From the thin mist of the Green Forest Domain, one can discern that this mist is not real but rather an ultimate manifestation of natural power.
This is even more exaggerated compared to the Tree Spirit’s true form—the Eternal Tree.
Of course, the Eternal Tree can achieve similar effects, but there’s no need, and it would only increase consumption.
But the Green Forest Domain is different; it naturally harbors so much wood elemental energy. Elemental tides bring a terrifying amount, and wood creatures can autonomously emit a certain degree of natural power, creating a virtuous cycle that forges a Green Forest Domain impossible to replicate externally.
While skimming across the sky of the Green Forest Domain, some tiny green light dots drifted over.
Rhein waved his hand, and these light dots landed on his hand. Upon careful inspection, he discovered that these green light dots, about the size of Dust, surprisingly had eyes and mouths.
"This is a type of spore-type wood creature." With Rhein’s vast knowledge, he made an accurate deduction.
After determining the identity of the green light dots, Rhein was even more amazed.
The floating green light dots in the air were countless, which means they might all be a kind of wood creature.
Do not underestimate them due to their small size, as they can be cultivated, and upon maturation, they will possess great power.
Such a terrifying number of wood creatures is unimaginable in the outside world, but here... they’re akin to Dust.
"The extraordinary attainments cultivated over thousands of years have become commonplace here." This disparity left even Wizards like Rhein and Sanders astonished.
However, they had reached the core of the Green Forest Domain, surrounded by many wood creatures, so they maintained their calm and composed demeanor.
Soon, the gondola flew close to the Lost Forest.
As soon as they landed, Rhein and Sanders sensed many gazes from the dense forest, stealthily observing them.
Presumably, these were all wood creatures.
According to usual practice, they would at least root out these lurking gazes, but being newcomers with the intention of peaceful negotiation with Nami Midori, they refrained from action against the elemental creatures of the Green Forest Domain, pretending not to notice them.
Angel also noticed those gazes: "Because Lord Nami Midori resides nearby, usually, there are no elemental creatures around. Recently, as Lord Nami Midori awakened, His Highness Maoye often visits here, so the wood creatures have increased."
Elemental creatures possess wisdom and curiosity. Previously, they viewed the Lost Forest as forbidden territory and dared not tread nearby, but with His Highness Maoye frequently coming over, it naturally sparked curiosity among the elemental creatures, which is why this scene unfolded.
"No need to mind them; let’s proceed." Angel gestured to everyone to head toward the Lost Forest.
Angel initially intended to take them to meet Nami Midori, but sensing that Nami Midori hadn’t logged off from the Wilderness of Dreams yet, he decided to lead them to Palysanya instead, as he vaguely felt a familiar aura nearby.
As they entered the Lost Forest, the mist thickened, signifying a stronger presence of natural power. Simultaneously, the oppressive force of Nami Midori came forth.
"Nami Midori’s oppressive force is quite interesting," Rhein murmured. For the first time, he was experiencing the oppressive force of a half-step legendary level elemental creature.
Though the oppressive force wasn’t substantial, there was a faint sense of immense grandeur, as if an inverted forest loomed overhead.
It felt akin to authority bestowed by nature.
Without further comment, they traversed through the mist and soon arrived at the open area where Palysanya resided.
The hazy mist severely limited visibility, but Angel could still faintly see two towering tree shadows at the center of the open area... huh, two shadows?
One is Palysanya, but who is the other tree shadow?
While Angel speculated internally, everyone felt a surge from the ground. Something seemed to be rushing swiftly toward their location from underground.
Both Rhein and Sanders furrowed their brows, although they took no action, firstly because they didn’t expect a sudden battle here, and secondly, even if a battle erupted, they wouldn’t fear.
The surging ground wave stopped as it reached them.
Soon after, a plethora of sturdy roots broke through the ground, flailing like tentacles with a menacing vibe. This feeling vanished as the roots combined and intertwined.
The roots formed archways.
More than twenty root archways stretched from directly before them to the mist’s end.
"What’s this?" Rhein slightly furrowed his brow.
Above the archway, a mouth appeared out of nowhere, emitting a peculiar laugh: "Ha ha ha ha ha~~ Are humans again? This time Angel brought back two humans."
"One is the Controller of the Barbarian Cave, and the other is my mentor." Angel softly called out its name: "Palysanya."
"Was this your purpose for going out?"
"Yes."
Palysanya sighed gently: "Come on in. Distant Guests, His Highness Maoye and I are inside waiting for you."
His Highness Maoye! Angel understood why he saw two tree shadows in the mist earlier; the other was Leaf Groot.
The group stepped onto the archway path.
As each archway was passed, the previous one vanished, returning underground.
Walking along, the gateways disassembled as they went.
"It has quite a sense of ritual," Sanders whispered.
"A ceremony? Perhaps. This is the Guard of Honor, a welcoming ritual," said the mouth above the archway. "You are the third to receive this ritual from me in nearly a thousand years."
"A ritual?" Sanders asked, "Who were the first two to receive the Guard of Honor?"
As the conversation ended, they arrived at the presence of Palysanya.
Palysanya closed the last archway and said, "The first was Mr. Feng, and the second is the little trickster beside you."
The ’little trickster’ Angel remained silent.