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Chapter 141: Spring Comes Upon A Withered Tree (VIII)

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    器鬼族总人数只有十几万左右，最高寿命将近千年，以分裂的方式繁衍后代，每个分身从幼体期开始就拥有强健的体魄、金火双系魔法天赋以及完整的记忆传承。若非森林面积辽阔，器鬼族恐怕早就横扫大陆了。

The total population of the specters were roughly only a couple hundred thousands while their longest lifespan was almost a thousand years. They reproduce by binary fission and every doppelganger since the child phase would have a sturdy physique. They have twin talents of gold and fire magic as well as complete memory inheritance. If it weren’t for there to be so much forestry, the specters would have long taken over the continent. 

    这次大战，器鬼族派出了两千族人，加上他们控制的各族傀儡，大约集结了三十万人马。联盟军队约五十万，其他佣兵团难以计数，在人数方面，联盟拥有绝对优势。但两千器鬼族的战斗力，足以给联盟带来巨大威胁。

For this war, the specters sent out two thousand of their own race while the puppets they controlled assembled roughly three hundred thousand of their own. The alliance army had five hundred thousand while the numbers of the mercenaries were a bit harder to count. But in pure numbers, they had the advantage. However, the fighting strength of two thousand specters was a great threat to the alliance.

    当伊维赶到战地时，联盟军队已经与器鬼族交战过几次，败多胜少，损失了上万人马。

By the time Ivan hurried to the battlefield, the alliance army had already fought several battles against the specters. They lost more than they won, their losses totalling over ten thousand men and horses.

    “伊维，你有多少颗氧灵珠？”泣血佣兵团团长塔默问道。

“Ivan, how many oxygen spirit beads do you have?” The leader of Tears of Blood mercenary, Tomo asked.

    “15颗。”伊维据实以告。

“Fifteen.” Ivan reported.

    塔默凝眉思索片刻，沉声道：“我们这边也只剩下30颗，数量太少，无法形成有效伤害。”

Tomo frowned as he fell deep in thought before replying, “We only have thirty left on our side. There isn’t enough to make a significant dent in their numbers.”

    山迪接口说：“这次大战太过仓促，联盟准备不足，我估计最后会以战败而告终。”

Sandy added, “This war was too sudden, the alliance isn’t prepared enough. We will probably lose the war in the end, which is the end of us.”

    “如果不能压制器鬼族，联盟大军恐怕坚持不了多长时间。”其他人也深表忧虑。

“If we can’t suppress the specters, the alliance army won’t be able to last long.” Other people piped up with great worry.

    这时，阿尔文提议道：“我们可以选择特定目标进行偷袭。”

Alvin spoke up this time, making a suggestion. “We can choose a target in advance and launch a surprise attack.”

    “偷袭？”

“Surprise attack?”

    “没错。”阿尔文继续道，“器鬼族并不知道我们拥有多少氧灵珠，如果他们的人接二连三被我们偷袭成功，必然会有所顾忌，不敢亲身犯险。”

“That’s right.” Alvin continued, “The specters don’t know how many oxygen spirit beads we have. If their members are successfully killed by us one after another, they might be more hesitant and be more unwilling to put themselves in danger.”

    其他人闻言，纷纷觉得此计可行，之后的会议便是针对目标的选择和具体行动计划进行了深入讨论。

His suggestion sounded rather feasible, so the remainder of the meeting was for selecting targets and further planning out their course of action.

    伊维基本没有发言，只是安静的旁听。作为炼金师，他不会参与偷袭行动，只需要负责提供武器。

Ivan basically remained silent the whole time during the meeting. As an alchemist, he did not need to participate in the surprise attack operation, he only needed to supply the weapon.

    走出沉闷的营帐，耳边传来伤者的呻吟，空气中弥漫着药草和酸臭的味道，昔日美丽的精灵国度，如今却是满目苍夷。

As he left the oppressive tent, the cries and screams of the injured was everywhere. The air was filled with the stench of herbs and rotting flesh. The formerly beautiful country of elves was now a scenery of ash and death.

