Book 3: Chapter 300: The Maiden Adorned with Cornflowers

Not long after settling down in the Rainbow Glade, representatives from various outposts gradually arrived for the celebration, and the place grew increasingly lively, with people strolling and sightseeing everywhere along the streets and by the lake.

Most of those who could obtain invitation letters were young Third or Fourth Tier members. Those at Fifth Tier and above could attend even without an invitation, but even so, many Fifth and Sixth Tier members of the Hidden Grove wouldn't show up. For them, such celebrations no longer held much meaning, unless they were invited for something special.

During this period, Sylutia ran into several acquaintances, such as members of the Holy White Knight Hall she'd met on the Glittergold Plains, as well as the subordinates and people she'd dealt with at the Darkmist Mountains outpost.

Although her hair color differed from before, her facial features had hardly changed, so familiar people could recognize her at a glance.

Fortunately, everyone tacitly avoided calling her by her old name, and even if someone slipped up, companions would quickly remind them.

To avoid unnecessary awkwardness, over these few days Sylutia tried her best not to spend time with the Mage Alliance members, so as to prevent any scenes that would be hard to explain.

In the afternoon, Sylutia gathered with Carmilla and several companions she'd known from the Darkmist Mountains. The group came to a restaurant by Gem Lake for a meal, where they could enjoy the beautiful lake view. The restaurant's specialty, "Gem Fish," was also exclusive to the Hidden Grove Alliance, exceptionally delicious.

Since they were in a private dining room, the group had no need to be cautious and began catching up on old times.

"Senior Ya, is 'Hedra' the alias you used in the Mage Alliance?" A girl with light green hair looked at Sylutia with admiration.

"Um, yes." This secret is about to become impossible to keep, Sylutia thought to herself.

"Wow, so impressive. As expected of a senior, in just ten short years you've walked another Path all the way to Fifth Tier."

"Alright, Fuli, stop staring at Ya like that. You're making her embarrassed, hehe." On Sylutia's left, a girl with chestnut-gold hair and a gentle, intellectual air chuckled softly behind her hand.

Sophitina, Sylutia's roommate from her study days on the Glittergold Plains, had now advanced to Fourth Tier. She was also the one who had originally introduced Sylutia to much of her knowledge about the "Secret Word" Aspect, though she herself followed the "Scholar" Path, belonging to the "Scribe School."

The light green-haired girl across from them who had just spoken was named "Fuli," now a "Fourth Tier·Verdant Nectar" pharmacist affiliated with the "White Scroll Herb Jar." In addition, there was a refined young scholar named "Grant," as well as a green-robed gardener named "Elton." Both had once worked with Sylutia in Lantern Town and were now leaders of other outposts in the Darkmist Mountains.

"Originally, Senior Dorothy could have taken a similar position, but she didn't like too restrictive a life. After Ya went to the Mage Alliance, she left the Darkmist Mountains." The two recounted some past events.

"Without Ya there, it was pretty boring. Besides, I wanted to see more materials and interesting techniques from different regions. Staying in one place for too long doesn't suit me." Dorothy made a slight complaint.

Among those present, besides her and Sylutia, everyone else was Fourth Tier. This wasn't due to lack of effort or talent—in fact, being able to advance from Third to Fourth Tier in ten years already indicated extraordinary talent and abundant resources. It was just that Dorothy and Sylutia were too exceptional, making the others seem ordinary by comparison.

In any other organization anywhere, advancing to Fourth Tier before the age of four hundred would qualify as a genius template, with real prospects of reaching Sixth Tier in the future.

Ten years later, Fuli had grown a bit taller, now appearing to be around twenty-five years old. She also wore a small white seashell earring on one ear, which appeared to be some kind of compact spatial item for storing medicines.

Compared to ten years ago, Sophitina's appearance hadn't changed much. Her previously slender figure had filled out somewhat, looking healthier now. Even in a slimming black dress, the contours of her bust were clearly visible.

Listening to Sylutia catching up with everyone, Carmilla grew interested in her past in the Hidden Grove, quite wanting to visit the Darkmist Mountains—though now wasn't the time.

"Unfortunately, Ya didn't get to see Florerella that time. I heard from Dorothy that this young elven lady left a year after the Sinking Fog season arrived, supposedly taken away by her family members."

"Perhaps it was because the Seventh Continent wasn't very peaceful during the Sinking Fog season. Also, if she left during the Gale season, the shipping routes during Sinking Fog would be quite dangerous." Dorothy explained it that way.

