“Having come from Great Yan, where are you heading? How did you end up in the territory of our Cat Kingdom?”0

“I am traveling the world,” Song You replied. “I journeyed to the coastal regions of Great Yan and heard of many strange nations and myths of gods and demons on the seas, so I set out by boat in search of them. But since our fresh water supply on board has run low, we sought an island to restock, and by chance, we stumbled upon your kingdom. I apologize for the intrusion.”0

“Haha, so that's the story!”0

General Huang Zhuang sat down cross-legged and chuckled twice before saying, “Our ancestors of the Cat Kingdom also came from the Celestial Empire across the sea. Back then, it wasn’t known as Great Yan, but we still share the same roots. 0

“Our king has always respected and been gracious to anyone from the Celestial Empire. Let me send a quick-footed youngster to report to the king, and you will be formally welcomed with a great ceremony.”0

Finding this quite interesting, Song You didn’t refuse and instead cupped his hands. “Thank you, and sorry for the trouble…”0

“It’s no trouble at all.” General Huang paused for a moment and slightly turned his head. “Ma Er.”0

“Roger!” A ticked tabby cat immediately stood at attention, its expression serious.0

“You’re in charge of this.”0

“Understood!” The ticked tabby cat turned swiftly and darted into the underbrush.0

The grass shook briefly, and within moments, the ticked tabby cat had disappeared...0