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Chapter 207: Camel
It took just a day to travel from Jiangsu to Tengri; modern transportation is much more convenient than in ancient times.
The group consisted of me, Xianxian, Snow Princess, Wang Yi, Pei Zi, Cold Snow, Wuma You, Black Bear, Big Dragon, and Yu Yu—ten people in total.
Since we had already rested enough during the journey, we didn’t need to take a break upon arriving at the Tengger Desert, and we also didn’t hire a guide. However, this place is no longer what it was over twenty years ago; it has been fully developed into a tourist attraction, with waves of visitors coming here seemingly without end.
Not only do you have to buy tickets to enter, but the tourism department has also arranged many special activities for tourists, such as desert picnics, desert camping, stargazing, finding water in the desert, visiting desert nomads, touring the desert’s Bird Hu and Fish Lake, and viewing Ancient Rock Art. I’ve heard these are all “signature dishes” of roaming the Tengger Desert.
The large number of tourists and the level of development here present a significant challenge for us. It feels unnatural to be sneaking around under the watchful eyes of others.
The tourism department also provides vehicles, food, camel drivers, guides, and camping equipment for guests. Of course, the main attraction is the camels; we chose camels for our journey. As for why we didn’t use vehicles, it’s because we’re not here for sightseeing. We came to find someone. But with such a vast desert, where do we even start looking?
This is a long and arduous task; I have no idea when it will end or if we have enough fuel. I worry about whether we might experience breakdowns along the way.
Moreover, choosing camels allows us to be more low-key and gives us an unobstructed view to spot any issues immediately. Although it may waste time on the road, we don’t know the exact location. What good would speed do us?
Even though one camel can carry four people, our group of ten rented five camels. Wang Yi handled everything regarding deposits and arrangements; I couldn’t be bothered to ask about those details since my mind was filled with other concerns.
While Wang Yi was discussing whether to rent or buy camels, Cold Snow sat down beside me. I was sitting on the ground, so Cold Snow sat on the ground too. Looking out at the endless expanse of sand before us felt reminiscent of my time at Meili Snow Mountain; one was a snow-covered mountain while the other was a snow-covered desert. They are fundamentally different but evoke a similar feeling of something distant and unattainable.
“He won’t get into trouble,” Cold Snow said calmly as if trying to comfort me.
I couldn’t even muster a bitter smile as I stared blankly at the vast white sand sea ahead. My thoughts seemed to have drifted far away from this world; I didn’t know what I was thinking or where I was going.
Noticing my silence, Cold Snow continued, “Uncle Feng’s side has already sent people over; they will definitely protect him.”
“Thank you.” My thoughts were forcibly pulled back to reality. My worries were not just about Lime but also about my dad. Cold Snow’s words provided some reassurance; although I hadn’t seen all of the strength of those in Qinglong, having their protection eased my mind somewhat.
“No need to thank me; we are friends.” Cold Snow’s words felt like a statement of fact rather than an emotional expression. Yet they conveyed sincerity that resonated deeply with me.
I turned my head to look at her. She still had shoulder-length hair, and her fair skin was slightly flushed from the cold wind in this chilly weather. Her gentle profile no longer bore the same indifference and distance I had noticed when we first met. The distance between us felt so tangible... For some reason, I suddenly wanted to touch her face. When I came back to my senses, I saw Cold Snow looking at me in surprise, and my fingertips had already brushed against her smooth and soft cheek.
Almost in that instant of realization, I felt a burning heat in my fingers, and they quickly retracted. For a moment, I was so awkward that I didn't know what to say. Cold Snow did not react like other women would, gasping or blushing shyly. After I pulled my hand back, she simply looked into the distance again, as if nothing had happened.
I suddenly felt a bit empty inside. Just as I was about to speak, I heard Wang Yi's rough voice behind me: "Brother Feng, look who has come?!"
I instinctively turned around and saw Fu Song following Wang Yi! "What are you doing here?" I frowned. Although I didn't know where we were headed or how dangerous it might be, deep down, I actually preferred not to have too many people tagging along. After all, having more people sometimes isn't a good thing; it can lead to trouble.
