293: Chapter 293 The Banquet

"Green shade accompanied by the evening mist..."

"The Moon Spring remains for a thousand years..."

"Beneath the song, flowers are about to bloom..."

Amidst the melodious and lingering singing, elegant elves danced gracefully upon the treetops.

All fatigue and melancholy seemed to be purified at this moment.

"It's truly a feast for the eyes."

Zhang Huaiyuan sat on a giant mushroom-like plant, his body leaning back slightly in relaxation as he enjoyed the performance.

It was unclear what species this mushroom was; its cap was as soft as cotton, automatically adjusting to support the person resting on it.

In front of him was a square table made of intertwined branches with a gap in the center, from which a small fruit tree grew, laden with various fruits.

Zhang Huaiyuan casually picked two fruits and opened them; one contained some pastries and snacks.

The other held a glass of chilled watermelon juice.

"I must say, the methods of the Elf Race are truly convenient."

Zhang Huaiyuan activated True Sight and took a glance, discovering that each of these small fruit trees was connected to a branch of the World Tree.

As long as one transmitted the desired food through their thoughts, a fruit containing the corresponding item would immediately grow.

"True, for the World Tree, such simple conversion of matter and energy is completely trivial."

He took a sip of the watermelon juice and looked around.

The banquet of the Elf Race was somewhat different from what he had imagined.

Aside from the performers and accompanying elves, there were only thirty examinees, including himself.

The other mentors were not present.

"That's fine; it's more comfortable this way."

Zhang Huaiyuan leaned back leisurely, clearing his mind and finding a more comfortable position to rest.

After over a hundred years of continuous examinations, it was time to let his spirit relax a little.

"Junior brother is quite leisurely."

At that moment, Fang Qingran approached with a smile, holding a glass of fruit wine.

She had changed into a long white dress that complemented her snow-white skin, looking dignified and pure, not losing out at all to the elves known for their beauty here.

"Indeed. Didn't His Excellency the High Priest arrange this banquet specifically for us to rest?"

Zhang Huaiyuan lazily raised his glass from a distance.

"Hmm? Junior brother, don't you know?"

Fang Qingran was slightly taken aback, and then the corners of her mouth curled up slightly:

"It's not that simple."

"Oh? There isn't another examination, is there?"

Zhang Huaiyuan straightened his back and frowned.

"It's not quite that."

Fang Qingran pointed to the dancing elves nearby and smiled:

"Actually, this is a tradition of several major academies, but you've been so engrossed in your research and studies since arriving at the academy that you probably haven't noticed."

"Generally, banquets after such competitions provide opportunities for everyone to get to know each other, which can be considered an extra privilege from the hosts. Junior brother, with your performance and looks, I'm afraid you won't have any peace for a while."

"I see."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded in realization.

Indeed, those who could come to participate in the examination, even the most ordinary performers, were the most outstanding geniuses from various worlds.

The hosts were naturally happy to see the younger generation of their race interact more with them.

"Look, junior brother, here comes someone already."

Fang Qingran teased.

She wasn't worried about her excellent junior brother being led away.

The people of the Elf Race were always haughty; even if they liked someone, they would express it very subtly. They weren't like the noble ladies of her own empire, who had a hundred different tricks.

On the other side, Zhang Huaiyuan instinctively looked over upon hearing this.

He saw a woman about 1.6 meters tall, wearing a jade-green dress, blushing and slowly shuffling over amidst the giggling and shoving of several companions.

"He... Hello, my name is Eluya."

A gentle and pleasant voice rang out.

Zhang Huaiyuan stood up and nodded politely:

"Hello, my name is Zhang Huaiyuan."

"Sorry, may I be so bold as to ask if this beautiful lady is your girlfriend?"

"No, she is my senior sister from the academy."

Zhang Huaiyuan shook his head and explained.

"That's good..."

The elven woman clearly breathed a sigh of relief.

In the philosophy of the Elf Race, feelings were pure and sacred. Betraying or interfering in someone else's relationship would result in losing the protection of the World Tree.

After a slight pause, a sweet smile appeared on the woman's blushing cheeks:

"Mr. Zhang Huaiyuan, I am a student at the Elven Royal Magic Academy, and I am currently refining my graduation thesis. I heard that you are the first-place winner of the academic competition. Could you guide me on some questions and study methods?"

"Of course, Miss Eluya, I'd be happy to answer them for you. I wonder what specific area you have questions about?"

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded and asked.

"Uh... mainly the Triple Construction of Rune Magic..."

The woman was slightly stunned but quickly responded.

"If I'm not mistaken, your mana fluctuation level is around Level 35-36. The Triple Construction of Rune Magic belongs to the domain of Level 40 and above, which might be difficult for you to understand."

Zhang Huaiyuan glanced at her, tapped his wrist lightly, and projected several thick volumes of classics.

"If you must try, I suggest studying in this order. Many of these are classics written by experts of your Elf Race, so they should be easy to obtain..."

"Thank you for your advice, sir."

The smile on the elven woman's face froze.

Damn it, how can there be a human with such low emotional intelligence?

Can't he tell that I meant we could exchange contact information!

What a pity... Handsome and talented, but too boring, not suitable as a partner.

The elven woman complained internally, but a smile quickly returned to her face as she bowed elegantly:

"Then I won't disturb your rest. I wish you a pleasant stay with the Elf Race."

With that, she flapped her wings and turned to fly back to the treetops.

"Junior brother, are you serious?"

Fang Qingran couldn't help but laugh from the side:

"She was clearly looking to exchange contact information with you, so why did you actually recommend a study guide?"

"I just don't want to waste time on insignificant matters."

Zhang Huaiyuan shook his head.

Although everything seemed beautiful now.

Backed by a powerful force, with inexhaustible learning resources and materials...

But he could never forget the sense of powerlessness he had experienced on Blackstone Star.

Including the subsequent invasion by the Xuanjian Sect.

If he hadn't slacked off for even a moment, upgraded the algorithm of the Statue of Liberty, and unlocked 100% of the gamification progress, the entire universe might have already turned to ashes.

Therefore, before the knowledge in his heart could truly provide him with a sufficient sense of security, he did not want to divert any bit of energy.

"Uh... then I'm afraid you'll have to keep being perfunctory for a while longer, junior brother."

Fang Qingran's eyes flickered slightly as she nodded thoughtfully. Then, looking at another elven woman walking toward them, she teased:

"People of the Elf Race have always been obsessed with looks."

"The people from Leviathan Academy have modified themselves until they're no longer human. In our academy, aside from you and me, the other seniors and juniors are all influenced by Principal Mild and have strange appearances. As for those Missionaries from the Monastery, they all look quite good, but they are solely focused on their faith in their gods. Only you are the most suitable target."

"Sigh, what can I do? I guess it has to be this way."

Zhang Huaiyuan sighed in his heart, turned around somewhat helplessly, and put on a polite smile.

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