Chapter 261 - SANGUINE TUNDRA (1/2)

”If you are looking for the entrance leading to the Sanguine Tundra, then you had come to the right place. This hanging bridge is the portal that leads to that place.”

Ecia, the troll maiden introduced to the group as she gestured at the hanging bridge behind her.

”Rest assured that this hanging bridge is as sturdy as ever. Though it does not look like one. What I can tell you is that countless troll blood was spilled in this hanging bridge before to reinforce it and allow the bridge to withstand the passing of time.”

Pain and sadness surfaced in her eyes in Ecia's eyes for a brief second when she said that. But she quickly averted her gaze so that no one can notice it.

”Is there anything we need to do before we could gain access to the entrance and cross the hanging bridge??”

Yun Xue asked skeptically. They were no first-timer when it comes to using portals guarded by the guardians.

On every occasion, regardless of where they are, there will always be something that they have to do before they could use the portal and get teleported to the other side.

Just come to think of the talking oak tree in the heart of Enchanted Forest inside Magus Academia.

Whoever wished to use that portal have to first flash their magic emblem to represent their identity and utter a specific introduction before they will be teleported.

The same goes for the Vegan merfolk, Arya at the entrance to the land of Echurid.

One has to be capable of holding their breath underwater or at least consume a mermaid's tear to cross the underwater portal leading to the land of Echurid.

While Flora, the sunflower plant that has the face of a baby requires her travelers to answer a riddle first before she would give them access to the portal.

The same goes for the Whomping Sakura Tree and its fierce trial of life and death in the desert land. As well as the hug of faith with Cactniss Evergreen in the Rhapsody Swamp.

Every guardian has their own trial and prerequisite that they require before they let one have access to the portal that they were guarding.

So Mu Lingxi and her friends wonder what could be the trial or the requirements set by the Troll maiden named, Ecia.

”You are indeed sharp, young man”

Said Ecia as she smiled at Yun Xue and the others before continuing.

”I do require something from you. Anyone of you who wish to cross this hanging bridge safely will have to pay a price.”

”Price???”

Well, that is new!

So far, they haven't been into a portal before that requires one to pay a price. It was clearly unheard of.

”MEOW”

[Woah? I never thought that there is already an entrance fee when using a portal!]

”I require a gift for each head that wants to cross the hanging bridge. In return, I will guarantee your safety and I will personally accompany and guide you within the hanging bridge.”

”MEOW”

[Ohh??? A gift... She wants to felt the warmth of Christmas, I think. After all, the holidays are just around the corner. I bet she hasn't received any gift from anyone before without her requiring one. Poor soul. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk]

Janus keeps on commenting on the side as he clicked his tongue.

Thankfully, only Mu Lingxi can understand what he was saying. Or else, there is a high chance that Ecia will be going to get offended by his comments.

”A gift???”

”Yes, a gift. Anything will do. As long as it is a treasure.”

Ecia the troll maiden said with a smile as she placed her hands behind her back.

From the way she says it, it sounded as if what she said is really nothing worth a mention and it is the most common thing at all.

On the other hand, upon hearing the other party's condition, Mu Lingxi and the rest of her friends can't help but twitch their facial features.

A gift you say???

Then anthing will do...

But then you follow it with 'as lng as it is a treasure...'

From the current looks of it, it seemed that you will not accept just an 'anything'

It has to be something 'valuable'!

But considering that troll blood runs in Ecia's gene, this also make sense. It seemed that this is the trait that she inherited from her Troll parent.

It was common knowledge that trolls are also known for being fond of anything sparkling such as gold and silver.