Cao Xing and the others appeared at the entrance of Hog Village.
The militia saw three figures sitting atop the giant Mammoth and were astonished.
Beside them, Hilda, with her spider-like body and human upper half, made the villagers of Hog Village feel apprehensive.
Fortunately, living in this bizarre world, they had seen stranger creatures.
The leading Militia Captain recognized Cao Xing and said with a trembling voice,
"Lord... Lord, you've come again..."
He knew the rules, that Hog Village did not allow mounts and strange creatures to enter.
So, Cao Xing asked Da Bai and Hilda to wait in the shed by the village.
Hilda, upon entering the shed, wore a disgusted expression.
"Tch... Making a queen stay in a place meant for beasts."
Cao Xing looked at her helplessly, "If you don't like it, you can wait out in the snow."
"We'll be back soon, don't cause any trouble for me, understand?"
The Queen Blood Spider listened, still with a look of disdain, but she did not defy Cao Xing's orders.
Then, Cao Xing led Assam, Renice, Liu Muxue, and Eliza into Hog Village.
As for Sarah, she habitually entered Stealth mode directly.
The five of them walked along the streets of Hog Village.
Compared to the previous village, this place was much busier.
The hustle and bustle of pedestrians and street vendors gave this village a lively atmosphere.
Most of the vendors' eyes lingered on Liu Muxue and Renice.
Eliza, too, was the village beauty of Hog Village. The three young women stood together like three radiant flowers, attracting everyone's attention.
However, with the tall Assam by their side, and the sharp aura emanating from Renice, the vendors only dared to take a look.
Under the villagers' gazes,
quickly, they passed through the first street.
When they passed a tavern by the street, Cao Xing seemed to feel some hostile glances targeting him.
These glances were somewhat similar to how the militia in Zawada Village had looked at him.
Cao Xing stopped and looked towards the tavern.
However, he only saw a few drunkards sitting drunkenly at the tavern's entrance.
Assam asked in confusion, "Lord, what's wrong?"
Cao Xing shook his head, "Nothing, maybe I'm just overthinking."
After all, this was Hog Village, and those Hunters hadn't infiltrated here yet.
Cao Xing continued, leading Eliza straight to Old Mel's house.
The sound of knocking echoed, and the door opened to reveal a thin-faced old man.
It was none other than Old Mel.
He saw Cao Xing and Eliza standing behind him.
At this moment, a light shone in Old Mel's cloudy eyes.
Eliza rushed out instantly, throwing herself into Old Mel's arms.
Father and daughter reunite, embracing with tears; it should have been a touching scene.
And just at this time, Old Mel raised his right hand and gave Eliza two firm knocks on the head.
The little girl held her head, eyes brimming with tears.
"Father... why did you hit me?"
Old Mel said with an iron will, "You ask why I hit you?"
"Running around recklessly! Running around! Next time, if you do it again, I'll break your legs!"
Eliza pleaded for mercy amidst the blows, "Father, I'll never dare to do it again, please forgive Eliza just this once."
This scene made both Cao Xing and Liu Muxue burst into laughter.
At this time, Liu Muxue stepped in to help Eliza out, "Old Master Mel, please don't blame Eliza anymore. She wanted to capture a Cloud Yak to sell so she could take you to live in a big city."
"Eliza's intentions were purely out of filial love."
Hearing this, Old Mel stopped knocking on Eliza's head, asking in confusion, "Is this beautiful lady speaking the truth?"
Eliza nodded with a face full of grievances.
Old Mel's heart softened, and a look of loving concern appeared in his eyes.
He rubbed Eliza's head and sighed, "Sigh... Don't do such foolish things again."
At the same time, Old Mel turned his gaze to Cao Xing, gratefully saying, "Thank you, Lord Cao Xing, for bringing my daughter back from so far away."
Cao Xing nodded, "Old Master Mel, you're too kind. From now on, you're part of our territory, and your family is naturally our family too."
Hearing this, Old Mel immediately adjusted his demeanor, "You're right, dear Lord Cao Xing."
"So, as we agreed yesterday, since you brought Eliza back, I will bring my cattle and sheep and head to your territory."
Cao Xing smiled, "Indeed, Old Master Mel, one day you will feel grateful for this decision."
Old Mel also said seriously, "I believe so; the potential you've shown surpasses any Lord I've ever seen!"
Beside them, Eliza watched her father and Cao Xing's conversation with her tearful eyes.
She interjected, "Father, didn't you say that for us villagers of Hog Village to move elsewhere, we still need the Village Chief's approval?"
Hearing this, Cao Xing asked in confusion, "Is there such a procedure?"
Old Mel nodded, "Yes, Hog Village isn't under the jurisdiction of any Lord or Noble, so the villagers' comings and goings are all up to the Village Chief."
"If this were under a Lord's jurisdiction, the defensive force wouldn't be this weak."
Cao Xing nodded and then asked, "Where is the Village Chief?"
Old Mel looked towards the center of the village, pointing to the only three-story building, "There, that's the Village Chief's house; you can find him there."
Cao Xing nodded, "Okay, I'll go with you to seek the Village Chief's approval."