This Treasure-light Bronze Toad not only possesses formidable defensive capabilities but also boasts an extremely strong carrying capacity, making it a rather rare Third Rank Gu.
And atop this Treasure-light Bronze Toad sat a plump middle-aged Gu Master. His face was covered in pockmarks, yet his smile was exceptionally kind and approachable. He was constantly waving to pedestrians on both sides of the road, seemingly greeting them.
This middle-aged Gu Master was the leader of this caravan, Rank 4 Gu Master Jia Fu. He was experienced and intimately familiar with the trade routes of Southern Border, which is why this caravan had been quite successful under his leadership in recent years.
Behind Jia Fu, various strange-looking mount Gu followed closely. There was a massive Mud Toad, its back laden with a pile of heavy goods, appearing to struggle with every step; there was also an agile Mountain Giant Spider, its eight long legs traversing the mountain path as if on flat ground. Though its speed wasn't fast, it was very steady. There were also Feathered Snakes slithering on the ground, able to move forward smoothly even on muddy mountain roads.
Although these mount Gu varied in form, they all carried a considerable amount of merchandise, which slowed their speed. However, they collectively formed this unique caravan in a distinctive way.
The Ten Great Mountains of Southern Border harbored countless dangers and challenges. Its terrain was complex and ever-changing, with undulating mountain ranges, dense and deep forests, crisscrossing rivers, and many unknown regions awaiting exploration.
For merchants, traversing these Ten Great Mountains was nothing short of a nightmare.
The condition of the trade routes was unpredictable; what might be clear one year could become fraught with peril the next. Roads were rugged and difficult to travel, often encountering natural disasters such as landslides and mudslides, which greatly hindered the merchants' journey. There were also various dangerous wild beasts roaming in packs.
However, despite the numerous difficulties, caravanning remained an extremely attractive profession. This was because through trade, they could exchange specialties from various Mountain Villages, thereby earning nearly ten times the profit. This immense lure of profit led many to willingly take risks and embark on this perilous trade route.
Caravanning was not easy; only those who could not establish themselves within their Family, driven by the necessities of life, would choose to become a merchant and risk their lives. They harbored a yearning for wealth, resolutely venturing into these dangerous mountains, hoping to change their fate through their own efforts. Unfortunately, such successes were ultimately rare.
"Brother Jia Fu, you're a few days early this year! It seems your journey was smooth, which is truly commendable!" Gu Yue Bo, the Clan Chief of the Gu Yue Clan, stood at the entrance of the Mountain Village with a smile on his face, followed closely by a group of Family Elders. They collectively welcomed the arrival of the caravan. This was not only a show of respect for Jia Fu, a Rank Four Gu Master, but also an emphasis on their long-standing cooperative relationship.
Upon seeing this, Jia Fu quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and replied with a smile, "Haha, Clan Chief Gu Yue, you flatter me! The journey this year was indeed much smoother than in previous years, which is why I arrived at your Village ahead of schedule."
His voice was resonant, revealing a sense of confidence and straightforwardness.
Gu Yue Bo quickly waved his hand and said, "Not at all, not at all. This is all due to your own ability, Brother Jia Fu. Come, come! The Family has already prepared a sumptuous banquet, just waiting for a distinguished guest like you to grace us with your presence! I hope you'll do us the honor, Brother." With that, he warmly took Jia Fu's hand, seemingly not treating him as an outsider at all, but rather as an old friend.
Jia Fu also didn't stand on ceremony, saying with a smile, "Alright, then I shall respectfully accept!" He was no stranger to Gu Yue Village, as it wasn't his first time there. Thus, he unhesitatingly accepted Gu Yue Bo's invitation and stepped into the caravan.
The other caravan members busied themselves in an orderly fashion, quickly and skillfully setting up camp. Everyone had clear roles: some were responsible for pitching tents, others for transporting goods, and still others for tidying the area.
Before long, temporary shops sprang up like mushrooms after rain. Though simple, these shops were neatly arranged, forming a bustling marketplace. Merchants stood before their respective stalls, shouting loudly to attract passing pedestrians.
"Come and see, top-quality Heart-Sensing Grass, only one primeval stone!"
"Premium wine, only half a primeval stone per cup!"
"Windwalk Gu, can double a Gu Master's movement speed for sixty breaths!"
Various hawking cries rose and fell, ceaseless. The array of goods was dazzling, making people dizzy.
The members of Gu Yue Village heard the merchants' cries and were drawn over. They curiously gathered around the various stalls, carefully examining the goods and bargaining with the merchants.
"This is truly unexpected! My previous guess actually came true—the caravan here can also refresh treasure chests, and it's an incredibly precious golden treasure chest! What's even more exciting is that not only that, but Jia Fu also has a golden treasure chest on him! This is truly fantastic!"
Liu Chen stood in the crowd, and from afar, he saw the golden treasure chest on Jia Fu, which even in the rain glowed with dazzling light, as if beckoning to him. The golden treasure chest within the caravan was likewise, emitting an enticing aura.
Liu Chen's heart involuntarily quickened. He eagerly wanted to know what kind of rewards these two golden treasure chests would grant him—was it gu materials, or Gu worms, or a Legacy?
Time passed by, minute by minute. Finally, the caravan slowly arrived at its destination. Liu Chen excitedly followed the other Gu Yue Clan members into the caravan. His gaze remained fixed on the golden treasure chest, fearing it would suddenly disappear.
When he reached the golden treasure chest, his heart pounded even more fiercely. He took a deep breath, cautiously extended his hand, and lightly touched the treasure chest. Without the slightest hesitation, Liu Chen quickly pocketed the golden treasure chest, then casually continued to browse the caravan, his heart already overflowing with joy.
Liu Chen also mingled among the crowd, equally interested in these goods. He wandered between the stalls, carefully selecting the items he needed.
After some selection, Liu Chen ultimately spent two primeval stones to purchase some Heart-Sensing Grass. These Heart-Sensing Grass were supplementary food for the Moonlight Gu, which could reduce the pressure of feeding the Moonlight Gu, making them very practical for him.