Traveling Together

Mo Lin walked to the window and looked at the gradually brightening sky and the rising morning sun outside.

Feeling the surging power within him, he was filled with anticipation for the coming journey into the desert.

He withdrew his gaze from the window and let it fall upon the broad, soft bed behind him.

Ya Fei was still fast asleep. The morning light fell gently over her, and her peaceful sleeping face carried a hint of laziness and contentment.

The brocade quilt had slipped to her shoulders, revealing her soft curves and a stretch of snowy-white, delicate skin, an enchanting sight.

Seeing such a vivid and alluring scene, a teasing smile curled at the corner of Mo Lin's lips.

He quietly walked to the bedside, bent down, and extended a finger to gently poke Ya Fei's soft cheek, flushed with healthy color.

It felt warm and smooth, like the finest warm jade.

Ya Fei seemed to sense it in her sleep. She gave an unconscious little murmur and faintly furrowed her brows, yet did not wake.

Instead, like a sleepy cat, she instinctively burrowed deeper into the warm blankets.

Finding it amusing, Mo Lin mischievously poked her a few more times. Watching her reveal a slightly impatient yet adorable expression in her sleep, he enjoyed himself immensely.

At that moment, Heavenly Flames, cultivation, and the journey ahead all seemed to have been cast aside, leaving only this rare, relaxed, and tender time together.

Yet playfulness was playfulness. Deep in his eyes, there remained a faint melancholy over their impending parting,

as well as an unwavering determination to embark on his journey and challenge the Heavenly Flames.

Those complicated emotions made his gaze as he watched Ya Fei's sleeping face appear even deeper.

As though she had sensed Mo Lin's gaze, Ya Fei's long lashes fluttered a few times before she slowly opened her eyes.

Still hazy from sleep, she met Mo Lin's deep eyes, filled with amusement, and a captivating blush instantly spread across her pretty face.

Remembering last night's passion and intimacy, she instinctively pulled the brocade quilt higher, covering half her face.

Only a pair of watery peach-blossom eyes remained exposed as she looked at him with shy embarrassment.

"Awake?" Mo Lin sat down beside the bed and gently brushed away the strands of hair by her cheek, his movements natural and intimate.

"Mm..." Ya Fei's voice was husky from sleep and tinged with languid sweetness, enough to make one's heart itch.

Seeing Mo Lin looking so refreshed and sensing the increasingly steady, powerful aura around him, she felt an indescribable sense of reassurance and pride.

This man, several years younger than her, had now become the one to whom she had entrusted both body and heart.

Mo Lin bent down, pressed a gentle kiss to her smooth forehead, and chuckled. "It seems last night's 'help with my cultivation' worked quite well. Sister Ya Fei deserves much of the credit."

The suggestiveness in his words made Ya Fei's cheeks redden further. She could not help spitting lightly, "You're so improper!"

Yet she could not conceal the sweet smile on her lips.

She wrapped her jade-like arms around Mo Lin's neck and took the initiative to offer him a lingering morning kiss.

For a time, the bedroom was filled with spring warmth. It was not until the sun stood high in the sky that the two reluctantly rose to wash and dress.

After breakfast—or perhaps it should have been called lunch—Ya Fei had returned to her usual shrewd and capable demeanor, though there was now a touch more charm in her eyes and brows, nourished by love.

She looked at Mo Lin. "Are you leaving today? I'll see you off."

Mo Lin nodded. "Yes. We'll first head to the nearest major city, Blackrock City. Taking the Flying Transport Agency from there to Desert City at the edge of the Tagor Desert is the fastest way."

"Alright, I'll go to Blackrock City with you." Ya Fei's tone was firm, carrying a trace of reluctance. "The Mietel Auction House has a branch there as well. I can inspect its business while I'm at it."

She did not want to part with him so soon. Even if they could only spend half a day more together, it would be enough.

Mo Lin naturally understood how she felt and agreed with a smile. "I could not ask for more. With Sister Ya Fei by my side, the journey will surely be much more enjoyable."

The two did not make a grand affair of it and traveled light.

Ya Fei changed into an elegant yet practical purple dress and wore a hooded cloak over it, concealing her overly eye-catching beauty.

Mo Lin still wore his simple white robe. They took an ordinary-looking carriage and quietly left Wutan City, speeding toward Blackrock City several hundred li away.

Inside the carriage, the two sat side by side. Ya Fei carefully handed Mo Lin the rations, drinking water, and a detailed map of the area surrounding the Tagor Desert that she had prepared.

She then went on and on about the matters that required attention in the desert—where oases might be found, which areas were frequented by snakefolk—her voice full of concern.

Mo Lin listened patiently, nodding from time to time. Holding her slightly cool hand, he smiled. "Don't worry. I'll be careful. Don't forget, I have a 'secret weapon.'"

He was referring to the two Emperors within his Sea of Consciousness. Ya Fei did not know the details, but thinking of his unfathomable strength, she felt somewhat relieved.

