Lin Mu remembered Elyon talking about the tournaments. Back then it seemed like irrelevant local gossip. Now it was affecting them directly.

Daoist Chu rubbed his forehead. "I suppose that explains the increased crowd around town."

The clerk nodded. "As the expected traffic is extremely high, all mid and major routes are prioritized. Only worlds with consistent traffic remain connected at this time. Minor worlds, especially those far from the main flow, have their arrays deactivated to conserve resources and maintain stability during the influx."

Lin Mu asked calmly, "How many people typically travel to Khwanzim World each month?"

The clerk checked the records. "In the last twelve months, only eleven parties traveled there. Less than one per month. It is among the least used routes connected to this outpost."

Daoist Chu let out a slow exhale. "So the route was chosen for suspension."

The clerk nodded. "Yes. It has been closed for several months already, and is expected to remain closed until the tournament period ends. Possibly another six to seven months or even a year depending on how long the tournaments take."

Lin Mu and Daoist Chu exchanged glances. That was a far longer pause than they expected.

Lin Mu asked, "Is there an alternative path that connects to Khwanzim World?"

The clerk brightened. "There are two alternatives. Shall I bring up the routes?"

"Please do."

A wave of the clerk's hand brought up two glowing pathways. At first glance they looked long. Upon looking closer, they were even worse.

Daoist Chu sucked in a breath. "These… These are ridiculous. They go in circles."

One route zigzagged through seven worlds, some of which were not even in the same sector. Total estimated travel time: three years.

The second route was slightly shorter but still required going through five worlds and then flying directly through a difficult star field. Estimated travel time: two and a half years.

Lin Mu studied the diagrams calmly. "These paths appear… inefficient."

The clerk sighed. "That is the reality for small worlds like Khwanzim. Very few arrays connect to them. When the main line is down, travelers must take the long route unless they have private teleportation arrays."

Daoist Chu frowned. "If we request an exception using authority tokens, would they consider reactivating the route?"

The clerk shook her head quickly. "It is not a matter of authority. To reactivate a deactivated route, the array masters must realign channels that were already diverted to support the major lines.

Doing so requires tremendous energy and resources, and would destabilize travel for thousands of others. The Eastern Immortal Court will not approve such a request, even from a high elder unless it is a matter of urgent war related activity."

Lin Mu let out a quiet sigh. "Then we have no choice but to wait."

Daoist Chu nodded reluctantly. "Waiting may be better than wasting years traversing worlds."

Lin Mu asked, "How long before normal traffic resumes?"

"Seven months at the earliest. The tournament season will draw tens of millions of cultivators from both this solar system and neighboring regions. After the Grand Tournament ends and the crowds disperse, traffic will return to normal."

Lin Mu gave a grateful nod. "Thank you for your information."

The clerk bowed. "Please enjoy your stay in the Martial Fist King World. Should you need assistance with local travel, city routes, or prioritized teleportation to the tournament locations, feel free to return."

Lin Mu and Daoist Chu left the teleportation office in silence, walking through the plaza filled with travelers, martial registration booths, and vendors selling tournament memorabilia.

Daoist Chu sighed deeply. "I did not think tournaments would cause such a delay in our plans."

Lin Mu adjusted his cloak. "We will simply use this time. Meng Bai can train more. I can refine more Spatial Qi. And we can gather information about the region. Seven months is not so long."

"That's if its seven months." Daoist Chu smiled faintly. "Though, you truly have patience."

"Patience is a cultivator's greatest asset," Lin Mu replied. "Especially in the Immortal Realm."

They walked back toward the Coiling Horn Inn, their footsteps calm and measured.

Plans had shifted.

But Lin Mu felt no frustration.

A few more months were simply another chapter in their long journey through the Immortal Realm.

And who knew what they might encounter in this world where martial fists reigned supreme.

Lin Mu returned to the Coiling Horn Inn with Daoist Chu at his side, both of them walking in contemplative silence. When they stepped into their private suite, they found the others relaxing.

Meng Bai had finally recovered enough to sit up without wobbling, Cattaleya was lazing on a sofa with her boots hanging off one armrest, and Elyon was reading a booklet he had apparently bought from a hawker outside.

Lin Mu explained the travel situation plainly.

"The teleportation route to Khwanzim World is suspended. It will not reopen for several months. They are prioritizing heavy traffic routes due to the once in a century Grand Martial Fist King Tournament. All minor routes are shut down."

For a moment the room was quiet.

Then Cattaleya's eyes widened. Her entire posture shifted from lazy to electric excitement.

"A world dedicated to martial fist arts. And they are hosting the Grand Tournament. This is perfect."

Lin Mu chuckled lightly. "I figured you would say something like that."

Cattaleya leapt to her feet and pointed a finger at herself proudly. "A place where punching people is culturally approved and celebrated. It is paradise. I am going to find out everything about these tournaments."

Before anyone could speak, she marched straight toward the balcony, hopped onto the railing, and dove off the building.

Meng Bai and Elyon both rushed to the railing.

Elyon groaned. "I was literally about to say I already know some things about the tournaments."

Daoist Chu laughed and gave him a consoling pat on the shoulder. "You could have told her and she would still have gone. There is no stopping that woman."

Meng Bai nodded. "That is true. Senior Catt is frightening."

Lin Mu shook his head with amusement. Then he looked around. "Where are you going Elyon?"

Elyon heard his name and coughed lightly, closing his booklet. "Well… I will go gather information. There are bound to be some interesting things happening around the outpost."

Without waiting for comment, he slipped away like fog dispersing through cracks.

Lin Mu sighed softly. "Everyone is scattering today."

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