Because of this incident, the Gondola remained silent for several hours, with no one speaking.
It wasn’t until later that Dangross, seeing Angel’s brow gradually relaxing, tentatively asked: "Mr. Pat, what happened earlier? Was someone hiding nearby?"
Dangross’s question also made the other elemental creatures perk up their ears.
Although they didn’t fully understand what had just occurred, the grey, desolate world of Earl Mi and the storm sweeping the land from Lobal were all pointing towards a suspicion: Angel seemed to be trying to seal off or even force out a hidden observer.
Angel didn’t withhold anything and recounted the events that had transpired earlier.
"Do you know of anyone in the Tidal Realm who can come and go so undetected?" Although Angel wasn’t directing his question at anyone specifically, his gaze was fixed on Cubic and Lobal.
Cubic grew up alongside Sage Kamil, and certainly knew a lot of inside information. Lobal himself had the wisdom of a sage and might also know something.
"If you talk about vanishing without a trace, it must be a wind element creature. But along the way, I didn’t sense any wind element creatures approaching." It was Lobal speaking. After thinking for a moment, he added, "Besides, even if they were fast, wind element creatures would find it difficult to escape before the changing world we just witnessed."
"Only the electric monarchs of the Black Thunder Pool and the Flashing Mountains might be capable of reaching such speeds."
"But even though these two electric monarchs are incredibly fast, they move with such a grand spectacle that it’s impossible for them to leave no trace."
This meant Lobal also didn’t know who it was.
Cubic spoke, "I’ve heard Lord Kamil say that there are many hidden strong figures in the Tidal Realm, whose strengths may not be inferior to those of the element lords. Sir is now going to meet Nami Midori, who is of such calibre."
The implication of Cubic’s words was that they might have encountered a hidden power.
Lobal added, "If such a hidden figure truly exists, they wouldn’t be without a trace. Once we reach the Green Forest Domain, you can inquire with Lord Leaf or Nami Midori; you should gain some insights."
Lobal’s suggestion was not without ground. According to what Angel knew, during each elemental tide, when the strongest in the Tidal Realm absorb elemental energy, they can sense beings of the same level, no matter how distant they might be.
Therefore, if such a hidden entity truly exists, perhaps answers can be found from the elemental lords across various regions.
"How far are we from the Green Forest Domain?" Angel asked.
Lobal looked around: "At most half a day, and we’ll reach the Green Forest Domain."
Angel nodded, not saying anything further. If within this half day, the hidden one could continue to stay concealed, he’d follow Lobal’s advice.
However, if the hidden one harbored malicious intent towards them, Angel believed they would certainly attempt to act quickly.
So, while Angel didn’t show it outwardly, his guard was secretly raised to the highest level.
Half a day passed in the blink of an eye.
The journey was very peaceful, without any disturbances. During this time, Angel also didn’t sense anyone observing them.
He didn’t know if the hidden one had left or not.
But that wasn’t so important now, because—
The Green Forest Domain had been reached.
The Green Forest Domain, nestled among steep mountains, is a dense forest stretching to an unknown end. Unlike forests elsewhere, although all called forests, just one glance is enough to perceive the distinct difference.
Firstly, this forest is filled with a thin mist, not caused by weather but by an intense, almost tangible natural aura.
Under this natural aura, it’s not just the wood creatures; even ordinary wild magical creatures grow fat and strong. If a Nature Witch were here, they’d thrive just by breathing in this environment.
Additionally, the plants in this forest are extraordinarily tall and filled with an ancient charm. It is an untouched, truly primal forest.
Moreover, the biggest difference from outside forests is the innumerable wood creatures.
Even if Angel hadn’t yet set foot inside, he had already seen many elemental creatures: the running treants, vine creatures twisting like snakes, floating reed creatures, and the dancing butterfly flowers...
These wood creatures made the mist-shrouded forest not only lifeless but also exude an ever-increasing vitality.
The only thing that puzzled Angel was why they were getting closer to the Gondola?
Soon after, a fluffy creature resembling a dandelion stood on the Gondola’s bow, swaying as it spoke.
"... That’s about it; Lord Leaf is already waiting for you by Sunlight Lake."
After listening to the explanation of this wood creature, which called itself Dadei Nai, Angel understood why this group of wood creatures was coming towards them.
It turned out that a few days ago, when Angel was still at the Malaya Ice Mountain, a guest arrived at the Green Forest Domain.
This guest was from the Stone Forest Canyon, a sage of the Stone Forest Canyon.
This sage brought news: The lord and the sage of the Stone Forest Canyon had received an invitation from Mr. Magu to go to the Region of Fire.
Since the Stone Forest Canyon wasn’t far from the Green Forest Domain, this sage went to the Green Forest Domain precisely to discuss with Lord Leaf.
In short, one of the messengers sent by the magical fire Midir had already delivered the message to the Stone Forest Canyon. And the sage from the Stone Forest Canyon had brought the message to the Green Forest Domain.
Thus, Leaf Groot of the Green Forest Domain was already aware that Angel and others would soon bring the invitation to the Region of Fire. Therefore, they sent Dadei Nai to wait on the outskirts of the Green Forest Domain to guide them to the core of the Green Forest Domain: by Sunlight Lake.
Angel pondered for a moment. The fact that Leaf Groot had Dadei Nai wait outside suggested they inclined towards goodwill.
Moreover, with the Stone Forest Canyon sage’s assistance, it saved him the trouble of explanations, which was nice.
Thinking about this, Angel said to Dadei Nai, "Then please show us the way."
Dadei Nai swayed its fluff: "It’s my honor, please follow me."
With Dadei Nai accompanying them, they didn’t need to disembark and directly piloted the Gondola deep into the Green Forest Domain.
While progressing, Angel gave Dangross a look, and through recent interactions, Dangross understood Angel’s intention at once.
Dangross coughed to attract Dadei Nai’s attention, and then, putting on a curious expression, began subtly investigating how Leaf Groot behaved after meeting the Stone Forest Canyon sage. This was to determine what Leaf Groot was truly thinking.
Dadei Nai clearly had heard of Dangross’s name, displaying evident goodwill towards this fire element creature born from Kalomchis’s ashes.
Regarding Dangross’s inquiry, Dadei Nai didn’t hide anything and said everything he could.
Listening on the side, Angel summarized the information, which was basically in line with his judgment. Since Leaf Groot was willing to send someone to welcome them, it can be assumed they were not opposed.
But whether Leaf Groot’s intentions were as consistent as his demeanor could only be known after meeting it.