35: Chapter 35 Strangers in the Three Kingdoms

Just as Zhang Hao and Lin Wan were brought into Corona City, in the other three directions of the Kingdom of a Hundred Flowers, three other two-person teams composed of strange Hosts also stepped into this magical land, facing kingdoms and fairies of vastly different styles.

Part One: Moonlight Land · Evernight Epiphyllum Kingdom (West)

Eternal night was the backdrop here, with only giant, cool silver-glowing epiphyllums providing illumination. They were like dreams condensed from moonlight, blooming and withering in the silence. The air was filled with a chill and a subtle fragrance.

Team Members:

· Mo Li (Talent: [Shadow Affinity - Grade D], Fairy: [Umbra] - a black cat that can merge into shadows): Specialized in stealth and reconnaissance, with a certain resistance to negative energy.

· Bai Zhi (Talent: [Purification Ring - Grade D+], Fairy: [Chalice] - a floating silver cup emitting soft white light): Abilities lean toward dispelling curses, purifying pollution, and providing mental protection.

Several figures seemed to separate from the moonlight itself, appearing silently before them. These fairies had ivory skin and wore robes woven from silver silk and dark petals. The wings on their backs were a deep ink-blue, inlaid with silver spots that seemed to breathe, mysterious and elegant. They held slender staves as clear as ice crystals.

“Imbalancers of light and shadow, why have you intruded upon the Moonshadow Garden of the Evernight Epiphyllum Kingdom?” The leading fairy mage's voice was cold and scrutinizing. “This place is governed by Queen Night Epiphyllum; we do not welcome anomalies that break the tranquility.” The tip of her staff glowed slightly, locking onto Mo Li, who seemed to merge with the shadows, and Bai Zhi, who radiated a pure white light.

Bai Zhi took a step forward, the [Chalice] in her hand emitting an even gentler light, dispelling some of the uncomfortable chill. “Respected guard, we are not destroyers. We sensed the mourning of the World Tree and... a hint of hidden decay. We wish to have an audience with Queen Night Epiphyllum to state what we know and offer what help we can.” Her purification power caused the coldness in the fairy mage's eyes to soften slightly.

“...Follow us. But remember, maintain absolute reverence in the presence of the Queen.” The fairy mages turned and led the two as if gliding, toward the distant palace that seemed constructed from giant epiphyllum buds and moonlight crystals, quiet and solemn.

Part Two: Windsong Plains · Gentle Breeze Dandelion Kingdom (South)

This was an endless wilderness where the wind was the eternal theme, either whispering softly or singing passionately. Giant dandelions were like green clouds, their mature seeds always ready to begin a journey with the wind. The air was full of freedom and vibrant life.

Team Members:

· Shi Yan (Talent: [Earth Guardian - Grade D+], Fairy: [Bastion] - a mini Rock Puppet covered in moss): Possessed strong defensive power and perception of earth energy, able to stabilize himself to a certain extent against strong winds.

· Feng Ling (Talent: [Breath of Freshness - Grade D], Fairy: [Wind Wisps] - a pale blue vortex constantly changing shape): Abilities lean toward dispelling toxic miasma, purifying the air, and engaging in shallow communication with wind elements.

Several swift figures came whistling in on the wind. They had healthy skin tones and wore simple armor made of tough grass leaves and fluffy dandelion down. The wings on their backs were composed entirely of visible, flowing air currents, exceptionally agile. They held boomerangs that shimmered with a cold light.

“Hey! You stone man on the ground and that... little whirlwind!” The leading fairy scout's voice was loud and clear, with the directness of the wind. “This is the Windsong Plains of the Gentle Breeze Dandelion Kingdom! I am a Wind Messenger under Queen Zhufeng! You don't look like you could have been blown here by the wind! Speak up, what are you here for?” She flew a quick circle around the two, curiously sizing up Shi Yan and his steady Fairy, who looked out of place in their surroundings.

Feng Ling tried to stabilize [Wind Wisps] and emitted a refreshing aura that calmed the mind. “Mighty Wind Messenger,” she raised her voice to be heard over the wind, “we heard the whispers of the wind, mixed with the painful groans of the distant World Tree. We hope to bring this warning to Queen Zhufeng and contribute our strength to maintaining the purity and freedom of this land.”

The Wind Messenger stopped, hands on her hips, quite enjoying the comfortable aura from Feng Ling. “Hmm... doesn't sound like bad people. Fine, I'll take you to see the Queen! But keep up; if you get lost in Sky Sail City, no one will be able to find you!” She laughed and, along with her companions, led the two toward the aerial town built from countless giant dandelion seeds entwined around several towering trees, looking as if it might take flight with the wind at any moment.

Part Three: Domain of Ripples · Flowing Water Lotus Kingdom (North)

This was a boundless expanse of clear water, with giant lotus leaves spreading forward like an emerald path, and various lotuses blooming quietly, their faint fragrance drifting. The water shimmered, filled with the power of nourishment and stillness.

Team Members:

· Lan (Talent: [Water Manipulation - Grade D], Fairy: [Xi] - a tiny fish composed of clear water): Had a natural affinity and basic control over the water element.

· Qingmu (Talent: [Life Perception - Grade D+], Fairy: [Root] - a section of emerald vine like a living creature): Could perceive the strength and flow of life force, was extremely sensitive to abnormalities like wilting and decay, and possessed a weak effect of stimulating life force.

Several graceful figures stepped on the lotus leaves and arrived elegantly. They had soft, pale blue-green skin like water and wore flowing long dresses made of fresh lotus petals and dewdrop strings. The wings on their backs were as thin as gauze, showing the texture and luster of rippling water. They held elegant long staves condensed from water, with ice-blue lotuses blooming at the tips.

“The ripples have brought a strange rhythm.” The leading fairy priestess's voice was as gentle as water, yet contained an unquestionable majesty. “This is the Domain of Ripples in the Flowing Water Lotus Kingdom, where all things live by the water. Your arrival has disturbed the established flow.” Her gaze swept over Lan and the [Xi] beside him, sensing a familiar fluctuation of water, but Qingmu and his vibrant [Root] appeared quite alien.

Qingmu bowed slightly, and the [Root] lightly touched the water's surface, sending out a ripple of life force. “Noble Priestess, we have come following the call of the life stream. We perceive that the water veins at the source of the World Tree, which supports the world, seem to be entwined by some shadow, and the life force is being obstructed. We humbly request an audience with Queen Pure Lotus to report our findings.”

The fairy priestesses were moved; Qingmu had accurately pointed out the “source water veins” and the “obstruction of life force,” which touched the very Foundation of the kingdom's existence. They exchanged glances, and the leader nodded slightly: “...Perceivers from afar, please follow us. Queen Pure Lotus is waiting in the Lotus Heart Palace for wise ones who can interpret nature's warnings.” They signaled gracefully, leading the two along the path of lotus leaves toward the holy and magnificent palace at the center of the waters, constructed from giant white-jade-like lotus pedestals and circulating living water.

Four teams from different places, each with their own unique abilities, were respectively drawn into the fates of the four flower fairy kingdoms. The journey to the top of the World Tree had not yet begun, but the first step toward gaining trust had already been taken.