Chapter 042: Sacrificial Activities on Lake Heart Island
The road at the bottom of the lake is so wide that four people can walk side by side without any problem. The surface of the huge rocks is engraved with reliefs, forming a giant long painting that tells a moving ancient legend.
Shu Li left the Elf King's shoulder and flew along the long passage with other fairy cubs, occasionally approaching the water walls on both sides and touching them curiously.
Then, he was splashed with water.
"Wahahahahaha—this is so fun!"
The other cubs followed suit, repeatedly rubbing their tiny hands against the wall of water, causing them to flee in all directions. Passing elves and goblins were not spared. Fortunately, they had magical defenses; the water was blocked by an invisible shield before it even splashed on them.
Shu Li had enough fun and flew back to the Elf King's shoulder.
The clothes were waterproof, but the hair was not. Water droplets were dripping from it, and they fell onto the Elf King. The transparent water droplets slid down along the folds of his robe.
The Elf King took out a small handkerchief from his storage ring and handed it to the cub. "Wipe it."
"Thank you, Wang!" Shu Li took the towel, which was like a bathrobe to him, and wiped his face and hair vigorously to clean himself.
The underwater passage is about a kilometer long. After walking for more than ten minutes, the team successfully reached the island in the middle of the lake - Gerst Island.
From the outside, Gerst Island looks like any other island.
An old bank, dense woods, a weed-covered path, a river leading to an unknown destination, and ancient buildings looming behind the trees...
It is hard to understand why such an ordinary island in the middle of a lake is a sacred place for worshiping the gods during the Midsummer Festival.
Where are the five pillars of heaven mentioned by the young goblin?
I didn’t see it!
Shu Li stretched her little neck and looked around in confusion.
The Elf King took a few steps forward, stepped onto a hexagonal stone, raised the scepter in his hand again, and recited a short spell. The hexagonal stone suddenly lit up with golden lines, forming an exquisite magic circle.
The magic circle released light, which condensed into six corners and then extended into six golden lines.
Golden threads shot upwards, as if something was broken, and the sky exploded with a myriad of colorful fireworks.
In an instant, the entire island in the middle of the lake was shrouded in a giant magic circle. Looking up from below, a beautiful aurora appeared in the sky. The colorful and dreamy scenery was like a wonderful visual feast, dazzling and fascinating.
"Wow--"
The fairy cubs, who saw the large magic circle for the first time, tilted their heads back and exclaimed in amazement.
Shu Li was at the center of the magic circle, surrounded by brilliant light, and subconsciously raised his hands to shield his eyes.
After an unknown amount of time, the magic circle in the sky gradually dimmed, dissolving into countless stars before disappearing without a trace. The disguise of Gust Island was shed, revealing its true face. A profound transformation had taken place.
A circular square appeared on the island, with a square altar rising in the middle. Five thick stone pillars were distributed around the square, standing tall, like pillars of heaven breaking through the sky and reaching the clouds.
In front of the square is a stone staircase with a hundred steps. Walking up the stairs to the end is the Milady Palace, where the gods once lived when they descended to the mortal world.
Since the end of the War of the Gods, Milady Palace has been idle for ten thousand years.
Under the protection of the magic circle, even after tens of thousands of years, it is still as beautiful as ever, without leaving many traces of time.
Every year during the Midsummer Festival, the long-lived elves and fairies would come to the island in the middle of the lake to offer sacrifices, and they were already accustomed to everything here.
But the newborn fairy cub was on the island for the first time and was full of curiosity about everything. He flew to the square with excitement.
The young fairy protected the cubs, his wings glowing with a faint fluorescence. He was so small, like a group of fireflies flying among the flowers.
Shu Li had already left the Elf King's shoulder and was flying with his friends.
The elves and fairies arrived at the square and immediately became busy, performing various magic tricks in a showy manner.
