The Invincible Young Master

The elf, hunched under the weight of his massive bundle of wood, shuffled towards them. As he approached, Spark, leaning back with an air of detached amusement, glanced up. "Still peddling your woods, old timer?"

The old elf chuckled, his laugh a low, raspy sound. "Ah, one must make a living, young man. And it seems fate has brought us together again."

Curious and slightly bemused, Princess Ling asked, "Why are you in the forest at this time?"

"I was searching for fateful customers," The old elf replied, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and determination. "And here I am."

Spark smirked, clearly entertained by the elf's persistence. "Old timer, you know no one will buy your wood for that amount, right? Maybe if you give a discount, the princess here might consider buying them."

"Princess?!" The old elf's eyes widened in shock as he turned towards Princess Ling, now fully aware of her identity. Memories of their previous encounter flooded back, and he recalled how persistently he had tried to sell his overpriced woods to her. His face turned pale, and he seemed at a loss for words.

Spark grinning, seized the moment, leaned forward, and proposed, "How about this? You give her this bundle of woods, and she will overlook your previous offenses."

The old elf's face twisted in reluctant hesitation.

"This..." He stared at the bundle as if it were his most prized possession.

"I still have to make money," the old elf muttered pitifully.

Seeing this Spark waved his hand dismissively. "Tch. Forget I asked. Stingy old man."

Yuna, unable to suppress her curiosity, interjected, "Why are you so obsessed with making money?"

The old elf looked at her as if she had asked an obvious question.

"Isn't it obvious?" he replied, his voice tinged with incredulity. "Of course, it's to live a life of riches."

Yuna shook her head, clearly expecting such an answer. "I should've known. And how many bundles have you sold so far?"

The elf's face grew even more hesitant, His voice dropped to a mumble, and he admitted. "Well… that would be none."

Given the exorbitant price he was asking—each bundle costing a million coins—it was no surprise that no one had bought any. Spark raised an eyebrow. "Not exactly the best business strategy, is it?"

The old elf sighed deeply, a look of frustration crossing his face. "No one understands the value of these woods. Each bundle is worth its weight in gold."

Princess Ling, ever diplomatic, offered a soft smile. "Perhaps if you explain the true value and purpose of these woods, someone might see their worth."

The elf's eyes lit up at her words. "Ah, the lady understands! These woods are not just for burning. They have ancient enchantments that can enhance the spirit energy of those who meditate near them. They can even ward off malevolent spirits!"

Yuna tilted her head, intrigued but skeptical. "That's quite a claim. But if it's true, why are you wandering the forest alone, trying to sell them to anyone who crosses your path?"

The old elf's shoulders slumped slightly. "Because not everyone believes in their power. It's a hard sell in these times. People want immediate results, not ancient wisdom."

Spark chuckled softly, his amusement evident. "Well, maybe if you weren't asking for a king's ransom for each bundle, you'd have better luck."

The old elf sighed deeply, the sound one of long-suffering patience. "Perhaps. But some things are worth more than gold, young man. And those who understand will pay the price."

"You should tell others that these woods are from the World Tree," Spark suggested, his tone half-joking. "Maybe then they'd be willing to buy."

The old elf laughed wryly, shaking his head. "If others knew that, they'd throw me in prison."

Spark chuckled again, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Well, even your own kind doesn't believe your tales about World Tree Woods."

The elf's eyes twinkled with a mix of challenge and seriousness. "Young man, if you don't believe me, I can take you to see the World Tree."

"!"

The entire group fell silent, eyes wide with disbelief. Princess Ling and the masked man were particularly shocked, their faces reflecting the gravity of the old elf's offer. On the other hand, Yuna and Zhao Shi seemed more intrigued than astonished, their curiosity piqued.

Spark stared at the old elf, his brow raised in amusement. After a moment's consideration, he waved his hand dismissively. "No, I'm not interested in visiting smelly people's homes."

The old elf seemed taken aback, his mouth opening and closing as he searched for a response. "That…"

"The smell of this forest is already unbearable," Spark continued, his voice tinged with mock disdain. "I can't imagine the stench of that place."

Hearing Spark's remark, the old elf smiled wryly unable to come up with a response.

Princess Ling, recovering from her initial shock, looked at the old elf with curiosity. "Is it true? Can you really take us to see the World Tree?"

"Oh, no. I can't take just anyone there." The old elf waved his wrinkled hand and pointed at Spark. "Only this young man."