Chapter 164: Another Duel

"Please let go of Xiuta, will you?" Maru said sincerely.

"Why should I? He was the one who challenged me to a duel," Ye Tian replied, and with another swift slap, Xiuta's face swelled up even more.

"I know, but you've already won," Maru said helplessly. "Besides, doing this does you no good at all."

"Good?" Ye Tian tossed Xiuta aside toward Maru. "Ever since I stepped in here, none of you have done me any good!"

"Where is my companion? Roast Meat, that squirrel. Don't tell me you can't find it, I won't believe that!" Ye Tian said with a gloomy face.

"About that, I really don't know. Karin, what is going on here?" Maru asked.

Karin ran up to Maru and whispered in his ear for a moment. Maru's face immediately broke into a helpless smile. "Well, Your Excellency, I will help you resolve the matter concerning your companion. Since you are a benefactor of the Elven Clan, we should fulfill our duties as hosts. Won't you please step inside?"

"Who knows if you're just tricking us in there to bully us?" Alansa protested.

Ye Tian patted the young girl's head. "Let's go. Even if it's a den of dragons and a nest of tigers, we still have to go in and take a look, don't we?"

"We won't! You are our guests, we would never do anything against you," Maru sweatdropped, nearly breaking out in cold sweat. Why were things always so troublesome, and why did all the trouble always center around these few people?

"Well, please come in, everyone. After traveling all night, you must need a good rest," Maru said.

"Unnecessary. It would be best if we could see Taya as soon as possible," Ye Tian said indifferently.

"I cannot make decisions on that matter. I can only handle what is within my power," Maru sighed.

"Is that so? How remarkably smooth-tongued. It seems elves are just like goblins—no, even more formidable than goblins," Ye Tian said, turning to the three girls.

"Enough! Human, letting you enter the Elven City is already a tremendous favor to you. Do not spout nonsense," an elf said angrily.

"Spout nonsense? The moment I arrived, a group of people pointed bows and arrows at my head, and then my companion was snatched away. I kindly saved your companion, and now I come here only to be insulted by you. And you call this nonsense? Then you tell me, what is the right way!" Ye Tian turned around, his voice chilling.

The surrounding elves were instantly struck dumb. Everything Ye Tian said was entirely true; it seemed they were indeed the ones in the wrong the whole time.

"Well, please come inside first. We cannot keep our guests standing at the gates," Maru sighed, looking at Ye Tian, and added, "I guarantee I will send you out safely."

"Your guarantee holds no weight in my eyes," Ye Tian said calmly. "Let's go inside," he told the three girls.

The group nodded and, led by Maru, entered the Elven City.

From the outside, the Elven City looked like a city entirely enveloped by vegetation. Once inside, however, Ye Tian realized he had been mistaken: the city *was* a giant tree! A city that had entirely evolved from a colossal tree!

The towering walls were composed of living plants. That wasn't all; various plants stood tall throughout the city, with lawns and gardens everywhere, making it look truly like a paradise on earth. The elves' dwellings looked like trees themselves, placed haphazardly yet harmoniously, creating a carefree atmosphere.

The only thing that didn't appear to be plant-based was the flagstone road beneath their feet. A bluestone path ten carriages wide stretched endlessly into the distance, flanked by smaller, winding plant-bordered paths that looked endlessly fascinating.

"How is it? Is the Elven City different from what you imagined?" Maru asked with a smile.

"Yes, yes, it's so beautiful! How wonderful it would be if I could live here too!" Alansa sighed.

"It's so strange, every house is just a tree," Rorola said, looking around in curiosity. Mina clung to Ye Tian's arm, her eyes wide with constant wonder as she took in her surroundings.

"A paradise on earth," Ye Tian offered his evaluation.

"You flatter us," Maru said, pleased by such high praise, feeling a great surge of pride.

"Where are we going now?" Ye Tian asked.

"To the palace first. The matters you are requesting can only be decided by the Queen and the elders," Maru said awkwardly.

"Very well, let's go," Ye Tian said.

"If you don't mind, could you leave your carriage parked here? Rest assured, I guarantee no one will touch it," Maru said apologetically.

"Then I'll trouble you," Ye Tian said casually.

Maru was stunned for a moment, then smiled and gave a wave. An elf stepped forward and led Old Black away.

"This way, please," Maru began enthusiastically introducing the Elven City to them.

"Hey, hey, what is that huge tree?" Alansa asked, pointing to a towering tree that pierced the clouds in the center of the city.

