Lin Mu's brows lifted slightly in admiration. "That's rare. Most human sects or clans wouldn't allow such integration, even if the races were peaceful."
Daoist Chu gave a thoughtful nod. "Harmony like this is seldom seen. To balance two races so closely and still maintain order requires strong unity."
While they talked, a pair of Merkin swam by, moving through a floating bubble of water that hovered a few feet above the ground. They passed close to Lin Mu and then... froze.
Their eyes widened, and for a brief second, their scales flared, reflecting light in sharp flashes. A shiver passed through their tails, and they exchanged nervous glances. They whispered in their own lilting tongue, their fins twitching nervously as they stared at Lin Mu.
Though Lin Mu didn't understand their language, he could tell they were wary. He turned his gaze slightly, and the Merkin immediately averted theirs, swimming off faster than before.
