An Unexpected Development

As for how Maya ultimately passed the trials of the Dark Maiden and became a divine messenger, Li Lin didn't care. In short, everything went smoothly, and the goddess of swords and dances took control of the Dark Elf from her mother. She assured Li Lin that she would thoroughly resolve the remaining issues among the Dark Elf before his return. Now, Maya possessed sufficient strength to reclaim other cities, and the Dark Maiden even dispatched some of her divine beasts to assist Maya. After much deliberation, Li Lin decided to keep Nia with him. With her by his side, she could not only keep an eye on Maya but also serve as a powerful deterrent. After all, the Dark Elf were numerous, and although the Dark Maiden currently controlled the entire Dark Elf system, unexpected events could still occur. It was always better to be cautious.

The only thing that surprised everyone was that Li Lin actually kept the petty thief behind as well.

"You are responsible for recording and transmitting information here."

This seems more like a task that Li Lin just randomly assigned to him.

Although the poor, unlucky thief was quite unhappy about this, Angela shut him down with just one sentence.

"Either stay here... or die. The choice is yours."

Coupled with the corpse of the Dark Elf Third Family Matriarch lying at Angela's feet, her abdomen ripped open, these words were particularly convincing.

While the poor wretch was sighing and groaning, Li Lin walked over to Nia and gently stroked her hair.

"Keep an eye on him for me."

As he spoke, his gaze turned to the petty thief.

"There's something wrong with this guy."

"Um."

Nia nodded slightly, indicating that she understood.

Leaving Kasos City wasn't too difficult. Li Lin was, after all, a mage, and it wouldn't suit his status to run around in dark tunnels like a mercenary. Therefore, Li Lin ultimately created a marker within Kasos City for teleportation. This way, when he wanted to enter the Underdark and reach Kasos City again, he could simply sense the marker and teleport directly there from the surface without having to endure any further travel. Angela had originally planned to stay, but Li Lin objected. After all, the Dark Elf weren't entirely stable yet, and if Angela went with him, he didn't know how many living Dark Elf he would find when he returned.

The process of returning to the surface was very simple. Under the influence of the Mass Teleportation, everyone only felt a blur before their eyes, and then the gentle breeze and warm sunshine immediately filled their surroundings. The mercenaries all breathed a long sigh of relief. After those dangerous and dark days in the tunnels, even these mercenaries who had been on the edge of a knife felt the beauty of the sunshine. The rustling of the green forest around them, the chirping of birds and the sound of flowing water complemented each other, giving them a comfortable and peaceful feeling.

Li Lin quickly determined the group's location; it shouldn't be far from their caravan's location, and the mercenaries were quite experienced in navigation, so Li Lin had them lead the way. He, Angela, and the two sisters followed behind. He didn't admire the beautiful scenery around him, but instead focused on how to make the most of these Dark Elf. Although the Elf Goddess wanted them to return to the surface and their homeland, Li Lin didn't see it that way; he had better ideas. The Underdark was a rare place that humans couldn't touch, and it would be a great pity to give it up. Moreover, although the Hell was fraught with danger, it could be a formidable force if used properly. Although the Elf Goddess had agreed to gradually weaken and lift the curse on the Dark Elf, allowing them to adapt to the surface environment, Li Lin believed that the Dark Elf could exert more advantages underground.

This tunnel itself is also...

Thinking of this, Li Lin subconsciously looked down at the ground in front of him and a smile appeared on his face.

If successful, it might actually have some value that can be exploited.

Just then, the group emerged from the woods, and not far from their feet was the caravan's camp. At that moment, Angela suddenly stopped, her small nose twitching in confusion.

"It smells of blood."

As she spoke in a low voice, Angela glanced down at the village below. Nothing seemed amiss; the small town was unusually quiet, seemingly unchanged, even the caravan's furnishings remained the same. However, upon hearing Angela's words, Li Lin immediately slowed his pace, and the mercenaries also became more vigilant. In the past, they would never have taken the words of such a young girl to heart. But now, knowing Angela's strength, the mercenaries had neither the courage nor the right to question her. Mina placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, not drawing her weapon like the other mercenaries—a gesture that had almost become habitual for her.

Fina remained by her sister's side. Aside from studying magic with Li Lin, she spent most of her time serving Angela, helping her with daily chores like changing clothes, making tea, and bathing. Therefore, Angela hadn't explicitly asked Fina to join the battle; at times like these, Fina only needed to focus on protecting herself.

