Jin Wen frowned, then walked to the side and said, "Hua Nian, come with me."

Hua Nian looked at Qin Yi, full of apology, "Brother Qin, please wait for me a moment."

Qin Yi nodded slightly.

Jin Wen took Hua Nian a bit farther away, and then said, "Hua Nian, it’s not that Brother Jin Wen is unreasonable. They are humans, you don’t understand their deceitful and treacherous ways at all. You know how many of our brothers and sisters have been harmed by them."

"But Brother Qin is truly a good person."

Jin Wen said, "People’s hearts are hidden beneath their skin, you can know someone’s face but not their heart. How can you be certain they are good people? If they harbor ill intentions and enter the Elf Clan, they could bring disaster upon us."

"They won’t, Brother Qin is not that kind of person, they’re different from other humans. If they were villains, why would they escort us back? Over the past few days, how Brother Qin treated us, Little Leaf and I have seen it all. You’ve seen it, too. Little Leaf really likes Brother Qin, which proves he’s a good person."

"Brother Jin Wen, if Brother Qin was a bad person, Little Leaf and I would have been sold long ago, how could we be standing here?"

Jin Wen was unmoved, "Hua Nian, you’re too naive, you simply don’t understand human treachery and greed. They escorted you and Little Leaf back, maybe it’s a bigger scheme. How much can the two of you be worth? Compared to the entire Elf Clan, you two aren’t enough to satisfy them."

Hua Nian was a bit angry, "Brother Jin Wen, I trust Brother Qin. If you keep saying that, I’ll really be angry."

Jin Wen looked serious, "Hua Nian, even if you’re angry with Brother Jin Wen, I cannot let them enter the Elf Clan. It concerns the safety of the entire Elf Clan, as its War General, I must protect our safety, and allow no threats."

Hua Nian looked at Jin Wen, stomped her foot hard, and turned away.

Jin Wen opened his mouth, but eventually held back not speaking.

Hua Nian returned, looking apologetically at Qin Yi, "Brother Qin, I’m sorry, I..."

"It’s alright, I understand," Qin Yi said with a smile, having heard Jin Wen and Hua Nian’s conversation word for word.

Jin Wen seemed a bit unreasonable, but it was for the Elf Clan’s safety. Honestly, although such people are rigid, they act safely.

Hua Nian said, "Brother Qin, please wait here for a bit; I’ll go find Grandma Hua. As long as Grandma Hua agrees, Brother Jin Wen can’t stop you."

Qin Yi was about to nod when he suddenly looked in a direction. Although blind, his gaze was still as sharp as a hawk.

Through the mist, a tall and handsome man with a dozen elves were rapidly approaching. Their attire was much like Jin Wen’s.

"Daddy, it’s daddy..."

Little Leaf suddenly broke free from Qin Yi’s arms and happily flew towards the newcomer.

The tall, handsome man opened his arms, hugged Little Leaf, then gave her an up-and-down glance, his worried expression visibly relaxing.

"Daddy, Little Leaf missed you so much." Little Leaf hugged the man’s neck, acting sweet.

The man suddenly frowned, scolding, "You little rascal, so bold to sneak outside. Wait until we get back, I’ll spank your butt."

Though scolding with his mouth, the love and kindness in his eyes were unmistakable.

"Daddy." Hua Nian walked over, bowing her head guiltily, "I’m sorry, daddy, for worrying you."

The man looked Hua Nian up and down, seeing her safe and sound, smiled, "It’s good that you’re back safely. Returning safe is what matters. You mustn’t sneak out again."

Hua Nian nodded gently, "Don’t worry, daddy. I won’t sneak out again."

"Daddy, this is Big Brother." Little Leaf flew out of the man’s embrace and returned to Qin Yi’s arms. She seemed to prefer Qin Yi more.

The man was a bit envious; he hadn’t hugged enough yet. In the blink of an eye, she snuggled into another man’s arms, making him feel jealous.

"Chief Hua."

Jin Wen led everyone in saluting.

The man waved, "Stand up."

Then, Hua Nian introduced Qin Yi and the others to the man.

Qin Yi learned that Hua Nian’s father was named Hua Chen, he was the top official of the Elf Generals, guarding the safety of the Elf Clan.

Upon hearing Qin Yi had saved Hua Nian and Little Leaf, Hua Chen expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

"Chief Hua, can we speak privately?"

Hua Chen hesitated, then nodded slightly.

Qin Yi handed Little Leaf back to Hua Nian and then walked to the side with Hua Chen.

Not long after, a low growl from Hua Chen was heard, "Is what you said true?"

Qin Yi turned and waved to Yun Mengyao and the others, indicating there was no issue. Then, he resumed talking with Hua Chen.

The two talked for about ten minutes.

Hua Chen and Qin Yi returned, Hua Chen looked at Jin Wen, "I’ve invited Master Qin to the Elf Clan."

Jin Wen’s face changed drastically, "Chief Hua, this isn’t according to protocol."

"What protocol? Protocol is dead, people are alive. If anything goes wrong, I’ll take responsibility."

With that, he looked at Qin Yi and said, "Master Qin, everyone, please follow me."

Jin Wen followed behind, keeping a wary eye on Qin Yi and the others.

Hua Chen said, "Master Qin, please don’t mind, this young man is just a bit stubborn."

"It’s alright, people like that work earnestly."

"That’s true, this young man’s work is reliable and trustworthy, very reassuring."

Walking and conversing all the way, they finally stopped in front of a giant ancient tree so big it would take seven or eight people to hug it.

This old tree was enormous, at least a thousand years old, with tangled roots emerging from the ground and interwoven with drooping branches and leaves, forming a complete wall.

Qin Yi’s expression gradually grew shocked, "This giant tree actually has life."

Hua Chen looked at Qin Yi with surprise, "Have you cultivated spiritual power?"

Qin Yi was slightly startled, then nodded slightly. He heard the snoring of the ancient tree just now but not very clearly.

"That’s right, this is the Holy Tree of our Elf Clan. Those who have cultivated spiritual power can sense the presence of the Holy Tree, and if the spiritual power is high, can communicate with it. So far, only Grandma Hua in our Elf Clan can do this."

Hua Chen said, stepping forward to salute, respectfully, "Holy Tree, please let us pass."

No response came.

Qin Yi whispered, "It seems to be asleep."

"Are you crazy? How can a tree be asleep?" Yun Mengyao looked at Qin Yi disdainfully.

Before Yun Mengyao’s voice had dissipated, the ancient tree in front suddenly shook its leaves, making rustling sounds.

"Ah-woo..."

Then, a clear yawning sound shocked Yun Mengyao and everyone else into stone.

What did they just hear? A tree yawning... this was too bizarre.