The Witch Hunter System

Chapter 862: Elder Spirit

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"Think about it, Old Lotus. The Little Fairy is protecting this human, but the Elder Spirit strictly prohibits Wood Spirits from leaving as well as other beings from entering," Old Sunflower mentioned before asking, "What do you think will happen when he learns about this human?"

"If a disagreement or conflict occurs between the Little Fairy and the Elder Spirit, who are we supposed to side with, Old Lotus?" Old Sunflower added.

"That's a silly question, Old Sunflower. Of course, we have to side with..." Old Lotus began to answer with confidence when he suddenly found himself at a loss for words and sunk into deep thought. "Hm... Who to side with, indeed."

The Elder Spirit has always been their spiritual leader.

Their way of life, their beliefs, and their knowledge; the Elder Spirit taught them everything. As such, the Elder Spirit was also a fatherly figure to every Wood Spirit in the Garden of Thyia.

For that reason, everyone was willing to listen and obey the Elder Spirit.

However, it was also the Elder Spirit who taught them about Heaven's Chosen Wood Spirits and that they were the most venerated existences within the Wood Spirit Race.

According to the teachings of the Elder Spirit, Heaven's Chosen Wood Spirits held such revered statuses because they were fundamentally tied to the existence and continuation of the Wood Spirit Race.

So long as the Wood Spirit Race had a Heaven's Chosen Wood Spirit within it, the Wood Spirit Race would never die out.

In a sense, Heaven's Chosen Wood Spirits were even more important than Divine Trees of Life. As such, all Wood Spirits instinctively revered and respected Heaven's Chosen Wood Spirits.

Unfortunately, the Wood Spirits present weren't knowledgeable enough to know exactly why Heaven's Chosen Wood Spirits were essential to the existence and continuation of the Wood Spirit Race.

"In any case, we have to inform the Elder Spirit. We owe the Elder Spirit that much, at the very least," Old Lotus stated before adding, "However, I'll ensure the safety of the Little Fairy and her human, regardless of the Elder Spirit's choice."

"Old Lotus has a point. I agree with him," the Divine Vine Spirit voiced her opinion.

After Old Sunflower pondered for a bit, he eventually agreed as well before returning his attention to Emerald.

"Little One, will you and this human accompany us to the base of the Mother Tree to the Elder Spirit?" Old Sunflower asked before promising, "This Old Man will guarantee both of your safety."

"Myuu?" Emerald turned to Vaan for instructions.

Vaan glanced around at the Wood Spirits and pondered for a moment before giving Emerald a nod.

Considering the Elder Spirit was the one who taught the Wood Spirits about the importance of Heaven's Chosen Wood Spirits, he believed no harm would befall Emerald.

As for him?

Well, it was not like he had much of a choice, given he was surrounded by dozens of Rank 6 Divine Wood Spirits and several Rank 7 Divine Wood Spirits.

However, the original danger he had sensed from the surroundings had lessened when the Wood Spirits learned about Emerald and suspected her special status. As such, he was willing to take a gamble.

Perhaps something good was awaiting them.

Even if things went south, Vaan still had a backup card that he could use to guarantee his safety. But he also didn't believe he would need to resort to it due to the innate nature of the Wood Spirit Race.

That said, nothing was certain until they met the Elder Spirit.

...

Under the lead of the senior Wood Spirits, Vaan and Emerald made their way through the thick forest.

Divine herbs and plants could be found left and right; the entire Garden of Thyia was one big treasure trove.

If the humans of Pangea could utilize such valuable divine herbs and plants, their progress would advance by leaps and bounds. Even the pressure from Gehenna would become insignificant to the average Pangean Human within a hundred years.

However, Vaan didn't think about looting the divine herbs and plants. He was also careful with his steps, avoiding all the precious flowers and plants in his path.

Still, Vaan could feel the Kinggrass Spirit's piercing glance in his back with every step he took on the grassy land. Although the Kinggrass Spirit didn't say anything, his silence was certainly louder than words.

As such, Vaan ultimately hovered in the air instead.

Shortly after Vaan arrived at the base of the Mother Tree with Emerald and the Wood Spirits, an ancient treefolk immediately singled him out with his stern gaze.

The ancient treefolk was a humanoid tree spirit, but it wasn't much taller than the average tree in the forest.

However, its great wisdom and age could be suspected from its notable ancient aura.

"What is the meaning of this? Have you all forgotten my teachings?" the ancient treefolk frowned at the Wood Spirits and scolded them, "How many times have I warned you all to be careful of outsiders?"

"Not only did you not send the outsider away after wiping his memories, but you even brought him to the heart of our tribe. Do none of you have any sense of the danger you have brought to the tribe?"

"You are dooming us all!" the ancient treefolk stressed.

"Elder Spirit, there's a really good reason for this. Please have a look at this young Wood Spirit and enlighten us with your knowledge, Elder Spirit," the Sunflower Spirit quickly implored, directing the ancient treefolk's attention to Emerald.

Originally, the ancient treefolk felt sad and disappointed. But after it gave Emerald a better look, it quickly showed surprise and doubt. Shortly after, it frowned in deep thought.

At the same time, the Wood Spirits all felt nervous. They weren't sure what the Elder Spirit

was thinking.

Even Emerald felt a little anxious with the silent attention.

After some time, the Elder Spirit softly requested, "Child, can you come closer so this Old Man can have a better look at you? You can also come here, too, Human Friend." "This... Elder Spirit, I don't think that is..." the Sunflower Spirit hesitantly disagreed as he would find it difficult to protect Vaan and Emerald if they got too close to the Elder Spirit.

However, the Elder Spirit glanced at the Wood Spirits before sighing with a sense of loss and disappointment.

"What are you all thinking? Do you really think I will do something to harm this young Wood Spirit and Human? Is that what you all think of this Old Man?" the Elder Spirit sighed sadly

again.

At the same time, his question left the group of Wood Spirit at a loss for words. What the Elder Spirit said made sense. Thus, they were unable to respond.

It seemed they were worried for nothing and complicated a simple matter. Nevertheless, while the Sunflower Spirit and other Wood Spirits were stuck speechless by the Elder Spirit's questions, Vaan took the initiative to approach him with Emerald.

As the distance between them shortened, the Elder Spirit's ancient aura became more unfathomably divine to Vaan. It was far superior to the aura of the Rank 7 Divine Wood Spirits. Could the Elder Spirit actually be a Rank 8 Divine Wood Spirit? The Garden of Thyia had been

hiding such a powerful being?

Vaan was astounded.