Chapter 516: Chapter 26: Luo Ge Xian Ni (4)_2
In fact, Belle standing beside him was also stunned. Although this was her third time visiting Luo Ge Xian Ni, it was her first time seeing the Holy Land Cartier. To be precise, it was her first time truly entering an Elf City. Previously, she had only lingered at the port, where Blood Elves were already few and far between, let alone other companion species.
Along the way, no matter who they were, most would pause briefly in surprise upon seeing Jones and his entourage. And when they recognized Dariana among them—and noticed the clover emblem on Dariana’s arm—they would snap out of their daze, remove their hats, and offer a distant gesture of respect, regardless of gender.
Oh, and then there was their breathtaking appearance.
Indeed, there were no golden-haired Wood Elves here; they all lived across the water on the Silver Wing Peninsula. Typically, they and the Blood Elves lived entirely separate lives.
While there were no Wood Elves here, there were plenty of Blood Elves.
Every elf Jones encountered here, regardless of gender, was an extraordinary beauty, as if handpicked from countless miles across the Human World. Yes, every single one. The Blood Clan, known for maintaining youthful appearances indefinitely, did have many attractive individuals, but they simply couldn’t compare to the elves.
This was a race that seemed born to embody beauty. Their early growth stages resembled humans, with infancy and childhood, but upon reaching sixteen, they officially entered adulthood. Once adults, they remained at their peak condition until over a thousand years old, at which point they would suddenly age rapidly during the final two years of their lifespan before succumbing to death.
So, here, it was nearly impossible to spot the elderly or children. In the lifespan of the Elf Clan, these two phases were fleetingly brief. This place was populated almost exclusively with young adults, and while they were more conservative than most other races, visually, it indeed appeared as though only the young resided here.
Gazing at the dreamlike scene before him, Jones couldn’t help but marvel aloud: "No wonder the books say the Elf Cities are the most beautiful in this world, bar none. Now that I’m seeing it for myself, it truly is. If I were to write a book, I’d say the same."
"Thank you for your kind words. We’re almost there." Smiling, Dariana gestured ahead.
Following her direction, Jones vaguely saw a massive tree trunk.
Why vaguely?
Because the trunk was unimaginably enormous. Jones, situated "within the forest," could only glimpse parts of it through the surrounding network of mammoth trunks and branches.
It wasn’t until they reached an open clearing that Jones finally saw the tree in its entirety.
Towering at least several kilometers high, its canopy could easily encompass an entire plain. The roots protruding above ground resembled a series of hills or miniature mountain ranges. All of these roots bore windows, indicating they had been converted into living quarters.
Jones was utterly shocked.
Standing before it, he felt so insignificantly small—perhaps even less noticeable in comparison to the tree than a mosquito might be.
The intertwined roots alone formed an entire city.
"This is our Divine Wood, otherwise known as the Divine Wood Library."
"Divine Wood Library? I thought that was merely the name of a library."
"It is both the library and our Divine Wood."
The countless lights glowing through the windows created a shimmering spectacle across the giant tree.
Suddenly, Jones understood what Dariana had meant earlier when she mentioned arranging a place for him where he wouldn’t see daylight. Indeed, living under the Divine Wood meant never seeing the sun, for its dense canopy blocked out all direct sunlight, leaving only reflected light sufficient for illumination.
This place was truly magical, surpassing the Dragon Valley even before its destruction. Though Jones himself had never visited Dragon Valley.
"I hope Giant Snake City can one day become like this," Jones murmured wistfully.
"Hmm?" Dariana turned back curiously.
"I mean, a place where so many species can live harmoniously together," Jones explained with a smile.
Indeed, an uncountable number of species thrived together here, flourishing in unity.
"That’s something we fully support," Dariana answered with a smile. "While we are not interested in how you defeated the Bloodline Elder Council, we do endorse your idea of emancipating the slaves. Because of that, Sir Hydra Knight holds a very favorable reputation here. Still, we remain unwilling to live alongside the Blood Clan, goblins, or gnomes. And, frankly, we don’t entirely understand why the freed Blood Elves refuse to return to Luo Ge Xian Ni. I may sound rude saying this, but that’s my honest opinion. I hope you don’t take offense."
"I don’t," Jones replied with a helpless spread of his hands.
"Her tone is so contradictory—respectfully addressing Lord Jones while simultaneously speaking impolitely. Dora simply cannot fathom her mindset," Dora grumbled quietly in Jones’s mind.
Led by Dariana, the group continued their slow progression forward, weaving through the Divine Wood’s roots and stems.
Dawn was nearly upon them, and the elves were already beginning their daily routines. Countless elves bustled back and forth, immersed in their activities.