Reunion Wine

In the afternoon of the Tagor Desert, the blazing sun hung above the cloudless sky like a giant wheel set ablaze by the God of Fire, pouring scorching light and heat across the boundless sea of sand. Blistering grains were swept up by fierce winds, striking exposed skin with the roughness of sandpaper and leaving fine red marks behind. The stinging pain burrowed through pores and into the cracks of bone. Xiao Yan led the Purple Gold Winged Lion King onward, following the guidance of the "Quicksand Secret Path Map" and trudging through yellow sand that reached his ankles toward the Snake People Tribe deep in the desert. Suddenly, the sharp clash of weapons rang out not far ahead, mixed with a woman's cry and rough roars, shattering the desert's deathly silence.

"Fighting?" Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened, and he unconsciously quickened his pace. The Purple Gold Winged Lion King also lowered its body warily, its amber eyes fixed tightly in the direction of the sounds. The muscles beneath its golden mane tensed slightly, ready for battle at any moment. After passing through a low Sea Buckthorn Thicket—the thorns were stained with dried sand and scraped against clothing with a rustling sound—the sight before him made his brow furrow at once.

Three mercenaries clad in grayish-brown leather armor stood back-to-back in a circle. Their curved blades were already covered in chips, their edges stained with dark-red blood and sand, making it clear that they had endured a long battle. All three bore wounds to varying degrees. One man's arm had been sliced open deeply, blood dyeing half his sleeve red. Another had a ragged strip of cloth wrapped around his leg, the seeping blood soaking it through. The female mercenary on the outside had an even worse wound across her back, deep enough to see bone. Her flesh had turned outward, and blood ran down her spine, pooling into a small dark-red stain in the sand. She was clearly at the end of her tether.

Surrounding them were five Snake People. Their upper bodies were those of alluring women, with jade-white skin and cold vertical pupils, while their lower halves were serpent tails covered in blue-black scales. The scales glinted coldly in the sunlight, kicking up clouds of sand with every sway. They gripped spears over two meters long, their tips shimmering with a ghostly blue glow. They had clearly been coated in deadly poison. Drops of venom fell onto the sand, instantly burning tiny black pits into it and releasing a pungent, fishy stench.

"Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit!" The leading snake woman flicked her forked tongue. Her voice held a hoarse charm, yet carried bone-chilling coldness. "You insignificant human mercenaries dared trespass into the outer territory of our Snake People Tribe and disturb the Sacred Serpent's rest. Today, you will become offerings on our tribe's altar and atone for your sins!" With that, she fiercely waved her spear, its tip aimed at the three mercenaries. The other four Snake People immediately understood, thrusting their spears toward the trio. Their spearheads tore through the air with piercing shrieks, every strike aimed at a vital point without the slightest mercy.

Despair appeared on the three mercenaries' faces, but they still gritted their teeth and swung their curved blades in resistance. The female mercenary even roared as she used her back to shield her companions, allowing a snake woman's spear to carve a fresh wound across her shoulder. Blood immediately erupted, dyeing her leather armor red. "We can't retreat! Retreating means death!" She gritted her teeth, her voice trembling from blood loss but still carrying a thread of unyielding determination.

Seeing this, a fierce glint flashed through Xiao Yan's eyes. He suddenly pulled the Black Heavy Ruler from his back with his Right Hand. The ruler carried immense weight, humming softly as it was drawn. Dou Qi surged rapidly through his body, and pale-purple Myriad Beast Spirit Fire coiled around the ruler like a living thing. As the flames danced, the surrounding air seemed to twist from the heat. "Stop!"

His shout rang across the empty sands like thunder. It held a youth's clear brightness, yet also an undeniable majesty. The Snake People froze, their movements instinctively pausing as they turned toward the source of the voice. A young man in fitted black clothes slowly emerged from behind the Sea Buckthorn Thicket, leading a majestic golden lion beast. He stood tall and handsome, with a calmness beyond his years between his brows. The flame-wreathed Black Heavy Ruler in his hand had not unleashed any overwhelming aura, yet it carried a suffocating pressure that made the Snake People instinctively tense.