She gently rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying this rare warm journey.

By evening, the carriage arrived at Blackrock City. As an important hub city in the eastern Jia Ma Empire, Blackrock City was far more prosperous and grand than Wutan City. Its towering walls, broad streets, and bustling crowds all displayed its importance.

Ya Fei did not immediately head to the Mietel branch. Instead, like an ordinary couple, she pulled Mo Lin along for a stroll through the city.

She shed the authority of a supervisor and became like a curious young girl, taking Mo Lin to try local specialties and stopping before stalls selling all kinds of strange trinkets.

She even insisted on dragging Mo Lin to watch a street performance. The glow of the setting sun fell over them, outlining their harmonious, well-matched figures and drawing frequent glances from passersby.

Mo Lin also relaxed for once, enjoying the brief peace and sweetness before their parting.

Looking at Ya Fei beside him, smiling so beautifully, his heart softened.

This woman who could dominate the business world now revealed the manner of a young girl, all because she wanted to create a few more shared memories with him.

After resting briefly at an elegant teahouse, Ya Fei glanced at the sky and said, "It's about time. The Flying Transport Agency is at the western square. Let's head over now. There happens to be a flight to Desert City this evening."

Mo Lin naturally had no objection. The two headed toward the Flying Transport Agency in the western part of the city.

From afar, they could see an exceptionally spacious square, above which enormous shadows could faintly be seen circling.

Once they drew closer, even Mo Lin found the sight before him rather novel.

More than a dozen enormous flying birds stood quietly across the vast square.

These birds were called Thick-Winged Birds. They were not magical beasts, but large flying birds with gentle temperaments that were extremely easy to tame.

They possessed broad, thick wings, and their feathers were grayish-brown, giving them a rather steady appearance.

Though they were not as fast as certain wind-element magical beasts, they excelled in endurance. After one good meal, they could fly continuously for several days, and their carrying capacity was outstanding. They were the empire's main means of long-distance passenger transport.

The square was filled with voices, and the noisy sounds surged over him like a tide, causing Mo Lin to frown slightly.

Long lines stood beside every Thick-Winged Bird. Wooden passenger cabins were fixed to the birds' backs, resembling small mobile houses.

Beside the wooden ladders, uniformed staff bustled about, checking tickets and guiding passengers.

"This is... rather interesting." Mo Lin looked over this otherworldly "airport" with great interest.

This kind of large-scale public transportation was quite rare, both in his memories of his previous life and in his experiences in this one.

"First time seeing it?" Seeing his curiosity, Ya Fei smiled and explained, "This is the Flying Transport Agency operated by the empire. It has the highest safety rating and the most stable routes. Although the price is high, it is far safer and faster than traveling long distances by land."

There was a trace of nostalgia in her voice. "When I was younger, I followed the family merchant caravans on business. I rode these quite often."

Mo Lin nodded, his gaze sweeping over the waiting crowds and the massive Thick-Winged Birds. A thought suddenly crossed his mind: having an exclusive flying mount would indeed be much more convenient.

Like Xiao Yi Xian's Blue Eagle. Though it was merely a low-tier magical beast, it could come and go freely, far more dashing than standing in line to buy tickets.

I should get myself a proper flying pet someday, Mo Lin thought.

"Come on, let's buy tickets at the booth over there." Ya Fei pointed toward a window in the southeastern corner of the square, where a long line had formed.

The two walked to the ticket counter and joined the end of the queue. While they waited, the surrounding chatter, crying children, and vendors' calls continued without end, making the quiet-loving Mo Lin somewhat uncomfortable.

Ya Fei seemed to notice. She gently squeezed his hand and gave him a reassuring look.

The line moved forward slowly. At last, it was their turn. Inside the counter, a pretty woman in uniform raised her head and asked with a professional smile,

"Sir, madam, where would you like to go?"

Ya Fei stepped forward and spoke elegantly. "Two one-way tickets to Desert City, for the nearest flight."

"Certainly, please wait a moment." The ticket seller skillfully checked the schedule. "The nearest Thick-Winged Bird bound for Desert City will depart in half an hour. The fare is eight hundred gold coins per person."

Eight hundred gold coins! To an ordinary household, that price was simply astronomical.

But to Mo Lin and Ya Fei, it was naturally nothing.

Ya Fei readily paid and accepted two exquisitely made hard tickets.

"Have a pleasant journey," the ticket seller said with a smile as she handed them over.

After receiving the tickets and leaving the noisy queueing area, Ya Fei handed one of them to Mo Lin and carefully tucked the other into her robe.

Then she raised her head, her beautiful eyes filled with reluctance. "We're about to part... Be careful in everything."

Mo Lin accepted the ticket, took her hand, and looked at her firmly. "Wait for me to return."

The setting sun stretched their shadows long, intertwining them together.

The enormous Thick-Winged Bird gave a deep cry under the guidance of its handler, preparing to spread its wings and soar.

A new journey was about to begin.