Outside the city, Wen Yang and the others were already waiting for Cheng Yu.
Cheng Yu cupped his hands in apology.
"I'm sorry I'm late. Please forgive me, Lay Buddhist Wen."
Wen Yang smiled and waved a hand.
"No matter. We only just arrived ourselves. Now that you're here, Brother Yun, let's set off."
Cheng Yu noticed a carriage among Wen Yang's party. From its design, it was clearly meant for passengers, which left him somewhat puzzled.
Wen Yang had already noticed where Cheng Yu was looking and called toward the carriage.
"Sister Chen."
The carriage curtain was drawn aside, revealing a graceful, pretty face with a lively air. But upon seeing Cheng Yu, she seemed to realize that a stranger was present and immediately grew reserved.
"Wen Chen of the Chenyang Merchant Association greets you, sir."
Cheng Yu returned her greeting.
"I am Yunyangzi. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Wen."
Wen Chen murmured an acknowledgment and lowered the curtain. Wen Yang came over to Cheng Yu with a smile.
"Please don't take offense, Brother Yun. My little sister has always been shy around strangers and never goes out. For this trading journey, our father asked me to bring her along in hopes that she might become a little more outgoing."
Cheng Yu found this rather puzzling.
"Aren't we heading into Demon Race territory? Aren't you worried about danger, Lay Buddhist Wen?"
Wen Yang paused, then smiled.
"If we're only going to the Demon Race Borderlands, it's quite safe. Things aren't what they used to be. Humankind and Monsterkind coexist fairly peacefully here in the Southern Continent. As for the journey, this is the border region, where the Heavenly Dynasty's elite troops are stationed. Quite a few powerful experts also like to settle here, so there generally aren't any