Chapter 180: Shadow Moon Tribe

Following Xila through the dense ancient forest, Li Qingxuan remained highly vigilant.

Xila seemed to know this forest like the back of her hand, she lightly dodged the entwining poison vines, bypassed hidden swamps, and her steps on the thick moss made almost no sound.

The deeper they went, the taller and stouter the surrounding trees became, with some ancient trunks requiring ten people to encircle.

The air was thick with rich life force and faint magical undulations, clearly this forest had been operated by the Night Elves for a long time, becoming their home ground.

After advancing for about an hour and a half, the view ahead suddenly opened up.

A vast clearing appeared deep in the forest; at its center stood a colossal tree beyond imagination, its canopy like a pavilion covering the sky, and on its thick branches countless exquisite treehouses were built, connected by vines and wooden bridges, resembling a city suspended in midair.

This is the location of the Shadow Moon Tribe; the giant tree's roots are tangled, forming natural steps and platforms, where many Night Elves carry out their activities.

Most of them have healthy wheat‑toned skin and delicate features, wearing revealing and sexy leather armor or sheer gauze, unabashedly showing off their impressive figures.

When the human male Li Qingxuan appeared, he instantly drew the gaze of all the elves.

Those gazes were filled with curiosity, scrutiny, and undisguised lust and desire.

Whispered murmurs rose among the elves, accompanied by bursts of giggling and fiery stares.

"Xila, you brought back a human? And such a strong, handsome male!" a fiery‑bodied female elf wearing only essential‑part leather armor swung down from a vine, landing beside Xila, her blazing eyes fixed on Li Qingxuan as she lightly licked her red lips.

"Ailina, wipe your drool." Xila laughed and scolded, but her tone was proud: "This is the renowned strongest of the Human Race, the lord of Guangtan Fortress, Lord Li Qingxuan!"

"Oh?" the elf named Ailina's eyes lit up, her gaze growing hotter: "So it's him? Indeed the reputation is deserved, this aura… is truly fascinating."

She almost leaned in, but Li Qingxuan's expression stayed calm, his internal energy flowing slightly, an invisible energy wall keeping Ailina at a step's distance.

Ailina sensed that immeasurable power, and instead of retreating, her eyes blazed with even greater interest.

"Everyone step aside, I'm taking Lord Li Qingxuan to see the elder." Xila said to the elves gathering around, then gave Li Qingxuan an apologetic smile: "Sorry, Lord, my clansmen… are rather enthusiastic."

"No problem." Li Qingxuan replied lightly, gaining a more direct understanding of the Night Elves' open atmosphere.

Xila led Li Qingxuan upward along the natural steps formed by the giant tree's roots, eventually arriving before a huge treehouse set in the middle of the giant tree's trunk.

At the treehouse entrance stood two somewhat older Night Elves, wearing relatively conservative robes, their eyes sharp and full of wisdom, their aura far stronger than Xila's, clearly the tribe's elders.

"Xila, you brought a guest?" the stern‑faced elder asked, his gaze falling on Li Qingxuan with scrutiny.

"Yes, Moonshadow Elder." Xila replied respectfully, "This is the top ranker on the Human Race's Personal Strength Ranking, the lord of Guangtan Fortress, Lord Li Qingxuan. I happened to meet him in the forest and specially invited him as a guest."

The other elder, whose visage was gentler—Star Radiance Elder—smiled slightly: "The Human Race's strongest honoring my Shadow Moon Tribe with his presence truly brings glory to a humble abode. Please enter, Lord Li Qingxuan."

Li Qingxuan nodded slightly and followed the two elders into the treehouse.

The treehouse interior was spacious, decorated with glowing moss and strange flowers, with soft animal pelts laid out in the center.

After host and guest were seated, a young elf maiden presented a cup of floral honey wine exuding a fresh sweet fragrance.

"Lord Li Qingxuan, though young, possesses such strength—admirable." The Moonshadow Elder got straight to the point,

"I wonder what brings the lord here?" she did not believe Li Qingxuan had come merely as a casual visitor.

Li Qingxuan took a sip of the floral honey wine; its taste was mellow, containing a faint energy. "To be frank, this outing is to scout the surrounding situation. My fortress recently suffered several attacks, and I need to learn more about potential threats. Miss Xila warmly invited me, so I came to visit, hoping to establish friendly ties with your tribe."

Star Radiance Elder laughed: "Lord, you're blunt and to the point. We Night Elves revere nature and strength; we always welcome genuine powerhouses. But I'm unsure—what exactly do you mean by 'friendly liaison'?"

Li Qingxuan set down his cup, his gaze calm as he looked at the two elders: "As far as I know, Night Elves are born jungle hunters and scouts. My fortress currently lacks a reliable outer intelligence network. We can engage in trade—I can offer grain, weapons, or whatever you need, in exchange for your tribe's intelligence support, or…… hire your warriors as my scouts."

He did not directly propose subjugation, for that would be too blunt and likely provoke a backlash.

Starting with trade and hiring would be more secure.

The two elders exchanged a glance, a flicker of light flashing in both of their eyes.

Grain and supplies are indeed what the tribe needs.

Moreover, providing intelligence or service to the fortress of the Human Race's strongest seems also a fine choice—not only could it gain resources, but perhaps also forge a closer bond……

Just then, a commotion came from outside the treehouse.

Xila entered, her face flushed with excitement: "Moonshadow Elder, Star Radiance Elder, the sisters have already prepared a welcome banquet to wash away the dust for Lord Li Qingxuan!"

Star Radiance Elder laughed: "If so, we'll discuss the main matter later. Lord Li Qingxuan, please first enjoy the enthusiasm of our Shadow Moon Tribe."

Li Qingxuan knew this was the Night Elves' custom, and also a chance for further observation and contact, so he readily rose.

He came to a huge circular platform beneath the giant tree, which had already been set up as a banquet venue.

Bonfires blazed, the aroma of grilled meat spread, more Night Elves gathered here, they donned bolder, more flamboyant attire, swaying their waists to the lingering, wild music, their dance brimming with primal allure.

Li Qingxuan was ushered to the seat of honor, with Xila and Ailina sitting left and right of him, continually pouring wine for him, their bodies intentionally or unintentionally drawing close.

Other elf maidens also stepped forward to toast, their eyes fiery, their words teasing, the whole banquet suffused with a luxurious and ambiguous atmosphere.

Li Qingxuan refused none, drinking cup after cup, yet his complexion remained unchanged.

His physique and spiritual power far surpassed ordinary people; this bit of alcohol and temptation could not affect him.

While responding to the elves' enthusiasm, he calmly observed the tribe's situation, assessing their strength and potential value.

This banquet was both the Night Elves' gesture of goodwill and probing, and an opportunity for Li Qingxuan to deeply understand this race, preparing for the possible future incorporation of them under his command.

The air was filled not only with the scent of wine and meat, but also with an invisible clash of wits and calculation.

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