The two of them walked along the path until they reached the building below, and Fang Hong lifted his head, momentarily stunned by what he saw—the inn was exceptionally tall, but that wasn't the key. The key was that it was divided into three layers, but the layers were not connected to each other.
Each layer was positioned on a massive oak tree trunk, on circular wooden platforms, with the topmost layer protruding through the verdant canopy, topped with a bright red spire piercing through the forest.
The three-story inn was connected only by spiral staircases and suspension bridges, with light-emitting plants growing into lamp posts, bending downwards, enclosing flowers and fruits within—since it was daytime upstairs, they were not glowing.
This was a treehouse inn.
Although Fang Hong had heard much about the unique architectural styles of Eteliria's fairies and elves, seeing it with his own eyes was a first.
They hadn't encountered many people on the way, but the inn surely had quite a few guests; the inn's lowest layer was situated in the dim forest entwined with vines, with bright lights radiating from pointed arched windows, casting a warm orange glow.
An elf with pointed ears, carrying a longbow, leaned forward on the railing, waved at them as he saw them: "Friends, where did you come from?"
"The North."
Odin answered succinctly.
"The northern climate is very cold; it must've been unpleasant crossing Holy Bow Peak," the elf asked.
"It was alright." Odin nodded.
From their brief exchange, Fang Hong could discern that the other was a native. A native elf, though he couldn't immediately tell if he was an Avenquin Elf or a Forest Elf.
A number of beasts of burden were stationed on the open ground below the inn; certainly, none were as large as their Mr. Greyrock. They seemed to belong to adventure groups and merchant caravans.
He even spotted wingless earth dragons, favored by heavy cavalry, and invokers particularly liked these mounts—evidently, many invokers were also present at this inn. Surveying his surroundings, he joined Odin in ascending the stairs.
Yet, before they could push open the door, a little fairy appeared out of nowhere, fluttering down to meet them.
Fang Hong was surprised to see the little fairy in a black and white maid outfit.
The little fairy placed her hands on her skirt, wavering her wings, bowed awkwardly in mid-air: "Two guests, are you here for a stay, or just a short rest? Nevade welcomes you."
Fang Hong curiously eyed her outfit, which looked extremely cute on the little fairy.
He couldn't help but think of something else.
In his mind, he heard the voice of Miss Tata:
"No way."
"I was just thinking about it."
"Just thinking is not allowed, Mr. Knight."
Meanwhile, Odin spoke to the little fairy, "I'm here to see the Tower Guard of the Silver Tower."
"Ah," the little fairy paused, "Do you have an appointment, sir?"
Odin took something out of his pocket: "I don't have an appointment, but I have this."
The little fairy glanced at the item—a silver leaf—and her eyes widened slightly, "Please wait a moment." Hurriedly, she took the leaf and flew away.
Odin turned back, apparently ready to answer any questions Fang Hong might ask. But he was puzzled to see Fang Hong deep in thought, lost in contemplation.
He didn't know that upon hearing the words 'Tower Guard of the Silver Tower,' Fang Hong immediately delved into his thoughts, seeking Miss Tata's insights:
"Miss Tata?"
The Silver Tower, also known as the Hall of Everything, Hall of Knowledge, and Silver Grand Library, was once established by a group of mysterious scholars. It had branches in Colin Ishurian, Osh, and even as far away as Rotao and Giant Tree Hill.
In fact, each continent had a Silver Tower.
The Silver Tower in Eteliria was in Elpaxin.
Osh was at the Arch of Truth, Rotao in Holy White City, and naturally, Giant Tree Hill was at Sanxiak.
Initially, while investigating the Dragon Worship Sect, he had visited the Silver Tower Library in Colin Ishurian, where he obtained some critical information regarding Dolifen.
Moreover, he knew that Tata was also a creation of the Silver Tower, one of the seven Fairy Dragon Souls. Her title was self-proclaimed as the Guardian of the Silver Tower, though it was just a title, perhaps linked to some memories from before she became a Dragon Soul.
Yet, Fang Hong didn't expect there to be another Tower Guard of the Silver Tower here.
Was the person the Tower Guard of this generation?
But why be here, shouldn't the Tower Guard be at Elpaxin?
Fortunately, Miss Tata quickly answered his question, "The Tower Guard is not the same as me, and although I don't know why I hold my title, I can vaguely perceive the distinction."
She replied, "The Tower Guard is merely a designation; any Grand Scholar of the Silver Tower could bear such a title and they don't necessarily have to be in a specific place."
Only then did Fang Hong understand, and he asked further: "Then what is the Guardian?"
This time, Tata shook her head.
Fang Hong raised his head to see Odin, not far away, frowning at him—he was stunned and cautiously asked, "What's wrong?"
"What were you thinking about just now?" Odin had initially assumed Fang Hong would question him about matters concerning the Silver Tower, but with Fang Hong remaining unusually silent instead, Odin found himself perplexed.
"I was pondering about the Silver Tower."
"You know about it?"
"I know some..."
"Pretending to know.
Odin reached to grab his great sword.
Fang Hong was on the verge of tears; the problem was, he really did know about the Silver Tower.
...
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