    伊维抬头看向蔚霄森林所在的方位，眼中满满都是思念和温情。无论外界有多少纷争，只要想到有个精灵正在家里等他，他便觉得身上充满力量。

Ivan raised his head and looked in the direction of Waiser Forest, his eyes full of longing and warmth. No matter how many conflicts the world outside may have, as long as he thought of the elf waiting at home for him, his body would be filled with power.

    三天后，联盟从各个佣兵团挑选了十名高手，每人携带两颗氧灵珠，前往器鬼族的营地，对几个重要目标进行偷袭。氧灵珠能够大幅度削弱器鬼族的实力，效果可以持续数月之久，只要偷袭成功，便足以动摇他们的军心。

Three days later, the alliance picked ten experts from every mercenary group, with each person carrying two oxygen spirit beads. They headed for the camp of the specters to mount attacks against a couple important targets. The oxygen spirit beads can greatly weaken the specters with the effect lasting months. As long as they are successful, they can destabilize them.

    联盟军在交战时佯败，让器鬼族放松警惕，方便高手行动。

The alliance army feigned defeat during the recent battle, causing the specters to lighten up on their vigilance which made it easier for them to put their plan in action.

    高手们不负众望，接连成功偷袭了五名器鬼族将领。几天后，终于引发了器鬼族的内乱，鸣金收兵，暂时停止了对联盟军的进攻。

The experts lived up to expectations as they successfully launched attacks on five high ranking military officers of the specters. Several days later, it finally led to internal disorder within the specters, and they ordered a retreat, temporarily stopping their allied forces from attacking.

    联盟军第一次在战场上取得优势，无不欢欣鼓舞。

The alliance army had the advantage within the battlefield for the first time and it brought great elation.

    提供氧灵珠的伊维成为此次行动的大功臣，但他并没有放松，带着几名高级炼金师，抓紧时间炼制氧灵珠。

Ivan who provided the oxygen spirit beads became the most valuable player within this operation, but he did not relax and took the chance to make some oxygen spirit beads with a couple high level alchemists.

    事实上伊维最新研制的氧灵刻印才是对付器鬼族的最佳利器，可惜炼制太麻烦，浓氧的搜集也非常困难，到目前为止，他也只炼制了两块。与其将时间浪费在氧灵刻印上，不如多炼制一些氧灵珠。

The oxygen spirit seal that he had recently developed was the best weapon against the specters, but it was a pity that it was troublesome to make and the gathering of concentrated oxygen was also very difficult. Even up until now, he had only made two. So rather than wasting time on making them, he would rather make more oxygen spirit beads.

    结束一天的工作，伊维独自在营地中散步。经过营地边缘时，他眉心一跳，突然升起一股危险的预感。下一刻，他身形瞬移，消失在原地。几乎是同时，数柄利刃疾射而来，嗖嗖钉在伊维刚才所站的位置。

Finishing his day of work, Ivan took a walk alone within the camp. When he passed by the edge of the camp, his heart suddenly jumped as a feeling of danger rose within him. In the next moment, his figure flashed and disappeared from the spot. Almost at the same time, a number of sharp blades shot out and nailed the ground where he was originally at.

    伊维还没站定，身后又是一连串尖锐的破空声。在他闪避之际，四周徒然腾起火焰，挡去他的去路。动作停顿的瞬间，他的右臂和左肩被利刃刺中。随即，利刃开始在他的血肉中扭曲变形，从刀刃变成丝网，不断向他的身体内部延伸穿刺。

Ivan had not even stabilized himself when the sound of more blades flying through the air came from behind him. While he dodged, his surroundings suddenly caught on fire which blocked his path. In the moment he paused, his right arm and left shoulder were pierced. The blade within his flesh immediately deformed, turning from a blade into a net that spread within his body without pause.

    伊维忍着巨痛，扬手朝一个方向射出一道氧灵刻印，霎那间金光闪烁，空中出现一片流动的符文，随即只听那边传来一声惨叫，而后和符文一起消失。

Ivan bore the great pain and threw out an oxygen spirit seal. The seal flashed and the word seal appeared within the air, followed by a scream. The seal disappeared from the spot after that.

    做完这些，伊维跪倒在地，体内的丝网还在延伸，他当机立断将手指插进伤口，拽住丝网，连血带肉地将它从身体中抽出来。霎那间，鲜血四溅，染红了他的衣襟。

Finishing that, Ivan fell to his knees but the net within his body was still extending. He promptly made the decision to insert his finger into the wound and grab thee net, then with his flesh and blood still hanging onto it, pulled it out from his body. Blood immediately spurted everywhere, dying his jacket red.