The fallen leaves on the square and the altar were swept away by wind magic, revealing the green stone slabs. Water magic then scrubbed the stone slabs, cleaning them spotlessly and without a speck of dust.
The elves stood before the stone pillar, dropped a few seeds, and chanted wood magic. The seeds quickly sprouted and grew, breaking through the soil. Their vines wrapped around the stone pillar, spiraling upwards. In the blink of an eye, they soared dozens of meters, their leaves lush and blooming with beautiful flowers, adorning the stone pillar with a vibrant array of colors.
The fairy cubs flew happily to the stone pillar, got close to the beautiful flowers, and smelled the fresh fragrance.
Shu Li, Disio and a few other friends landed on the vines of a stone pillar and looked down at the bustling scene in the square.
As night falls, the silver moon like a jade plate slowly rises into the sky, the sky is full of stars, and the breeze is gentle, which is refreshing.
The altar was already piled high with firewood, and a fireball fell from the sky. The bonfire instantly ignited, lighting up the entire square.
Beautiful and pleasant music sounded, and the most important sacrificial ceremony of Midsummer Festival began.
Several elves and fairies sat in a corner of the square, holding various musical instruments and playing a touching symphony.
“Ding-ling-ling——”
The beautiful female elf pinched the corner of her long skirt and danced lightly on the clean stone floor with her bare feet. The small bells on her wrists and ankles made crisp music as she moved.
The handsome male elf clapped his hands, walked towards the female elf he liked with light steps, saluted gracefully, and danced a duet in time with their steps.
The fairies were not idle either. Some of them were dancing, while others were preparing a sumptuous dinner.
There are many stone tables around the square. After being washed by water magic, they are clean and dust-free. The fairies take out fresh food and wine from their storage bags and arrange them neatly.
The cubs' stomachs had been growling with hunger for a long time. When they smelled the fragrance of food, they flew towards the stone table, opened their big, bright eyes, and looked eagerly at the adult goblins.
The adult goblin was amused by their greedy expressions and said gently, "Go wash your hands over there, then come back to eat."
There is a stone basin next to the stone table, filled with clean water for everyone to wash their hands.
The cubs immediately flew to the stone basin, and like butterflies, they dipped their hands into the water and scrubbed them vigorously. Once clean, they flew back to the stone table and pounced on their favorite food.
Budno was the first to rush to the stone table, picked up a red fruit and began to eat it greedily.
The adult fairy saw this and gently touched his head: "Little cutie, eat slowly, there is still a lot."
"Hmm~" Budno nodded while chewing the fruit, without slowing down at all.
Shu Li picked up a fruit that was big enough, placed it on a small plate at the corner of the table, and nibbled it politely, watching the men and women dancing in the square without blinking.
What a lively night.
What wonderful music.
What a free race.
Immersed in a fantasy scene, everything seems unreal like a dream.
After finishing a fruit and feeling half full, he took out the handkerchief that the Elf King had given him from his storage ring and wiped the juice off his hands.
After wiping his hands, he looked around, searching for the shadow of the Elf King.
There were so many elves and fairies dancing in the square, each of them was dressed in gorgeous clothes, and most of them had golden hair. For a moment, it was impossible to find the Elf King.
Shu Li looked back and saw that the other cubs were still struggling for food, so he flew to the square alone.
After flying around for a while and not finding the Elf King, he became confused.
Isn't the Elf King here on such an important occasion?
"Sperian, are you looking for the king?" A lazy voice came into Shu Li's ears. He turned his head in surprise and found the black-haired elf leaning against the stone pillar.
"Ilio!" Shuri flapped her wings and flew in front of him. "Aren't you going to dance?"
Elio smiled. "I'm waiting for the next song."
Shu Li tilted her head: "Is there any difference?"
Elio winked at him and said mischievously, "Of course there's a difference. The song right now is 'Vision of the Moon,' perfect for couples. I'm single, so I won't join in the fun."
I see!
Shu Li suddenly understood.
