Sea Maiden Douluo also stood up, made an inviting gesture, and took the lead, heading toward the towering rocky platform at the center of Sea God Island.
Xiao Yun followed her, keeping neither too close nor too far behind as they crossed the beach and a belt of low shrubs, making their way deeper into the island.
The sea breeze blew in from the side, carrying the scent of the shallows and reefs.
The salt in the air was a little stronger than before, as though a broader expanse of water awaited him in the island's depths.
From the eastern shore of Sea God Island to its central region, the terrain rose gradually along their route.
The initial stretch of beach gave way to low shrubs, and the sandy soil beneath their feet gradually became hard ground mixed with broken coral.
Sea Maiden Douluo walked ahead without slowing her pace or looking back to check whether Xiao Yun had kept up. She simply continued forward at a steady speed.
Her route did not skirt any of the cities, as though she took it for granted that there was no need to avoid those areas.
The first city they passed stood on the sheltered side of a low hill. Its houses were built from timber and palm leaves, with gently sloping roofs and wide ventilation openings in the walls.
The entire city had neither walls nor fences, but a large stone pillar stood at its center, its surface carved with numerous patterns representing the Sea God.
Several villagers were mending fishing nets outside their doors. When they saw Sea Maiden Douluo pass, they stopped what they were doing, and their gazes soon settled on the unfamiliar face behind her.
Their gazes did not linger, nor did they show any obvious hostility.