When Wang Chen entered the city, he ran into trouble.
Taiwu City's gates were towering and solid, with smaller doors set beneath the main gates for merchants and travelers to pass through.
Fully armed warriors stood guard both inside and outside the gates, inspecting passersby.
There was no fee to enter the city, but outsiders like Wang Chen were subjected to fairly strict inspections.
"Open your bundle."
A warrior pointed expressionlessly at the pack Wang Chen carried on his back.
Wang Chen hesitated for a moment, then removed and opened his bundle. The White Fox hidden inside immediately poked out its head.
Clang!
The city guard warrior jumped in fright and instinctively drew the longsword at his waist.
"What is it?"
Several warriors nearby reacted swiftly, immediately surrounding Wang Chen and glaring at him like tigers watching their prey.
Without changing expression, Wang Chen stroked the little fox's head and said, "Gentlemen, don't panic. This is my pet White Fox. I raised it from childhood, and it has long since been tamed."
The White Fox cooperatively let out a few "yip yip" sounds, pressing its face tightly against Wang Chen's palm.
It looked adorable and utterly harmless.
The warriors relaxed and put away their weapons.
The warrior responsible for inspecting Wang Chen frowned and said, "Taiwu City has rules. Privately kept beast pets must be registered, or they will be captured and killed as wild beasts. Since this is your first time here, we'll let it pass for now, but you must go to the Bureau of Civil Affairs to handle the registration."
Wang Chen nodded. "Understood."
The warrior waved a hand. "Go on in."
Wang Chen said, "Thank you."
What Wang Chen had not expected was that he had barely passed through the broad gate passage and taken a