After Ruchiqa was dealt with, Lin Yi's group freed the three Meishan captives.
Relieved, Meishan knelt repeatedly before Lin Yi, offering profuse thanks.
Lin Yi waved him off, gesturing for them to lead the way to Gan Forl. The three Meishan men complied immediately, still haunted by the earlier massacre.
Soon, they arrived at the vast Sky Island. Its architecture was unique, mostly white, evoking purity and divinity. Meishan explained that this island was called Angel Island.
Gan Forl's residence, God Island or Apayado, was originally part of Gaia Island, swept up by the Upper Currents 400 years ago.
The Silver Dragon anchored at Angel Coast, attracting curious crowds. Locals whispered, pointed, and some even muttered curses.
Lin Yi remained unfazed. Meishan, however, was pale, murmuring, "These fools are inviting death. They can't possibly provoke such warriors."
"Don't worry, we mean no harm," Lin Yi reassured them. "But why such hostility toward outsiders? Is there a reason?"
Meishan explained, "In recent years, pirate groups from Qinghai arrived. They were brutal, burning and looting indiscriminately. Even with our defenses, many innocent lives were lost. That's why locals distrust outsiders."
Lin Yi's brows furrowed, a wave of disgust rising. Pirates were a scourge everywhere, leaving only pain and suffering.
After a pause, Lin Yi said gently, "We are not pirates. We're travelers seeking adventure and knowledge. We won't harm anyone."
He then asked if the crew wished to meet the island's ruler or explore. Fiona, playful as ever, leapt forward. "We want to explore!"
Lin Yi ruffled her hair, smiling. "I know you too well. You're itching to see everything."
Fiona pulled Chiyo along, giggling as they darted off. The others decided to explore or guard the ship. Only Fiona and Robin would accompany Lin Yi to meet Gan Forl.
Meishan led the three through the island, while Fiona discreetly used her threads to accelerate their pace.
They soon arrived at another island, quieter, more mysterious. A grand building rose before them, majestic and intricate. Meishan bowed and entered to report.
Moments later, a group approached, led by a heavily armored elder with a European-style spear. Stepping forward, he introduced himself politely. "I am Gan Forl. It is an honor to meet you. May I know your names?"
Lin Yi returned the greeting, introducing Fiona and Robin. The women nodded in acknowledgment.
Gan Forl's tone was warm. "Please, let us converse inside."
Once seated, Gan Forl offered fruits and delicacies. After some polite exchanges, he got to the point. "Lin Yi, I understand you seek to discuss something important regarding the island's history."
Lin Yi nodded. "Yes, I'm a traveling adventurer, very interested in the history of Sky Islands. Can you share anything?"
Fiona and Robin exchanged surprised glances, unprepared for this approach.
Gan Forl thought a moment, then said, "You are the second person to ask me that. The first was a pirate named Roger, 13 years ago."
Robin gasped. "Gol D. Roger came here?"
Lin Yi chuckled. "Remember, Robin, reaching the final island requires gathering four historical Poneglyphs. That explains Roger's visit."
Robin smiled, intrigued.
Gan Forl regarded Lin Yi, cautious yet respectful. "The history of the Sky Islands is vast. Why such insistence?"
Lin Yi answered earnestly, "Every history is a treasure. I seek all that is unknown."
Gan Forl sighed. "Honestly, even I don't know everything. Our ancestors didn't originate from the Lower World. They came from the moon, fleeing a catastrophic disaster. They struggled for survival, eventually settling here."
Fiona and Robin were stunned. Moon? That seemed impossible.
Lin Yi remained calm, having suspected this before. Still, he asked further about the disaster and potential survivors elsewhere.
Gan Forl shook his head. "I wish I could answer, but time has erased much. Whether it truly happened is a matter of legend."
Lin Yi suspected Gan Forl was holding back. Evidence of moon folk existed elsewhere, suggesting secret schemes.
Lin Yi requested access to historical records, and Gan Forl agreed. Just as they prepared to move, a commotion erupted outside. Gan Forl frowned. "It seems we have uninvited guests."