After Alessandra departed from the base—the very place of her birth—leaving Zao Li behind, lost in his own thoughts, she made her way toward one of the forests on the Central Continent. She wandered across the continent's western plains; the Central Continent was a land defined by vast plains and plateaus—the very same region where the great Human Empire would eventually be established.
The Central Continent accounted for 28% of the total landmass of the Prime Continent, while the Northern Continent comprised 22%, the Southern 23%, the Western 14%, and the Eastern 13%.
Because the Central Continent was an ideal environment for mana users, Alessandra reserved it exclusively for her own lineages for millions of years. It remained the sole domain of mana users—the Kai or the Kono—meaning that Gu Masters and high-ranking immortals, such as clan heads or sect leaders, did not wield the same level of authority there as they did across the other four continents—though this is not to say that branches of those sects or lineages of those clans did not exist there. The same principle applies to those of high standing within the Central Continent; however, they found themselves confronted by exceptional figures to whom conventional laws did not apply. This includes the Imperial Family of the Central Continent—known as the Human Empire—the heads of the five major sects, and the five great clans, all of which stood on equal footing with the Human Emperor, Jonhars Jonlvin, and his kin. Also included are the five pillars of the Empire: De Molière, MacTire, Kethali, Guilford, and Nozaki.
Encounter with the Light Elves
While wandering the plains of the Central Continent, Alessandra encountered beings radiating an exceptionally pure energy—entities known as "Light Elves." She chose to accompany them to their tribe, as Elven society is organized into interconnected clans and tribes.
Three hours later, Alessandra arrived at the main settlement, where the tribal leaders resided. She introduced herself with exquisite refinement; having served as a ruler for countless ages—back when she, Zao Li, and the spirit of Ji Yao Li shared a single body—she displayed a nobility that surpassed even that of the Elves and Angels, who had long prided themselves on being the most refined of all races.
"Greetings. My name is Alessandra. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Alessandra's voice was so melodious and beautiful that it left the Elves themselves feeling abashed. She was the very embodiment of beauty—surpassing even the Elves and Angels in every conceivable aspect—for she represents, in essence, the sacred existence of this world. "Hahaha! My name is Alzaxia Kluarnia, leader of the Sky-Light Tribe."
Alzaxia let out a light, melodic laugh, her voice flowing with the gentle, harmonious quality of a beautiful piece of music. She and Alessandra spent time conversing about the latter's journey. Two hours later, Alessandra left the headquarters to wander freely throughout the Elven tribe and its interconnected realms—a collection of distinct domains that shared the same land yet remained autonomous in the management of their internal affairs.
The Forest Spirit Tree
As Alessandra roamed the Sky-Light Tribe—which was built atop colossal trees, creating the appearance of a city suspended in the sky, with sturdy wooden bridges connecting the massive trunks—she noticed a parallel between the Elves and the Gu Masters. Just as Gu Masters seek out locations with "Springs of Life" to establish their clans, the Elves seek out sites facing the "Forest Spirit Trees." These trees originated from the tears of the Supreme Ruler of Life—much in the same way that the Springs of Life were born from her blessings upon this world.
Turning her gaze toward the heart of the tribe, she spotted a gargantuan tree, radiating an energy that transcended the "Boundless" rank. Although she retained no memory of her own past, the accumulated experience of Ji Yao Li still lay dormant deep within her. It required only a tiny spark to ignite and reawaken that buried knowledge—much like how Zhao Li had once been able to harness his own spiritual energy. Alessandra was able to wield aether and mana the moment she saw the elves using them.
She could harness aether with a fluency that surpassed even the rulers themselves. Gazing at the forest's spirit tree, she murmured:
"Life is like a colossal tree, its roots reaching down to the springs of destiny. The fortune and fate of every being are tied to a leaf upon this Tree of Life. When a person's time to die approaches, their leaf falls—forty days before their actual passing—signaling to the heavens that a life is coming to an end; thus, the death occurs in the heavens before it manifests on earth."
Her tone carried a hint of irony toward this law of existence—a law as strange as it was remarkable. Where one leaf falls, another sprouts in its place, giving rise to a new being to replace the one who has died. Such is the nature of life and death: they despise one another, yet they are inseparable, each serving as the complement to the other. Where there is life, there is death, and vice versa.
As Alessandra remained lost in her reflections, she was interrupted by a young woman of twenty-three, with yellowish-green hair and light green eyes that resembled polished jade. She wore a pale green dress, matching the foliage of the spirit trees—a perfect camouflage that rendered her nearly invisible to anyone wandering through the forest.
"Miss Alessandra, come with me. Let me show you your dwelling and take you on a tour of the tribe."
