Aside from Leaf Groot’s demeanor, Dangross also tried to change the conversation with Tadinai towards Nami Midori.
However, Tadinai smiled and diverted the topic: "As for Nami Midori’s affairs, it’s better to wait for His Highness Leaf to speak with you all, I wouldn’t dare to overstep. Moreover, I truly don’t know."
From Tadinai’s response, it’s clear that it noticed Dangross trying to gather information. Since the previous details did not involve secrets, it could answer. But once it touched upon matters it couldn’t discuss, its refusal was very evident.
In just this short ten-minute interaction, it became apparent that Tadinai is a very clever Elemental Creature. It understands etiquette, knows its boundaries, and respects limits. It’s no wonder Leaf Groot would send it to greet Angel and the group.
After a while, the Gondola passed through a delicate mist, revealing a mountain peak surrounded by clouds.
This mountain peak has a distinctive shape, as if the top of a conical mountain was cut off, resembling a volcanic crater. It’s somewhat similar to Mount Fuji that Angel saw in the Holographic Tablet, except without snow at the peak.
Under Tadinai’s guidance, the Gondola flew towards the summit of this mountain.
When arriving at the top, Angel discovered that the mountaintop was indeed sunken in, but not as a volcano crater as imagined — but instead, it was a very expansive lake.
At this moment, the sky was clear, and although clouds shrouded the peak, they did not block the sunshine. The lake, under the sunshine, shimmered with ripples, as if a layer of gold powder was spread over the surface, looking quite enchanting.
"This lake is Sunlight Lake." Tadinai paused, then pointed to one side of Sunlight Lake: "Over there is where His Highness resides."
Following Tadinai’s direction, Angel saw a towering tree standing by the golden lake.
On the trunk of this tree, there grew human-like features, though veiled by layers of bark, giving it an aged appearance.
"That is... His Highness Leaf?" Angel asked softly.
Tadinai nodded: "Yes, His Highness is already waiting for you, sir."
...
Angel had previously speculated that Leaf Groot’s task should be quite easy; indeed, it was.
Upon arriving at Sunlight Lake’s shore, Angel was met with a warm reception of a welcoming ceremony, not only with fluttering leaves but with vines emerging from beneath the earth weaving seats; Leaf Groot even personally summoned a rain storm full of natural ambiance...
Thankfully, Angel sensed the increased air humidity and activated a force field, otherwise he would have become drenched.
After the unique and warm welcoming ceremony, the conversation between Leaf Groot and Angel went smoothly as well.
Angel handed over the Shadow Box to Leaf Groot and watched the trilogy together with it.
After watching, Leaf Groot marveled at the human’s power while also expressing its willingness to accept Mr. Magu’s invitation and promised definitely to visit the Region of Fire. However, being a Treant, traveling long distances was tough; it finally decided to send The Sage to go.
Leaf Groot made the decision promptly, sparing Angel much persuasion.
It could be said that Leaf Groot has been the most relaxed conversational partner Angel encountered along this journey. Although it wasn’t as straightforwardly agreeable as Frost Iser, it showed considerable goodwill.
Angel estimated that perhaps the arrival of the sage from the canyon stone forest earlier had given Leaf Groot time to deliberate; thus, Angel’s arrival coincided with its decision-making process.
Nonetheless, compared to the task of "delivering the Shadow Box," Angel was more interested in meeting Nami Midori.
Yet, when Angel mentioned Nami Midori, the previously straightforward Leaf Groot hesitated for the first time.
After a long pause, Leaf Groot finally asked, "Must you see them?"
Angel nodded without hesitation: "I must see them, I want to learn more about Mr. Feng."
Seeing Angel’s determination, Leaf Groot pondered for a moment before speaking: "To be honest, I haven’t seen Teacher Nami Midori for a long time either."
"Teacher Nami Midori...? Angel had never heard that Leaf Groot was a student of Nami Midori before.
Leaf Groot’s aged face showed a hint of embarrassment: "In truth, I am not officially accepted as Teacher Nami Midori’s student; I have learned many things from the teacher, so I voluntarily call them teacher. However, the teacher does not acknowledge this title."
Angel was enlightened, not dwelling further on the title, he signaled Leaf Groot to continue.
"The last time I saw the teacher was three hundred years ago... In fact, I didn’t truly see the teacher that time, only heard the teacher’s voice."
Leaf Groot’s eyes gradually became hazy as it fell into reminiscing.
Actually, when assuming the role as the Lord of the Green Forest Domain, Leaf Groot’s strength had not truly reached the level of an Element Monarch. It was just that the previous Monarch, Starwood Wood, passed too suddenly, and Nami Midori was unwilling to assume the responsibility as Monarch, leading Leaf Groot to be pushed into the role.
After many years, Leaf Groot’s body, having been baptized by multiple Elemental Tides, finally advanced from its current level three hundred years ago, becoming a truly qualified Elemental Monarch.
Upon becoming Monarch, Leaf Groot went to the Lost Forest.
—The Lost Forest is where Nami Midori has always resided.
Leaf Groot hoped to invite Nami Midori to the celebration.
Standing outside the Lost Forest, Leaf Groot did not wait for Nami Midori’s appearance but heard her transmission, a simple blessing.
And since then, Leaf Groot has not received any news from Nami Midori.
After listening to Leaf Groot’s recollection, before Angel could express anything, Dangross spoke first: "You haven’t seen Lady Nami Midori for so long, aren’t you worried?"
Worry is not necessary, for the Lost Forest has always been enveloped by the teacher’s aura. Over the years, the strength of the aura has not diminished but increasingly intensified, indicating the teacher has encountered no accidents, and their strength has steadily grown deeper." Leaf Groot mentioned this, then sighed: "However, due to the aura becoming increasingly fearsome, no Elemental Creature can enter the forest. Not even I."
All creatures wishing to enter the Lost Forest are repelled by the terrifying aura; none can penetrate inside.
Thus, the Lost Forest became a forbidden territory in the Green Forest Domain. No one wishes to approach, nor does anyone dare speak of it.
Over time, many newly born Elemental Creatures in the Green Forest Domain, and many have even forgotten who Nami Midori is. Stories of Nami Midori have seemingly become legend.
Leaf Groot gazed at Angel: "Therefore, even if I agreed, you might not be able to see the teacher."
Leaf Groot’s jurisdiction is vast, but the Lost Forest is an exception. Even if it tells Angel he can meet Nami Midori, it’s an empty promise with no practical effect.
"This is indeed a bit troublesome," Angel mumbled softly, pondering aloud, "I want to know if Lord Nami Midori has explicitly expressed not wishing to see any visitors?"
After understanding that Nami Midori’s strength might far exceed Leaf Groot’s, Angel felt a bit embarrassed to call her by name directly and added a respectful suffix.