Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 2601 Tying Up Ends

”Iʼll also prepare for the journey, Ancestor. Iʼll gather my things,” Ao De Zuzu replied. ”If you wish for money, I have plenty of treasures I can give to you,” he offered generously.

”That wonʼt be needed. Iʼm a Flood Dragon; making money for me is as easy as selling some old scales,” the old man laughed.

He was correct, too, and Lin Mu knew just how valuable the scales of any Dragonic beast were. Even old scales that were shed were strong enough to withstand attacks from Immortals. When refined properly, they could be turned into highly effective defensive treasures.

”Letʼs head back to the city, then,” Lin Mu said, and they parted ways.

Ao De Zuzu went back to his nest to finish tying up his connections in the area. After all, he had become the overlord and protector of the region, and his sudden departure was bound to cause trouble. There were many humans and beasts that lived under his protection, and he felt duty-bound to ensure their well-being before leaving. They had offered tributes to him for thousands of years, and he couldnʼt abandon them without making provisions.

As a Dragonic Beast, Ao De Zuzuʼs pride demanded he fulfill this obligation.

Lin Mu returned to the Capital City shortly afterward and helped Qiulong Jiao gather the needed materials. However, the old man didnʼt actually need to sell anything. Once it became known that he had been one of the key helpers during the battle with Yao Changying, the Emperor himself offered a hefty reward in gratitude.

With that, the old man was essentially set for his journey at any time. All he needed to do was wait for Ao De Zuzu to prepare himself. The Blue Drakeʼs deeply rooted position as the overlord of the region required significant effort to dismantle, but a small request from the Flood Dragon to the Imperial Court expedited the process. Within a week, both would be ready to embark on their journey.

This turn of events made Lin Mu reflect on his own plans. He realized he needed to prepare for his next destination as well. Before that, however, there were several loose ends to tie up and people he needed to visit.

The first on his list was the Haima Tribe.

Fortunately, the Haima Tribe was still nearby, assisting the Dao Wind Empire with post-battle recovery efforts. Their contributions during the conflict had earned them special status, and they were now recognized as one of the worldʼs protectors.

Moreover, discussions regarding reparations for the injustices they had suffered in the past were already underway.

In a historic decision, all three Empires agreed to contribute to compensating the Haima Tribe. Additionally, their home in the ocean had been officially declared an independent territory. The Haima Tribeʼs leadership had also initiated plans to establish trade and diplomatic relations with the empires, including the construction of a settlement on the islands above Deep Sapphire Cityʼs location.

”Elder Niji,” Lin Mu greeted. ”Or should I call you the Haima Patriarch now?” he asked with a smile.

The two were seated in one of the pavilions in the Imperial Grounds, graciously offered to the Haima Tribe during their stay in the capital.

”Haha, for the Saviour, any term is fine. I do not mind it,” Elder Niji laughed.

”Iʼll just continue calling you Elder Niji, then,” Lin Mu said with a smile.

The two exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes before Lin Mu broached the main topic.

”Iʼve come to bid you goodbye,” Lin Mu stated. ”I shall be leaving the Rust Sky World soon.”

”WHAT? Youʼre leaving!?” a womanʼs voice suddenly exclaimed.

SHUA

From a pearl bracelet on Elder Nijiʼs wrist, the illusory image of a mermaid appeared. It was none other than Lanbao!

”Ah, Lanbao, you can appear here now?” Lin Mu was surprised.

”I can, thanks to this communication tool,” Lanbao nodded.

”I see... but yes, I have to leave. My time here has come to an end, and I have other responsibilities to attend to,” Lin Mu explained.

”Aww... I wanted to play with you again. I even sent some new shinies with the Patriarch for you,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness.

Since she was a formation spirit, Lanbao couldnʼt leave Deep Sapphire City. The only way for Lin Mu to meet her was to visit the city himself.

”Hmm... perhaps I can visit you once before leaving,” Lin Mu offered, feeling a pang of guilt at the thought of leaving without seeing her one last time.

”That shouldnʼt be difficult. Weʼre working to establish a teleportation array between the Empires and the islands above Deep Sapphire City,” Elder Niji informed him. ”It should be completed soon, so you can visit easily afterward.”

”Ah, that would be perfect,” Lin Mu replied, relieved at the prospect of saving time.

”We have much to show you. Our tribe has grown considerably,” Elder Niji said, bringing out several gifts for Lin Mu. These included chests brimming with treasures, minerals, ores, gems, and finely crafted tools made by the Haima Tribe.

Lin Mu accepted the gifts as a token of gratitude and spent more time conversing with Elder Niji before taking his leave.

Next, he visited Lady Kang, who had been busy managing her clan and business ventures. The two talked for hours, during which Lin Mu shared his plans to leave the Rust Sky World.

Lady Kang informed him about her own intentions to return to her clan and focus on the business ideas they had discussed. These included the production and distribution of Mortal Reminder Arrows and Herbsbane Arrows. She assured Lin Mu that once the ventures were fully operational, he would receive his first share of royalties within a couple of years.

Satisfied with the progress on all fronts, Lin Mu left with a sense of closure. Now, he could shift his attention to preparing for his next great adventure beyond the Rust Sky World.

He had a banquet with all his companions one last time and all that was needed for him to leave was Monk Hushu, and Ziranʼs return.