Alessandra turned her gaze toward the young woman, whose name was Zenghai Zualian. The names of the other entities were peculiar, consistent with their own distinct languages—languages entirely separate from that of humans. This was logical, as each race possessed names with shifting meanings; some names even shared the same pronunciation, spelling, and meaning, while others were identical in sound and script yet carried entirely different significances.
A faint smile graced Alessandra's face as she looked toward her companion. "Very well—lead the way, Lady Zenghai Zuwalian."
Alessandra's voice was calm and melodious, possessing an air of refinement and nobility—a stark contrast to Zhao Li's sharp, cold tone, which carried the stern, dictatorial authority of a commander.
Zenghai Zuwalian guided Alessandra toward her quarters, introducing her to the various parts of the Heaven's Light Tribe in absolute silence. Yet, the aura radiating from Alessandra lent the young woman A strange sense of safety and happiness that is difficult to describe. The Structural Organization of the Light of the Heavens Tribe
As they headed toward Alessandra's apartment, Zenghai Zuwalian began to explain the structure of the Light of the Heavens tribe, her tone filled with the respect due to a guest of the tribal leader, Alzaxia Kluarnia:
"The Light of the Heavens tribe is divided into several main zones: the Outer Zone, the Inner Zone, and the Core—where we are now. The Outer Zone is further subdivided into four primary sections, each of which splits into two branches, giving the tribe an eight-part organizational structure.
The northern section of the Outer Zone is dedicated to animal care. It is split into two branches: one for breeding—accommodating animals that cannot reproduce naturally—and another for the care of newborns, injured animals, or those unable to protect themselves. This branch also serves as a sanctuary for animals during hazardous weather.
The eastern section of the Outer Zone is dedicated to trade with other races. It is divided into two tiers: the lower tier handles trade with Orcs, Goblins, and Barbarians, while the upper tier is reserved for our own kind—Dark Elves, Dwarves, and, on rare occasions, Dragons and Arachnids..."
Zenghai Zuwalian paused, sensing a flicker of discomfort in Alessandra's expression. Realizing the cause, she quickly moved to clarify and resolve the misunderstanding:
"The reason Orcs, Goblins, and Barbarians are placed in the lower tier, while the upper tier is reserved for us—Dark Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, and Arachnids—is due to several factors. First, the tier designated for Orcs and Barbarians is quite expansive, unlike the upper tier." "Secondly, there is a fear that wars and conflicts might arise due to differences in mindsets. Thirdly, among the races in the lower strata, there could be individuals harboring intentions to destroy or contaminate the 'Tree of the Forest Spirit.' In contrast, we—the Light Elves, Dark Elves, and Dwarves—revere and hold the tree sacred. The Dwarves, for instance, collect what they need during the annual pruning, while the 'Tanir' and 'Anaqid' [creature groups] harvest its fruit for sustenance; this arrangement also serves as a peace treaty between us and them."
Zanghai Zuwalian turned her gaze toward Alessandra, noticing that the tension in her features had faded, replaced by her usual, faint smile. This earned her even greater respect from the Elf—and from everyone else who had overheard their conversation.
"Why don't we head over to my quarters? We can continue the tour of the 'Light of the Heavens' tribe tomorrow. I'm truly exhausted and would like to go there now."
Alessandra's tone was calm and pleasant, yet firm—leaving no room for debate.
A faint smile appeared on Zanghai Zuwalian's face, though she tried to mask a flicker of mild disappointment. "Very well, let's head to your quarters. Also, you are expected to attend a banquet at 8:00 PM (20:00). It is a personal invitation from the leader of the 'Light of the Heavens' tribe, Alzaxia Kluarnia."
Alessandra's expression turned serious; she immediately grasped why Zanghai Zuwalian had mentioned the leader's name—it was a clear signal that attendance was mandatory, not optional. Had the invitation come from an ordinary member of the tribe, she could have easily declined. However, refusing an invitation from the tribal leader would constitute a direct insult and a sign of disrespect toward Alzaxia Kluarnia—a move that would invite complex problems she preferred to avoid. Although she possessed the power to wipe out the entire tribe, she chose to quietly go along with the ways of this world's inhabitants.
"Very well, I shall attend the banquet. Since the leader, Alzaxia Kluarnia, has extended the invitation herself, there is no room for refusal."
Zenghai Zualian stepped forward, guiding Alessandra toward her quarters in absolute silence, her movements light and steady, reminiscent of a high-fashion runway model.
Alessandra's Quarters and the Grand Banquet
One hour and fifty-six minutes later, they arrived at the residence. Alessandra's quarters spanned two floors and included three bedrooms, a guest room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a balcony that offered a direct view of the Forest Spirit Tree.
