Chapter 146: Chapter 62: Ancient Elf 3

Dinner was a small banquet held outdoors.

There were many people.

Su Ziyu was seated next to the Tree Spirit Queen – Avena, as many noticed him from the beginning, he could feel many curious gazes.

As for the food…

The main dish on this table was surprisingly a pile of melons and vegetables, with some fruits placed right in the center. They smelled quite fragrant, but didn’t really spike Su Ziyu’s appetite; he actually wanted to eat some meat.

The tree spirits really liked this food; they usually follow a vegetarian diet, with only a small portion of meat.

Druids eat both meat and vegetables; however, they really love tobacco, and over there, it’s practically engulfed in smoke.

He had smelled this tobacco before; it had a somewhat special fragrance supposedly grown only by Halflings and Dwarves. Demon Hunters and Female Warlocks also occasionally smoke a little, the latter using more incense of similar scent, said to help with focusing and clearing the mind.

His gaze quickly fell on the islanders over there.

The druids had thoughtfully prepared some seafood for the islanders, mainly fish and shrimp. He also saw two huge crabs, each estimated to weigh around thirty pounds.

“Excuse me for a moment.” Su Ziyu stood up and said.

Then, ignoring the somewhat surprised looks from the tree spirits, he sat directly in front of those weather-worn islanders and tore off a thick crab leg with his hands, squeezing it to extract the snowy white crab meat inside.

“Cheers, good sir!” A middle-aged man with braided beard toasted.

Many in this world do not eat crabs; only people in coastal areas consume this unsightly creature. These people from the Stakor Islands did not expect Su Ziyu to be so adept at eating crab.

In medieval times, the power of customs and habits was very strong; people in many regions would rather discard animal intestines than eat them.

“To the grand sea.” Su Ziyu raised his glass and smiled.

His actions quickly won the favor of these Stakor islanders, who warmly invited him to try some fish. The taste was a bit fishy, but the texture was quite good. Su Ziyu quickly engaged in conversation with these rugged people, discussing customs and religious beliefs.

Seeing Su Ziyu was very interested in these subjects, the middle-aged islander began to describe in detail the various religious beliefs of coastal areas.

Su Ziyu asked little about mainstream beliefs, inquiring more about those nearing extinction, ones spread only in a handful areas, including those that sound far from being proper Divine Spirits and more like monsters worshipped by coastal inhabitants.

Seeing Su Ziyu listen so attentively and with interest, they shared many bloody sacrificial rumors.

After the banquet.

Su Ziyu had developed quite a rapport with the islanders and collected much important intelligence he deemed significant.

In the evening.

Su Ziyu, Avena, Vera, and others privately met with the three elder druids, discussing for nearly two hours before concluding the meeting. Some matters are best left unknown to many; mishandling them could cause widespread panic.

“Would you care to visit my place?” The Tree Spirit Queen – Avena asked with a smile, her beautiful silver eyes gazing at Su Ziyu.

“No, thank you.” Su Ziyu shook his head and declined, “I’ve got plenty to do tomorrow.”

This Tree Spirit Queen’s curiosity was overwhelming.

Add to this the peculiar abilities evident among the tree spirits, notably charm spells, and he feared accidentally spilling secrets.

Despite their pure and natural embodiment of nature, do not expect romance from these pretty tree spirits.

That’s wishful thinking.

Back then, tree spirits reproduced by directly tempting with beauty, resorting to charm spells when failing, then disappearing after the deed with no obligations.

Their affiliation inclined to goodness, with actions governed by matrilineal principles.

These tree spirits don’t respect males; what they admire is strength.

Inside the inn.

The old dwarf dragged Su Ziyu for another round of Gwent card, hoping to win back his collector’s edition card but lost his meteorite iron dagger instead.

Su Ziyu felt he could soon make a fortune.

He asked the old dwarf for paper and pen, then returned to his room, quickly documenting the custom and religious discussions held with the Stakor islanders in Chinese. Without opting for intelligence enhancement, he lacked extensive knowledge and strong memory, thus needed to record promptly.

Su Ziyu wrote until nearly midnight, filling a sheet with analysis and notes concerning the continued existence of these beliefs.

He hadn’t given up on Divinity Value.

Northern Continent’s coastal residents hold chaotic beliefs, where even sea monsters might be worshipped.

What if this information becomes useful?

Silent night.

The next day, Su Ziyu awakened by noise outside, looked out the window to see Vera sparring with the aloof Elf Ranger, who was clearly more formidable, estimating Mei Gao’s age likely over two hundred years.

“Such flashy moves!”

“I could knock him down with one hammer!” The old dwarf muttered from his seat, an expression of disdain on his face.

Elf combat style favors spectacle, not just mere flamboyance, but rather a stylish and aesthetic display.

Vera’s combat also reflects this, possibly due to receiving elf instruction.

Su Ziyu primarily mastered White Crow Swordsmanship; his combat style now aligns with Demon Hunter principles, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics — survival against monsters is key.

Honestly.

Without resorting to arrows, Mei Gao before him fell short of any seasoned Demon Hunter.

“Care to try?” The aloof Elf Ranger caught sight of Su Ziyu, his eyes brightening, boldly inviting, “I’m curious if Demon Hunters truly live up to the legend!”

Rumor in taverns holds that few, if any, can defeat a Demon Hunter one-on-one.

Vera, surprised yet curious, wished to witness firsthand.

“Alright then.” Su Ziyu pondered momentarily and replied.

Walking up to Mei Gao, without unsheathing his sword, he calmly stared and said, “Let’s begin.”

Su Ziyu’s demeanor conveyed slight contempt to the aloof Elf Ranger, rousing anger as the latter swiftly thrust his slender Elf Sword at Su Ziyu’s chest.

Clang!

A crisp sound resonated, as Mei Gao’s Elf Sword was shot out of his hand.

Su Ziyu hadn’t drawn his sword, but directly used the sword sheath to deflect the weapon, lightly shaking his head, “All style, no substance.”

………

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