No wonder everyone dancing in the square is in pairs; it turns out the song being played is a couple's song.
"No elf confessed to you?" Shu Li asked curiously.
Ilio spread his hands. "Maybe it's because I'm too young. They think I'm still a kid."
Shu Li looked him up and down and asked hesitantly, "Um...how old are you?"
Elio didn't hide anything and answered generously, "530 years old."
Shu Li: ⊙_⊙
530 years old and still considered too young!
How old are the other elves?
Wait, if he remembered correctly, Elsa told him that the Elf Mother Tree had not given birth to an elf cub for more than five hundred years.
So, Ilio might be... the youngest elf of the elves!
It's understandable that he's disliked by the older elves because he's too young.
"Where is the goblin?" Shu Li asked again.
Just now, when he was walking around the square, he saw elves and fairies dancing a duet.
Ilio sighed. "Although there are fairies around my age,... our personalities and living habits are different, so it's hard to get along."
"Oh..." Shu Li nodded in understanding. Relationships can't be forced. Only when there's mutual affection can a relationship last forever.
"Then...what about the king?" he asked hesitantly.
The Elf King has lived for so long, he must be very popular!
Elio held up a finger and shook it gently. "The king has always been single!"
Shu Li was surprised: "Why?"
She's still single? That means she's been a virgin for tens of thousands of years... Well, sorry, he shouldn't think like that. It's disrespectful to the Elf King!
Elio looked at the cub's rich expression and asked with interest, "Do you like the king?"
Shu Li answered without hesitation: "I like it!"
Who doesn't like the Elf King?
So beautiful, noble, elegant and powerful, making everyone yearn for it.
Elio asked again: "Do you want to be the king's companion?"
Shu Li opened his eyes wide in shock, staring at the black-haired elf as if he were a fool, and stammered, "Of course... I dare not even think about it!"
The Elf King is a sacred being, how dare he blaspheme!
Also, he was just a little cub now, how could Ilio ask him such a question?
Elio let the cub stare at him and said with a smile, "No one dares to think about it."
Shu Li puffed out his cheeks and prepared to leave.
"Wait—" Ilio stopped the cub and kindly reminded him, "If you want to find the king, you can go to the temple."
"Temple?" Shu Li was confused.
Ilio pointed to Milady's palace at the top of the stone staircase. "Every Midsummer, the king goes to the temple to pray to the gods."
Although we can no longer communicate with the gods, the customs passed down from ancient times cannot be changed.
Shu Li followed the direction he pointed and looked towards the towering palace at the end of the stone stairs.
This temple, once favored by the gods, now stands quietly in the night, looking extremely lonely.
Is the Elf King praying alone in the temple?
He couldn't help but think of the scene he saw in the illusion.
The young Elf King is the favorite of the God of Light. He can freely enter and leave the palace of the God of Heaven and have fun with the gods.
Now that he can no longer see the gods, will he feel lost?
Shu Li flew forward half a meter and suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Ilio asked.
Shu Li pursed her lips, looked at the dim stone stairs and the pitch-black palace, and refused to admit that she was a little afraid of the dark.
Ilio could see the little cub's concern and asked with a smile, "Do you need me to take you there?"
"——No!" Shu Li refused decisively. God only knew if this unruly elf would take him to some strange place.
He turned and flew back to the dining table to find his little friend.
"Desio, Angel, Budno...are you full?"
Discio and Angel burped: "We're full, we're full."
They ate so much that their little tummies were full.
Budno held a small biscuit in each hand, his cheeks puffed up, and mumbled, "Wait a little longer."
Although he was full, he wanted to eat a little more.
Shu Li pointed to the palace in the distance and asked, "Do you want to go there to play?"
Disio's eyes lit up: "Okay!"
He goes wherever the boss goes.
Besides, the palace looks like a great place to explore!
"Let's go play!" Angel agreed. For the fairy cub, after eating and drinking, the next step is to play.
