Elven cultivators

Early in the morning, sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the leaf windows, casting a beam of light with fine dust suspended in the treehouse.

Tiny particles floated slowly in the beam of light, like imprisoned stardust, serene and dreamlike.

Anton, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed, opened his eyes and let out a long sigh of relief.

After a whole night of cultivation, his mastery of the "Five Elements Flame Transformation Technique" had improved even further.

"I estimate that in a few more months, we should be able to condense the Five Elements True Fire."

Anton looked down at his knees, where a branch less than a palm's length lay quietly.

Its entire body gleams with a warm, pale blue luster, and its surface is covered with fine patterns that extend to both ends like leaf veins, as if mercury is slowly flowing within them.

Even just looking at it, you can feel its vibrant life force, as if it will sprout and grow in the next instant.

It is the Eternal Branch that won first place in yesterday's practical course.

It was only after Anton got his hands on it that he discovered it could also accelerate the recovery of spiritual energy, making it perfect for assisting in the cultivation of techniques and skills.

It can significantly shorten the recovery time after spiritual energy depletion and greatly improve cultivation efficiency.

"It's a pleasant surprise."

After putting away the Eternal Branch, Anton stretched, jumped out of bed, pushed open the treehouse door, and went outside.

The cool morning air, carrying the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle, wafts over, instantly invigorating the senses.

As expected, Roman was already waiting outside.

However, her actions were somewhat puzzling.

The girl was holding a battle axe, gesturing it back and forth on her arm, sometimes frowning in thought, sometimes shaking her head and sighing, her expression so focused that it seemed she was studying some kind of unsolvable problem.

Anton's lips twitched.

What's wrong? Did you think splitting trees wasn't exciting enough, so you switched careers to researching how to split yourself?

"What are you doing?" Anton couldn't help but ask.

Roman looked up at the sound of her voice, his eyes lighting up as if he had found a savior: "You've come at the right time! Tell me quickly, what's the deal with that defensive combat technique from yesterday? I've been thinking about it all night and still can't figure out the key to it."

So that's why.

Anton was both amused and exasperated: "It's called a magical combat technique, so it must be incorporating magic. If you try to study it using the mindset of ordinary combat techniques, of course you won't be able to figure it out."

Of course, this was just a perfunctory response.

Only Anton himself knew that the forbidden golden armor was not a magical combat technique at all.

Roman couldn't cultivate it because their energy systems were completely different.

"I see..." Roman said with some disappointment.

For a warrior like her with a simple and direct fighting style, the Forbidden Golden Armor is tailor-made, and can immediately enhance her combat capabilities.

Anton naturally understood this as well, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Let me take some time to study it and see if I can modify the Forbidden Golden Armor so that you can also cultivate it."

Martial arts and combat skills do have some similarities, so with some modifications, they might even be able to be used with magic.

"real?"

Roman was overjoyed and hugged Anton tightly, almost dropping his battle axe.

"You're amazing, Anton."

The girl still carried the fresh scent of morning dew, and her long, silvery-white hair tickled his cheek.

Anton patted her back helplessly, and the two laughed and joked for a while before walking side by side toward the training field.

Along the way, Anton clearly sensed the difference.

Although he was a "celebrity" in the clan before, his fame was limited to the younger generation. The adult elves viewed him no differently than they viewed other underage members of the clan.

Gentle and tolerant, yet it also carries the scrutiny and distance of an elder towards a younger generation.

But today, as he walked along the road, every elf he encountered cast his gaze upon him with curiosity, amazement, and caution in their eyes, as if they were observing a fledgling eagle about to spread its wings.

A group of forest guards approached and even nodded in greeting.

This is a privilege that other underage elves simply cannot enjoy.

Anton naturally understood the reason behind this, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Even among the elven race, known for their aloofness, strength remains an important measure of a person's worth.

As long as one demonstrates sufficient strength, even if one is not yet an adult, one can win equality and respect.

