Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 3654: The Kingdom Of Dwarves

The island itself was diverse in terrain.

There were hills and ridges formed from dark stone, rising unevenly across the land. Larger mountains stood further within, their peaks shrouded in heat haze. Between them lay stretches of plains, some flat and open, others broken by jagged formations.

Vegetation was scarce.

There were patches of plant life, small clusters of hardy growth that clung to the land in isolated pockets. A few twisted trees could be seen, their bark darkened and adapted to the extreme environment. They were few, but their presence added a strange contrast to the otherwise harsh landscape.

What dominated the scene, however, was not the land itself.

It was the barrier.

Encasing the entire island was a massive array formation, its structure forming a dome-like shield that shimmered faintly in the heated air. Countless runes flowed across its surface, each one etched with precision and glowing with a steady energy.

They were all written in dwarven script.

Lin Mu’s eyes narrowed as he observed it.

"This array..." he said.

Daoist Chu stepped closer, his expression turning serious as he extended his senses.

"It is at the Transcendent level," he said after a moment, his voice filled with quiet astonishment. "Perhaps even higher in certain aspects."

Lin Mu nodded slowly.

The craftsmanship was extraordinary.

The runes were layered in a way that suggested centuries of refinement. It was not a single formation, but a composite structure built upon itself over time, each addition strengthening the whole.

"This is not something built quickly," Lin Mu said.

Jing Wei chuckled lightly.

"It has been here for a long time," he replied.

Their attention shifted inward.

Beyond the barrier, the island was filled with structures.

Buildings of stone and metal dominated the landscape, their designs unmistakably dwarven. Thick walls, angular shapes, and heavy foundations gave everything a sense of permanence and strength.

Yet there was variation.

Not all the buildings looked the same.

Some were compact and fortified, resembling the style of Mountain Dwarves, built for endurance and defense. Others had more elaborate metalwork integrated into their structure, glowing faintly with heat, a signature of the Fireforge Dwarves.

And then there were those adorned with intricate carvings and runic patterns, their surfaces alive with inscriptions that hinted at deeper functions. These belonged to the Rune Dwarves.

All three styles existed side by side, interwoven and unified.

There were massive structures that resembled castles, their silhouettes rising above the rest. At first glance, they appeared to be towers or fortresses, but upon closer inspection, their purpose became clear.

Each tower functioned as a forge.

Their tops opened into large chimneys, releasing streams of heat and faint smoke into the air. The glow within them pulsed rhythmically, suggesting ongoing work at immense scales.

Rivers of lava flowed through the settlement.

Not randomly, but with proper function.

They followed carved channels, moving like lifeblood through the island. Bridges of stone and metal crossed over them, connecting different districts. The lava provided both energy and material, an ever-present resource integrated into the very structure of the kingdom.

Dwarves were everywhere.

Hundreds.

Perhaps thousands.

They moved with purpose, each engaged in some form of work.

Most of them were forging.

The sound of hammer striking metal echoed constantly, a rhythmic chorus that filled the air. Sparks flew, tools clanged, and molten materials were shaped with practiced precision.

If they were not forging, they were discussing it.

Voices rose in heated arguments, debates about technique, materials, and design. Even from a distance, it was clear that craftsmanship was central to their lives.

And of course... Some were drinking.

Barrels and mugs were present in several areas, dwarves gathering in groups, sharing drinks and stories amidst their work.

Lin Mu watched everything with quiet fascination.

This was the first time he had seen dwarves on such a scale.

Up close, the differences between them were clear.

Some were broader and sturdier, with heavier builds suited for strength. Others were leaner, their features sharper, reflecting a different lineage. Their beards varied as well, from thick and braided to shorter and neatly kept, each style carrying its own identity.

They approached the barrier.

Jing Wei raised his hand slightly.

The runes reacted.

A section of the barrier shifted, opening just enough for them to pass through. The energy parted smoothly, allowing Little Shrubby to enter without resistance.

The moment they crossed into Mantleheim, they felt the difference.

The heat was still present, but it was controlled. The temperature was quite balanced and Meng Bai felt better. The chaotic energy of the outer lava sea was replaced by a stable environment maintained by the array.

Shrubby landed near the edge of the island.

Their arrival did not go unnoticed.

Several dwarves nearby stopped what they were doing.

They turned to see them, their eyes narrowing as they took in the sight of a massive flaming beast descending from above.

Hands moved instinctively toward tools and weapons. Not in immediate aggression, but in caution. Then they saw the figures atop the beast.

Confusion soon replaced suspicion.

They looked between Lin Mu’s group and Jing Wei.

Recognition dawned and their stances relaxed slightly as curiosity took over.

One of the dwarves stepped forward.

He was broad even by dwarven standards, his beard braided thickly, with metal rings woven into it. His voice was deep and heavy when he spoke.

"Apprentice Jing Wei," he said, his tone carrying authority. "Who are these people?"

Jing Wei stepped ahead.

"These are guests," he said. "An old friend of mine has come to seek me out. And the dwarves as well."

The dwarf’s expression did not fully soften.

His eyes moved toward Lin Mu.

"You know the rules," he said. "Outsiders are not permitted here."

The air grew slightly tense.

Lin Mu stepped forward at that moment.

"Jing Wei did not bring us here," he said calmly.

The dwarf looked at him.

"We found this place ourselves," Lin Mu continued. "With some help."

The dwarf’s gaze sharpened.

"Whose help?" he asked.