"I hope this place is to your liking," Zenghai Zualian said, before departing immediately without waiting for Alessandra's response. Alessandra turned her gaze toward her, her expression blank and devoid of any emotion. She let out a deep sigh as she surveyed the apartment: "Those created from dust shall live in the dust and return to it. The most beautiful things are forged from the planet's soil, and the stars themselves are born of stardust. Life on planets took shape through the collision of meteorites and cosmic rocks—vessels for the very minerals that make life possible. Yet, people fear becoming soiled by the very dust from which they were fashioned... How strange these creatures are; they recoil in disgust from the very substance that constitutes their own origin!"
Such was the mindset of humans and those like them—they loathed being stained by earth, and they turned up their noses at those who toiled in arduous, manual labor, labeling them "unclean" or "dirty." They would sooner choose death than engage in such work. This mentality was shared by humans and all similar beings—the Elves included.
At exactly eight o'clock in the evening, Alessandra set off for the banquet. She wore a gown of deep, chestnut-green silk—a fabric spun by silkworms that fed exclusively on the leaves of the "Forest Spirit" trees. This made the silk the rarest and most expensive in the world, as its production was strictly monopolized by the Elves of Light and Shadow. Though the various Elven tribes numbered in the hundreds of billions—far surpassing the human population—the Forest Spirit trees were limited, numbering only in the millions.
Clad in this silken, chestnut-green dress, she appeared like an angel descended from the heavens. She traveled to the celebration in a carriage sent by Alzaxia Kluarnia to fetch her. The carriage was crafted from ironwood—the hardest type of timber in the world, surpassed only by the wood of the giant diamond-peach tree—and was drawn by two white horses, lending it a regal, luxurious, and fairytale-like quality, reminiscent of Cinderella's carriage.
Moments later, the carriage came to a halt at the residence of the leader of the "Light of the Heavens" tribe—the very venue for the banquet.
As soon as Alessandra entered the banquet hall, all eyes turned toward her, filled with a mixture of admiration, respect, and envy. Whispers rippled through the room, but she paid them no mind, continuing her path toward the tribal leader, Alzaxia Kluarnia.
"So, this is Leader Alzaxia Kluarnia's guest... she is truly breathtaking!" "You're right; Lady Alessandra is a remarkable person—she makes no distinctions between different kinds of creatures, and She sees them all as equals."
Elsewhere, a conversation unfolded: "After all these years of trying to catch the Leader's attention, this 'Alessandra' person comes along and steals the spotlight with such complete ease!" "Don't be disheartened, brother. She is, after all, a strange creature; it's only logical that she would capture the Leader's interest."
It made sense. Alessandra and Zhao Li were humans—a type of being the entities of this world had never encountered before. Naturally, their very existence would spark curiosity and a desire to learn more—a reaction that held true for Alzaxia Kluarnia herself.
"How are you finding things, Lady Alessandra? Do you like the 'Light of the Heavens' tribe?" asked Zaldilia Kluarnia (Alzaxia's younger sister), her tone carrying the professional, composed air typical of an Elven clan leader.
"Yes, your tribe is truly beautiful—and remarkably well-organized." "You have far surpassed the era in which you currently live."
Alessandra's praise for the 'Light of the Heavens' tribe in front of everyone earned her even greater affection from those present. The Elves revere their land to the point of sanctity; naturally, they despise those who insult it and cherish those who speak well of it.
"It seems Lady Alessandra is quite skilled at flattery and sycophancy... Hahaha!"
Alzaxia Kluarnia's tone carried a hint of mockery—a remark that struck a nerve, stirring the deep-seated pride of Ji Yao Li, which still resonated within Alessandra's soul. To her, the term "sycophancy" was a direct insult; sycophants are those who debase themselves to please others or curry favor. Having served for eons as the Chief Guardian of the Sacred Tree of Existence, Ji Yao Li was accustomed to being the one flattered, not the other way around. He viewed sycophancy as a tool used by the weak to climb toward the top. Nevertheless, Alessandra did not betray even a flicker of anger—had it been Ji Yao Li in her place, he would have wiped the entire gathering off the face of the earth.
The Banquet and the Moving Speech
Two hours later, everyone sat upon the ground, before them tables laden with exquisite delicacies: roasted steel-crowned venison, steamed diamond-shelled crab, soy-glazed roasted lamb, caviar, 'Summer's Delight' flower wine (crafted from blossoms that bloom only at the start of summer), 'Lead-Wasp' honey wine, fruit from the Forest Spirit Tree, and an array of other rare, exotic fruits.
The tribal leader, Alzaxia Kluarnia, raised a goblet— ...filled with wine, a small, angelic smile gracing her face. "Today, we celebrate the millionth anniversary of the founding of the Light of the Heavens tribe."
Alzaxia turned her gaze toward Alessandra with a gentle smile. "Lady Alessandra, would you care to say a few words in honor of this occasion?"
Alessandra nodded in agreement. "The Light of the Heavens tribe is the radiance that illuminates this forest. From the depths of my heart, I pray that the Goddess of Life blesses this tribe, that it may continue to flourish until the end of eternity."
