Chapter 684: Then Let the Beast Tide Grow Fiercer

Hilia’s expression was serious, signaling Elina to elaborate.

Elina’s words directly interrupted the Elf King’s courteous demeanor, causing him to look at Elina with dissatisfaction. However, Elina did not look at him, instead earnestly facing Hilia, and said, “Not long after you entered the underground, other places in the Elf Forest also split open with enormous crevices. Massive amounts of pollution surged out from them, and countless demons emerged.”

“The appearance of these demons disrupted all the strategic deployments of the Elf Royal Court. Apart from the situation in those large cities being somewhat stable, the remaining small towns and villages have all been trampled by demons. Such a situation… I’ve only seen recorded in the Era of Calamity.”

Hilia frowned and asked, “Has the cause of the pollution crevices been investigated?”

Elina said, “According to us and…”

Pausing as she glanced at the Elf King, she continued, “And the circumstances of the supportive investigation team venturing deep into the pollution sources risking their safety, it appears to be a decayed underground array that can no longer bear the enormous pollution capacity. Coupled with the agitation of the demons, this led to the rupture of the ancient array underground, thereby forming numerous crevices.”

“How many crevices are there?”

“In total, 11, plus the initial one, making 12,” the Elf King quickly added.

“So many?”

Hilia was taken aback.

Is there any significance to the total being 12?

Elina said, “Beneath these 12 crevices, there is a huge void. I suspect… in reality, these places all have a giant monster, which fractured, leading to the appearance of crevices.”

Hilia nodded, “So what’s the situation now?”

“Cough, cough, the situation is under control, Miss Xi, rest assured. These demons just caught us off guard, causing us to suffer losses beyond expectation temporarily, but overall, it’s within bearable limits. To resist demons, let the lovely elf warriors take care of it, no worries.”

“That won’t do, as part of the… elves, how can I allow those demons to ravage the Elf Forest? Ravage the entire Elf Race?”

Hilia stood up abruptly and looked at Elina, “Elina, take me to the frontline immediately. I need to participate in the battle against the demons.”

Elina nodded, “Alright.”

Their exchange was lively, and they were about to leave with a bewildered Phil.

But at this moment, someone blocked their path.

“Hold on.”

It was Candia.

This elf elder, often playing the villain.

Hilia turned back and looked at the Elf King, “Do you mean to treat me like you did Elina—imprisoning us within the Holy Tree?”

The Elf King smiled and did not answer, merely looked at Phil beside Hilia.

“Miss Xi hasn’t introduced this friend yet. I feel an aura from her somewhat similar to the power of withering, and among it, there seems to be a resemblance to Elina’s aura.”

The Elf King was a Tier Six Mage and couldn’t determine what manifestation divine blessing had.

But from his long observation of Elina, he also felt there was something different about her. Through clandestine study, he confirmed that it might be the divine blessing, very faint, requiring a calm state to slightly sense it.

Hilia appeared to have this special aura too, and now Phil, this ‘elf’ she brought along, also seemed to have it, leaving the Elf King a bit puzzled.

Is divine blessing like apples on the street? It appears everyone has it?

Why don’t I have it?

The Elf King—no, everyone present was enviously clenching their teeth.

“Her name is Luo Fei, just an ordinary elf who mastered a special magic faction,” Hilia casually introduced.

“Luo Fei…”

Elina muttered to herself, quickly reminding herself of Phil, who had once, like Hilia, come to the elf towns to treat those suffering from pollution.

While in the Elf Royal Court, she could indeed be privy to information—the court had long determined that the Holy Priest named ‘Luo Feier’ was actually Phil, another prospective Holy Daughter of the Holy Court.

Since Phil was relatively low-key and her father was a powerful Tier Six Mage, the Elf Royal Court ultimately did nothing to her.

Of course, the main reason was the Withered Wood Organization abruptly encountering calamity and being wiped out, otherwise, it wouldn’t have been easy for Phil to leave.

Now, this ‘elf’ called Luo Fei…

Elina couldn’t help but mentally gripe.

Hilia, aren’t you afraid the court will link her to Phil, then trap you and Phil together?

Elina pondered, discreetly glancing at everyone else, finding most had no unusual reactions.

Only…

Their eyes rested on the Phoenix Kingdom envoy, who looked thoughtfully between Phil and Hilia.

Elina’s heart skipped a beat, quickly judging that the envoy might have already discerned Phil and Hilia’s identities.

Not Hilia’s identity, perhaps, but Phil’s certainly aroused suspicion.

Might it further lead to questioning Hilia’s identity?

Elina couldn’t help worrying.

Yet she said nothing outwardly, just watched Hilia and the Elf King exchange pleasantries.

Meanwhile, Hilia, in her replies, persistently shifted focus to the ongoing Royal City defense.

Internally, she couldn’t help hoping, wishing for the demon’s attacks to intensify further, pressing the Elf King to relent and allow her to partake in their defense.

Otherwise, she’d have to silently infiltrate the array within the Holy Tree, then find a means to leave.

Seemingly, the Gods heard Hilia’s pleas and responded; an elf warrior dashed in, exclaiming, “King, it’s bad news! Among the demons, a formidable kind has emerged, and resisting mages say they exceed ordinary Tier Five, potentially Tier Six demons. They urged me to inform you.”

“What?”

The Elf King stood up immediately.

Hilia said, “King, the Royal City is in peril, yet you’re here leisurely chatting with me—is this truly fitting? Do you know why I’ve avoided meeting you before? This is precisely the reason.”

Elina said, “At this point, does the King still plan to have us idly stand here?”

The Elf King glanced between Elina and Hilia, then at the silent Phil, finally at the inconspicuous Phoenix Kingdom envoy, saying placidly, “You’re only Tier Four, you can’t change anything, mere Tier Six demons; the Royal Court, what it lacks least are Tier Six Mages!”

“Issue my commands…”

The Elf King began issuing orders, directives disseminated urgently.

But none commanded Hilia or Elina to confront the enemy.

Hilia couldn’t help frowning.

The Elf King said, “You are future royal candidates; how could you go to the frontline with the warriors? What you should be doing is command operations in the rear—the Holy Tree is where you should be.”

Goddammit!

Hilia could hardly refrain from cursing within, then turned to Rose, eyes filled with hope.

“Lord Rose…”

Rose chuckled lightly.

“Then let the beast tide’s assault… intensify further.”