Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 3227: Sole Invitation

The three Ice Drakes stood motionless on the snow-covered slope, their crystalline scales glimmering faintly beneath the pale sunlight. The air was so cold that the frost in the air seemed to hang still, refusing to move even when the wind blew.

For a full minute, no one dared to move.

Lin Mu stood at the front of the group with his hands behind his back, calm and composed. Elyon’s shadowy presence loomed faintly beside him, half-hidden within the drifting snow, ready to act if things went bad, while Daoist Chu and Monk Hushu stood silently behind.

Cattaleya crossed her arms and gave a faint grin that didn’t reach her eyes. Meng Bai, however, was clearly tense; even with his Qi circulating to resist the cold, he couldn’t stop the nervous pounding in his chest.

The Ice Drakes’ heavy breaths misted through the air like steam from furnaces, each exhalation creating a low rumble that seemed to shake the mountain beneath them. Their eyes, blue and sharp as icicles, watched the humans without expression.

Finally, the leading drake, a towering creature whose head alone was larger than a carriage moved.

Its body shimmered in hues of sapphire and white, each scale reflecting the dim sunlight like a polished mirror. Its horns curved backward in elegant arcs, resembling twin crescent moons made of frozen jade. The drake’s eyes locked onto Lin Mu with a gaze that felt ancient, intelligent, and cautious.

When it spoke, the sound was deep and resonant, like stones grinding against each other, yet surprisingly clear.

"Humans," it said slowly. "You have not followed the treaty well. For years, our kind has been patient. But that patience wanes."

Its words rolled through the valley like thunder. The moment it finished, a tense silence followed. No one dared to respond immediately.

Lin Mu merely inclined his head slightly, showing no offense. He knew that any wrong word or gesture could make things spiral out of control.

The drake continued, "Because of this, we cannot allow entry to your kind. Leave this place."

That declaration made the group’s hearts tighten. Elyon’s shadow flickered faintly, and even Cattaleya’s grin faded. Monk Hushu frowned but remained quiet, while Daoist Chu subtly shifted his stance as if preparing for negotiation.

However, before any of them could speak, the leading drake’s eyes narrowed. It looked at Lin Mu once more, then at Little Shrubby, who stood beside him, tail flicking against the snow. A flicker of curiosity crossed its face.

After a brief pause, the drake raised one of its massive claws and pointed at Lin Mu. "This one," it said. "He may enter. He... smells trustworthy."

That surprised everyone. Elyon’s brow rose slightly. Monk Hushu blinked in confusion. Cattaleya even let out a short laugh before covering her mouth.

Daoist Chu was the first to recover, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It must be because of Little Shrubby," he murmured. "Beasts often recognize kinship of spirit. Drakes would rather deal with one who understands the bond between man and beast."

The Ice Drakes’ gazes briefly flicked to Little Shrubby again. The crimson-furred beast stood tall, unbothered by the cold, his fiery aura faintly visible. His eyes gleamed like molten amber. There was pride in his posture, a natural confidence that even the drakes respected.

Lin Mu nodded slowly.

He had half expected something like this. Dragons and drakes valued instinct over ceremony. They could feel intent, loyalty, and balance more clearly than any human could.

Stepping forward, Lin Mu clasped his fists and bowed slightly. "I understand. I will come alone. In addition to that, allow me to offer gifts in accordance with the old customs."

The lead drake tilted its head, seemingly intrigued. "Gifts?"

"Yes," Lin Mu replied. "It is only proper to show respect when meeting with the children of the dragons."

That seemed to please the creature.

A faint light flickered within its eyes, and it inclined its head slightly. "Very well. Come."

Lin Mu turned to his companions. "I’ll handle this. Wait here and remain calm. I’ll contact you through spiritual transmission when I can."

Daoist Chu nodded immediately, trusting Lin Mu’s decision. "Go. We’ll be ready if anything happens."

Meng Bai opened his mouth as if to protest but stopped when Daoist Chu placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

"It will be fine," the Daoist said quietly.

Lin Mu gave his disciple a small nod before stepping forward.

Snow crunched under his boots as he approached the three colossal beings. They turned and began moving, leaping effortlessly across frozen ridges and icy slopes. Each leap carried them hundreds of meters at a time, their muscular limbs propelling them forward with ease.

Lin Mu followed without difficulty, gliding through the air with light steps, leaving only faint ripples of Qi behind. His movement was silent, yet steady enough that even the drakes occasionally glanced back in mild surprise.

"This one is fast," one of them said in their native tongue, a low rumble that vibrated through the ground.

"He does not move like a human," said another.

"He carries the scent of the beasts," murmured the third, eyes glinting curiously.

"Not just that... I can sense more... Smell of... nature itself?" The drake was confused.

Lin Mu did not understand their words, but he could sense from their tones that the mood had shifted from suspicion to approval. His calm aura, steady breathing, and the respectful distance he maintained all worked in his favor.

After several minutes, the group reached a vast valley surrounded by cliffs of pure ice. The cold here was so dense that even light seemed sluggish. Frost clung to the air itself, and faint currents of icy mist flowed like rivers across the ground.

Nestled within the valley were dozens of immense structures carved directly into the ice; caves and dens that gleamed like crystal palaces. Each was large enough to house multiple drakes, and faint traces of cold blue flame flickered deep within them, illuminating runes carved into the walls.