As the caravan traversed the Gobi Desert, they once encountered a blood moon. Beneath its crimson glow, ancient ruins emerged. Initially, it was believed that a Chimera was at work, but later, someone bravely ventured inside and discovered extraordinary artifacts. After consulting with a knowledgeable expert, they realized these items were relics from ancient times. People began to take notice of this phenomenon and found that the appearance of the blood moon followed a pattern, occurring once every thousand years. Coincidentally, the elder who stumbled upon the ruins did so during a blood moon as well. Thus, I deduced that the ruins he entered were the same as those the caravan encountered, differing only in their entry points.”
After hearing Qiu Hao's account, the other three became even more excited; previously, Qiu Hao had only shared bits and pieces of this information.
“Blood moon? Ruins?” Mo Wen was not particularly interested in what lay within the ruins; his mind was busy conjuring the strange images described by Qiu Hao.
“Brother He, have you heard of this matter as well?” Qiu Hao asked in surprise upon hearing Mo Wen's murmurs.
“Oh no, this is my first time hearing about it. I find the imagery quite fascinating,” Mo Wen replied with an awkward smile, awakening from his daydream.
“Brother He, feel free to speak your mind. We’ve shared this courtyard for quite some time; there’s no need for reservations,” Xia Lao Er said, frowning at Mo Wen. Although he had lost one eye, he was still the most perceptive among them. Even now, he could not see through this young man. Judging by age, Mo Wen seemed much younger than them, yet he did not possess the temperament typical of someone his age. Moreover, considering how he had been incapacitated without dying suggested that he was no ordinary person—at least not one that could be found in Cold Ice City. Additionally, Wang Hu's special attention to him raised questions; after some inquiries, they learned that Wang Hu did not know this young man named He Er Gou but merely acted on orders. He had warned that if anything went wrong with He Er Gou, it would mean death for him as well. Despite not understanding this young man fully, his presence had changed their group significantly. Firstly, their meals had improved; now every time Wang Hu delivered food, there was enough for everyone in the courtyard to eat. Secondly, their spirits had lifted; they harbored newfound hope and no longer appeared as disheveled as before. Most perplexing to Bai De was that He Er Gou seemed unconcerned about his own diminished abilities and even appeared somewhat pleased.
“Alright then, I’ll be straightforward. I’ve never been to Cangyun Gobi. Although you all are physically stronger than average people, you cannot compare to your former selves. The harsh environment of the Gobi will undoubtedly pose the greatest challenge.” He had never engaged in an unprepared battle; even in the past, he would prepare thoroughly—especially now when it seemed none of them had made any preparations at all. If they proceeded like this, it would be tantamount to walking into death.
“Oh! How could we forget about that? Brother He, what are your thoughts?” Indeed, they were so swept up by legends that they had neglected to prepare.
“Well, it depends on how long this journey will take. Also, please tell me about the conditions in the Gobi,” he suggested casually while seizing the opportunity to learn more about Cangyun Gobi.
“This journey will take at least six months and possibly up to a year…” Qiu Hao detailed the conditions within the Gobi to Mo Wen. It was clear he was quite knowledgeable about Cangyun Gobi but overlooked his own foolishness.
A pale light appeared on the horizon as a new day began. Qiu Hao assigned tasks and everyone set off to prepare while Mo Wen was laid back on his bed. Through the gaps in the roof, he watched as the sky gradually changed outside. The departure of Qiu Hao and others meant that his time was limited; before long, he needed to ensure he could manage on his own. According to what the mute had assessed for him, it would take at least another six months before he could move again.
“Since I’m here, I might as well make myself comfortable!” Discarding unrealistic thoughts, he closed his eyes. What he needed to do now was ensure Wang Hu saw him in a state of despair; only then would his situation remain secure.
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