Gongfu led Grim through a series of passages that wound deeper into the East Sea realm, away from the grand amphitheater and the other Dragon Kings.
The corridors here were different—older, carved from natural rock rather than shaped coral. Bioluminescent organisms provided dim lighting, creating an atmosphere that felt both ancient and intimate.
They walked silently for several minutes, the only sounds being the distant movement of water and the soft echo of their footsteps.
Finally, they reached a circular chamber with walls covered in intricate carvings. At the center sat a simple stone table with two chairs carved from what appeared to be a single piece of jade.
"Please, sit," Gongfu said, settling into one of the chairs.
Grim took the opposite seat.
"You have questions," Gongfu began without preamble. "About me, about what happened during my awakening, about the changes you've observed."