    这个过程发生在瞬息之间，等伊维将丝网全部抽出，附近的战士才发现异常，快速赶来支援。

The events happened in a flash, by the time Ivan took out the net, the soldiers nearby finally noticed something was wrong and rushed over as fast as possible to help.

    伊维剧烈地喘息着，脸上的绷带都被汗水浸湿，意识逐渐模糊。

Ivan panted heavily, the bandage on his face was soaked in sweat and his conscious blurred.

    “伊维，你怎么样？”阿尔文将伊维扶起来，关切地问。

“Ivan, how are you?” Alvin helped support Ivan up and asked with great concern.

    伊维咬紧牙根，艰难地吞出两个字：“有毒。”

Ivan gritted his teeth and managed to respond, “There’s poison.”

    话音一落，伊维便昏了过去。

Ivan immediately lost consciousness after reporting that.

    “快去叫医生！”阿尔文搀扶着伊维，冲着同伴大叫。

“Call a doctor fast!” Alvin shouted at his companion as he held onto Ivan.

    营地中顿时一片混乱。

Chaos immediately took over the camp.

    战士们在不远处找到一名浑身僵硬的器鬼，他倒在地上，意识全无，铜色的皮肤外布满符文。

Soldiers found a specter not too far from the spot. He had fallen unconscious on the ground, his copper skin full of seals.

    众人大为震惊，刚才伊维射出的是什么东西，挥手之间便封印了一名器鬼族，实在太厉害了！

Everyone was greatly shocked. Just what was that thing Ivan threw out just now? It had immediately sealed a specter, it was really too amazing!

    营帐中，阿尔文等人焦急不已，伊维的情况很不乐观，身上的皮肤逐渐变成深褐色，血液也从鲜红色变成黑色。不过几分钟，他整个人就像被变质的染料浸泡过一般。

Within a tent, Alvin and the other members were overcome with anxiety. Ivan’s situation was very bad, his skin was gradually turning into a dark brown as his blood turned from red to black. In only a few minutes, his situation went from bad to worse.

    “这是什么毒？有办法可解吗？”阿尔文见医生迟迟不说话，忍不住催问。

“What kind of poison is this? Is there any way to deal with it?” Alvin couldn’t help asking when the doctor remained silent.

    “这是剧毒‘妄屠’。”医生迟疑道：“发作速度太快了，恐怕来不及配制解药就……”

“This is a highly toxic poison ‘Massacrer’.” The doctor hesitated before continuing, “It’s progressing too fast, I’m afraid that by the time we compound an antidote…”

    “情况怎么样？”团长塔默快步走进来，见众人面色难看，心下咯噔一声。

“How is the situation?” The leader Tomo quickly walked in. Seeing how bad everyone looked, he couldn’t help mentally gulp.

    “我们没有现成的解药吗？”山迪顾不上和团长打招呼，追问道。

“We don’t have any ready-made antidote?” Sandy did not bother greeting their leader and questioned the doctor instead.

    “妄图是一种十分稀少的毒药，我们此行并没有准备妄图的解药。”医生起身对众人说道，“尽快请一位牧师过来，看看能否暂时将毒素压制，我们现在就去配置解药。”

“The Massacrer is a very rare poison so we did not prepare one for it this time.” The doctor stood up and addressed everyone, “Hurry up and get a priest over, see if they can suppress the poison for the moment. We will try to make an antidote right now.”

    “我来吧。”一个人影从塔默身后走出来。

“I’m here.” A person suddenly walked out from behind Tomo.

    阿尔文等人循声望去，赫然发现来人竟是曾经有过一面之缘的精灵尚可。

Alvin and the others followed the voice and were astonished to find that it was the elf Shang Ke that they had once met.

    “是你？你是牧师？”卡西娅惊喜地迎上去。

“It’s you? You’re a priest?” Cassia greeted him with pleasant surprise. 