And this often means more freedom.

While they were thinking, the two had already arrived at the training ground.

After parting ways at the door, Anton dealt with several waves of enthusiastic greetings and conversations, and as usual, he arrived at the treehouse where Darian taught. However, when he opened the door, he found that Darian was the only one inside.

"Teacher." Anton bowed slightly.

Darian looked up at the sound of his voice, a gentle smile appearing on his face: "You've come at the right time. I was just thinking that if you hadn't come today, I would have come to find you myself."

Seeing Anton's surprised expression, Darian didn't keep him in suspense and took out the Life Source Crystal, handing it over.

"This is a Life Source Crystal. The Grand Elder asked me to give it to you."

Anton was taken aback upon hearing this.

As a member of the Elf race, he had certainly heard of the extremely precious Life Crystal, and knew that the Silver Moon Clan possessed one. However, he never expected that the Grand Elder would entrust this treasure to him.

"The Grand Elder has high hopes for you," Darian said earnestly. "I hope you will not disappoint him."

Coming to his senses, Anton nodded solemnly and reached out to take the Life Source Crystal.

Darian didn't say anything more, only telling him that he could come to him if he needed anything in the future, then patted him on the shoulder and turned to leave.

Anton held the Life Source Crystal, his feelings complex and difficult to understand.

His main purpose in creating the dual cultivation aura of magic and martial arts for himself was to gain more freedom so that he could openly cultivate his skills and techniques in the future.

And this goal was indeed achieved, even better than he had anticipated.

The Grand Elder entrusted him with the clan's only Life Source Crystal, demonstrating his high regard for his talent and potential.

It could even be said that the future of the clan was staked on him.

This made Anton feel a heavy responsibility.

"This item is hard to carry."

Anton put away the Life Source Crystal and stopped dwelling on it.

Although reaching a high level in cultivation inevitably requires clearing away karma, there are more methods than just severing ties and destroying one's nature. He also did not intend to walk the path of ruthlessness, so naturally he did not need to resist or bear the consequences.

Composing himself, Anton left the treehouse, preparing to return to continue his cultivation.

As soon as they stepped out of the magic zone, they caught a glimpse of a familiar figure under the shade of a tree not far away.

It's Eleanor.

She was obviously waiting for Anton here, and when she saw him come out, she immediately came to greet him.

Anton was somewhat puzzled.

He and Eleanor barely interacted, having barely exchanged a few words. He was curious why she was waiting for him there.

As a result, Eleanor's first words were completely unexpected.

"I'm sorry, Anton."

Anton looked bewildered: "Why are you apologizing to me?"

Eleanor pursed her lips, as if she had made up her mind, and frankly revealed her thoughts: "I always thought you didn't cherish your magical talent, and I disapproved of your behavior. I said a lot of bad things about you behind your back."

She paused, her ear tips turning slightly red, but she stubbornly looked directly into Anton's eyes: "Until yesterday, I realized that I had misunderstood you. I am sorry, and I am ashamed of my narrow-mindedness."

Anton paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

This girl... is a bit too honest.

If she had kept this to herself, she would have had no way of knowing and naturally wouldn't have held a grudge against her. But instead, she took the initiative to come and tell her everything, and even apologized solemnly.

Are all elves this simple-minded?

"It's alright," Anton waved his hand. "Don't worry about it."

Eleanor carefully observed his expression and, seeing that he genuinely didn't care, breathed a sigh of relief and felt a slight increase in her favor towards Anton.

The other party is truly magnanimous.

"Thank you." She gave a genuine smile, then changed the subject, her eyes brightening and sharpening again. "However, while you are indeed very capable now, I won't give up so easily. I will catch up with you, and even surpass you, sooner or later!"

After saying this, she gave Anton a deep look, then turned and left.

Anton paused for a few seconds, then chuckled and shook his head.

"Not only is he honest and straightforward, but he's also incredibly competitive..."