wasn't worth a God-level figure lying to.

Jie Ning had indeed not deceived these elves. Whether it was the two methods or the seed's recovery time, he had spoken truthfully.

But he was also scheming against these elves—only through an Overt Scheme.

Ever since he learned from Anmu that a complete Sacred Tree could grant elves abilities akin to an 'Innate Divine Ability,' he had planned to bring the elves back to the Life Duke's Territory, or at least 'trick' a group there.

That way, perhaps the future Life Duke's Territory would have its own 'elves.'

In an ideal scenario, elven bloodlines would merge into the territory's inheritance.

'But whether the younger generation can obtain such abilities depends on their own skill,' Jie Ning thought.

'In the end, it all comes down to whether this so-called Sacred Tree can give me enough of a surprise.'

In the valley, Arannis opened her eyes and looked at Jie Ning beside her, the usual smile still on her face.

"Let's go home."

"Alright."

Alright, this segment of the story ends here. The next chapter returns to the main storyline.

The Elf race will have more roles later. I believe friends familiar with Coiling Dragon have also noticed the unique nature of this race—it's a bit of a foreshadowing.

Its specific function will formally appear in the mid-to-late stages.

Also, asking for votes~