    尚可没有理会她，径自走到床边，轻轻握住伊维的手，淡绿色的光芒在两手交握处流转，然后如同薄纱一般，缓缓将伊维覆盖。

Shang Ke did not take notice of her and walked straight to the bed. He gently held Ivan’s hand and a light green light roamed from where their hands were connected, then started to slowly cover Ivan like a gauze.

    尚可三天前就到了，一直以牧师的身份留在伤者营地。他治疗的第一名伤者就是塔默，因此结识这位佣兵团团长。刚才听闻伊维受袭，他便跟着塔默赶过来了。

Shang Ke arrived three days ago and had been staying in the camp as a priest. The first person he had treated was Tomo, so they had gotten to know each other. When he heard that Ivan was attacked, he had silently followed Tomo.

    走进帐篷的瞬间，尚可立刻感应到鬼玉封印的力量正在衰弱，生命之泉的气息缓缓向外溢出。尚可再次确定鬼玉就藏在伊维的左眼中，而他的生命力就是封印之源，如果他死了，鬼玉的封印就会松动，完全解除也不过是轻而易举的事。

The moment Shang Ke entered the tent, Shang Ke immediately sensed the phantom jade’s seal weakening with the power of the Spring of Life slowly flowing out. Shang Ke once again determined that the phantom jade was hidden within Ivan’s left eye, using his life as the origin of the seal. If he were to die, then the seal on the phantom jade will immediately loosen it’s hold. Getting rid of it completely would be a simple matter by then.

    如此看来，器鬼族也不知道鬼玉在伊维身上，否则绝对不会派人来暗杀他。

From the looks of it, the specters don’t know that the phantom jade is on Ivan either. Otherwise, they wouldn’t send out someone to assassinate him.

    低头凝视着床上的男人，尚可目光幽暗，只要他停止治疗，伊维的生命就会终结，然后就能解除封印，释放生命之泉，他的任务可以完成，精灵族将重获新生，饱受压迫的子民，也将拥有足以与器鬼族抗衡的强大力量。

Looking down at the man on the bed, Shang Ke’s eyes were gloomy. As long as he stopped his treatment, Ivan’s life would immediately end and then he would be able to remove the seal and release the Spring of Life. His mission would be completed, the elves would recover and with the oppressed people, have enough power to contend against the specters.

    然而，尚可又怎么忍心看着他死去？虽然自己已经做好了牺牲的准备，但伊维的生死，不应该由他决定。如果可以，他希望这个男人能够好好活下去。

However, how could Shang Ke have the heart to watch him die? Although he was prepared to sacrifice his own life, Ivan’s life and death was not for him to decide. If he could, he wished for this man to keep living on.

    魔法的光芒在帐篷中闪耀，随着光芒的流转，伊维深褐色的皮肤逐渐变回原来的古铜色，手臂和肩膀的伤口也在缓慢愈合。

The light of the magic shone within the tent, and along with movement of the light, Ivan’s dark brown skin was gradually returning to its previous bronze color. The wound on his arm and shoulder was also gradually healing.

    虽然不能彻底清除毒素，但尚可的治愈魔法，足以保住伊维的性命，接下来只要等医生将解药配置出来就行了。

Although he couldn’t completely clear the poison, Shang Ke’s healing magic was enough to preserve Ivan’s life. All they had to do was wait for the doctor to finish making the antidote.

    “太厉害了！”医生赞道，“你是我目前见过的精灵牧师中，治愈能力最强的一个。”

“You are too amazing!” The doctor praised, “You are the strongest priest I have ever seen.”

    尚可笑了笑，转头对塔默说：“塔默团长，我想留下来照顾伊维。”

Shang Ke smiled and turned to speak to Tomo, “Leader Tomo, I would like to stay behind and take care of Ivan.”

    塔默先是愣了一下，随即点头道：“好，伊维就拜托你了。”

Tomo was first dumbstruck but immediately nodded, “Okay, please take care of him.”

    待众人相继离开帐篷后，尚可解下伊维脸上的绷带，脱去他身上的衣服，开始帮他擦拭身体。

After everyone left the tent in succession, Shang Ke took off the bandage on Ivan’s face and pulled off his clothes. He then started to wipe down his body.

    擦到腰侧时，手腕突然被人抓住，尚可抬起头，对上一双金色的眼眸。

When he reached his waist, his wrist was suddenly grabbed. Shang Ke raised his head and was met with a pair of golden eyes.