"Where did this brat come from? You dare interfere in the affairs of us Snake People?" The leading snake woman's vertical pupils narrowed slightly as she flicked her tongue, her tone full of disdain. "Get lost while you still can. Otherwise, we'll drag you away as an offering too and let you taste what it feels like to be devoured by the Sacred Serpent!"

Xiao Yan could not be bothered wasting words on her. Dou Qi erupted beneath his feet, and he shot forward like an arrow leaving the bow. The Black Heavy Ruler, blazing with flames, swept toward the spear of the nearest snake woman. Clang! A deafening clash of metal echoed over the sand. The snake woman felt a tremendous force travel through her spear, instantly numbing her arm and leaving her palm aching. Her spear nearly flew from her grasp. She stared at Xiao Yan in shock, her eyes filled with disbelief. This seemingly slender human youth possessed such terrifying strength!

The leading snake woman's expression changed. She finally realized that she had encountered a formidable opponent and no longer dared underestimate him. She immediately barked, "Attack together! Kill him! Don't let him ruin the tribe's plans!" Four Snake People thrust their spears at Xiao Yan at once. Their tips, stained with ghostly blue venom, attacked from four directions and sealed every possible path of evasion. The sound of the spearheads slicing through the air resembled venomous snakes hissing, making one's scalp tingle.

Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened, but he did not panic in the slightest. The Black Heavy Ruler spun air-tight in his hands, its pale-purple flames forming a semicircular barrier that protected him completely. Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Four sharp impacts rang out in succession as all four spears were knocked aside by the ruler. Sparks and venom splashed everywhere, hissing as they landed on the sand. At the same time, Xiao Yan stomped his left foot fiercely against the ground. Sand burst upward, and he launched himself into the air with the recoil. The blazing Black Heavy Ruler descended toward the leading snake woman like a fiery whip falling from the heavens.

"Not good!" The snake woman was horrified. She hurriedly swung her spear to block. Bang! The Black Heavy Ruler slammed heavily into the spear, and pale-purple flames instantly spread up its shaft, scorching the snake woman's palm. A piercing pain shot through her hand as though even her bones were about to burn through. She cried out in pain and quickly released the spear. Her serpent tail whipped rapidly over the sand as she flashed backward several meters like a ghost, her eyes full of fear. These flames could actually burn through her hardened scales. They were truly strange!

"Get lost!" After landing, Xiao Yan shouted lowly and swung the Black Heavy Ruler again. A wall of Flame Waves several meters high swept towards the Snake People. Wherever the flames passed, the sand turned scorching hot, and the air filled with burning heat. The Snake People had already been intimidated by Xiao Yan's strength. Now that the flames were bearing down on them, how could they dare remain? The leading snake woman gritted her teeth, helpless despite her fury, and could only roar, "Retreat! Our Snake People Tribe will not let today's matter rest!" The five Snake People turned and fled toward the depths of the desert, their tails swaying rapidly across the sand and leaving winding trails behind them. In the blink of an eye, they vanished beyond the rolling dunes.

Once the Snake People had left, the three mercenaries finally relaxed. Their legs gave way, and they collapsed onto the sand, panting heavily with their chests heaving violently. Their faces were filled with the relief of surviving the aftermath of disaster. The injured female mercenary forced herself to stand, stumbled slightly, then cupped her fists toward Xiao Yan. Gratitude and unconcealed weakness colored her voice. "Thank you, little brother, for saving us. Great kindness needs no thanks! We are members of the Ink Iron Mercenary Group. May I ask your name, little brother? We will surely repay you someday!"

"The Ink Iron Mercenary Group?" Xiao Yan's heart jolted. He knew that name all too well. After the calamity that had struck his clan, he had been separated from his eldest brother Xiao Ding and second brother Xiao Li. Later, after many twists and turns, he learned that his brothers had formed a mercenary group in the southern Jia Ma Empire. Its name was the Ink Iron Mercenary Group. He suppressed his excitement and tried to keep his voice calm. "My name is Xiao Yan. It was merely a small effort, so don't take it to heart. Your injuries are serious. I have Healing Pills here. Take them first; they should ease your wounds." As he spoke, he took out three second-tier Healing Pills, Clear Spirit Pills, from his Storage Ring. The pills were contained within a Jade Bottle, and the moment it was opened, a faint medicinal fragrance spread through the air. He handed it over.

