Chapter 202 (1/2)

After informing the Dragon Elders, Ben led Qi Aoshuang and Leng Lingyun out Dragon Valley. Only once they were a distance away did Ben turn to Qi Aoshuang, who was flying next to him, and say, “Haha, you can climb on my back now. It will be faster if I bring you to the Sprite Forest myself.”

Qi Aoshuang and Leng Lingyun smiled, understanding Ben’s good intentions. In Dragon Valley, Ben absolutely could not allow them to ride on his back. He was the Dragon King, the leader of the prideful dragons. How could he let humans ride on his back before them?

Now that they were far from Dragon Valley, Qi Aoshuang and Leng Lingyun sat comfortably on Ben’s back. With a deep breath, Ben took off with a sudden flap of his wings, flying rapidly. Below them, the scenery flitted by.

In half a day’s time, they arrived at the fringe of the an endless forest that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Ben descended. “We’ve arrived. This is the fringe of Sprite Forest. All of it is considered their territory.”

Qi Aoshuang looked up at the dense forest. As she concentrated her gaze, she noticed there was a faint barrier.

“This barrier was constructed by the god of Sprites to protect his people.” Ben took a few steps forward and placed his hand on the barrier. A hole wide enough for a person to enter appeared. “Let’s go. We’ll explain afterwards.”

Qi Aoshuang entered first, then Leng Lingyun and Ben. Behind them, the barrier fused together back into its original appearance.

“We are out the outer edges. Normally, no sprites roam here,” Ben explained. But then he scratched his head with vexation. “Unfortunately, the sprites hate humans the most. They’ll capture you the moment they see you, don’t even think about asking them for the artifact. As a matter of fact, they worship the artifact like a treasure.”

Qi Aoshuang frowned. “We’ll see after we meet them. The dragons and sprites have never been hostile. You are the dragon king, after all. It might be best for you not to appear.”

“It doesn’t matter. Worst case, I’ll mask my face when I help you steal it.” Ben chuckled. He was about to tear off a piece of cloth to cover his face.

Just as Qi Aoshuang was about to laugh and say something, they heard slight movement.

Someone was there!

They all changed their expressions, their eyes narrowed as they watched ahead.

The rustling noise came closer and closer.

Qi Aoshuang was on high alert. The sound came not just from in front of them, but all around them.

The next moment,there was a blur of shadowy figures. The sound of rustling went on continuously as the three felt their feet first constricted, then their wrists, then their waists.

Qi Aoshuang look at her ankles and wrists with alarm. Tree vines! Green tree vines were attacking them from every direction, immediately entwining their arms and legs tightly.

Ben took a breath, about to forcefully snap the green vines.

“Wait! Don’t move.” Qi Aoshuang stopped Ben. Leng Lingyun did the same as Qi Aoshuang. None of them had moved an inch, letting the vines wrap around their entire body.

Ben snorted. Then, he remembered. The sprites loved peace, a good and honest race. What they loved the most was nature, cherishing plants and animals. However, he had never heard of them being able to control plants.

“Filthy humans, you do not belong here. Leave now,” a cold voice said. His voice was filled with faint arrogance, annoying Ben.

“Is this how sprites treat their visitors?” Ben’s old habits resurfaced. In an instant, he released dragon might.

There was a collective gasp in the forest.