Emerald's gaze was so direct, not concealing it in the slightest. Even without explicitly naming it, the Tree of Life understood it was addressed to it.
But, understanding is one thing, the Tree of Life did not immediately release her because of Emerald's words.
The Tree of Life was hesitant.
So-called experience teaches wisdom.
It hadn't forgotten what happened the last time it released Emerald.
Having just been tricked by her and learned a lesson, how could it easily trust Emerald again?
After thinking it over, the Tree of Life believed in its own judgment. Thus, its branches subconsciously tightened a bit more.
Not only did the branches on her body not loosen, but they made Emerald even more uncomfortable than before. Without needing to ask, she immediately understood the Tree of Life's intention.
Emerald couldn't help but roll her eyes. This was a very unseemly action for an Elf, but she really couldn't help it.
Unexpectedly, even now, the Tree of Life was still afraid she would do something to Xu Ling?!
Emerald didn't understand the Tree of Life's logic at all. If she really wanted to do something, why would she let go? Doing something directly would be much faster than letting go and then grabbing her again!
Emerald scoffed, letting out a soft snort at the Tree of Life.
However, suddenly, Emerald understandingly stated that she could understand the Tree of Life's actions to some extent.
The Tree of Life had never spoken before; it communicated with Elves through mutual perception.
No, to be precise, it was a one-sided perception from the Tree of Life towards the Elf most devout to it, thereby informing the entire Elf Race.
This could be considered the first time since the Tree of Life's birth that it possessed something similar to human consciousness and could express itself verbally.
Perhaps it was because its method of expression had changed, so the Tree of Life acted this way, yes, somewhat foolishly.
While thinking this, Emerald didn't notice a question suddenly arising in her heart—why had the Tree of Life become like this?
However, this question only flashed briefly, like a meteor suddenly streaking across the sky, quickly swallowed by her other thoughts and completely ignored.
However, now wasn't the time to worry about the Tree of Life's logic; persuading it to release her was more important.
"Don't you think I would hurt her again?"
Emerald glanced towards Xu Ling, but her gaze didn't truly land on her. Then she immediately pouted, looking disdainful.
"Don't worry, I won't!"
"Isn't she my Companion? You know, Elves can't harm their Companions!"
"Besides, if I really wanted to harm her, I would have done it already. I wouldn't have released her and waited until now!"
The Tree of Life fell silent after hearing Emerald's words.
Although Emerald's words were unpleasant, they did make some sense. If Emerald had really wanted to harm Xu Ling just now, she wouldn't have needed to let go.
After all, even if it bound Emerald tightly, at such a close distance, it only required a slight movement from Emerald.
It must be said that the Tree of Life was indeed persuaded by Emerald, but it still didn't immediately release her.
The Tree of Life suddenly asked, "Ling Ling, can I let her go?"
Emerald was already surprised when the Tree of Life addressed Xu Ling. After hearing the entire sentence, her surprise was even harder to conceal.
She never expected that, even at this point, the Tree of Life had left the final decision to Xu Ling!
This was completely beyond her expectations!
Could Xu Ling be that important to the Tree of Life?!
Emerald couldn't help but reassess Xu Ling again.
Emerald lowered her gaze and began to contemplate. She no longer focused on whether the Tree of Life would release her.
After all, the result was already obvious.
The choice to release her was now in Xu Ling's hands. Based on her previous behavior and Xu Ling's obvious fear, Emerald didn't think Xu Ling would dare to choose to release her.
Therefore, thinking about it was clearly a waste of time; it was better to think about something else.
Emerald's body began to relax, vaguely implying that she was letting the Tree of Life's branches support her.
Anyway, she was bound so tightly that she couldn't even fall down on her own.
While Emerald was lost in thought, Xu Ling heard the Tree of Life's question and remained silent.
Xu Ling certainly didn't want the Tree of Life to release Emerald!
In just a short while, Emerald had displayed her fluctuating moods vividly!
At this moment, her thoughts were exactly the same as the Tree of Life's original ones—who knew if she was saying this deliberately, then unexpectedly attacking again?
However, Emerald's explanation was very convincing. Xu Ling had to admit that at such close range, if Emerald wanted to do anything, she couldn't escape.
It was because Reason told her Emerald was right, yet her heart was a thousand times against choosing to release Emerald, that she remained silent.
"