Lost in the Storm

Tianyou Commandery, Yellow Sand Ancient Road.

Stepping into this boundless desert, a desolate aura assailed him. Lu Changsheng walked alone in the vast wilderness, the scorching sun overhead and the scorching sand beneath his feet.

His steps were steady, his gaze scanning his surroundings vigilantly. Amidst the reddish-yellow sand, he could vaguely make out numerous colossal skeletons.

Most of these skeletons belonged to demonic beasts, appearing bone-white and astonishing. Half-buried by the sand, they exuded a chilling aura.

"To think there are so many demonic beast skeletons within the Yellow Sand Ancient Road. This place is clearly not a safe haven."

Lu Changsheng's brow furrowed, and he couldn't help but become wary.

After a moment of thought, he took out the sheepskin map to reconfirm his direction.

Then, he continued to tread through the sand, venturing deeper into the ancient road.

Whoosh!

However, as the afternoon wore on, the sky suddenly changed. Heavy black clouds obscured the sun, and the light between heaven and earth rapidly dimmed, followed by the whistling prelude of a gale.

"Not good!"

Lu Changsheng's expression shifted. He heard the mournful cry of the wind, clearly indicating that a Yellow Sand Storm was imminent.

As expected, not long after, the world turned a hazy gray. Fierce winds whipped up sand, forming a terrifying Yellow Sand Storm that began to sweep across the land.

Lu Changsheng was engulfed by the storm. Sand, carried by the wind, struck his exposed skin like a barrage, causing a stinging sensation.

Even more terrifying was that the sand obscured his vision, causing Lu Changsheng to instantly lose his bearings. However, his reaction was swift. He immediately circulated the spiritual energy within his body, forming a faint protective halo around himself.

Whoosh!

Yet, the wind force of the Yellow Sand Storm continued to strengthen, like enraged Yellow Sand Dragons rampaging and roaring through the desert.

"Damn it!"

Lu Changsheng's expression changed. He had completely lost his direction and was trapped within the storm. He could only rely on his senses, pushing against the wind, his steps faltering as he trudged forward, each one a struggle against the gale.

Fortunately, after half an hour, the storm subsided considerably. However, having been swept along by the Yellow Sand Storm, Lu Changsheng was now utterly lost.

He took out the sheepskin map, but he could no longer find the correct path.

Just as Lu Changsheng was fretting about how to get out of the Yellow Sand Ancient Road.

Creak, creak!

At that moment, he suddenly heard a strange noise carried by the wind, which sounded like wheels rolling over sand.

Lu Changsheng's spirits lifted. He cautiously approached the sound. After climbing over a sand dune, he suddenly saw a caravan of carriages not far away.

Lu Changsheng looked towards it. It was a sizable caravan.

At that moment, the caravan had stopped behind a large, wind-sheltered rock, temporarily escaping the Yellow Sand Storm. The caravan consisted of over a dozen heavily laden carriages covered with thick oilcloths.

Pulling the carriages were Sand Camel Beasts, known for their excellent endurance. The caravan's guards numbered around thirty. They all appeared robust, clad in practical leather armor, and held sharp blades, vigilantly observing their surroundings.

Near the center of the caravan, beside a more elaborately decorated carriage, stood several people. Leading them was a burly middle-aged man with a scar on his face. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and he was speaking in low tones with a lean man beside him, who was dressed in brocade robes, had a pale, beardless face, and eyes that flickered with a hint of unease.

Beside them stood a young woman, about seventeen or eighteen years old, with a gentle demeanor. She was dressed in white robes, with a sand-shielding cloak draped over her. Currently, her delicate brows were furrowed as she gazed at the raging sand outside.

"Who's there?!"

At this moment, the scarred man suddenly looked up, his hand resting on the hilt of his saber, as if ready to launch a fierce attack at any moment.

Lu Changsheng emerged from behind the sand dune. The caravan's people immediately became alert, sizing him up with ill intentions. Lu Changsheng cleared his throat and clasped his hands in greeting.

"I am Lu Changsheng. I inadvertently entered the Yellow Sand Ancient Road and encountered the Yellow Sand Storm. I've lost my way and can't find an exit. May I travel with you all?"

"Hmph! The Yellow Sand Ancient Road is extremely perilous. What ordinary person would dare to venture here alone? You look suspicious. Leave quickly and don't approach the caravan, or don't blame us for being impolite!"

The scarred man growled menacingly.

"That's right! You look shifty, kid. Who knows if you're an informant for bandits? Get lost immediately!"

Beside him, the lean man also shouted mockingly.

With that, both of them released their aura, revealing they were at the first level of the Divine Palace Realm, clearly intending to intimidate Lu Changsheng.

"Commander Wu Yan, Commander Song Dao, what's happening?"

Hearing the commotion, the white-robed young woman, who had been resting, slowly approached.

Immediately, the scarred man, addressed as Commander Wu Yan, and the lean man, addressed as Song Dao, relayed the arrival of the uninvited guest, Lu Changsheng, with embellishments.

"Oh? I don't think this young master seems like a bad person. Perhaps he truly got lost. How about we let him travel with us? Once the storm passes, we can point him in the right direction, what do you say?"

The white-robed young woman said softly.

"Miss! Absolutely not!"

Wu Yan hurriedly advised against it.

"Yes, Miss. What we are escorting this time is no ordinary cargo. We cannot afford any mistakes. This kid looks suspicious; we absolutely cannot let him travel with us!"

Song Dao also chimed in.

"I'm truly sorry, but I am indeed lost. If you are truly uncomfortable, then I will find my own way out..."

Lu Changsheng said awkwardly.

"Wait! The terrain within the Yellow Sand Ancient Road is extremely complex, and the storm could return at any moment. It will be difficult for you to get out alone. I think you should come with us."

The young woman in the white robe said softly.

"Thank you!"

Lu Changsheng was extremely grateful.

"Hmph! My lady is kind. Since that's the case, you can follow the caravan. However, you must obey orders. Specifically, you are not allowed to go near the cargo, nor are you allowed to wander around. Otherwise, don't blame my blade for having no eyes!"

Wu Yan said with an unfriendly tone.

"Got it!"

Lu Changsheng nodded and then found a spot to sit down.

From their conversation, Lu Changsheng also learned that they were a professional caravan, escorting a batch of important cargo, which could be described as priceless. Among this group, besides the scarred man Wu Yan and the lean man Song Dao, the woman in the white robe was named Lin Ningshuang, and she was the backbone of this team.

Furthermore, they intended to transport this batch of cargo out of the Yellow Sand Ancient Road