    “我在做梦？”伊维目不转睛地盯着眼前的精灵，喉咙里发出沙哑的声音。

“Am I dreaming?” Ivan stared, unable to take his eyes off the elf in front of his eyes as he spoke hoarsely.

    “对，你是在做梦。”尚可拿开他的手，继续给他擦身。

“Yes, you are dreaming.” Shang Ke pulled away his hand and continue to wipe him down.

    “我只做春梦。”伊维看了看自己光溜溜的身体，实事求是地说。

“I only have wet dreams.” Ivan looked down at his naked body and spoke truthfully.

    尚可斜了他一眼：“你‘春’一个给我看看。”

Shang Ke glanced at him, “Why don’t you have one for me to see?”

    伊维不说话了，他现在肩膀都抬不起来，实在有心无力。

Ivan no longer spoke. He couldn’t even move his shoulder right now, so there was nothing he could do.

    片刻后，伊维才说：“可可，你怎么会在这里？小精灵呢？”

After a moment, Ivan finally spoke again, “Keke, how are you here? What about the little elves?”

    “我在森林附近设置了迷踪结界，他们不会有事的。”尚可顿了一下，又道，“我比较担心你，所以过来看看。”

“I sent up a maze boundary near the forest, they will be fine.” Shang Ke paused, then continued, “I was more worried about you so I came to take a look.”

    伊维眼中温情脉脉，嘴角流露出止不住的笑意。不过很快又收敛表情，皱眉道：“这里不安全，你还是尽快回去吧，不用担心我。”

Ivan’s eyes were full of fondness as he gently smiled. But his smile immediately disappeared into a frown, “It isn’t safe here, you should quickly leave. You don’t need to worry about me.”

    “哦？”尚可上上下下打量他，“这就是你说的‘不用担心’？”

“Oh?” Shang Ke looked him up and down, “This is your ‘you don’t need to worry about me’?”

    要死不活地躺在床上，确实没什么说服力。伊维郁闷地转过脸去。

Lying half dead on a bed really didn’t hold any persuasiveness. Ivan gloomily turned his head away.

    小样，还知道不好意思？尚可心中好笑，没有继续打击他脆弱的小心灵，只是叮嘱道：“好好养伤，我就在这里陪你。”

Little guy, so even you know how to feel embarrassed? Shang Ke laughed in his heart but did not continue to poke at his weak point. He merely warned him, “Take care of healing your wound, I will stay here with you.”

    “嗯。”伊维看着尚可帮他盖上毯子，心里说不出的幸福。多日积累下来的疲惫，在精灵的气息抚慰下，全部化为浓浓的睡意。

“Mhm.” Ivan watched as Shang Ke covered him with a blanket, his heart bursting with unspeakable happiness. The fatigue he accumulated over the course of battle turned into a strong sleepiness under the gentle care of the elf.

    伊维安心地闭上眼睛，很快便进入舒服的睡眠中。

Ivan peacefully closed his eyes and entered a comforting sleep.

    另一边，一名混血精灵迟疑对塔默团长说道：“我刚才好像感觉到生命之泉的气息了。”

On the other side, a half-elf hesitantly spoke to Tomo, “I think I just felt the presence of the Spring of Life just now.”

    “什么？”塔默心中一惊，忙问，“在哪里感应到的？”

“What?” Tomo’s heart immediately jumped and he quickly asked, “Where did you feel it?”

    “就在伊维的帐篷里。”混血精灵朝伊维所在的帐篷望去，迟疑道，“这股气息在尚可帮伊维治疗时便消失了，我怀疑……”

“In Ivan’s tent.” The half-elf looked toward Ivan’s tent, and after another moment of hesitation, spoke, “The feeling disappeared after Shang Ke healed him. I think…”

    “怀疑什么？”

“What is it?”

    “鬼玉就在伊维身上。”

“The phantom jade is on Ivan.”

    两天下来，伊维在尚可的悉心照顾下，外伤差不多已经愈合结痂，只要等清除体内的毒素基本就能恢复。

Two days later, Ivan’s wound was almost completely healed up under Shang Ke’s gentle care. He would be completely recovered once the poison is cleared from his body.

