"Of course, sir. Thank you."
Jian Long bowed respectfully, then followed the Gu Master into the caravan camp.
As soon as they entered, the Gu Master suddenly stopped and turned to face him. Hesitation was evident on his face, as if he was struggling with something he had yet to resolve.
Jian Long stopped as well, puzzled by his behavior.
After a brief silence, the man finally spoke in a gentler tone than before:
"I hope you were not offended by my earlier behavior. It's not that I had any ill intentions toward you… but bandits attack us constantly, and we cannot afford to lower our guard."
"Ah…"
Jian Long opened his mouth, but for a moment, he couldn't find the words.
The joy of joining the caravan had made him forget that this very man had opposed his entry just moments ago.
And for the first time… a Gu Master was treating him this way—with a hint of goodwill.
For a few seconds, he stood there awkwardly, a somewhat foolish expression appearing on his face, before finally regaining his composure.
"No… it's not a problem. I understand—you were just doing your duty."
After Jian Long became a member of the caravan, the Gu Master's attitude toward him changed completely.
He no longer saw him as a potentially dangerous outsider, but as someone connected to him… for life in a caravan was neither easy nor safe—it was harsh, filled with danger, and accidents were not uncommon.
In such a place, if a conflict arose between two people, it was not difficult to make it look like an "accident" and end the matter without raising suspicion.
Because of this… it was unwise to make enemies.
Moreover, his respect for Jian Long increased after learning about his A-grade aptitude. That alone was enough to change his perspective, even unconsciously.
He stepped forward slightly and said with a faint smile:
"I am Zhou Quan. I hope we can turn a new page, Jian Long… that is your name, right?"
"Yes… that is my name."
Zhou Quan smiled when he noticed Jian Long's obvious tension.
"This is your first time in a caravan, isn't it?"
He paused for a moment, then continued in a friendly tone:
"Let me explain how things work here… so you don't get into trouble."
"Thank you, Brother Zhou Quan."
As the two moved through the caravan camp toward Luo Zu's tent, Zhou Quan began calmly explaining the hierarchical system within the caravan.
According to him, ordinary mortals occupied the lowest ranks, serving merely as laborers with neither power nor real status. Above them were Rank one and Rank two Gu Masters, who possessed some strength, yet their standing remained limited.
However, beyond that point, things became less straightforward.
Within the caravan, power alone was not the deciding factor. Anyone backed by one of the caravan elders or the leader—even if they were just a mortal—could hold a higher position than Rank one and Rank two Gu Masters.
Above them stood the caravan elders—ten Rank three Gu Masters, each holding their own sphere of influence.
At the very top was the caravan leader, who held absolute authority and the final say in all matters.
As for trade, although there was no explicit rule forbidding others from engaging in it, the reality was entirely different. In practice, only the caravan leader, the elders, and those under their patronage were able to conduct trade.
Anyone else who attempted to sell goods would quickly be suppressed and ultimately forced to sell their wares to them at low prices.
Thus, the remaining Gu Masters were nothing more than laborers—fighting, protecting the caravan, and risking their lives… For some primitive stones.
Because of this hierarchical structure, the caravan was effectively divided into factions, nearly equal in number to its elders—ten in total.
Each faction revolved around one of the caravan elders as its leader, gathering under him those he supported—often members of his own clan—followed by the working Gu Masters, and then the ordinary mortals.
In this way, the Gu Masters were distributed among the factions, each according to their allegiance and connections.
Yet even within these factions, not everyone stood on equal ground.
Among the mortals and the working Gu Masters, there existed further hidden layers, where some stood above others in a subtle system governed by strength, relationships, and interests.
These details were enough to broaden Jian Long's understanding of this miniature world… but what occupied his mind more was something else.
"Brother Zhou Quan, thank you for the information… but I have a question. Is there a place to trade Gu here?"
Zhou Quan glanced at him briefly before replying:
"Do you want to exchange your Gu worms? Yes, there are several shops… I'll show them to you later. But for now, you need to introduce yourself to Luo Zu."
A trace of impatience appeared on Jian Long's face:
"Can't we go now?"
Zhou Quan shook his head slightly and said in a firm yet calm tone:
"I know you're in a hurry, but it's your duty to report to your employer, Luo Zu, first. Then we can go."
He paused for a moment before adding:
"Besides, the shops won't open until nightfall. Right now, we're busy reorganizing after the last raid."
With no other choice, Jian Long accepted and walked in silence alongside Zhou Quan until they reached Luo Zu's area.
Luo Zu was a man in his thirties, eccentric in both appearance and behavior. His face was painted in two contrasting colors—black and white—creating an unsettling look. His mood seemed perpetually sour, as he constantly shouted at those around him.
As soon as they approached, the two bowed respectfully.
"Sir Luo Zu, the caravan leader has sent this boy to fill the shortage of labor under you."
Luo Zu lifted his gaze toward Jian Long, staring at him for a long moment with clear displeasure before speaking with disdain:
"That blind Yang San Mu… couldn't he find anyone better than this scrawny brat to send me? Look at him! He's even missing his right hand. Is he mocking me?"
At that moment, Zhou Quan quickly stepped in. His voice was calm, yet his words were delivered with confidence and fluency:
"Please don't say that, sir. Although the boy appears weak and frail, he actually possesses A-grade aptitude—which is no small matter."
Then he added in a measured tone:
"If the caravan leader did not value you and wish to please you… he would not have sent him to you."