Before the meal concluded, Dorothy remembered something and told Sylutia.

"Oh, right. You'll be making an appearance at this celebration too, and in the identity of 'Sylutia.'"

"Ah, that..." Sylutia was momentarily surprised, wondering what the Hidden Grove's high-ranking members were planning.

"After all, you've been away for so long. While most people know you're 'Hedra,' the majority of the Hidden Grove Alliance's special members don't know that. With you not showing your face for such a long time, many have suspected something happened to you." Dorothy explained.

"As for the identity and appearance issue, we'll do a bit of disguising for you. As long as people are far enough away, those mages won't recognize you."

"Will they really not recognize me?" Sylutia was somewhat doubtful.

"Of course. You should trust my makeup skills." Dorothy raised a finger.

"Don't worry, I guarantee you'll appear absolutely stunning. As for the Aspect level, that's also easy to solve. Gardeners can advance by nurturing plants. At your skill level, cultivating a Fifth Tier Bright Flame Cornflower shouldn't be difficult now. Many of the cornflowers you planted back then have already reached Fourth Tier saturation. You just need to add one additional Aspect to reach Fifth Tier."

"Even without using that advancement, simply using the cornflower's Aspect level to mask your own aura is a very simple matter."

After hearing Dorothy's words, Sylutia nodded slightly in agreement.

"As for covering my identity, I'll leave that to Carmilla." Sylutia thought for a moment, then looked at the Blood Clan princess beside her.

"No problem. Leave it to me." A hint of novelty appeared in those crimson eyes of hers, as if she found the whole matter quite amusing and fresh.

Three days later, at the Flower Cage Greenhouse in Rainbow Glade.

After sealing the greenhouse for isolation, Sylutia looked at the perfectly blooming cornflower of flawless quality inside the glass enclosure, then took out the prepared materials.

[Sunflower Seed Oil] (Fourth Tier·Scorching Sun): Essence oil extracted from high-quality sunflower seeds, rich in "Scorching Sun" Aspect power. Can be used for alchemy, medicine-making, dispelling cold, and damaging specter creatures.

[Heaven-Washed Emerald Dew] (Fourth Tier·Verdant Nectar): Sap drawn from Heaven-Washed Bright Bamboo, containing pure "Verdant Nectar" Aspect. Can be used for alchemy, medicine-making, cultivation, and reviving withered plants.

Among these, the "Sunflower Seed Oil" was a fine product made by Lady Franne, while the "Heaven-Washed Emerald Dew" was obtained from the Four Seasons Alliance. As a gardener faction, they had plenty of such resources.

The two liquids were poured into a clean water basin. Then, under Sylutia's manipulation, they slowly rose, transforming into a fine mist that gradually merged into the blooming cornflower. The buds within, which had been faintly waiting to open, also began to slowly unfurl at this moment. Fine golden patterns appeared on the petals, and within the flower heart wrapped by those petals, traces of pale golden fireflies seemed to emerge.

Seeing that the preparations were complete, Sylutia stood alone before this "Bright Flame Cornflower," closed her eyes in focused meditation, and used the power of "Secret Word·Luminous Moon" to recall the scene when she had once wielded the witch's Authority.

If it were any other scene or information, she would find it difficult to trace back and recall. But this was her own experience—she had personally experienced and held that Authority and power.

After a long while, within her sea of consciousness, a tiny flame rose, then slowly expanded. A pair of magnificent, fiery eyes gradually manifested.

[Sorceress School·Blazing Sun Flower's Gaze]

In reality, Sylutia slowly opened her eyes at this moment. Those eyes were no longer her usual bright blue or black, but rather irises layered with countless dazzling lights, as if reflecting a sky full of flames.

These flames swirled strangely, filling the heavens, then transformed into countless flower stamens, blooming with exquisite beauty—a breathtaking, magnificent sight.

A brief moment later, the strange colors in her eyes vanished, and Sylutia felt an unusual wave of fatigue washing over her body.

Although she had only reproduced a single moment of that brilliance, it was enough. The perfectly flawless "Bright Flame Cornflower" before her seemed to have crossed that final threshold, breaking through from 9.99 to 10.01. Though the difference was imperceptible, the result was that a wisp of pure, silk-like yet exquisitely beautiful aura gestated within that bud, slowly absorbing all the Aspect power within the cornflower plant.

