Chen Yu’s round Gel head sank into thought as he recalled the fragmented information he had gathered from Adventurer logs, caravan rumors, and Count Brand’s boasts.
Far to the west, beyond the sprawling Shadow Mountain Range and the vast Golden Glow Valley, lay a bountiful region that Bards called the "Jade Crown."
Countless ancient oaks, tall enough to pierce the clouds, stood there, forming a forest so dense it seemed to swallow the sky.
Legend has it that the ancestors of the Elves gathered beneath a Holy Oak whose trunk was as massive as a mountain and whose canopy could shield the entire sky. Under its protection and enlightenment, they were able to prosper, gradually establishing countless Elf City-States founded on the supreme laws of equality, justice, and harmony with nature.
These city-states were loosely connected, each governing itself. However, to collectively resist external threats and invasions—from Human Kingdoms, Beastman Tribes, and even Abyss Demons—they voluntarily formed the Ancient Tree Council. They also vested the legitimacy and interpretive authority over their faith in the Divine Hall of Nature, which was managed by the ancient Elves.
This was one of the continent’s few Elf Realms—ancient, yet relatively reclusive and mysterious.
It had no specific name. Some called it the Jade Kingdom, while others called it the Holy Song.
The Elves now adventuring, traveling, or settled in the Human Kingdoms across the continent almost all hailed from this distant homeland.
Even for many Elven descendants born abroad, that land, bathed in the radiance of the Holy Oak, was the homeland that filled their dreams, a place they longed to see at least once in their lives.
The Holy Oak, imbued with sanctity through generations of devout Elven faith and worship, was one of their most primordial beliefs.
The "dewdrops" that condensed upon and dripped from the veins of the Holy Oak’s giant silver leaves were even regarded as a symbol of divinity, purity, and natural life, and were called the Water of the Holy Oak.
It was a necessary material for many High Tier Elf Magic rituals, Blessing Skills, and even certain ancient contracts. It could even be refined by exceptionally skilled Elf Alchemists into "Holy Oak Droplets," which could be used to purify curses or heal fatal injuries.
Of course, the Water of the Holy Oak itself wasn’t particularly mysterious or rare.
Every rainfall over the Elf City-States was a gift of sweet dew from the Holy Oak.
The crucial issue, however, was that the sanctity and efficacy of the Water of the Holy Oak seemed intrinsically linked to the environment where the Holy Oak itself resided.
It could only maintain its rumored miraculous effects within the area enveloped by the Holy Oak. Once taken from the Elf City-States, away from the Holy Oak and the empowerment of the Elves’ collective faith, the so-called Water of the Holy Oak would likely degenerate into ordinary dew, losing its unique, sacred power of purification.
Only through alchemical methods was it possible to preserve its effects.
Oldes fumbled in the pocket of his traveling cloak, finally pulling out a yellowed piece of parchment.
He then extended a withered finger and swiped lightly through the air.
A quill, its nib shimmering with a faint magical glow, floated out from his sleeve and hovered above the parchment.
As if held by an invisible hand, the quill began to write fluidly on the parchment, leaving behind line after line of elegant and complex Elven script and alchemical symbols, accompanied by detailed botanical sketches and scale diagrams.
"The Purification Potion must be crafted within the range of the Holy Oak," Oldes explained slowly, watching the quill write. "This requires an Alchemist proficient in both Alchemy and Elf Magic to personally travel to the Jade Crown, collect fresh Water of the Holy Oak as the main ingredient, and then concoct and refine it on the spot."
Once the last symbol was written, the quill automatically flew back into his sleeve.
Oldes gently rolled up the parchment, tied it with a thin green vine, and then looked up at Chen Yu and Ithilien.
"This shouldn’t be too difficult for you, I imagine?"
Chen Yu’s Gel body bubbled as he grumbled inwardly. ’It’s not that it’s difficult. The problem is, the Elf City-States in the Jade Crown are known for being conservative and xenophobic, and they’re incredibly hostile to outsiders entering their sacred lands.’
’Almost only pure-blooded Elves, or the very few non-Elven allies granted special permission by the Divine Hall of Nature, are allowed to enter.’
’Where am I supposed to find an Elf Alchemist who’s proficient in Alchemy, willing to venture to the Elf City-States, and able to gain their acceptance?’
But just then, Ithilien stepped forward, reaching out to take the parchment scroll from Oldes.
She carefully examined the formula and instructions on it, then turned to Chen Yu, nodded, and gave a small smile.
"There is no need to worry, Your Majesty. I was already meant to return to my homeland to visit old friends, and I know a little about Alchemy myself. It will be no trouble to bring this Purification Potion back with me."
Only then did Chen Yu remember.
’That’s right. Ithilien is a genuine High Elf. Plus, she was in charge of logistics and potion-making in the Root-Tongue Forest for a long time; she made most of the territory’s frost-resistance potions. Her skill in Alchemy is certainly not low. She’s the perfect person for the job.’
At that moment, Violet’s Spirit Body drifted over again and gently hugged Ithilien from behind, letting out a soft chuckle. "I can’t let you go back all alone. It’s such a long way. What would you do if you ran into danger?"
Ithilien froze, turning her head to look at Violet. "What do you mean?"
Violet winked mysteriously. "I’ve already found a companion to go back with you! Don’t worry, protecting you won’t be a problem in the slightest. It’s settled."
Without waiting for Ithilien’s response, her Spirit Body dissipated, fading away as if melting into the air.