Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 3298: The Nine Seas World

Cattaleya whistled hearing Elyon’s explanation. "That explains the name, at least."

Elyon continued, "The landmasses here are split into nearly thirty continents, though calling them continents is generous. Each is barely the size of a large kingdom."

Meng Bai tilted his head. "You said ’nearly thirty,’ not exactly thirty. Why is that?"

Elyon glanced down the steps as they walked. "Because that number changes. The tides of this world are unique. Every few years, some continents partially submerge. Every few centuries, others vanish beneath the ocean entirely. It is said that the ocean here breathes, inhaling and exhaling with the rhythm of the world’s core."

Lin Mu frowned slightly. "You mean the continents actually sink and rise back up?"

"Yes," Elyon confirmed. "Some only lose their shores. Others vanish completely for a time. The clan we are supposed to assist belongs to one such land. Their ancestral island submerges beneath the ocean for nearly a hundred years at a time. Only once in a century does it rise again."

Meng Bai blinked. "Then they can only visit it once every hundred years?"

"Exactly," Elyon said. "That is when they perform their ancestral worship. Unfortunately, the last few cycles passed without mercenaries available to guide them. Traveling to such regions is dangerous. The seas between here and that island are home to violent storms, beasts the size of hills and even spatial distortions. Most mercenaries would rather take simpler, safer jobs."

Lin Mu nodded, understanding. "And now the time has come again, and they still have no escort."

"Correct," Elyon said. "We happened to arrive just as the period is nearing. Though I am not sure how soon the island will rise, I plan to confirm it once we reach the city below. That is why we need to find an inn first. I will handle the official documentation with the local Mercenary Guild and verify the mission details."

"That works," Lin Mu said. "We can rest while you handle that."

The group finally reached the base of the tower.

The streets of the city were bustling, but unlike many others they had seen, this one seemed calmer, more orderly. The people here wore light robes of woven sea silk, and several races mingled together freely. There were humans, fishkin, and even a few aquatic beastfolk.

Seeing them, Lin Mu couldn’t help but be intrigued.

The city was built across several connected platforms that jutted out into the water. qi-powered bridges linked them, glowing softly beneath the setting sun. The constant scent of sea breeze mingled with faint notes of salt and immortal herbs sold by street vendors.

Lin Mu took it all in quietly. He always enjoyed observing new worlds and their people. Each world had its own rhythm, its own soul.

Elyon led them through the streets, asking a few locals for directions until they found a small inn near the docks. The sign read "Azure Tide Pavilion," carved into coral wood and framed by shells that glowed faintly.

"This will do," Elyon said. "Stay here for now. I will handle the mission details and return by nightfall."

"Be careful," Lin Mu said.

Elyon nodded and disappeared into the crowd.

The others checked into the inn. The rooms were modest but comfortable, with large open windows that looked out over the sea. Lin Mu stood by his window for a long while, watching the setting sun cast golden light across the waves.

He could already sense the faint presence of powerful beings within the deep waters. The Nine Seas World was calm on the surface, but its depths hid strength and mystery alike.

And somewhere in this vast, oceanic world, the dwarfs he sought might just be waiting.

A few hours passed as night had settled over the Nine Seas World.

A soft, briny wind passed through the coral shutters of the Azure Tide Pavilion, carrying with it the faint hum of waves striking the pier. The entire inn glowed faintly from within, as the bioluminescent sea moss that lined the lamps and chandeliers began to emit their soothing light.

The group had gathered in the large common room that connected their individual chambers.

It was spacious and warm, its walls curved like the inside of a conch shell. The furniture was unlike anything they had ever seen. The chairs and tables were made of thick, flexible sea vines woven around chunks of coral, giving them both strength and texture.

The craftsmanship was simple, yet elegant, possessing a kind of rustic beauty that spoke of long practice rather than design.

Above them hung a grand chandelier, a marvel of creativity.

It was made entirely of coral and driftwood, strung together with fine threads of dried woven seaweed that swayed lightly whenever the sea breeze entered the room. Hollow pearls the size of a man’s fist hung from the chandelier. Each was perforated and filled with glowing sea moss, giving off a gentle light that painted the room in hues of jade and aquamarine.

Meng Bai was particularly delighted by the inn. He had spent much of the evening exploring the hallways, chatting with the innkeeper, and tasting some of the local fruit drinks. When he finally sat down, he looked completely at ease.

"This place is great," Meng Bai said, leaning back in his coral chair. "Even the walls hum softly when the tide rises. It’s like sleeping inside a seashell."

"Of course, the walls are made from large conch shells. There are still some spiral parts embedded into the walls, which catch the air and make the sound of tides." Daoist Chu explained.

"So that’s what those holes are for? No wonder I feel like humming. They’re basically an instrument." Meng Bai said with a smile.

Cattaleya smirked. "If you start humming along, I’ll throw you into the ocean."

The playful comment made everyone chuckle.

Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the hall. A moment later, Elyon entered. The wolfkin brushed his damp hair back, his clothes still faintly glistening with moisture.