Lin Taichu nodded, straightened his clothes, and followed Aze into the grand hall.
The hall was spacious. A high platform stood at its center, and seated upon it was a merman with a golden tail, white hair, and a crown upon his head. His gaze was imposing; at a glance, Lin Taichu knew he was the king of Atlantis.
Many merman ministers stood on either side of the platform, all watching Lin Taichu with curiosity and wariness in their eyes.
Following Aze's instructions, Lin Taichu bowed to the King. "This junior is Lin Taichu. Greetings, King of Atlantis."
The King looked at him and asked, "You are Lin Taichu? The King of the Forest guided you here?" His voice was deep and carried an air of authority.
Lin Taichu replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. This junior met the King of the Forest at a desert oasis."
"He said this junior was fated with Atlantis and told me to come here. I hoped to learn about Atlantis while improving my strength. I bear no ill intentions, so please rest assured, Your Majesty."
The king asked again, "You said you possessed a token from the King of the Forest. Is it that wooden box containing the Crimson Spirit Fruit?"
Lin Taichu quickly took out the wooden box and handed it to the guard beside him, who then passed it to the King.
The King accepted the wooden box, examined it carefully, and then held it before his nose to smell it. He said to the ministers, "This wooden box does indeed carry the spiritual energy of the King of the Forest. There is no mistake."
Upon hearing this, the ministers' discussions quieted considerably.
The King returned the wooden box to Lin Taichu and said, "Since you were guided here by the King of