The three mercenaries accepted the Jade Bottle, their eyes full of shock and gratitude. Though Clear Spirit Pills were only second-tier medicinal pills, they were extremely rare in the resource-starved desert. One pill could sell for more than a hundred Gold Coin, yet this youth had casually given them three. They hurriedly poured out the pills and swallowed them. The pills melted upon entering their mouths, and gentle medicinal power instantly spread through their limbs and body. The pain from their wounds eased considerably, and their previously unstable breathing became much steadier. The female mercenary cupped her fists again. "Brother Xiao, the Ink Iron Mercenary Group will remember this kindness! Our mercenary group's base is at Stone Spring Oasis, not far ahead. There is clean water and medicinal herbs for treating wounds there. If you do not mind, why not return with us? Let our commander properly thank you!"

Xiao Yan had been intending to ask about Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. Hearing this, he immediately nodded, his tone carrying just the right amount of politeness. "All right. Then I'll trouble you."

Led by the three mercenaries, Xiao Yan walked toward Stone Spring Oasis while leading the Purple Gold Winged Lion King. The Purple Gold Winged Lion King's massive body left heavy footprints in the sand, causing the three mercenaries to glance back at it from time to time, their eyes filled with curiosity and awe. Anyone capable of commanding such a mighty lion beast could not be ordinary. Half an hour later, a patch of green finally appeared between the dunes ahead. As they drew closer, the greenery thickened. It was an oasis encircled by rolling dunes. At its center lay a clear spring flowing up from underground and gathering into a small lake. Lush reeds and low shrubs grew beside the water, while several unknown birds hopped among the branches, chirping noisily with life and vitality.

Dozens of grayish-brown tents stood around the spring, each marked with the words "Ink Iron." Quite a few leather-armored mercenaries were busily at work. Some sat around campfires, sharpening weapons with whetstones as sparks flew. Others hung hunted Demonic Beast meat from racks to dry, the smell of meat mixed with charcoal smoke and drifted through the air. Still others trained in the open with wooden spears, their shouts and footsteps intertwined, brimming with martial vigor and energy.

"Someone's back!" At the edge of the tent area, a mercenary who had been wiping down a bow spotted the distant figures and immediately stood to shout. His voice echoed over the oasis. Several mercenaries quickly came forward. Seeing the three injured people, they hurriedly stepped forward to support them, concern written all over their faces. "What happened? Did you run into Snake People? You're hurt this badly!"

"Don't even mention it. We almost never made it back! Luckily, Brother Xiao saved us, or all three of us would have become offerings to the Snake People!" the female mercenary said with a smile. She then called toward the largest tent in the center of the camp—a tent made from thick beast hide, with several decorative curved blades hanging from its edges. "Commander! We're back, and we brought a benefactor with us!"

The tent flap was lifted, and two figures strode out. The man in front was tall and powerfully built, over two meters in height. He wore black armor dusted with sand, and his resolute face, swordlike brows, and bright eyes carried the calm authority of one seasoned by battle. He was Xiao Yan's eldest brother, Xiao Ding. Beside him stood a slightly shorter man in a gray short jacket that exposed his sturdy arms. A scar wrapped around one arm. His gaze was sharp as an eagle's, and an unruly smile rested at the corner of his mouth. He was Xiao Yan's second brother, Xiao Li.

The two had initially worn worried expressions, ready to ask about the mission. But when they saw Xiao Yan at the entrance, they froze. Their steps stopped instantly, and the concern in their eyes was gradually replaced by disbelief. Their pupils narrowed, and their bodies even tensed instinctively.

"Xiao Yan?" Xiao Ding's voice trembled faintly. He strode forward to stand before Xiao Yan, carefully studying the young man before him, from his face to his build, then from his build to the Black Heavy Ruler in his hand. His tone was full of uncertainty, yet he could not suppress his excitement. "Is it really you? Xiao Yan? How are you here? Weren't you in Wutan City?"