"What did you see?"

Li Lin gazed at the village at the foot of the mountain. He didn't use magic, because the Vampire Species' special eyesight could also see through those obstacles. Now that he had the picture book, Li Lin didn't intend to waste his spells.

"Something very interesting."

Angela squinted, staring at the village before her as if it were the most fascinating toy in the world. Through her Vampire Species vision, she could clearly see dozens of armored warriors hiding in the houses at the village entrance. Even around the caravan's camp inside, numerous archers were concealed in the houses, armed with crossbows. Clearly, anyone who entered would not easily escape. The village was deserted, but it seemed the caravan members remained inside, showing no signs of emerging.

"It seems things have gone awry."

After listening to Angela's story, Li Lin frowned.

I hate surprises.

He spoke each word carefully, revealing considerable dissatisfaction.

However, if an unexpected situation arises, then it must be ruled out.

Since the other party was clearly waiting for something, Li Lin naturally wouldn't let them discover him. After casting Invisibility, Li Lin led Angela into the village. Just now, Angela had spotted someone who looked like the leader. To catch the thief, first catch the king; if they could capture this guy, things would be much easier from there.

The entire village was quiet and peaceful, not much different from when Li Lin and his group first arrived. The only difference was that the villagers' livestock were gone, and there wasn't a soul in sight. Even Li Lin, without using magic, would never have guessed that fully armed warriors were hiding in the nearby houses. They were certainly not ordinary bandits, but they didn't look like a regular army either; otherwise, they wouldn't have used such methods to ambush them.

So, who exactly is this person?

"Another damn day."

Kagali gazed at the deserted view outside the window, a hint of dissatisfaction creeping onto his face. As a professional soldier, Kagali had completed numerous dangerous missions. But he never imagined he'd be assigned to such a tedious guard duty. What a joke! Why him? Was it really because he was too old and useless? The thought filled Kagali with rage. He had served his country for decades, never making a mistake—something he could be proud of. He had rendered countless meritorious services and was highly respected within the army. And now? Now those guys thought he was too old and useless, assigning him such a wretched task... That was bad enough, but that new recruit! Just thinking about him made him furious...

Hmph, all this talk about being on the safe side. How could anyone possibly come out of that Black Road? That's Dark Elf territory! Ordering me and my men to guard this place is clearly an attempt to steal my credit. That damned bastard...

"Hello."

Just as Kagali was inwardly cursing and grumbling, a strange voice suddenly came from behind him. Upon hearing the voice, Kagali immediately leaped forward, drew his sword, and turned around with incredibly fluid movements. Having endured twenty years of hardship, his actions in the face of danger were naturally exceptionally smooth.

Before the old soldier stood a young man with a gentle smile. He wore an ordinary robe, and his refined demeanor made him appear like a budding scholar preparing to travel the world. Yet here he was, in this heavily guarded village. How had he gotten in? Where were the guards? Why hadn't the guards at the gate made a sound?

Who are you?

He opened his mouth and roared, but there was still no response from those around him. The soldiers seemed to be asleep, ignoring Kagali's signal.

You don't need to worry about it anymore.

Li Lin gently shook his head.

"Your men... won't come to your aid, and I simply have a few questions for you. To be honest, I was quite surprised to find so many people surrounding my caravan when I returned."

"You're the one who went to the Black Road... Impossible."

The veteran was shocked upon hearing this, and he instinctively shook his head.

"No one has ever returned alive from the clutches of the Dark Elf!"

I'm not here to answer your questions.

Li Lin shrugged.

"I just want to know one answer, and I hope you can give me that answer."

"... Then, use your strength to achieve it!!"

With that, Kagali roared, raised his longsword, and slashed at Li Lin. Twenty years of combat experience erupted at this moment, and he was confident that he could finish off the young man before he could even make a move.

However, just as he leaped into the air, the old soldier suddenly felt a sharp pain in his right foot. Before he could even react to what was happening, a powerful force pulled the aged soldier, slamming him to the ground with a tremendous thud. Pain engulfed the old soldier's body, quickly robbing him of his will. The last words he heard before losing consciousness were Li Lin's slightly disgruntled complaints.

"Angela, be gentle, otherwise we'll only be able to examine the body."