The expressions of those present shifted to sheer astonishment and admiration. This was precisely what Alessandra had intended: to touch upon a soft spot shared by all Elves—their devotion to the "Ruler of Life." The Elves worshipped her, referring to her as the "Goddess of Life." By addressing her with this title, Alessandra left them deeply awestruck, appearing in their eyes as a pure, angelic figure. Furthermore, her aura—radiating peace and vitality—made her seem like a true messenger sent by the Ruler of Life herself, further deepening their love and respect for her.
Moments later, the crowd erupted, chanting her name in unison: "Long live Lady Alessandra... Long live Lady Alessandra... Long live Lady Alessandra!"
Alessandra raised her goblet, filled with the tribe's signature "Summer's Joy" blossom wine—for every Elf tribe crafted its own unique vintage. The wine of the Angelic Elves, however, was distinct; it was entirely non-intoxicating, purified by the aura of the forest's Spirit Tree, which stripped away any harmful impurities or substances. The Toast:
"A toast to you all! May the Tribe of the Light of the Heavens live forever—free and prosperous!"
She downed her wine in one go, and everyone followed suit, their voices booming with joy and elation: "May the Tribe of the Light of the Heavens live forever—free and prosperous!"
They drained their cups and set them back down on the small tables beside each seat.
The Morning Tour
The following day, at 8:30 AM, Alessandra sat contemplating the Forest Spirit Tree while sipping a tea brewed from herbs carefully blended to sharpen focus and infuse the body with positive energy.
*Knock, knock, knock, knock.*
"You may enter, Zenghai Zualian."
Zenghai Zualian stepped inside, her face etched with an expression of pure astonishment—a look that made her appear both charming and strikingly beautiful. Quickly composing herself, she shifted the subject: "Shall we continue our tour of the Tribe of the Light of the Heavens?"
Alessandra glanced toward her with a pale violet eye, then rose and walked over with a steady, graceful, and noble gait. "Let us go; I have nothing else to do here, in any case." Her tone remained as calm as ever.
The two headed out. As they wandered through the streets of the Tribe—designed as a network of suspension bridges woven between the trees—Alessandra took in the full extent of the Elves' advancement and sophistication.
"Should I start from the beginning, or shall I continue where we left off regarding the tribe?"
"No—no, just continue from where we stopped." Alessandra dismissed the idea of starting over, knowing full well that Zenghai Zualian... ...you would like that, too.
(Zenghai Zualian thought with relief: "It's a good thing she refused; the tribe spans several kilometers and occupies 76% of the forest...")
Zenghai offered a faint smile and continued her explanation: "We have already covered the outer northern and eastern sections. The outer southern section serves as the hub for the external military unit, housing fighters ranging from rank B to SS++. It is further divided into two branches: the lower training branch, which leads directly outside the tribe, and the inner branch—the command center—which oversees the deployment of soldiers within the outer zone, as well as exploration and hunting expeditions."
A look of surprise crossed Alessandra's face. How could the Elves care for animals while simultaneously consuming their meat? Yet, such is life; if one were to live in constant fear of accidentally killing even an ant, one would never be able to move forward. Furthermore, if the Elves were to abstain from killing animals or other entities, what would they eat to obtain the protein and other essential nutrients found in meat? If such a mindset had persisted, the Elven race would have gone extinct centuries ago.
Zenghai continued her explanation: "As for the eastern section The outer zone is an area reserved exclusively for the members of the 'Light of the Heavens' tribe. It serves as a storage space for hunted game, medicinal herbs, common and precious metals, gemstones, and construction materials. The northern unit of the eastern section is dedicated to storing animals and crops before they are processed and transported to other areas, while the southern unit houses herbs, metals, gemstones, potions, and mana cores extracted from dungeon monsters. We obtain mana cores and potions exclusively from dungeons, whereas metals and gemstones are only rarely sourced that way.
As for the inner zone and the core, they are reserved solely for tribe members and guests—though guests must pay an entry fee. This applies to both the outer zone and the core: access to the outer zone costs 100 gold coins, the inner zone costs 500 gold coins, and the core costs 10 platinum coins. The core is the most premium area, offering every comfort, recreational facility, and commercial opportunity, along with the finest resources available."
Zanghai Zualian took a deep breath before turning her gaze toward Alessandra, who had listened to every word with rapt attention—a reaction that made the young woman feel her efforts had not been in vain.
"How about we go have some lunch?" "It'll be on me." "Well, since you've invited me, I won't turn you down."
They headed toward one of the most renowned restaurants in the core district of the Light of the Heavens tribe—an establishment celebrated for serving the most delicious and high-quality cuisine, earning it a seven-star rating.
Alessandra's life within the Light of the Heavens tribe spanned several decades, until she finally decided to depart—having fully absorbed and learned everything she needed to know.