In the Name of Empress

Chapter 676 382: Fire Wall

Face is something mutually given.

Right now, the Earth Spirit Race is struggling for survival, not at all capable of striving for domination.

All Kromi wanted was space to live, yet Roland gave him so much more, how could he not reciprocate.

His promise was akin to subtly placing the Earth Spirit Race in a subordinate position.

Kromi's informed discretion greatly pleased Roland, making this somewhat shriveled little old man appear quite dignified in his eyes.

Having seen enough barbarians, civilized people appeared especially valuable.

With the agreement reached, Kromi once again enthusiastically invited Roland to stay for a few days, and naturally, Roland couldn't refuse.

Although this run-down place had none of the grandeur from the Earth Spirit Race's heyday, face still had to be given.

The hospitality this time was not as formal as before, with fewer protocols but a bit more closeness.

Kromi, who hadn't drunk in many years, even brought out a jar of white liquor saved from the end of the Sixth Era to share with Roland.

With a few drinks down, Kromi, fueled by alcohol, began to speak words he usually wouldn't.

There are too many Yehus, they cannot be killed off!

Kromi grumbled indignantly.

Perhaps because the Third Era saw them utterly defeated by the Divine Punishment Legion, or because they were cursed for eradicating the Goddess' Favored, the Earth Spirit Race's already unreliable ability to reproduce was further weakened.

Despite the tribe's consistent and strenuous efforts to encourage childbirth, the Earth Spirit Race's population never exceeded a million, and now has dwindled to less than three hundred thousand.

Reflecting on their peak when they shared dominion of the world with the Elf Race, having fallen to such a state, Roland couldn't help but sigh.

But he quickly thought of the Elf Race now reduced to only a handful, and the words of comfort froze on his lips, turning into self-deprecation.

"Kromi the Wise, you at least still have hundreds of thousands of people, with a stable living environment there's still hope, but my people, at best, only number a few now, it should be me envying you."

Kromi widened his eyes at Roland, carefully discerning whether Roland was lying, and after confirming Roland was not joking, he couldn't help but shake his head and quip: "I assumed you came this time to rescue the Southern Elves."

"Southern Elves?!"

This time, it was Roland's turn to widen his eyes; he could hardly believe his ears.

"You truly didn't know?"

Kromi sighed lightly, saying forlornly: "Perhaps not seeing them was indeed wise of you."

He recounted the tragic plight of the Southern Elves.

The Elf Race, too, was a major target of the Divine Punishment Legion, and their end was even worse.

Because of their handsome men and beautiful women, after their complete defeat, the Elf Race became slaves to the Divine Punishment Legion, primarily providing services not aimed at reproduction.

The Divine Punishment Legion of the Third Era was severely damaged in suppressing wars, unable to continue executing tasks, gradually disappearing, and this leftover Elf Race continued living with a blood soul curse in their bodies.

"Now they are unrecognizable, their former splendor lost, do you truly intend to see them?"

Kromi looked at Roland with some unease.

Roland picked up his glass, downed the strong liquor in one gulp, and said word by word, "No matter what they've become now, I will bring them home."

"I am the only current Wise Man of the Elf Race, I have the duty to take care of each member. Kromi the Wise, please tell me the current situation of the Elf Race descendants."

Kromi hesitated for a moment, then took out a crystal ball from his pocket, holding it with both hands, and handed it to Roland.

Roland knew this was the Elf Race's last ember, not daring to slack off, he quickly stretched out both hands to solemnly receive it.

Lisa, knowing Roland was emotionally stirred, placed her hand on the crystal ball first, giving Roland a reassuring look not to panic before infusing it with magic power.

Roland took a deep breath, striving to calm his emotions.

Though all were memories from long ago, the fact that he was a Wise Man of the Elf Race would never change.

The final return was drawing ever closer, and past grievances through several eras would come to an end.

As he observed more, Roland began to realize that many inter-clan grievances stemmed from those three demigods unworthy of ascending to the Divine Domain.

He wanted to uncover the truth behind it, to find out why they, and not Frosty Winter, the Sea Emperor, and the Demon Emperor, ascended to divinity back then.

In terms of strength, realm, and the mindset of a strong person, clearly it was the three from the defeated group who deserved it more.

Previously he boldly speculated that the ascended trio were chosen for being weaker in ambition and strength, planning the future based on this point, but after all, it was just speculation.

The surviving descendants of the Elf Race, once enslaved by the Divine Punishment Legion, perhaps held more clues.

Roland felt more grateful to Kromi, as he had the well-being of his clansmen on his mind, he didn't linger for a moment and quickly took his leave.

Kromi understood Roland's feelings, knowing well the conduct style of Roland, who was the current Wise Man.

Toward enemies, he was ruthless and unfeeling, yet toward friends and family, he still retained warmth.

Fortunately, he finally settled the stubborn old ones in the clan, turning enemies into friends with Roland, securing a ticket.

The Earth Spirit Race had long declined, and pride in a fallen clan meant nothing, yet the old ones in the clan stubbornly clung to ancestral customs.

News of Roland's southward journey had spread long ago, and the Earth Spirit Race had convened many meetings to discuss how to respond.

Kromi was the youngest Wise Man in the Hall of Sages, far younger than the old ones who were often over five hundred to a thousand years old, being only two hundred and fifty himself was still considered young and tender.

Initially, the old folks had decided on intercepting and killing Roland.

Kromi was nearly amused by these old fogies' sudden whim.

He directly asked, "Between Roland and the Yehu Commanders, who is stronger?"

Though filled with animosity towards the Elf Race, the Sages couldn't lie blatantly that Yehu was stronger, and had to speak truthfully.