An hour later, a cornflower with pale white petals slowly bloomed. Its petals bore traces of orange-red flame-like patterns, while the stamens within burned like molten gold, gleaming radiantly and emitting a noticeable halo of light.

[Bright Flame Cornflower] (Fifth Tier·Scorching Sun·Verdant Nectar): A strange cornflower variant born into the world through the influence of an otherworldly witch's Authority. Possesses the power to purify Distortion and burn away filth.

Looking at the cornflower that had finally bloomed, Sylutia let out a relieved breath and wiped the sweat from her forehead.

Finally succeeded. Gazing at this incomparably beautiful flower before her, a deep sense of satisfaction welled up in her heart.

In truth, this "Bright Flame Cornflower" was what it should have always looked like. It was just that when she had used the witch's Authority back then, Sylutia had only been Third Tier, utterly unable to stabilize a high-level cornflower. Thus, the cornflower born from her witch's Authority could only leak its power and drop in rank, eventually settling at Fourth Tier.

If she had continued down the "Gardener" Path back then and gradually perfected the "Bright Flame Cornflower," she estimated she could have advanced from Fourth to Fifth Tier within two to three years.

Though she had lost ten years now, the "Ancient Scholar" advancement she'd gained had made up for part of the loss. By reproducing the "Blazing Sun Flower's Gaze," she had returned this "Bright Flame Cornflower" to its true form, saving considerable time.

Now that she had obtained this Fifth Tier cornflower, she could ask Dorothy or the senior gardeners in the Hidden Grove afterward. They should know how to use high-level plants for advancement or concealment.

...

Two days later, the Harvest Celebration officially began.

Rainbow Glade was packed to the brim. Representatives from various outposts, tourists from major outside forces, and invited guests all appeared in this beautiful forest outpost that day. The benches along the streets for resting were completely occupied, carriages could barely move through the roads, and figures strolled everywhere alongside enthusiastic shopkeepers hawking their wares.

Quite a few mages from the Mage Alliance who had followed Sylutia to this celebration were also stunned by the scene, curiously examining the various stalls calling out trades and exchanges along the streets.

"Three Crimson Blood Fruits for one gem!"

"Black Crying Crow tail feathers, three gold coins each."

"Fourth Tier Fire Rhino hide armor, 2000 gold coins, no haggling."

"Proud Frost Ram horn blade, 1700 gold coins."

"Third Tier Pearl Silver Fish, 680 gold coins."

"Swamp Bitter Blood Wine, 10 gold coins a bottle."

These things weren't uncommon to the Hidden Grove people, but they were especially novel to the mages, and many of them pulled out coins to buy some.

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"Vincent, look at this piece of wood I bought." A mage with deep blue seaweed-like hair walked over, showing off a piece of moss-covered wood in his hand.

[Tide Rain Wood] (Third Tier·Snail Fish): Harvested from trees in the jungle that accumulate moisture-laden vapor. Can be used for crafting implements.

"This piece of wood, combined with the silver-thread filament I acquired from the Alliance earlier, can be used to make high-grade paper for transcribing Fifth Tier scrolls."

"Is it really that useful?" Vincent was surprised. Coming from the Appraisal School, he didn't know much about making scrolls.

"Of course. I originally wanted to find Lady Hedra and ask whether we could do a large-scale purchase at the celebration market, but unfortunately I haven't been able to locate her."

"She's probably been invited by the Hidden Grove's high-ranking representatives." Vincent said matter-of-factly.

"Ever since Lady came to Rainbow Glade, she's been constantly invited to various gatherings and exchanges."

"I see. Looks like I'll have to find her tomorrow then." The other mage put away the wood.

"Oh, by the way, did you hear? Today that 'Sylutia' person is also going to appear and give a speech."

"That one? I've never met her. I only heard that back at the Alliance, the official authorities specifically requested her in exchange for 'Lady Hedra.' She must be a very famous genius in the Hidden Grove."

"She certainly is a genius, but after she became famous ten years ago, she went into seclusion to cultivate and hasn't been seen for years. So this appearance has everyone talking."

"How about it? Want to go take a look together and see what this genius, who's said to rival 'Lady Hedra,' actually looks like?"

"I don't mind going, but with this many people, we probably won't be able to squeeze through." Vincent stroked his chin in thought.

