Hoofbeats echoed, heading westward all the way.
Passing through vast plains, climbing over rolling mountains, traversing endless grasslands.
The surrounding greenery gradually faded, and signs of human habitation beca scarce.
Half a month after leaving Upper Scenic Celestial, Zhang Yuan entered a massive Gobi Desert.
As dusk slowly descended, he picked a place sheltered from sandstorms to camp for the night.
Zhang Yuan didn’t rush to set up his tent and campfire; instead, he took out fodder, beans, and fresh water from his storage space to feed his mount, which had been running for most of the day.
The Yellow Steed nuzzled Zhang Yuan’s head affectionately, expressing its gratitude.
Although it wasn’t the "official" ride in Upper Scenic Celestial, it was still a first-rate steed, not only of excellent quality but also quite intelligent, far surpassing ordinary horses.
After accompanying him for thousands of miles, Zhang Yuan developed a fondness for the Yellow Steed, which had exceptional endurance.
Hence, he never pushed it to the limit.
Most of the ti, he alternated between riding the Yellow Steed and the Gray-toothed Lynx.
After settling the mounts, Zhang Yuan took out his tent, firewood, food ingredients, and cooking utensils.
Before long, under a rock exposed on the surface, a roaring campfire was lit with marinated at skewer roasting over it, making the cold night no longer lonely.
Zhang Yuan lay on a rattan lounge chair, eating delicious grilled at while admiring the Gobi’s night scenery.
Looking up, the stars above were exceptionally bright and large as if one could reach up and pluck one.
The wind carried the howls of beasts from afar, proving that this vast Gobi desert was not a lifeless zone.
Zhang Yuan reached out and grabbed a gourd of wine, uncorked it, and took a big gulp.
The taste of strong liquor was known only to oneself!
The long night passed quietly without any surprise or danger.
The next morning, a strong wind arose over the Gobi Desert, carrying countless sand particles and drastically reducing visibility.
Helplessly, Zhang Yuan had to continue sheltering in the temporary camp.
Such weather was indeed unsuitable for traveling.
Fortunately, for this journey across the vast desert, he had stored a large amount of supplies in his storage space.
Not to ntion one or two days, even a year and a half would not lack supplies.
This fierce windstorm finally ended on the fourth day after Zhang Yuan’s entry into the Gobi Desert.
The sky returned to clear once more.
After packing his luggage, Zhang Yuan mounted the Yellow Steed and continued his journey.
The harsh environnt of the Gobi Desert easily caused unfamiliar travelers to lose their way.
But Zhang Yuan had a treasure map as his guiding tool, ensuring he wouldn’t stray off course.
He estimated that if all went smoothly, it would take only five or six days to cross this massive desert.
Then, on the second day, Zhang Yuan stumbled upon a small surprise.
To be precise, it was the Red-eyed Crow soaring in the sky that discovered an oasis in the heart of the Gobi Desert!
Though Zhang Yuan had ample supplies, encountering an oasis in the desolate Gobi was undeniably delightful.
He increased his pace, and after half an hour of galloping, he reached the oasis.
The oasis was not large, with its main feature being a crescent-shaped spring surrounded by lush trees and vegetation, becoming the sole highlight within hundreds of miles.
Whinnying—
The Yellow Steed, slling the sweet scent of water grass, neighed excitedly, bolted and galloped off.
Dashing straight towards Crescent Lake.
Zhang Yuan dismounted.
The sweaty Yellow Steed lowered its head and drank the refreshing, clear spring water while joyfully munching on fresh grass around the water body, wagging its tail happily.
With amusent, Zhang Yuan patted its neck, then strolled around the oasis.
There were not many animals in the oasis, due to its limited size incapable of housing wildlife tribes.
However, there were plenty of animal footprints, likely left behind when they ca to drink water.
Zhang Yuan returned to the water’s edge, deciding to spend the night here.
Unexpectedly, the Red-eyed Crow made a new discovery!
Upon receiving the warning from this Profound Spirit, Zhang Yuan imdiately switched his perspective to its view.
He found that twenty to thirty miles southeast of the oasis, a lengthy caravan was heading towards here.
Judging from their route, it was easy to ascertain their destination was this oasis.
After a brief contemplation, Zhang Yuan controlled the Red-eyed Crow to fly towards the caravan.
For closer observation.
The caravan consisted of over a hundred Bactrian cals, most loaded with hefty cargo, while others were ridden by robust samurais.
These samurais had burly builds and darkened skin, exhibiting distinctive foreign traits, dressed in robes with curved sabers at their waist, so carrying bows and arrows, exuding an aura unmatched by ordinary martial artists.
Zhang Yuan also noticed a rather luxurious cal cart in the middle of the caravan.
Driven by four white cals, surrounded by nurous veiled, graceful lady samurai guards.
Presumably the leader of the caravan.
After observing, Zhang Yuan recalled the Red-eyed Crow.
Though the unexpected appearance of this caravan was surprising, he had no intention of leaving the oasis.
eting by chance, as long as everyone minds their own business, all will be well.
Of course, if the other party were to cause trouble, Zhang Yuan would not be afraid.
Thus, he set up his tent by the water’s edge, lit a stack of firewood, and began preparing his dinner.
As the sun was about to dip below the horizon, the caravan arrived belatedly.
The guards of the caravan apparently spotted Zhang Yuan, dispatching two with nacing expressions to head over.
Upon seeing Zhang Yuan leisurely roasting at, these two samurais reined in their cals, exchanging confused glances.
They made quite a commotion.
Yet Zhang Yuan remained indifferent, seemingly not noticing at all.
This either ant Zhang Yuan was deaf and blind, or he had enough confidence to face any danger.
The forr was clearly unlikely!
One of the samurais made a salute on the cal’s back, saying, "I am Bazhad of the Hulan Tribe; may I ask your esteed na?"
Zhang Yuan turned his head to glance at the other, replying calmly, "My na is Zhang Yuan; is there anything you need?"
This samurai nad Bazhad appeared to possess Tier Four cultivation, with a rugged face and piercing eyes, his face marked by old scars, evidently battle-hardened.
Upon hearing Zhang Yuan’s reply, Bazhad involuntarily frowned.
The Hulan Tribe was renowned; he was not unknown either, yet Zhang Yuan seed completely unaware.
This might have irked the samurai a bit.
But as soone seasoned in the martial world, he dared not make any reckless moves without knowing Zhang Yuan’s background.
So, he smiled and said, "No big issue, just letting you know that our tribe’s caravan will camp here tonight; if we disturb you, please forgive us!"
The saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face, since the other party was polite, Zhang Yuan naturally wouldn’t lose his temper.
He nodded imdiately and said, "No problem."
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