"I'm here to help you," Fu Song said expressionlessly, his gaze resolute.
Seeing him like this, I knew it was impossible to persuade him to go back; after all, he meant well by coming to help. So since he was here, he might as well stay. We hadn't found our destination yet, and there were too many uncertainties ahead. Who could say for sure what might happen?
...
"Are you really not going to take a vehicle? It's winter! Having a vehicle to sleep in would be great! Do you even know how cold it gets here at night?!" Yu Yu's voice approached from afar, clearly dissatisfied with our decision to only choose Camels.
I sighed and noticed Xianxian looking at me with a helpless expression, shrugging as if to say: See? More people just means more trouble!
I silently agreed. If we were talking about vehicles, there were several lying in The Dead. Not to mention food and water; we even had blankets and beds. However, using those resources came with limitations. So yes, having more people could be troublesome. If it were just me, Xianxian, and Pei Zi going on this trip, it wouldn't be such a hassle; three Camels would suffice. When tired, we could simply take out the vehicle and sleep inside with warm blankets. But now, given the situation, we would have to endure the cold together!
"How about this: you pick a vehicle and follow us. When night falls, let the girls get inside too," Pei Zi suggested to Yu Yu.
"Is that really possible?" Yu Yu asked uncertainly, but his excitement was evident!
"Alright, alright! If you're going to go, hurry up! If you're late, we won't wait for you," Xianxian chimed in.
Seeing Yu Yu eagerly rush off to rent a vehicle, I didn't say much more. Although initially wanting only Camels had its selfish reasons—if others couldn't handle the cold too well, they could stay behind while the three of us went—this way there wouldn't be unnecessary sacrifices. After all, having more people not only meant trouble but also the potential for death... I didn't want to see any of them sacrifice themselves.
Once the Camels were brought over, our group hung up our gear and climbed onto the Camels' backs while only Yu Yu drove behind us. This was actually my first time riding a Camel. However, with my mind preoccupied with various thoughts and the irritation of my wounds not healing yet, whether sitting on the Camel or traversing the desert felt strangely calm inside me—as if I had seen through everything and lost interest in anything.
Suddenly jolted by this thought!
Although I used to be a "Weak Scholar," I was full of passion and longing for life and the future. However, now I feel like I've aged decades in an instant! It's not physically; I mean it's a psychological feeling of suddenly growing old. At one moment, I even doubted whether I had been possessed by Lime, otherwise, why would I feel like I've seen through the mundane world all at once?
"What are you doing back there? Crying one moment and laughing the next, have you gone crazy?" Hearing that sarcastic voice ahead, I raised my head subconsciously and saw Xianxian looking at me with a half-smile.
To prove that I wasn't crazy, I kicked out without thinking, "Crazy you! Just focus on your own path."
Xianxian got angry after I kicked him and asked, "Why did you kick me? A dog biting Lü Dongbin!"
Do I not recognize kindness? I raised my eyebrows and stared at Xianxian without blinking. He was wearing a black short down jacket, neat and stylish, especially with that gray-brown Korean-style knitted cap on his head, which made him look even more unruly. Having such a brother walking beside me not only didn't embarrass me but also made me look impressive.
While lost in thought, Xianxian's disdainful voice came through, "What are you staring at? I'm not your type!"
"I was just thinking, why aren't you with your precious Snow Princess? Why are you squeezing with me on this Camel?" I said with a light smile.
Xianxian held his head high and spoke with an air of righteousness, "This Lord is just worried about you since you look sick like Lin Mei Mei. I'm here to take care of you so that you won't collapse before we reach our destination and cause us trouble!"
"Is that so?" I looked elsewhere nonchalantly and said lightly, "Should I thank you then?"
"That's unnecessary." Xianxian looked generous but then changed his tone to a more difficult one, saying, "However, if you insist on thanking me, it wouldn't be polite for me to refuse. So come on, express your gratitude loudly!"
"You—go—die!" I said word by word while looking into his eyes. How shameless can he be? He made it seem like I was seriously ill and needed care. Even though I'm injured now, I can still take on three opponents!
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