In the blink of an eye, another three days passed. During those three days, only one monstrosity invasion occurred in the area Wei Fan guarded.
As for that invading Black Ghost Level monstrosity, Wei Fan killed it in a single strike, earning 10 Energy Points.
Other than that, everything in Wushan Village remained peaceful.
Yet that morning, Wei Fan discovered that guests had actually arrived in the usually tranquil Wushan Village.
More accurately, it was a merchant caravan.
From the watchtower at the southern district outpost, a group could be seen slowly approaching from afar.
Most strangely, leading them was a three-meter-tall giant snail. It wriggled forward, leaving colorful slime across the ground.
From a distance, everywhere it crawled was stained with slime, like a road laid out before them.
The people behind followed this rainbow road at an unhurried pace.
A merchant caravan can travel through the wilderness. It seems they must have some special method, Wei Fan thought.
"I didn't expect it to be the Luoyuan Merchant Caravan!" Shi Meng appeared atop the wall. Looking at the distant caravan, his eyes were filled with emotion.
"The Luoyuan Merchant Caravan—what makes it different?" Wei Fan asked. He was not as familiar with this information as Shi Meng.
"The Luoyuan Merchant Caravan is one of the most prosperous caravans in the surrounding region. Compared to the other merchant caravans that come to Wushan Village, the Luoyuan Merchant Caravan has the richest and most varied goods, and their prices are fair," Shi Meng explained.
Wei Fan nodded at this.
Although merchant caravans came to Wushan Village every year, they only stayed in the Inner Circle. Those from the Outer Circle could not enter to trade.
I can take Yingying around and buy her some pretty clothes!
Wei Fan thought to himself.
Perhaps there would even be cultivation techniques he could use.
As the Luoyuan Merchant Caravan drew closer, the Night Watcher captains from all four districts gathered at the village's southern gate.
"Stop! If you wish to enter, you must first be tested with a Monstrosity Detection Talisman!" Lu Qingshan called out loudly.
A short man stepped out from the caravan. He wore a well-tailored indigo robe, looking exceptionally wealthy and refined.
"Friends of Wushan Village, long time no see!" The short man gave a slight bow, then took the Monstrosity Detection Talisman and began testing everyone one by one.
After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, everyone had been tested, and the merchant caravan slowly entered Wushan Village.
The caravan's arrival immediately made Wushan Village livelier.
In particular, the colorful giant snail at the front drew plenty of curious onlookers.
Following behind it were a pair of snow-treading silver steeds pulling a silver-inlaid carriage. One glance was enough to tell that it was worth a fortune.
At that moment, slender fingers hooked open the curtain at the side of the carriage, revealing half a face as fair and pure as the bright moon. Her lovely eyes resembled cold forest pools—clear, aloof, and breathtakingly beautiful.
"Hm?" Wei Fan looked over and could not help but be stunned by her beauty.
The woman inside the carriage could rightly be described as beautiful as a celestial maiden.
"So beautiful!" Many of the onlookers also lost themselves in a daze.
After one glance, Wei Fan turned and headed home.
Wei Yingying was still waiting at home to have breakfast with him. The caravan's entry had already delayed them for quite some time; he could not keep her waiting any longer.
Amid everyone's distraction, Wei Fan's departure stood out all the more.
The woman in the carriage noticed him as well. A flicker of interest passed through her beautiful eyes, and then the curtain was gently lowered again.
The crowd instantly felt as though the world had dimmed by several shades.
The Luoyuan Merchant Caravan slowly entered the Inner Circle and set up camp along the broad street.
Based on past experience, the caravan would stay for around three days. During that time, they would set up stalls and shops for buying or exchanging goods.
Meanwhile, Wei Fan returned home.
After breakfast, Wei Fan checked his panel and found that he had 12 Energy Points remaining.
Wei Fan planned to save those 12 Energy Points for now and not use them.
He would visit the Chamber of Commerce that afternoon to see whether they had any cultivation techniques he needed.
Compared to a backwater place like Wushan Village, the Luoyuan Chamber of Commerce traveled outside year-round and had access to far broader information.
Wei Fan also wanted to take this opportunity to learn more about this world.
Soon, afternoon arrived, and Wei Fan took Wei Yingying to the Chamber of Commerce marketplace.
Logs supported colorful canvas awnings, forming simple little stalls.
In just one morning, the Chamber of Commerce marketplace had been set up. More than a dozen shops and stalls stood in a neat row.
"Brother, their clothes are so beautiful!" Wei Yingying looked longingly at the garments worn by the Luoyuan Chamber of Commerce members.
"The shop selling clothes is over there." Wei Fan pointed ahead and smiled. "Come on, let's go!"
"Okay!" Wei Yingying skipped along in front.
By then, many Inner Circle villagers had already gathered in the Chamber of Commerce marketplace. The stream of people was endless, making the place exceptionally lively.
Wei Fan and Wei Yingying arrived at the shop selling clothing, also known as a cloth shop.
Upon entering, Wei Fan saw all kinds of fine fabrics and silks. There were very few finished garments, however.
Clearly, the clothes sold here were tailored specifically for each customer.
"Honored guests, may I ask if you wish to have clothes custom-made?" A friendly-looking female attendant asked with a smile.
"Yingying, come here," Wei Fan called.
Wei Yingying then walked over timidly. It was her first time in such a large shop. Rather than being as excited as imagined, she seemed somewhat restrained.
"Your younger sister is truly beautiful. What style would she like to have made?" the female attendant asked softly. "Our shop has clothing catalogues for reference. Guests may choose according to their preferences."
"Let's look at the catalogues first," Wei Fan said.
Before you continue