The palace bridge they crossed was impressively wide—nearly ten meters across—and unquestionably the largest of Eligma's many suspended pathways. As Yiren led Xuefeng off it, he noticed a row of solemn guards stationed near the archway, their postures stiff under flowing green cloaks. Each held a slender spear carved from some pearly white wood. Upon recognizing the princess, they dipped their heads in deference and allowed her to pass freely.
Yet Xuefeng did not go unremarked. Every one of those guards shot him a mixture of wary and envious looks, as though he were some strange intruder who'd trespassed on sacred ground. Word traveled fast among the Forest Elves, and the news of a potential consort for the future queen had already woven itself through the city's web of whispers. Xuefeng had become an object of both fascination and resentment.
The bridge ended on a grand wooden platform that overlooked an awe-inspiring panorama. Arranged in a vast donut-like formation was the city of Eligma—countless interlinked treetop dwellings encircling a titanic central tree, dubbed the Parent Tree. Clusters of open plazas served as bustling marketplaces, connected by a maze of narrower sky-bridges. The entire metropolis seemed suspended in midair, its life-blood flowing over tangled roots and magic-laced vines.
Though the female elves he encountered greeted him with kind words or secretive winks, Xuefeng felt the razor-edged glares of many male elves, bristling as if he'd stolen something precious from their world. He tried to ignore the tension that crackled in the air, focusing on the curious architecture, the drifting tendrils of floral incense, and the lively hum of commerce.
"Let's hurry before those temptresses gobble him up," Tangwei muttered close to Yiren's ear, her tone part teasing, part urgent. Yiren, catching on, promptly slid her arm around Xuefeng's and flashed an annoyed glare at a trio of flirty elf women who had just winked and smirked in his direction.
"Xuefeng, how about some lunch? I know just the place." Yiren's voice was bright yet edged with protectiveness. She clutched his arm tighter, pulling him along before he could protest.
Some of the elf women simply giggled at Yiren's possessiveness, shrugging it off. Many of them were older than they appeared, well over fifty or a hundred years, though their youthful looks betrayed little of their true age. Xuefeng spared them a final glance, feeling a flicker of embarrassment and curiosity tangled together.
They navigated winding bridges and balconies until Xuefeng noticed a dome-like structure perched on a colossal branch. Its design reminded him strangely of an ancient Roman amphitheater. The wide, circular edifice stood vacant.
"What's that?" he asked, halting momentarily to stare at it. The ring of carved columns and swirling vines evoked images of an old arena.
"That?" Yiren followed his gaze with a smile. "Our local arena—closed right now. There's a monthly competition tomorrow. We can attend if you like. It's an exciting show, seeing how our people fight."
Xuefeng nodded, curiosity piqued. "I'd love to see the Forest Elves' fighting styles. Could learn a thing or two."
"That's settled, then," Yiren chirped, bouncing on her toes with barely contained excitement. "We have a royal box up top, so no need for tickets. You could even enter if you're feeling daring—winners get a load of Fate Stones."
Xuefeng's heart gave a little jump. "Fate Stones?" he echoed, the word lighting a spark in his eyes. He recalled Ling's interest in anything bearing that "Fate" tag.
Yiren nodded and withdrew a small, round, translucent stone from a pouch. It glimmered faintly with a golden sheen. "These are our currency," she explained, pressing the stone into Xuefeng's palm. "That's a low-tier stone—impure, but still valuable. There are middle and high tiers too, but I haven't any on me right now."
Immediately, a whisper swirled in Xuefeng's mind. It contains faint traces of Fate Qi. You should find out how they gather these. We could use them…
"Where do these come from?" Xuefeng asked aloud. "Are they mined somewhere?"
Yiren laughed, the melodic sound dancing among the leaves. "We collect them from our river, of course. You'll see," she promised with a playful glint in her eyes. "It's quite a sight, but only at night. That's when they drift downstream."
Xuefeng nodded, turning the stone over in his hand. Its glow was hypnotic, reminiscent of the golden orb Ling resided in. Yiren suddenly reached out and bopped his nose, giggling at his absorbed expression. "Don't space out too much," she teased.
