"Hmph, I always said these outsiders are no good!" The Third Elder snorted, "They came to our world for that laughable path to godhood, but after all these countless years, has anyone truly deified? It’s simply ridiculous!"

"In my view, they are a bunch blinded by greed, driven solely by profit!" The Third Elder continued, "I suggest that from now on, our Dark Feather Elf Clan should no longer welcome outsiders. If outsiders enter our territory, even if we don’t kill them, they should be driven out!"

"The Third Elder makes a good point. If it weren’t for the outsiders, how could our treasure have been stolen this time?" Another elder echoed.

At this moment, the elder seated at the head position spoke calmly, "Treat every visitor well, with kindness and fairness. This has been the tradition and culture of our Dark Feather Elf Clan, as well as the mission given to us by the Goddess of Nature!"

"I also know that some outsiders indeed have bad intentions, but if we start to resent all outsiders because of this, how are we different from those barbarians?"

The Third Elder protested, "Clan Leader, this concerns our elf treasure. If other races find out... our Dark Feather Elf Clan would be in danger!"

The Clan Leader of the Dark Feather Elf Clan said sternly, "I am well aware, which is why I ordered a carpet search within hundreds of kilometers. We must find those outsiders; until we find them, they are merely suspects!"

The Third Elder pursed his lips, his impression of outsiders now extremely poor, disagreeing with the Clan Leader. Who else could have stolen the treasure, if not the outsiders?

The Clan Leader addressed the Fifth Elder, "Elder Five, I believe those outsiders have definitely not left our territory. We need to strengthen vigilance, and once found, capture them immediately. If there’s resistance, kill them without hesitation!"

"Clan Leader, I understand!" The Fifth Elder smiled coldly, "I’ll make them regret it!"

...

After the meeting ended, the Clan Leader returned to his palace, where Mia pounced into his arms like a butterfly, "Grandfather, today I encountered an outsider and personally brought him into our Yunke Forest."

"Oh? Our Mia can catch people now?" The Elf Clan Leader said merrily.

Mia pouted, "I’m the most talented sharpshooter of our Dark Feather Elf Clan. What’s strange about catching an outsider? But... Grandfather, this outsider is quite interesting."

"How interesting? Tell Grandfather, I’m curious." The Clan Leader asked.

Like a joyous nightingale, Mia recounted the incident of capturing Ling Feng to the Clan Leader.

"Grandfather, that guy even haggled with Brother Ye Luo; he wasn’t afraid at all!" Mia blinked her eyes.

The Clan Leader chuckled, "He isn’t afraid because of our Dark Feather Elf Clan’s tradition and reputation! We are a race that loves peace and nature; those with clear intent naturally wouldn’t fear us. It seems you indeed caught the wrong person. That fellow named Ling Feng should not be involved in the theft of our treasure."

"Then should I release him tomorrow?" Mia blinked her eyes.

"No rush, investigate thoroughly first!" The Clan Leader said, "If it truly has nothing to do with him, then let him go."

"Oh, alright then!" Mia nodded.

Although Ling Feng didn’t know exactly what had happened with the Dark Feather Elf Clan, he could ascertain from earlier snippets that the clan was now highly tense and suspicious. Being captured by them at this time was simply bad luck.

Similarly, Ling Feng could only hope that the Dark Feather Elf Clan was truly as his father-in-law described, a peace-loving and nature-loving race that wouldn’t accuse him wrongly.

While Ling Feng was lost in thought, the wooden door of the hut opened, and two warriors from the Dark Feather Elf Clan appeared, "Ling Feng, come out!"

"What’s going on?" Ling Feng frowned slightly, sensing a foreboding aura from the two men.

"Just come out when you’re told, why so much nonsense?" One warrior stepped forward and shoved Ling Feng lightly, "You outsiders really think you’re something, huh? If not for you, how could we be so passive now?"

Ling Feng’s heart sank, but he smiled back, "Let’s discuss this peacefully. We are all civilized people; there’s no need for violence, right? Lead the way, fellows, I will cooperate."

"Hmph, smart move!" The other said, "Don’t dawdle, Captain Ye Luo is waiting for us!"

Following behind the two men, Ling Feng felt increasingly uneasy with each step.

"Fellas, where are we headed? This place feels a bit odd!" Ling Feng asked.

"Why so much talk?" A warrior sneered, "Of course, we’re taking you to where you should be. Whether you’re innocent or not will soon be clear."

Soon, Ling Feng was taken to a place resembling an interrogation room, with Ye Luo seated ahead.

"You are Ling Feng, brought back by Mia, correct?" Ye Luo regarded Ling Feng with interest, "Tell me, what’s your intention in approaching our Yunke Forest? What’s your goal with Mia?"

"I’m merely passing through; I don’t even know why I was brought back by you!" Ling Feng shrugged.

"Is that so?" Ye Luo sneered, "Looks like you won’t confess unless we give you a taste of suffering?"

Ling Feng’s heart sank, "Confess? Confess what? What is there for me to confess?"

Ye Luo ignored Ling Feng and spoke to his side, "Give him a taste of suffering, let him stay stubborn!"

"Ye Luo, is this the hospitality of your Dark Feather Elf Clan?" Ling Feng shouted, "Using torture on me?"

"Outlander, you really think you’re something, huh?" Ye Luo said coldly, "So what if we use torture on you? I’ve long been displeased with you outsiders, and today I’ll teach you a lesson!"

As soon as his words fell, two warriors came forward to restrain Ling Feng.

Having his cultivation sealed earlier by the others, Ling Feng had no strength to resist now.

With a thump, Ye Luo punched Ling Feng hard in the abdomen, causing him to groan, breaking out in cold sweat.

His weakened body had suffered greatly, that punch nearly sent his insides into chaos with pain.

"Still a tough nut, huh?" Ye Luo shook his wrist and said, "Beat him up, just don’t kill him!"

Following Ye Luo’s orders, the surrounding warriors rushed forth, raining blows down on Ling Feng.