Chapter 05
Apprenticeship
“Where… where is this?”
“This is the planet where we elves reside, the Fairyland Star.”
Seeing that Murong Xiao was finally capable of speaking, Mu Yudie found a stool with satisfaction, sat down beside him, and prepared to have a chat to calm his emotions.
Murong Xiao looked down at his own hands. Mu Yudie, as if she already knew what he was wondering about, didn’t wait for him to start the conversation and began explaining their current situation.
Through Mu Yudieâs detailed account, Murong Xiao finally understood the nature of the cyborg experiment he had been subjected to. It was no wonder those elves hated him so much, though it wasn’t something he had asked for.
At the end of her explanation, Mu Yudie added her own thoughts: “So, how about it? Do you want to learn magic? I believe you have the potential for it. It would be a waste to let such hard-won talent go to waste.”
Murong Xiao remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking: “I don’t have much time left. Learning those things is meaningless.”
“You don’t need to worry about that. There is a way here to treat your illness. As long as you soak in the Spring of Life once a week and persist for four seasons, your body will recover completely.”
As she spoke, Mu Yudie carefully observed Murong Xiaoâs face. To her surprise, she found that Murong Xiao showed no joy upon hearing the news, which made her frown in frustration. If Murong Xiao truly had no hope for life, then things would be troublesome.
After another long while, Murong Xiao finally voiced his thoughts: “That spring is so rare; how could I be allowed to use it at will?”
“You’re right. The Spring of Life is extremely limited, and even ordinary elves find it difficult to access. However, Letitia and the Ancient Tree of Life have both agreedâas long as you are willing to join the elven race and become an Elven Princess, you will be permitted to receive the treatment.”
There were some things Mu Yudie didn’t say. In truth, the power of the Ancient Tree of Life could eliminate his illness in a single session. The “four seasons” was essentially a test for Murong Xiao; if he couldn’t even be tamed within a year, then the elven race couldn’t be blamed for turning against him.
Some things didn’t need to be spoken aloud. Murong Xiao was no ordinary child. Although Mu Yudie hadn’t said it explicitly, Murong Xiao had already guessed the general nature of the test, and he found it perfectly reasonable.
He truly wanted to live. If he could survive, he wanted to make those who had hurt him pay the price, but he also knew that he wasn’t capable of that right now.
Thinking of this, Murong Xiao suddenly looked up into Mu Yudieâs eyes, his expression unreadable: “Are you sure you want to cultivate me?”
“You want revenge? Thatâs fine; that counts as a kind of motivation, and having a grudge to settle is not unlike my own philosophy of teaching. However, I have one condition: you are not allowed to go out until I say you are ready.”
“Agreed.”
Almost the instant the words left Murong Xiao’s lips, the air beside him suddenly distorted, and the Elven Queen, Letitia, appeared once again.
“Die, you finally took an apprentice. Thatâs no small feat.”
She was no longer the steady, dignified figure he had seen earlier; upon appearing, Letitia began to tease Mu Yudie. She seemed to have been hiding nearby, watching the entire process.
Mu Yudie didn’t care about Letitia’s status and reached out to flick the Queen on the forehead: “Mind your status, the child is still here.”
“Isn’t he your apprentice? We’re family, it doesn’t matter.”
Mu Yudie: “…”
Murong Xiao watched on, appearing calm, but his inner thoughts were tumultuous. The mysterious and intimidating Elven Queen he had heard about turned out to be like this.
After their banter ended, Letitia turned her attention back to Murong Xiao: “Murong Xiao, you must have noticed the transformation of your body by now. I have already consulted with the Ancient Tree of Life for you. Your transformation is uncontrollable; reckless intervention would not only cause you to lose your innate talent, but might even cost you your life. So, you should just embrace your current transformation as a new lease on life.”
“…”
Seeing Murong Xiao didn’t respond, Letitia was patient. After all, the transition required time, so she continued: “Elves with 99% or higher elemental affinity can become Elven Princes or Princesses. Since you have met this requirement, I will have my subordinates move your items over later so you can have your own title.”
“As you wish.”
“Your name is Murong Xiao, so ‘Princess Xiao’ it is.”
Seeing how Mu Yudie favored him, Letitia decided not to bicker too much with Murong Xiao, as long as he was willing to join the elven race smoothly.
“By the way, not all elves will be indifferent to your human identity. Most elves still dislike humans, so it is best not to expose your true origins. While you are here, we will call you ‘Xiao.’ You must try your best to adapt to this place.”
“Mm.”
…
Letitia worked very quickly. Not long after she returned, elves arrived to deliver a series of items for Murong Xiao, including a special gemstone that signified his status as a Princess.
The gems were given to the Queen by the Ancient Tree of Life based on the constitution of each elf, and then passed on. Each contained spatial energy, not only allowing the storage of items but also helping to speed up the cultivation of magic and provide immunity to poison.
The gemstone Murong Xiao received was rose-red, very beautiful and matching the color of his eyes. On the back of the gem, the name “Xiao” had been carved by a special technique.
Mu Yudie watched Murong Xiaoâs reaction calmly. After he returned to his senses, she took out a beautiful cord, tied the gem to it, and helped Murong Xiao put it around his neck.
“Having 100% elemental affinity is a terrifying thing, and with this help, you can say your starting point has already surpassed that of many humans and elves of your age. However, there is no gain without sacrifice. You know it wasn’t easy to get to where you are today, so don’t be arrogant; everything you have now is what you deserve.”
“Yes… Master.”
Mu Yudie couldn’t help but lift the corners of her mouth. She had thought it would take a while for Murong Xiao to say that title, but hearing it now made her feel very happyâafter all, it was her first time taking an apprentice.
After hesitating for a moment, Mu Yudie finally took out a tassel and handed it to Murong Xiao: “A gift for your apprenticeship. Keep it safe.”
