The Elven Cultivator

Yue Hen sighed. ”I understand your concerns, but I don’t think the Silver Moon Clan is the same as the Jade Royal Court.”

”The Silver Moon Clan has only risen in the last hundred years or so. They’ve clawed their way up from nothing to where they are today. They don’t have the deep-seated arrogance of the Jade Royal Court; their style is more pragmatic.”

”You’ve interacted with plenty of Elves from the Silver Moon Clan lately, so you should have a good sense of what they’re like.”

Tide Stone thought for a moment and nodded.

It was true.

The Elves he’d met from the Silver Moon Clan, from the Document Hall staff handling their arrangements to the soldiers of the Silver Moon Legion, had all been remarkably composed.

While you couldn’t call them warm, at least they didn’t have that condescending arrogance.

They explained what was necessary, never hesitated to provide help when needed, and handled everything in a crisp, business-like manner.

In fact, this pragmatic attitude made him feel more at ease.

Yue Hen continued, ”At least for now, it will be easier for us to be accepted if we join the Silver Moon Clan. As long as we demonstrate sufficient ability, I don’t think the Silver Moon Clan will treat us poorly.”

”Besides, no matter what, joining the Silver Moon Clan is better than our previous situation.”

Tide Stone was silent for a moment, then sighed. ”You’re right.”

Ever since the Dragon Cities across the land fell one after another, the Dawn Continent had plunged into unprecedented chaos.

Whether it was to fight over resources and territory, or because long-simmering feuds and conflicts of interest suddenly erupted, the various powers throughout the land soon began to war amongst themselves.

Weak groups like the Ghost Scale Race not only had to eke out an existence between the conflicts of powerful factions, but also had to constantly guard against the covetous eyes of others. Life grew more and more difficult, and their survival was never guaranteed from one day to the next.

And that was only because many factions had joined the allied army and were focused on attacking Darkness Fortress. Otherwise, their situation would have been even more dire.

On the Dawn Continent today, the space for weak races like them to exist was shrinking day by day.

Without aligning with a more powerful faction, it was simply impossible to survive.

So when the Silver Moon Clan extended an olive branch, Tide Stone had agreed almost immediately.

After all, the Silver Moon Clan was the dominant power on the Eldron Plain, backed by the renowned Fallen Dragon Sword Saint.

Across the entire Dawn Continent, aside from the five paramount factions at the very top and a handful of first-tier powers, almost no one would casually provoke the Silver Moon Clan.

With the Silver Moon Clan as their backer, it was worth it, even if it meant paying a price.

”I hear a lot of people have died over at Darkness Fortress?”

”A lot of people? That’s an understatement. From what I know, the armies sent by several factions were completely wiped out. They must be tearing their hair out right now.”

”It’s been over three years of fighting. How have they still not taken Darkness Fortress?”

”It’s not that simple. We’re talking about the Dragon Race.”

The two of them couldn’t help but sigh wistfully as they spoke.

They had heard that the Silver Moon Clan hadn’t sent troops to the war, instead merely supplying the allied army with provisions at a low cost.

In hindsight, this approach showed remarkable foresight.

At least their clan members weren’t sent to die for nothing.

And vassal races like them, who had sought refuge with the Silver Moon Clan, didn’t have to worry about being conscripted as cannon fodder and sent to die on the front lines.

Just as the two were talking in low voices, the sound of steady footsteps suddenly came from the entrance to the square.

Tide Stone and Yue Hen both stopped talking and turned to look.

A group of figures emerged from behind the archway.

Walking at the very front was a young Elf. His pale gold hair was casually tied back, and his moon-white robe gave him an ethereal air.

His face was young, but he carried himself with a steady and composed bearing.

Two Elf Maidens with delicate features followed behind him.

Further behind, a group of Elven officers followed closely, their every action and gesture showing their respect for the young Elf in the lead.

Tide Stone and Yue Hen immediately recognized one of the two Elf Maidens.

Eleanor Silver Moon.

She was the assistant to the Silver Moon Clan’s Leader, the one who had personally recruited them. She had left a deep impression.

And now, this assistant to the Clan Leader was quietly following behind a young Elf.

Seeing this, they immediately guessed the young Elf’s identity and were stunned.

They had originally thought that the high-ranking clan members returning today would be, at most, Eleanor or one of the three elders. They never expected the Clan Leader himself to appear.

This was the man who had single-handedly killed the Radiant Ash Dragon and raised the curtain on the Dragon Slaying War.

Even on the Dawn Continent, his name was now renowned everywhere, celebrated by countless people.

For a moment, Tide Stone and Yue Hen couldn’t help but become nervous.

They exchanged a glance, then hurriedly walked forward to greet them, stopping about three paces away and respectfully bowing their heads.

”Lord Anton.”

”Lady Eleanor.”

Seeing the two of them look toward the nearby Romance with hesitation, Eleanor spoke at the right moment, ”This is Romance. She will be leading the exploration team you are about to be assigned to.”

’So she’s our new boss.’

Their hearts tightened. They quickly turned to Romance and bowed respectfully again.

”Lord Roman.”

Romance just gave the two a small smile and a slight nod in response, not speaking.

In such a formal setting, she knew who was in charge.

Anton’s gaze fell upon the Ghost Scale Race member and the Catman before him. It was calm and profound, and though he didn’t deliberately release any aura of power, it made the two of them involuntarily tense up.

”Eleanor has already told me about your situations.”

”The Ghost Scale Race excels at dowsing and navigation, while the Catmen excel at reconnaissance and tracking. Both are very useful abilities for exploring the Dark Nether Realm.”

”Welcome to the exploration mission.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over their faces.

”I promise you right now, as long as you make contributions, the Clan will not treat you unfairly.”

Tide Stone and Yue Hen exchanged a look, both seeing the delight in the other’s eyes.

”You have our word, Lord Clan Leader,” Tide Stone hurriedly declared. ”We will do our utmost to complete the mission.”

”We will not betray your trust,” Yue Hen added, his tone solemn.

Anton nodded. ”Next, you will train with the Silver Moon Legion’s Dark Banner Team to adapt to the environment of Nine Nether City. Once your training is complete, you will begin exploring.”

”I look forward to your results.”

Tide Stone and Yue Hen answered in unison, unable to hide the joy and excitement on their faces.

The great Clan Leader and Legendary Sword Saint himself had personally met with them and made a promise. This undoubtedly showed the Clan’s emphasis on exploring the Dark Nether Realm and also demonstrated the value they placed on them.

It put their minds completely at ease.

Their previous worries, anxieties, and unease were instantly swept away, replaced by excitement and a powerful motivation to succeed.

They wished they could set out to explore the Dark Nether Realm right now to prove their abilities as soon as possible.

Taking in the change in their expressions, Anton gave a small smile, said no more, and turned to leave.

Eleanor followed behind him as they walked toward the edge of the square.

Romance, however, stayed behind.

She walked up to Tide Stone and Yue Hen and grinned. ”Starting today, I’m your direct supervisor. If you have any problems, you can come straight to me. No need to beat around the bush.”

”Come on. I’ll take you to get settled in your quarters first, then we’ll get you familiarized with Nine Nether City.”

Tide Stone and Yue Hen quickly agreed, calling for their respective clansmen to follow Romance as the large group departed from the square.