Xiao Li also rushed forward, grabbed Xiao Yan by the shoulders, and patted him hard enough to make Xiao Yan frown slightly. His eyes were full of excitement, and his voice was more openly emotional than Xiao Ding's. "You brat! It's been so many years, and you've grown this tall already! We thought... we thought something had happened to you in Wutan City. We sent people to ask around several times, but there was never any news of you. We were worried sick!"

Looking at his eldest and second brothers, Xiao Yan felt his eyes grow warm as well. Since the Xiao Clan had been destroyed and he had been separated from them, he had drifted alone through countless storms over the years. Now, reunited in this vast desert, all the grievances and longing in his heart surged to the surface, only to be washed away by the joy of reunion. He forcefully suppressed his tumbling emotions and smiled. "Big Brother, Second Brother, I'm fine. After leaving Wutan City, I kept cultivating outside. This time, I came to the Tagor Desert to look for resources needed for cultivation. I never expected to meet you here."

Hearing this, the weight in Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's hearts finally lifted, and smiles of relief appeared on their faces. Xiao Ding stepped forward and hugged Xiao Yan tightly, patting his back as his voice choked slightly. "It's good that you're back! It's good that you're back! As long as you're all right, nothing else matters!" Xiao Li nodded at the side, his eyes full of comfort. "That's right, as long as you're fine! Come on, let's talk inside the tent. The wind is strong out here!"

The three entered the central tent. Its furnishings were simple yet practical. A long table made of poplar wood stood in the center, covered by a beast-hide map marked in red with dangerous areas and resource points throughout the desert. Several wooden chairs stood around it, still dusted with sand. In one corner of the tent were several crates of weapons and medicinal pills, while a waterskin hung from a tent pole. It was clearly a place for daily work and discussion.

Xiao Ding had someone bring over a ladle of clear spring water and handed it to Xiao Yan. "Have some water first. The desert is dry. Don't let yourself get thirsty." He then ordered people to prepare food and wine before sitting across from Xiao Yan with Xiao Li. Their gazes remained fixed on him as they asked with concern, "Where have you been all these years? How have you been? Has your cultivation gone smoothly?"

Holding the ladle, Xiao Yan drank a mouthful of cool spring water and suppressed his emotions. He briefly recounted what had happened after he left Wutan City. He only said that after leaving the clan, he had traveled across the Jia Ma Empire, met a reclusive senior cultivator, and learned to cultivate Dou Qi under that senior's guidance. He had also accidentally obtained Heavenly Flames, and had come to the desert this time seeking resources to increase his strength. However, he said nothing about the Blazing Art, Elder Yao's identity, or Xiao Yi Xian. He knew that the Blazing Art was far too defiant of heaven. Once exposed, it would inevitably bring fatal disaster. Elder Yao's condition as a soul body and Xiao Yi Xian's Calamity Poison Body were also secrets that could not be casually revealed. Even though they were his brothers, he did not wish to bring them unnecessary danger.

The more Xiao Ding and Xiao Li listened, the more astonished they became. Their eyes were full of comfort and pride. "I never expected you to have such fortune and even obtain Heavenly Flames!" Xiao Li slapped the table excitedly, making the map on its surface tremble slightly. "Just as expected of someone from the Xiao Clan! You've made something of yourself!" Xiao Ding nodded as well, his eyes carrying a trace of emotion. "To receive guidance from a senior and also control Heavenly Flames, you must have suffered greatly these past years, though you have gained much as well. With your current strength, I'm afraid few among the younger generation can match you."

As they spoke, several mercenaries entered carrying food and wine. There was a plate of golden roasted beast meat—meat from the Yellow Wind Wolf, a common desert Demonic Beast. Its skin was crisp from roasting, sprinkled with unknown spices and giving off an enticing aroma. There was also a plate of chilled desert scallions, fresh and green with a hint of spice, as well as a clay jar of strong liquor. The liquor was clear and carried a faint jujube fragrance. "This is the Jujube Wine brewed by our mercenary group. It's made from desert jujubes and spring water. It's good stuff in the desert. It relieves fatigue, drives away the cold, and doesn't go to your head!" Xiao Li picked up the clay jar and poured a bowl for Xiao Yan and Xiao Ding each. Fine bubbles appeared in the liquor. "Come, Xiao Yan. We three brothers have reunited today, so we must drink until we're drunk!"

