Zou Dongsheng immediately stepped forward and said, “Senior Cang Chen, some days ago I already had your household guards convey this matter to you. A close friend of mine was being hunted and accidentally entered Elven territory. She has now been imprisoned by the Elves. We are willing to pay to ransom her back.”
At these words, the Elven powerhouse ahead frowned at once. “This is not something I can decide. Please leave. If anyone is to blame, it is only herself for trespassing into Elven lands. Any human who dares enter Elven territory without permission must pay the price!”
Seeing this, Lin Yun quickly stepped forward as well. “Senior Cang Chen, keeping her brings the Elves no benefit. Why not exchange her for money? We can negotiate the price, or the Elves may name whatever compensation you desire.”
“I have already said this is beyond my authority. It is an internal Elven matter. I only handle Elven affairs within the Ancestral Heart Realm,” the Elven powerhouse replied, his face full of displeasure.
He waved his hand dismissively. “See the guests out.”
This was already an eviction order. Had it not been for the Pavilion Master’s reputation, he would probably have had them thrown out directly.
Such an outcome had, in truth, been anticipated by both Zou Dongsheng and the Pavilion Master.
Yet being refused to their faces, Zou Dongsheng’s expression naturally turned ugly. This had been the last hope of saving An Yun.
“Hold on,” Lin Yun suddenly said, stepping forward once more.
Both Zou Dongsheng and the Pavilion Master looked at him in astonishment, wondering what he intended to do.
“Please take a look at this first, Senior.”
Lin Yun flipped his hand and revealed a jade pendant.
It was the very pendant the female Elf had given him before leaving all those years ago.
In truth, Lin Yun had no idea whether producing it would help. His main reason for coming here was simply to try its effect.
The Elven powerhouse, still displeased, opened his eyes and glanced at the pendant in Lin Yun’s hand.
“Hm?!”
Upon seeing it, he gave a visible start. Clearly he recognised the object.
“How… how did you come by this?” the powerhouse asked immediately.
“It was a gift from an Elven friend,” Lin Yun replied.
“Her exact name?” the powerhouse pressed.
“Zi Tong,” Lin Yun said.
“Miss Zi Tong!” The powerhouse was shocked again and instantly became serious, abandoning his earlier perfunctory attitude.
Hearing the Elf address Zi Tong as “Miss Zi Tong”, Lin Yun was secretly startled.
This was an Elven powerhouse calling her “Miss”. It seemed Zi Tong’s status was far from ordinary.
From what Lin Yun knew, the structure of the Elf race differed from that of humans and beastmen.
The entire Elf race operated as a single unified entity, unlike the beastmen who were divided into separate, independent tribes.
The Elves were ruled centrally by a supreme leader who governed the whole race.
“For Miss Zi Tong to have bestowed this pendant upon you is proof enough that your relationship with her is extraordinary. In that case, you must be considered an honoured guest of Miss Zi Tong.”
As he spoke, the Elven powerhouse rose and walked down from his seat.
This sudden reversal stunned both Zou Dongsheng and the Pavilion Master. Lin Yun actually had connections among the Elves?
And judging by the reaction, his connection seemed to hold considerable standing!
Neither of them had ever imagined this.
Lin Yun spoke. “In that case, could you release my human friend?”
“That is not within my authority to decide. It falls outside my jurisdiction. What I can do is take you to the Elven domain to meet Miss Zi Tong personally. Anything further will have to be discussed with her directly,” the Elven powerhouse said.
“Good. There is no need to trouble you to escort me personally. Simply arrange an Elf to guide us there,” Lin Yun agreed readily.
For Lin Yun, this was undoubtedly a genuine hope of rescuing An Yun. He could not possibly refuse.
“I have been rather busy of late and truly cannot spare the time. I fear I must trouble you to accept a subordinate escort instead. Someone will take you to the Elven domain to see Miss Zi Tong,” the powerhouse said.
“No trouble at all,” Lin Yun answered cheerfully.
“Very well. I will make the arrangements. You can set off tomorrow morning. Stay in my mansion tonight. I will have quarters prepared for you,” the Elven powerhouse said with a smile.
“My thanks to you, Senior,” Lin Yun replied, cupping his fists in salute.
The Elven powerhouse immediately instructed the guards to lead Lin Yun to guest quarters in the mansion to rest.