He smirked, responding in kind—lightly tapping her nose. "Guess I need to keep my guard up around you elves and your weird habits."
Yiren only laughed. Tangwei, rolling her eyes and insisting she'd had quite enough of their "sweetness," departed with a flick of her wrist, presumably to explore on her own. Xuefeng followed Yiren a bit further until they arrived at a lush wooden trunk carved into the shape of a quaint little building. Vines with crimson blossoms curled around the entryway, giving off a sweet fragrance.
"This is my auntie's restaurant," Yiren announced, holding the door for Xuefeng. Inside, the aroma of roasted vegetables and sweet syrups hit him immediately—a welcoming scent of home-cooked meals. The interior glowed with a golden light from crystal orbs set around the ceiling, and carved wooden furniture lent the place a rustic warmth. Although about half the tables were already occupied, a sudden hush fell the moment Yiren appeared at the threshold. All eyes swiveled onto them.
Xuefeng tensed, recalling how in previous restaurants, conversation had abruptly died the second he entered. Some things never change… he thought, forcing a calm smile.
"Ohh, my beautiful granddaughter has finally arrived!" a cheerful, mature voice chimed from across the dining area. Out stepped a blonde elf woman in an apron, carrying a tray piled with leaf-wrapped snacks. She gave Yiren a radiant smile, setting the tray down before the pair could collide. Yiren bounded forward, wrapping her arms around the older woman's neck.
"Auntie! You look as gorgeous as ever," Yiren exclaimed, nestling her face against the woman's ample bosom. The aunt gave a heartwarming laugh, stroking Yiren's hair with obvious affection. Xuefeng noticed the other patrons eyeing them with mixed expressions—part admiration, part envy.
After a few beats of warm reunion, Yiren's aunt turned her gaze on Xuefeng. He sensed the same curious scrutiny he'd gotten used to, but there was a maternal kindness in her eyes. He extended his hand in greeting, only for the aunt to dart forward and kiss him on the cheek, leaving a tingle of warmth.
"You're the rumored one, hmm?" she teased, stepping back to comb a hand through his hair. "Such a handsome young man—and golden hair, too. Most unusual. I see Yiren's got herself a fine catch."
Yiren's cheeks pinkened with pride, pulling Xuefeng closer by the arm. He cleared his throat. "It's… an honor to meet you," he said, feeling like a show pony under the aunt's genial inspection. "I, uh—hope to enjoy your cooking?"
The aunt tapped her apron thoughtfully. "I'd be delighted! Let me just deliver these treats. Then I'll whip up something special for you two." With that, she bustled off, weaving among the tables to distribute food.
"She's amazing," Yiren confided, guiding Xuefeng to a corner booth. "Best cook in all of Eligma. You'll love her dishes."
Xuefeng started to slide into a seat across from her, but Yiren tugged his arm with a playful pout. "Sit next to me." She flashed him a resolute stare that brooked no argument. He relented, settling at her side on the smooth bench.
The dining hall held its breath for a moment, as if eavesdropping on their every word. Gradually, conversations picked up again, the busy clank of utensils resuming. Xuefeng leaned in, keeping his voice low. "The bond you have with your family— it's nice. All of you seem so close."
She gazed up at him, eyes sparkling. "I've always imagined what you might be like," she murmured. "But I never expected someone so… gentle. Most of the men around here are proud, difficult, unwilling to share real feelings. But you're so polite and warm. It's… comforting."
An odd hush settled around them. Xuefeng felt a tug inside his chest—an awareness of how easily Yiren had latched onto him, and how complicated his situation already was. "Thank you," he said simply, uncertain what else to offer.
She fiddled with a stray wisp of hair, taking a breath. "Tell me something. If… if we'd met normally, under different circumstances, do you think you could—"
The restaurant door banged open abruptly, and a voice rang out, snapping Yiren's head around. "Yireeen!" A tall figure stormed inside, tension radiating in each stride.
Yiren's pleasant expression soured on the spot. "Oh no," she muttered under her breath. "Why did this idiot have to show up now?"