No harsh sunlight shone directly into the woods. Branches and leaves interlaced overhead, filtering the daylight into a soft, hazy glow. Tiny flecks of light spilled through the gaps onto ground carpeted with fallen blossoms and soft grass, swaying gently with the breeze.
A faint spiritual mist drifted through the air, its haze washing the entire forest into something out of a dream.
In the distance, scattered elven treehouses could just be made out, half embedded in the trunks. Flowering vines twined around the corners of the wooden buildings, which faded in and out of view.
A babbling brook wound through the woods, its tinkling mingling with the chirping of insects and the flutter of butterfly wings, creating a scene of dreamlike tranquility.
Even the spiritual energy drifting through the air carried a faint floral fragrance. It was gentle and mellow, unlike the dense energy outside, with a character all its own.
Jiang Lu looked around, unable to keep a little wonder from rising in her heart. It was just like the Elf Queendom she had imagined as a child.
Jiang Lu stepped forward and could not help exclaiming, "Senior Sister Mei'er, it's so beautiful here."
"Shh." Shen Meier turned and gently gestured for her to be quiet.
Jiang Lu immediately covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide and brimming with curiosity.
Shen Meier smiled, pulled her hand away, and said softly, "You don't have to be quite so careful. Just keep your voice down and don't startle them. Most elves are timid by nature. They can scare themselves to death."
This was the first Jiang Lu had heard of that. Just as she was about to ask more, an angry voice rang out beside them.
"You're the timid one! Your whole family is timid!"
Jiang Lu looked