At those words, Cang Lan fell silent for a long time.
He closed his eyes slightly, thinking of his people living on the island.
Could they, still living in the past, really adapt to a world hundreds of years ahead?
Mu Yun did not rush him. While Cang Lan thought, he gently played with Mudkip and searched for every member of the Exploration Team in the Sea Realm.
Now that he had decided to claim the Sea Realm, he naturally would not let outsiders remain there.
"Lord Mu Yun..."
Cang Lan's voice came slowly. He opened his eyes, resolve shining in them.
"Lord Mu Yun, thank you for giving us a choice. But we... still want to stay."
"The outside world may be wonderful, but Sea Island is our home. It's where Giant God protected us for hundreds of years. Our people have lived here for generations. They're used to peaceful lives devoted to their faith. I beg you to let us keep this island as our home within your realm!"
Cang Lan lowered his head, his voice full of pleading.
Accepting new things was good, of course.
But not everyone wanted to keep pace with the times. Sometimes, a change too abrupt would bring only confusion and a sense of alienation.
Rather than leave his people, accustomed to their simple way of life, anxious in an unfamiliar world, he would stay on their homeland and let them continue their peaceful lives.
Mu Yun considered his words for a moment, then nodded.
Cang Lan's choice surprised him, but it made sense.
Sea Island was only a small island, after all. Its people had survived all these years thanks to Giant God's protection.
They might not adapt to the outside world.
Better to leave things as they were: Mu Yun would