    塔默走进帐篷，见伊维正裸着上身坐在床上，原本藏在绷带下的脸此刻完全显露出来，那一条条扭曲交缠的疤痕看起来格外狰狞。尚可半跪在床上，低垂着头，细心地帮他擦拭头发。俊美的侧脸上，带着一抹浓得化不开的温柔，目光专注，眼中仿佛只有这个男人的存在。两人之间，萦绕着一种难以形容的亲密。

Tomo walked into the tent and saw Ivan sitting half naked on the bed. The face that was originally hidden under bandages was now completely out in the open. The twisting vines looked comparably sinister. Shang Ke was half kneeling on the ground, his head dipped as he carefully wiped his hair. From the side view of his pretty fair, there was an indescribable gentleness. His eyes were concentrated as if only this man existed. A hard to describe intimacy seems to linger between the two.

    塔默表情一愣，脚步不自觉地放缓。

Tomo paused at the sight, his footsteps slowing uncontrollably.

    “塔默团长。”尚可见到来人，停下手上的动作，微笑着打了个招呼。

“Leader Tomo.” Shang Ke saw Tomo and stopped his actions, smiling as he greeted him.

    伊维则只是微微点了一下头。

Ivan merely nodded in greeting.

    “伊维，身体感觉怎么样？毒素有没有扩散？”塔默走进来，关心地问道。

“Ivan, how are you feeling? Has the poison spread?” Tomo walked closer and asked with concern.

    “好多了，多谢关心。”伊维回道，目光随意扫过塔默身后的那名混血精灵。

“I’m much better, thank you for your concern.” Ivan replied and his eyes went to the half-elf behind him.

    混血精灵首先看了尚可一眼，随即将目光转向伊维，同时不动声色地释放体内的自然元素。

The half-elf first looked at Shang Ke, then immediately shifted his gaze to Ivan. At the same time, he released the nature element within his body.

    尚可眼神微闪，抬头朝那名混血精灵望去。后者的注意力全部在伊维身上，直到发现自己的力量被阻挡在距离伊维不到两米的地方，脸上才闪过一丝诧异，转头与尚可对视。

Shang Ke’s eyes flicked and raised his head to the half-elf. The latter was placing all of his attention on Ivan until he found that his power was blocked two meters away from Ivan. Astonishment flashed through his face and he turned to face Shang Ke.

    混血精灵在他身上感应到一股纯净的气息，带着花木的清香和自然的生机，让人忍不住想要亲近。他肯定已经发现伊维身上的异常，但为什么要阻止他探索真相？鬼玉的去向关系着精灵族乃至整个大陆的未来，即便只是一点怀疑，他也不能错过。

The half-elf sensed a pure aura from him, a sweet scent of flower and wood, along with the vitality of nature that made people want to get closer. He must have already noticed the situation with Ivan, but why was he preventing him from finding out the truth? The phantom jade’s location has to do with the future of the entire elf race, even if it’s a suspicion, they cannot let it go.

    “我来介绍一下，这是圣光佣兵团的亚奥。”塔默向伊维和尚可介绍那名混血精灵，“他也擅长治愈魔法，而且是一名优秀的药剂师，我请他过来帮你检查一下身体，以便更好地配置解药。”

“Let me introduce him, this is Holy Light Mercenary’s Yao.” Tomo introduced him to Shang Ke, “He is good at healing magic and an outstanding pharmacist. I asked him to come check your body to better administer the antidote.”

    伊维的眉头皱了皱，两天前不就已经开始配药了吗？为什么还要检查？

Ivan’s brow wrinkled. Haven’t they started to make the antidote two days ago? Why did he still need to be inspected?

    他心下疑惑，却也没有拒绝。

While he was confused, he did not refuse.

    亚奥又看了尚可一眼，随即走到伊维身边，搭住他的手腕，几束光芒在指尖闪现，下一刻，亚奥的手却如同触电一般收了回来，表情惊疑不定地望着伊维。

Yao glanced at Shang Ke again, then immediately walked to Ivan and placed a hand on his wrist. A few rays of light flashed from his fingertips, but in the next moment, Yao’s hand spasmed like he had been shocked as his expression turned bewildered as he stared at Ivan.

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