The Great Wilderness.
A ray of morning light came from the horizon, spilling a hazy glow over the world.
Basking in the morning light along with the mountain peak were not only its many living creatures, but also the towering boulder.
Li Ping'an secured the boat at a spot by the sea, then went ashore with Old Ox and the Octopus Swordsman.
Before they could go any farther, they heard loud, clear singing, as though welcoming them.
Li Ping'an could not help smiling.
"The scrawny mountain children are so pitiful, carrying loads of chopped wood to trade for oil and salt. Yesterday's prices have risen today; a load of firewood barely buys half a catty of salt. Tell me, isn't that pitiful..."
Several women sang as they gathered seashells.
Listening to the unfamiliar little tune, Li Ping'an wore a gentle smile.
He was very pleased with this welcoming ceremony. Although he knew it was not specifically meant to welcome him, that did not diminish his happiness in the slightest.
When they reached the main road, the roadside gradually grew busier, and there were more and more people.
After drifting at sea for over half a year, they finally saw signs of human habitation.
Some passersby carried shoulder poles, while others wore baskets on their backs.
Some strolled leisurely past; others wore faces full of worry.
Some laughed and chatted in groups of three or five, while others walked alone.
Some rode ox carts or donkey carts, while others traveled on foot.
Here, one could glimpse the myriad faces of the world.
Teahouses, taverns, fortune-telling stalls, butcher shops-everything was available.
The crowds bustled, their voices boiling into a din.
There was a stall every ten paces and a little shop every hundred. On any street, at any time, one could