Chapter 118: Return to the Holy City

The dark elves hiding on the beach timidly stood up, uncertain of who stood before them. At that moment, from the forest across the shore, a massive bridge woven from thick, tangled vines stretched out over the sea. The bridge’s surface was flat and sturdy, about two meters wide, extending all the way down to the dark elves’ feet on the shore.

Only then did they realize, their joy as if reborn, forgetting the pain from the earlier beating and ignoring their clothes soaked by the crashing waves.

“It’s His Majesty, the Dark Elf King, come to fetch us!”

They exclaimed excitedly, running happily onto the bridge.

On the Central Continent, in the Holy City, Hei Yu and the others had also returned to the main city gates. The gates were tall and gleaming under the radiant sunlight; the streets remained clean and bright, bustling with people coming and going along the main avenue. Everything here felt like home.

A gentle breeze stirred Bai Shengye’s silver hair, and he said lazily, “After we get back, I just want to take a hot bath.”

“I just want to grab a drink at the bar,” Hei Yu replied.

Ling Meng walked silently, her steps light and graceful. Ling Xiaolei spread his arms wide and ran toward the city gates, shouting loudly:

“Holy City! We’re back!”

They passed through the main street and arrived at the Magician’s Guild office. Here, magicians who lived by bounty gathered; some came and went while others leisurely sat on benches.

Hei Yu handed over the mission card at the reception window and collected the bounty. Seeing that they were magicians involved in a rescue mission, the attendant’s tone carried a hint of admiration:

“The beasts near our Holy City are definitely stronger, right? The ones in the southern forest are too weak,” the attendant said proudly, already expecting the confirmation.

“Yes, indeed,” Hei Yu answered.

He returned to the entrance and divided the four bags of gold coins among them. Bai Shengye weighed the coins in his hand, noting their substantial weight.

“This will fund the research for anti-magic potions again. But to establish a proper laboratory, this still isn’t enough.”

Ling Meng took her coins and bid farewell to everyone. “I’ll head back to the academy first.” Bai Shengye quickly followed up, “Beauty, I’m heading to the academy too. We’re on the same way.”

“Aren’t you going to the bar for a drink?” Hei Yu asked him.

Bai Shengye waved his hand, too busy to answer, trailing closely behind Ling Meng, flattering her with sweet words.

“Look who’s back!”

A deep, booming voice came from afar. A towering figure carried a massive hammer on his shoulder, striding boldly at the head of a squad of guards.

“Brother Lin? How did you know I was back? Your information is sharp as ever...” Hei Yu had just stepped out of the guild office when a strong arm wrapped around his shoulder. “By the way, the weapon you crafted for me on this trip proved really useful. I owe you a big thanks.”

“How about that? The title of Master Weaponsmith isn’t just for show, right?” Lin Aohun proudly pointed his thumb at his nose. “If you think the power isn’t enough, I can further upgrade it. Later, I’ll install two rocket launchers on your weapon. Our Snowfield’s mechanical technology is top-notch!”

“No, no, better not. No rocket launchers!” Hei Yu wiped sweat from his brow. Imagining two missiles firing from his staff made him immediately refuse.

He pushed away Lin Aohun’s enthusiastic yet heavy arm and asked, “Ling Xiaolei and I are about to head to Ling Xi’s bar for a drink. Want to come? My treat.” He jingled the money bags.

“I have a patrol duty. I’ll head off first. If you need anything, come find me at the Guard Office!”

“Alright, see you later.”

The Demon Empire Bar was filled with a familiar atmosphere. As Hei Yu stepped inside, the intoxicating aroma of fine liquor instantly dissipated his fatigue.

“Give me the best drink!” he shouted.

Ling Xiaolei recalled the elves’ migration in the southern forest and wondered if Boss Ling was still at the bar.

At the counter, indeed, the only one mixing drinks was the fox demon girl. Judging by her skilled hands, she had mastered the art of bartending.

Hearing customers enter, she wagged her tail and called out:

“Welcome back, regulars! Today’s special recommendation from the fox is—Blue Glow Wine from the East Coast! Please enjoy!”

“Thief, where’s Boss Ling?” Ling Xiaolei set down her staff and bag on the counter and asked.

“I’m not a thief!” The fox demon bristled.

“Oh... the boss? He went to the Dark Forest...” The fox tapped her chin, thinking hard, then crossed her arms and defiantly retorted to Ling Xiaolei:

“How could you, a dark elf, not know where he went? The entire dark elf clan has migrated across the Red Sea! Such a big event, and you don’t know?”

“I know... so, is Boss Ling going to stay there for good?”

“He said before he’d leave here. Boss Ling has big things to do.” The fox proudly patted her chest. “From now on, this whole bar belongs to me, the Fox Boss! You can call me that!”

“Tsk tsk tsk... thief,” Ling Xiaolei smirked.

“Hiss! Awoooo!” The fox demon threatened her playfully.

“I’m still used to having Boss Ling around... Without him, the Demon Empire Bar just feels like something’s missing,” Ling Xiaolei sighed, her gaze growing distant. “But it’s good. The dark elves have their own homeland now. When we get there, we can reunite with him.”

Soon, the fox had prepared two drinks and handed them over.

“This is Blue Glow Wine, made from grapes Boss Ling tried cultivating on the Dark Forest land. It’s unique across the entire continent!”

“No wonder. So Boss Ling has been experimenting with grapes there all these years?”

Hei Yu took a sip of the Blue Glow Wine. The wine’s deep purple-red surface shimmered with a mysterious blue radiance, carrying an indescribable sweetness.

“Hmm, the taste is indeed excellent,” he said.

Ling Xiaolei finished her drink in one gulp and pushed the glass forward. “Thief, refill.”

“How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that!” The fox shouted irritably.

Ling Xiaolei rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought.

“Sigh, I wonder if A Duo and the others have reached the far side of the sea safely. Did they encounter any dangers on the way...”

Her thoughts drifted far away.

Across the Red Sea, A Duo and her companions had already crossed the bridge and stepped onto the mist-shrouded, damp shore.

The Mist Forest, a narrow strip of woodland along the Eastern Continent’s coast, was named for its perpetual dense fog. Under the veil of mist, the grass and trees rarely saw sunlight, glowing with a dim blue-green hue. They grew close to the ground, soft and limp, resembling seaweed swaying gently in the tides.