The four of them rode a carriage and traveled across the grasslands for two days, slowly seeing the distant rolling hills and gradually more trees.

The land near Shilin Mountain Castle is rarely watered and lush with vegetation, so many settlements gather around here. With more people, there are also quite a few conflicts. However, due to the authority of Shilin Mountain Castle, the intensity of these conflicts is kept within limits and isn't too bloody.

"You ask why I don't settle down here? Of course, it's because I can't afford to live here," Guy answered Flan's curious inquiry.

"The settlements near Shilin Mountain Castle have to pay taxes every year, and these taxes vary. Some are in grain, some in wood, and some require labor; nothing is free here."

"Therefore, the settlements that can stay around here year-round are relatively wealthy."

"I can see the road. Follow it not far, and you'll reach the territory of 'Red Pomegranate' settlement," Guy urged the two small horses onto the main road.

"The main road is safer, with patrols from Shilin Mountain Castle passing by from time to time."

The four of them slowly entered a road covered by the shade of tall trees. On both sides of the road grew tall oaks, their canopies crossing in the middle, making the slightly gully road speckled with sunlight, which felt particularly refreshing and comfortable.

"The feeling is immediately different," Flan opened his diary and sketched the road and trees he saw today on the pages.

Sitting in the back row of the carriage, Tilan also looked up, reached out to catch a falling leaf, and sniffed it at her nose. The slightly cool aroma of grass and wood was a far cry from the withered grass on the grassland.

"We're almost there." Guy slightly shook the reins, letting the two horses move a little faster.

Three hours later, they stopped in front of a high wooden wall.

Waving to the watchtower behind the fence, soon someone emerged.

"It's Guy! Long time no see." The person wore a leather vest, their muscular arms exposed, with the most striking feature being the long, raised tail behind them, patterned in yellow, black, and white, looking very powerful.

"Long time no see, Iron Pound," Guy shook hands with him and patted his shoulder.

"Why is it not Tedley this time? I haven't seen him for a while and wanted to exchange swordsmanship techniques." The man, with a stubbly face and a thick iron sword on his back, commented.

"Tedley..." Guy's tone changed slightly.

"He's no longer with us," he said, shaking his head.

"A lot has happened recently. I'll tell you inside." Seeing Guy's sorrowful expression, the other refrained from pressing further and had the gate behind them lifted before leading the horses and carriage inside.

Sitting in the carriage, the young girl gazed curiously around the settlement surrounded by shade. Several tall watchtowers were visible, along with houses beneath the trees. The people walking around all had tails; calling them 'Cat Tail Species' seemed more appropriate.

Compared to the barren settlements on the grassland, the living conditions here for the Cat Tail Species were evidently better. The grasses were luxuriant, the wild grass lush and green, and the air more humid and fresh.

No wonder they had previously said that the settlements on the grassland were neglected remote places.

"Please have a seat while I call for the leader 'Chi Zhi.'" Iron Pound led the four into a spacious wooden tent and then left. On the other side, two Cat Tail Species women brought over pottery water jars for the four to drink.

"This water is truly refreshing," Flan said, gulping down half a jar directly, while Guy minded his manners, given that they were acquaintances.

Soon, a woman wearing deep red layered clothing, with a wooden hairpin in her hair, came with others. She appeared to be in her thirties or forties, with a beautiful visage and upturned eyes. Female Cat Tail Species guards accompanied her, all bearing long swords, with small firearms at their waists.

"Are you from the Elk leader's settlement?" Her gaze swept over them with a hint of doubt and scrutiny.

"Yes, my name is Guy. I saw you two years ago," Guy stood up. He claimed they were acquaintances, but they weren't very well acquainted since it was usually Tedley who led the trades, and he had only participated a few times.

"Guy?" She seemed unable to recall the name until Iron Pound stepped forward to explain.

"Tedley is gone...?" she expressed some regret.

"Then you might as well tell me the details, from Iron Pound's description, it seems you've recently encountered many unfortunate events."

...

An hour passed while Guy recounted, with Flan occasionally adding a few words, and Guy took out a small branding iron token.

Looking at the branding iron in her hand, warmed by inquiries, the Cat Tail Species leader slightly turned it with her fingers before setting it down.

"It seems you're telling the truth. I had not anticipated that so many things could happen in just one month."

"I'm sorry to hear that, but since you've made it out, you must have overcome the most difficult times. If there's anything you need help with, you can tell me. I might not be able to assist with major issues, but I can help with smaller requests." In her youth, she had traveled extensively with her people and had once been saved by the Elk leader, so they had always been on good terms.

"It was my idea when the Elk leader set up the settlement there. I can't believe how many years have passed in the blink of an eye."

...

"Are you planning to trade at Shilin Mountain Castle? Since you've mentioned it, I can help take on some of the burden here too. You can also leave the items you need to exchange here for safekeeping and collect them on your return."