***

"That is the foundation of our elves, the World Tree, and the source of our entire race. Every adult elf holds their coming-of-age ceremony inside it," Maru smiled. "By the way, do you see that fountain over there? That is the Fountain of Wisdom, springing directly from the World Tree."

Along the way, curious gazes remained fixed on Ye Tian and his group. Some elves stood on their doorsteps, others perched on tree branches in the distance, watching them. Others gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves.

"Such a pretty fountain!" The group arrived in front of the Fountain of Wisdom. Alansa looked at the sparkling, crystal-clear water and instinctively reached out to touch it.

"Don't touch," Ye Tian stopped the girl's movement.

Maru quickly added, "The Fountain of Wisdom is a sacred symbol of our Elven Clan and must not be easily defiled. Only the Queen is permitted to touch it."

"Then what purpose does it serve?" Ye Tian handed Alansa over to Rorola, who quickly grabbed the troublemaker.

"The Fountain of Wisdom possesses prophetic abilities. Although it has only prophesied three times, each prophecy has come true with absolute accuracy," Maru said earnestly.

"Prophecy? That truly is magical," Ye Tian raised his hands and bowed deeply to the Fountain of Wisdom.

"Geer, what are you doing?" Alansa couldn't help asking.

"Nothing, just making a friend," Ye Tian said calmly.

Maru stared at Ye Tian in shock, speechless for a long time.

"Let's go," Ye Tian reminded him. "I still have business to attend to."

"Oh, oh, right this way," Maru quickly recovered his composure and gestured for the group to continue forward.

"Wait!" At that moment, a group of people approached.

"It's you!" Alansa flared up with anger. "Geer, he's the one who led people to snatch Taya away, and he's the one who hurt Rorola!"

"Oh?" Ye Tian turned his head and saw a steady, composed elf walking toward them. "Human, are you the one who injured my younger brother?"

Ye Tian's gaze pierced right past him, and he reached out a hand. "Give me back my companion!"

A female elf behind the male elf immediately shrank back.

"Gigita, what is going on here?" the male elf asked.

"Dick brother, this human is just making unreasonable trouble. I found a pet, and he insists it's his companion," Gigita argued sophistically.

"So even elves can lie," Ye Tian smiled. "I'll say it one more time: give me back Roast Meat, or I won't treat you like a woman."

"It's mine, why should I give it to you?" Gigita said, her eyes darting shiftily.

"Clearly you snatched it from me, and you still won't admit it!" Alansa immediately jumped out. "Shameless!"

"I'm going to kill you!" Gigita flew into a rage from embarrassment, raised her bow, and fired an arrow straight at Alansa's face.

"Ah!" Alansa shrieked.

The arrow stopped abruptly right at the tip of her nose. Everyone gasped as Ye Tian caught the shaft bare-handed.

"Unreasonable and making a fuss—so much for graceful elves, you're no different from a shrew!" With that, Ye Tian flicked the arrow around and hurled it back toward Gigita.

*Clang!* The arrow was knocked away by an exquisite longsword.

Ye Tian glanced sideways at the male elf. "Are you planning to shield her?"

"I know nothing of what just happened. I only know you are bullying my sister," the male elf sneered. "How about this? Let's have a duel. If you win, I'll return your pet. If you lose, it belongs to my sister!"

"Ha, what nerve!" Ye Tian sneered. "Using my companion to gamble with me—you've got some nerve. I suppose even goblins would have to take you as their master!"

The male elf's expression darkened. "Human, do not be ungrateful! I am offering to fight you as an honor!"

"I don't feel honored in the least!" Ye Tian moved in a flash, appearing right in front of Gigita. He grabbed her by the collar and delivered a sharp slap.

*Slap!* "Where is Roast Meat?"

Everyone was stunned. Dick was stunned. Even Gigita was stunned; she had never expected Ye Tian to resort to violence so casually, without giving anyone a chance to prepare.

"Where is Roast Meat?" Ye Tian asked, and delivered another slap. *Slap!*

This time, Gigita snapped out of her shock and flew into a fury. "I'm going to kill you!"

*Slap!* "Where is Roast Meat?" Another slap from Ye Tian.

"Human, let go of my sister!" With a fierce cry, a longsword thrust forward from a tricky angle, aiming straight for Ye Tian's arm.

"Ah!" A piercing scream echoed as a deep gash opened across Gigita's face, flesh peeling back as blood spurted instantly.

