CHAPTER 1262: CHAPTER 15: THE STONE WALLS AND CASTLE BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS

After Guy vigorously promoted the quality and story of the fur coat that day, Tilan and the others stayed for another day. This was because the promotion was so successful that later, even when Guy wanted to take a few more pieces to Shilin Mountain Castle, it wasn’t possible.

"Didn’t you say it was a masterwork and extremely rare? There’s no way we can let you go just like that." The trade leader, who had been quite disdainful and tried to undercut the price before, immediately changed his tune. He grabbed Guy’s arm, talking almost without pause for a day, until Guy had to relent and said he’d only take a small portion to trade at Shilin Mountain Castle while leaving the rest of the coats at ’Red Pomegranate’ for exchange.

"That’s more like it. Don’t worry, even if there’s too much stuff, we can help deliver it to the settlements on the prairie. We were just about to head out, so we’ll help you deliver the goods."

After some negotiations, the people from the ’Red Pomegranate’ settlement agreed to help escort the exchanged goods to the prairie, finally reaching an agreement.

"There might be a slight loss, but having them accompany us on the way back increases the safety significantly." Guy explained.

"Let’s go, it’s time to head to Shilin Mountain Castle." The two days of rest helped the four of them recover their status, and the subsequent journey felt much lighter.

On the road, there’s hardly any worry about attacks from passing beasts or ambushes by bandits. As they got closer to Shilin Mountain Castle, the number of travelers and caravans gradually increased, eventually forming an almost continuous line moving forward on the road.

The wheels slightly undulated over the gravelly ground. Hexia, leaning against a haystack, looked at the long line behind them. The travelers had different forms - some with curved horns on their heads, some with yellowish skin, some with double-jointed legs - but most resembled humans, making it difficult to distinguish the newborn races.

As the carriage climbed another rolling hill and started descending, the tall castle between two mountains gradually came into view.

The mountain peaks had a dusting of snow, and the long stone walls connected the mountainsides, forming a sturdy mountain castle city. Smoke curled upward, occasionally revealing patrols walking along the city walls. A winding stone path led down to the castle gate.

"Was the castle built here for safety?" asked Hexia, slightly curious, to Guy.

"Exactly, it’s quite secluded here, and the war machines’ sweeps often skip this place."

"Also, it’s said that inside the castle there’s a winding hidden passage to the underground lava within the mountain. The heat there keeps the steam engines running, bringing plenty of vitality, allowing Shilin Mountain Castle to produce some not very complex things. Plus, it’s the only place on this land where electric lighting is used regularly." Guy recalled the information he’d heard.

Arriving at the foot of the mountain castle, the line of people waiting to enter the city stretched long, and the four of them were just insignificant members within it, moving forward slowly.

"It’ll probably take about an hour to get in, so there’s time to walk around a bit." Flan estimated, looking at the line in front of them.

"Want to take a look, Miss Hexia?"

"Look at what?" Tilan seemed a bit puzzled.

"Of course, at these caravans also preparing to enter the city. You might find something good." Flan pointed out the group chatting and trading along the queue.

"Hmm, just a moment." Tilan thought for a bit, then set the still-napping Ores down on the haystack, covered her with a thin blanket, and jumped off the carriage, heading towards Flan.

The two walked along the dew-laden mountain path. Many travelers were also resting and chatting by the roadside, with some even using small stoves to cook something to eat.

"Smells good, seems like they’re roasting something over there." Flan followed the scent.

Soon, they arrived at a cart, which seemed to belong to a family of four. The man had short, thick spiral horns, and the woman appeared short and small. Beside them were two children, with dark skin and wearing rudimentary beast clothing, drooling at the slowly roasting items on the stove.

"This seems to be some sort of tuber plant." Flan assessed the skin turning gray and black.

"Could I have one, friend?" he directly asked.

The man seemed quite annoyed at first, but upon seeing how the pair was dressed, he held back a bit, realizing they weren’t ordinary people.

"If you want to eat, you need to trade for it." He said gruffly.

"I understand. I have a small packet of floral tea. You can brew it into a drink." Flan pulled out a small paper packet from his pocket, containing various dried leaves and flowers.

"What’s this good for?" The man frowned and waved it away.

"Don’t need it?" Flan wasn’t bothered and put it away, pulling out another paper packet from a different pocket.

"Here are a few herbs, effective for treating external wounds, made from a mixture of chicory and mouse whisker flower powder. Check them out." The other man hesitantly took it and sniffed it.

Though still a bit skeptical, this small packet was much more valuable than the roasted blackened tuber.

He put it away and picked out one of the larger tubers, tossing it to Flan.

"Here you go."

"Thanks." Catching it, barely managing the heat, Flan juggled it around for a bit before tearing open a small portion, revealing the steaming pale yellow flesh inside.

"The taste..." He licked it with his tongue, savoring it thoughtfully.