At dawn, when the first ray of sunlight pierced the mist among the trees, the slumbering mountains and forests gradually awakened.
Like a diligent painter, the sun gently brushed each leaf with golden strokes, turning the night dew into wisps of mist that slowly rose and eventually vanished into the azure sky.
This tranquil, peaceful scene heralded the start of a new day, but for the villages around Greystone City, today carried an unusual significance.
Today was Greystone City's monthly market day, its liveliest time of the month.
It was the best day for buying and selling goods. Merchant caravans and traveling circuses from other regions would also come to Greystone City, adding a different sort of excitement.
The villagers emerged from their wooden houses one after another and set out early, carrying the goods they had prepared long ago toward Greystone City.
People from the same village usually traveled together, loading everything onto carts so they could look after one another.
The adults carried their recent harvests from the mountains and forests—perhaps several plump wild rabbits, wild boars, and animal pelts; perhaps strings of ripe berries, fresh mushrooms, and herbs. These were the precious resources they used to exchange for daily necessities.
Several children traveled with the village groups as well, eagerly anticipating Greystone City, which was far more prosperous than their village.
The renowned Greystone City was a trade center situated beside the mountains.
For these villagers who lived off the mountains, Greystone City was not merely a place to sell mountain goods for copper coins. It was also an important link to the outside world and a source of daily supplies.
Whenever market day arrived, the city was always packed with people and overflowing with activity, its countless goods dazzling to the eye.
Today, they had set