CHAPTER 155: INVITATION

However, there was a reason for her to keep it and endure the pain, because she had a goal set in her mind.

If what they said was true... entering this place wasn’t just a strategic move from her side; it was fate’s silent hand guiding her forward.

The head elder’s gaze softened. "Rest for now, Dragon Slayer. When the moon reaches its highest point, we shall show you the heart of this dungeon, the ancient Tree of Oaths. There, your trial awaits."

As the elders rose and departed, the faint golden mark on Ling Yu’s hand pulsed gently, glowing like a heartbeat.

Nie Ziyu stared at it with awe. "You really just made a contract with an elf elder... I can’t tell if that’s lucky or terrifying."

Ye Qingxue smirked. "Both, probably."

Ling Yu stared at her hand for a long time, the mark gleaming faintly under the forest light. She could feel something, an ancient energy whispering through the bond. Something that felt... alive.

She exhaled quietly. Whatever awaited her next, she knew it wouldn’t be simple.

But then again, nothing in her life ever was.

And as the forest’s luminous leaves fluttered above her like falling stars, Ling Yu felt the faint echo of something deeper, an ancient power awakening in response to her presence.

Perhaps this dungeon wasn’t merely a place to conquer. Instead, it was a mirror, waiting to reveal what kind of person she truly was.

*

*

*

The sun had begun its slow descent beyond the canopy of towering trees, and the once–glistening rays that streamed through the forest were now dimming into soft, golden hues. The light filtered between the boughs like liquid amber, and the faint chorus of insects began to hum throughout the tranquil woods.

It was in this dusky calm that a soft knock echoed from the doorway of the wooden lodge where Ling Yu and her group were resting.

When Nie Ziyu opened the door, he found several elven children standing there, tiny, radiant creatures with pointed ears, flowing pale hair, and eyes that shimmered like gems under starlight. Their garments were made of delicate petals and fine silk, woven with silver threads that glimmered faintly in the dying light.

The tallest among them, a little boy whose hair was the color of wheat, stepped forward timidly, clutching a small crystal lantern in his hands. "Um... honored guests," he began, his voice soft but clear. "The Elder invites you to attend tonight’s Fair of the Forest. Everyone will be there."

His companions nodded eagerly, though their gazes darted nervously toward Ling Yu, who was sitting at the table nearby, calmly polishing her weapon.

The smallest girl, no more than eight or nine in appearance, whispered under her breath, "She doesn’t look scary up close..."

Her friend nudged her sharply, but Ling Yu merely raised her head, her ink black eyes reflecting the faint glow of the lanterns. For a moment, the children froze under her gaze, caught between fascination and fear.

Then, she smiled.

It was faint, restrained, but it softened her entire expression.

"Tell your Elder we’ll attend," she said gently.

The children’s eyes widened. They hadn’t expected her voice to be so calm, almost soothing. One by one, they smiled back, their nervousness melting away. The little girl who had spoken earlier took a step forward and handed Ling Yu a small flower crown made of white blossoms. "Then... this is for you! Everyone wears flowers during the fair."

Ling Yu blinked, momentarily surprised. "For me?"

The girl nodded quickly, her long lashes fluttering. "You’re our guest! Guests have to wear something pretty."

Nie Ziyu smirked from behind. "Ha! Looks like our cold-hearted warrior has fans already. Don’t break the hearts of these little guys, Master! Good luck!"

Ye Qingxue stifled a laugh as she thought, ’Master is really the Queen of broken hearts... never failing to become a girl crush no matter the place...’

Ling Yu ignored both of them and took the delicate crown, her fingers brushing lightly against the petals. The flowers glowed faintly in her hand, resonating with her mana, and the children’s smiles brightened when she gently placed them on her head.

"Thank you," she said simply.

The children grinned, bowing politely before scurrying off, their laughter trailing behind them like a melody as they disappeared into the forest.

For a moment, the group stood in silence. The faint music of flutes and drums could already be heard echoing from the heart of the forest, the festival was about to begin.

Nie Ziyu stretched lazily. "Well, since we’ve been personally invited, I guess we can’t refuse. I want to see how elves throw a party!"

Ye Qingxue chuckled. "Careful, you might end up with an elven suitor or two before the night’s over."

"Wouldn’t mind," Nie Ziyu said with a teasing grin. "They’re way prettier than most women I’ve met."

"Well, not that you can beat Master to it. So whatever." Ye Qingxue shrugged her shoulders, instantly crushing Nie Ziyu’s hopes.

"You..."

Ling Yu stood, dusting off her cloak. "Let’s go," she said quietly.

However, before stepping outside, she paused. Her hand briefly brushed over the faint mark still glowing on the back of her hand, the sigil from the elder’s contract. With a thought, she deactivated the effect of her title, suppressing the aura that made others instinctively fear her.

Instantly, the atmosphere around her softened. Her presence, once sharp like a blade, became calm and unthreatening. The oppressive weight that often followed her vanished, leaving behind only a faint warmth that blended seamlessly with the gentle mana of the forest.

Nie Ziyu noticed and raised an eyebrow. "You actually turned it off this time?"

"It’s their celebration," Ling Yu replied. "No need to disturb it."

Ye Qingxue smiled faintly. "Considerate, as always."

Ling Yu didn’t reply, but the faint twitch of her lips betrayed a touch of amusement.

The three of them walked together down the winding forest path, guided by the flickering light of floating lanterns.