Chapter 237: World Tree Sap

Though the chieftain of Strange Valley had his doubts, the bloodline aura couldn’t be faked.

For elves, bloodline was the most powerful proof of identity.

Unless Helag was some illegitimate child, which was still not something the chieftain could question—such matters were for the royal family to handle internally.

After Bain and the guard left, Helag spoke, “I’m here regarding Shatia.”

“Princess Shatia…” The chieftain fell into thought.

Ever since Shatia had been taken by the wizards, all elven tribes had been informed.

The royal family had ordered them to search for any clues about Shatia’s whereabouts.

If Shatia was found, they were to bring her back to the World Tree Mother Tree at all costs.

“We’ve been keeping an eye out for any news of Princess Shatia, but we haven’t found any valuable leads,” the chieftain sighed.

“Shatia is most likely in the Wizard Plane by now, so it’s normal that you haven’t found anything,” Helag explained.

Shatia had been captured when visiting a small tribe whose World Tree had been tampered with by wizards. The entire tribe had been wiped out, and Shatia was taken along with them.

The royal family had deduced that Shatia had likely fallen into the hands of the wizards.

However, this information hadn’t been made public, likely because the royal family didn’t want the wizards to find out.

The chieftain was surprised but then nodded, “I see. So, Prince Sebas, you’re here because of the wizards in Oberstein?”

“Not entirely, but I’m hoping to find a breakthrough there. The wizard base in Oberstein hasn’t been established for long, so it might offer an opportunity,” Helag said.

“We’ve already sent a team there. Prince Sebas, we’ll do our best to deal with the wizards,” the chieftain said solemnly.

“Good. Be cautious. Wizards are powerful and cunning, so take them seriously,” Helag warned.

Then, he turned and asked, “By the way, how much World Tree sap do you have left?”

World Tree sap was an incredibly rare treasure produced by the World Tree, with only three to five drops being produced every hundred years.

One drop of World Tree sap could extend a person’s lifespan by 300 years.

It also increased mental strength and enhanced a spellcaster’s magical power.

However, each person could only consume one drop in their lifetime—any more would have no effect.

Even so, it was a treasure sought after by countless people.

After all, consuming just one drop meant gaining 300 years of life.

Because of its rarity, most of the sap was consumed within the elven tribes, with almost none ever leaving their lands.

Such a precious item was never given to outsiders.

When Helag had first heard about it from Shatia, he had been eager to get his hands on a drop.

The mental strength boost was nice, but the 300-year lifespan was the real prize.

The chieftain replied, “We have 50 drops in storage. Does Prince Sebas need some?”

“Yes, prepare 10 drops for me. I have a use for them,” Helag said calmly.

The chieftain didn’t question it. In his mind, Prince Sebas wouldn’t need the sap for himself.

Since the prince was adventuring incognito, he must have a specific purpose for the sap, and the chieftain was happy to help.

The 50 drops of World Tree sap had been accumulated over a long period.

Whenever someone in the elven tribe performed great deeds or showed exceptional talent, they were rewarded with a drop of the sap.

“Please wait a moment, Prince Sebas. I’ll retrieve it for you.”

The chieftain walked toward the World Tree, where there was a tunnel leading beneath it.

He disappeared into the tunnel and returned a short while later, carrying an ancient wooden box.

The box was small and unassuming, but it exuded an ancient aura.

The chieftain opened the box, revealing ten green leaves inside. The leaves were translucent, almost like jade.

Helag glanced at them, maintaining a calm demeanor as he casually placed the box into his space ring.

After securing the World Tree sap, Helag said, “If you can capture any wizards alive, do so. We need to gather more information about them. We still know too little.”

The chieftain nodded, “Rest assured, Prince Sebas. We’ve prepared a substantial force to deal with the wizards in Oberstein. When we defeat them, we’ll keep some alive for interrogation.”

The chieftain seemed confident, though he had never actually faced a wizard in battle and didn’t fully understand their power.

Helag nodded, “Good. Just be careful. I need to leave now. My cover as a human adventurer will be blown if I stay too long.”

“Prince Sebas, you’re leaving already… Very well. Should I send some people to guard you in secret?” the chieftain offered.

He genuinely wanted to keep Helag around longer to strengthen their relationship.

Opportunities to interact with a royal elf were rare.

But given the circumstances, the chieftain knew he couldn’t keep the prince from his duties.

Still, he couldn’t do nothing, so he offered to send guards to protect Helag.

The safety of a royal elf was paramount, especially within his jurisdiction. If anything happened to Prince Sebas, the entire Strange Valley would face the wrath of the royal family.

However, Helag had no intention of letting the chieftain send anyone to guard him. That would only complicate things.

He shook his head, “No need. Don’t complicate things by adding unnecessary trouble.”

Seeing Helag’s firm stance, the chieftain didn’t press the issue and relented.

“Then allow me to escort you, Prince Sebas.”

Since Helag was leaving, the chieftain naturally wanted to personally see him off.

Helag waved dismissively, “No need for all that. I know the way. I’m leaving now, and don’t send anyone to follow me.”

“Uh… Very well. Safe travels, Prince Sebas.”

The chieftain, seeing Helag’s impatience, didn’t dare say more and watched as the prince walked away.

As Helag slowly departed, the other elves only dared to bow from a distance, not approaching him.

He gradually left the rows of wooden houses behind, drawing closer to the forest.

By now, there was no one else around.

Helag continued to use his deep blue environment detection, ensuring that no one was secretly observing him.

He felt no sense of being watched.

The chieftain wouldn’t dare spy on him—that would be a grave insult to a royal elf.

Helag walked casually, as if taking a leisurely stroll, and crouched down to touch a wildflower on the ground.

At the same time, a small red crystal silently slipped from his loose sleeve, merging into the earth and disappearing without a trace.