71. The Border of Arcadia

Bai Suzhen walked calmly toward the western gate of Arcadia. The streets were growing quiet, accompanied only by the gentle rustling of the wind. At the town's border, an elderly man dressed simply and holding a hoe stood by the roadside, his face full of worry.

"Miss, I'd advise you not to venture beyond the city limits. Lately, goblins have been appearing around the forest," he said, tapping the end of his hoe against the ground.

Bai Suzhen stopped and looked at the man. Her sharp yet gentle eyes radiated curiosity. "Why are they approaching the city? Goblins usually remain deep in the forest and rarely cross their boundaries," she asked calmly, like a teacher seeking an explanation from a student.