"Aren't you from the Appraisal School? Let's find a higher vantage point, then you can make a telescope or something to look. Shouldn't be hard."

"That's... true, but..." Vincent replied.

"If we're that far away, we'll probably only see a rough outline of her face. There's no way to sense her aura or Aspect level from that distance."

"Then you're really asking for too much." His companion shook his head.

"I don't have such extravagant hopes. I just want to see what the most beautiful young prodigy recognized by the Hidden Grove Alliance looks like, and whether she can compare to Lady Hedra." As he spoke, a look of adoration appeared on his face.

"Lady Hedra is so cool and powerful, truly the most perfect woman in my heart."

"Ahem, keep your voice down. Don't make people around us think everyone from the Mage Alliance is some kind of weirdo." Vincent glanced at the surrounding people averting their gazes, feeling embarrassed.

The two chatted as they slowly pushed through the crowd.

A bronze gong sounded, and the celebration officially began. Colorful fireworks rose one after another, bursting across the sky.

Though it wasn't nighttime, the fireworks flowed with radiant light, trailing long, beautiful streaks behind them, filling many young hearts with anticipation.

Then the host began speaking to liven up the atmosphere, followed by each invited guest introducing themselves.

Near the end of the program, the noisy chatter in the celebration hall suddenly quieted down. Just as those on the periphery were wondering what was happening, a silver-haired maiden wearing flowers in her hair slowly walked up onto the elevated stage. She wore a lace gown with a pure white base and light green accents. The fresh flowers blooming in her hair were exquisitely beautiful, their stamens burning like tiny golden flames, emitting a radiant glow that tinged her silver-snow hair with a faint golden hue.

Beneath her hair, a thin white gauze veil covered her eyes, revealing hints of those bright, stunning blue eyes. This dreamlike, ethereal appearance inspired boundless imagination.

The lights fell upon this young maiden, and the silk and gold threads of her gown refracted brilliant light, complementing the vivid flowers atop her head. It made one unsure where to look first.

As she walked, the sash at her waist gently swayed, moving in harmony with the silk flowers on her skirt like ripples across water, flashing with specks of golden radiance.

Finally, the maiden came to a complete stop at the center of the elevated stage. A soft, pure aura emanated from her, making the entire hall fall into tranquil serenity.

Then she bent forward in a bow, and with five fingers clad in white lace gloves gently pressing against her collar, she introduced herself.

"It's been a long time. I am Sylutia. I wish everyone a joyful Harvest Celebration."

As she spoke, the blooming cornflower at her ear also emitted a gentle glow, making the people present feel as though a spring breeze had washed over them, their bodies and minds lightening considerably.

"That's right, this is Sylutia—the legendary genius gardener who cultivated cornflowers, the greatest contributor to the Darkmist Mountains' development."

"To think that after all these years, she's still this pure and beautiful, looking exactly as she did back then." A middle-aged gardener sighed with emotion.

"She's already Fifth Tier? Truly astonishing. It's been less than ten years since she entered the Hidden Grove, hasn't it?"

"That's what geniuses are like. And she's the one all other geniuses look up to."

"No wonder she hasn't been seen all these years. She really must have been working hard. These ten years must have been spent researching gardening techniques. I said it, someone like her couldn't have just disappeared by accident."

"What a rare treat. To see her again at this celebration. Speaking of which, I attended that banquet ten years ago too. I still remember it vividly to this day."

"Wow, so this is Lady Sylutia that the seniors talk about? She truly is the pride of the Hidden Grove. In my opinion, even that Hedra from the Mage Alliance can't compare to her."

Sylutia's gentle, elegant voice echoed through the hall as she delivered her congratulatory address for the day's celebration. Though the content was standard ceremonial boilerplate, merely listening to that voice was a pleasure for many, and they wished she would never stop.

Unfortunately, all good addresses must come to an end. When Sylutia finished her speech and bowed in gratitude, the hall was silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous applause.

Amid countless gazes filled with fervor and admiration, the maiden gave a slight nod, then slowly descended the stage and disappeared behind the curtain, leaving countless people with a sense of longing—if only she could have stayed a little longer.

Meanwhile, in the backstage room, Sylutia sat before the dressing mirror, letting out a relieved breath.

She had done her part for today's event well. She hadn't expected that after all these years, so many people still remembered her.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, this silver-haired maiden had delicate brows and a faint blush of shyness on her cheeks, adding a breathtaking beauty to an already flawless countenance.