Budno struggled between food and playing, and finally chose to play, reluctantly putting down the biscuit in his hand.
The other cubs are very sharp-eared and will definitely not miss out if they hear there is something fun to do.
"Sperian, I want to go with you too!"
"Me, me, me, and me—"
"The temple is dark, I'm a little scared..."
"If everyone goes, we won't be afraid!"
"Hurry up, hurry up, when Elsa comes, she will not let us run around."
Soon, a group of goblin cubs, led by Shuli, flew towards the temple. When passing in front of Ilio, Shuli turned around and stuck out her tongue at him.
The other cubs acted in unison, sticking their tongues out at Ilio.
Ilio: ...
Looking at the group of white and tender little cubs, his hands were itching to grab one and rub it, especially the little fat one, which was soft and felt great.
After the cubs flew away, "Vision of the Moon" ended. Ilio was about to dance to the next song. Just as he took a step, he suddenly felt a chill beside him. He subconsciously turned his head and met Sit's sharp eyes.
"Huh? Something?" he asked with a smile.
Sit said seriously, "What did you say to the little cub just now?"
Elio spread his hands innocently: "No, I didn't say anything."
Sit sneered, "Really? Then why are all the cubs flying to the palace?"
Elio coughed lightly and said, "It seems Sperian is looking for the king. I'll help him out and tell him that the king is praying in the temple."
Sit narrowed his eyes: "Besides this, have you said anything else strange?"
Ilio shook his head and denied it categorically: "No."
Sit raised his chin and repeated expressionlessly: "Then do you want to be the king's partner?"
Elio was stunned for a moment, then met Sit's dangerous gaze and said calmly, "I just...made an assumption."
"To a little cub that's only four months old—" Sid clenched his fist and swung it at Ilio mercilessly, "you actually asked such an assumption!"
Elio took a punch, took a step back, and retorted, "Since you heard it all, why didn't you stop it?"
Sit shook his slightly red fingers and glanced at the black-haired elf.
As expected of an elf warrior, his body was as hard as a rock. When he punched him, it was his own hand that got hurt.
Sit gritted his teeth and said, "I want to see how outrageous you are."
Elio rubbed his chin and admitted his mistake: "Sorry, I will pay more attention next time."
Sit snorted coldly and turned away.
Elio looked at his back and breathed a sigh of relief.
Adult goblins are well-known for being protective of their cubs, so it’s not unfair for them to be hit like that.
Besides, Sperian is really interesting.
Shuli, whom Ilio found interesting, flew with the cubs to the palace on the stone stairs.
At first he was worried that the road was too dark, but as soon as he entered the steps, the short pillars on both sides lit up one by one like induction lights, leading directly to the palace.
Magic is truly an amazing thing.
Shu Li felt emotional and flapped his wings quickly, going up along the stone steps.
The other cubs followed closely behind, chirping and making more noise, which made the stone staircase more lively. The timid cubs were no longer afraid when they saw the glowing stone pillars, and flew forward bravely.
It took a while, but the cubs successfully reached the temple.
Six huge stone pillars stood in front of the temple, looking majestic. The cubs couldn't help but quiet down. Baozi had a serious face and walked through the gate in silence.
Shu Li thought there were no lights inside the palace. After all, from the outside, the whole palace looked dark and silent. But after entering, he found that the interior was brightly lit and magnificent.
The further they flew in, the more solemn the atmosphere became. The cubs subconsciously moved closer to each other, as obedient as quails.
The hall is filled with lifelike stone statues, which seem like the reincarnation of gods.
Shu Li looked at these statues and felt that the sculptor's skills were simply ingenious. He accurately captured the essence of each god, exactly the same as what he had seen in the fantasy world.
He came to the location of the statue of the God of Light and found the Elf King as expected.
I saw a golden-haired elf, purer than the moonlight, wearing a grand and exquisite dress, with her hands clasped together and her eyes slightly closed, standing in front of the statue and praying devoutly.
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