"Light of Restoration!" Dick immediately thrust out a hand, and a glowing emerald-green ball of light enveloped Gigita's face. The bleeding stopped instantly, and the torn flesh slowly began to mend.

"Dick, brother!" Gigita sobbed pitifully, looking at her brother who was still tending to her. She couldn't understand why he had used his sword to cut her face open. Such a long gash—what if it left a scar? How could she face anyone then?

"It's alright, it will heal quickly!" Dick comforted her.

***

"I want to duel you!" Dick stood up, his voice chilling.

"A duel? Another duel? Do all you elves love picking fights with people?" Ye Tian sneered. "What if I refuse?"

"Then you leave an arm behind and crawl out of the Elven City!" Dick said coldly.

"You want an arm? Fine, but I want a leg of yours as well. First, return my companion, and then we begin the duel!" Ye Tian crooked his finger. "Don't tell me you're too cowardly!"

"Who says I'm a coward? I'll make you pay the price!" Dick said angrily. "Gigita, give him his pet back. Brother will avenge you today!"

"Oh." Though extremely reluctant, Gigita still had to obey Dick. She muttered, "I left it at my house."

"Go get it, now!" Dick commanded.

"Follow me, let's go to the arena."

"Dick, they are guests, you cannot do this!" Maru quickly stepped forward to stop him.

"Maru, you dare contradict me?" Dick turned around angrily. "Do you not want to be captain anymore?"

"Dick, do not throw your weight around just because you are the elder's son. The Elven City is not yours to run!" Maru grew angry as well. This Dick always abused his high status to do whatever he pleased; he truly hoped this human would teach him a thorough lesson later!

"Fine then, whatever happens, I won't care. You bear full responsibility!" Maru sneered.

"I don't need your care!" Dick scoffed coldly.

"Let's go, I can't wait!"

"Lead the way!" Ye Tian said unbothered.

The elven arena was a circular patch of grassland. At a glance, it looked like a lovely resting spot, proving that the wildly narcissistic and aesthetic-obsessed elves insisted on making everything they touched as picturesque as possible.

"Pick a weapon. Of course, you may use your own if you prefer!" Dick said haughtily.

"Whatever, anything works for me." Ye Tian thought for a moment, reached out to pull out his short staff, and with a flick, his cross-spear materialized before everyone's eyes.

"The Holy Spear Aramobi!" Dick frowned. "Where did you get that spear?"

"That's none of your concern." Ye Tian waved the long spear around. "If you're scared, I can fight bare-handed."

"No need." Dick sneered. "I merely think such a fine weapon is wasted on you. With your ability, you could never master this holy spear!"

"Is that so? Want it? I can use it as a stake in our bet. If you win, it's yours!" Ye Tian said casually.

Dick's eyes narrowed instantly. "What did you say?"

"I said, if you win, it's yours. But what about if you lose?" Ye Tian asked.

"This..." Dick looked at the longsword in his hand. Though it was a fine piece crafted by the Elven Clan, compared to the holy spear, it was absolute trash.

"Wait!" A loud shout suddenly echoed from the side. "Dick, what are you doing?"

"Father!" Dick looked at the newcomer and bowed respectfully.

"Elder!" The surrounding elves bowed in unison.

"What are you doing?" The newcomer looked at Dick, glanced briefly at Ye Tian, and then returned his gaze to his son.

"Father, this human bullied Gigita, and I am here to seek justice for my sister!" Dick said righteously.

"Oh, cut the act, don't try to sound so noble. Just admit you've got your eyes on my spear," Ye Tian said, leaning lazily against his weapon.

"Ah, the Holy Spear Aramobi!" Dick's father frowned. "The Demon-Breaking Spear... Dick, if you use this, your spells won't work!"

"Father, I've checked, this fellow is not a mage," Dick whispered.

"Not a mage? A warrior, then." Dick's father glanced at Ye Tian's chest and smiled contemptuously. Just an intermediate swordsman? Far too weak.

"Here, I'll lend you our family's sacred artifact. Be extremely careful," Dick's father said, unbuckling an exquisite longsword from his waist and handing it over.

"You're really lending it to me?" Dick said excitedly.

"Silly boy, this will be yours eventually anyway!" His father smiled, then turned back to the viewing platform to quietly await his son's victory.

"Are you ready?" Ye Tian asked.

"Ready." Dick glanced over; Gigita had already returned Roast Meat to Alansa, who was now hugging the creature tightly to her chest.

"Is that your stake?" Ye Tian chuckled. "Doesn't look like much."