Xiao Yan raised his clay bowl. Looking at the clear liquor within, then at his smiling eldest and second brothers, warmth filled his heart. The drifting and loneliness of all these years seemed to vanish at this moment. He lifted his bowl and smiled sincerely. "All right! We won't leave until we're drunk!"

Their clay bowls collided in midair with a soft bang, and several drops of liquor splashed onto the table. With a gulp, the strong liquor slid down their throats. It was slightly spicy, yet carried the sweetness of jujubes. As it entered their stomachs, it became a warm current that spread through their limbs and body, dispelling the fatigue and chill of the desert. Xiao Li wiped his mouth, cut off a large piece of roasted meat with a dagger, and handed it to Xiao Yan. "Try it. When roasting Yellow Wind Wolf meat, you first soak it in spring water for half an hour to remove the gamey taste. Then you roast it slowly over charcoal and finally sprinkle it with the desert's special Sea Buckthorn Powder. It turns out tender and fragrant. You'll definitely like it!"

Xiao Yan accepted the roasted meat and took a bite. The meat truly was tender, carrying the charred fragrance of charcoal and the slight sourness of Sea Buckthorn Powder. It tasted excellent, far better than the dry rations he had eaten in the desert. He smiled and nodded. "It's delicious! Much better than the meat I roast myself."

After three rounds of wine, the liquor in their clay bowls had been refilled time and again, and the three men grew more talkative. Xiao Ding spoke of how he and Xiao Li had wandered through the southern Jia Ma Empire after becoming separated, how they had been hunted by enemies, and how they had gathered a group of like-minded brothers to establish the Ink Iron Mercenary Group in the Tagor Desert. By accepting missions to escort merchant caravans and hunt Demonic Beasts, they had gradually gained a foothold in the perilous desert. "At the beginning, we had only a dozen people. We didn't even have decent weapons, and we had to give everything we had just to deal with a first-tier Demonic Beast. Things are better now. We have over a hundred members, including quite a few skilled Dou Practitioners. We can be considered a force in the desert now."

Xiao Li spoke of the mercenary group's daily life, the dangers of fighting desert Demonic Beasts, and the fierce struggles against other mercenary groups for resources. He also shared amusing stories about dealing with the Snake People Tribe. Once, in order to seize a Desert Agave, he led several brothers in snatching it from the Snake People and running away. The Snake People had been so furious that they chased them for over ten miles. When he reached the exciting parts, he could not help laughing loudly, his eyes full of unruliness and boldness.

Xiao Yan listened quietly, nodding from time to time. Occasionally, he also shared amusing stories from his own cultivation, such as accidentally burning his clothes the first time he controlled Heavenly Flames, or being chased all over a mountain by a Demonic Beast while training in the forest and escaping only through cleverness. He deliberately avoided the dangerous experiences, choosing only lighter tales because he did not want his eldest and second brothers to worry.

As their conversation grew livelier, Xiao Ding filled Xiao Yan's bowl again, his tone turning solemn. "Xiao Yan, since you're here, stay with the mercenary group for a while and rest properly for a few days. The desert is full of dangers. It's too unsafe for you to act alone. If you need anything, tell your big brother. The mercenary group's brothers are all family. They'll help you!"

Xiao Li thumped his chest in assurance. "Exactly! In this Tagor Desert, the Ink Iron Mercenary Group still carries some weight. As long as you say the word, whether you need resources or need to find someone, your brother will take care of it!"

Looking at the sincere eyes of his eldest and second brothers, Xiao Yan's heart was full of warmth. He raised his bowl and clinked it against theirs again. "Thank you, Big Brother, Second Brother! It's wonderful to have you here!"

The liquor went down his throat, carrying the bond between brothers and warming his entire heart. Outside the tent, the desert wind still howled, sweeping sand against the beast-hide tent with crackling sounds. Inside, lamplight flickered, and the fragrance of wine mingled with the aroma of roasted meat. The three men's laughter and conversation echoed through the tent, filled with the joy and warmth of a long-awaited reunion. Xiao Yan knew that with his eldest and second brothers here, his journey through this vast desert would no longer be lonely. His goal of finding the Snake People Tribe's inheritance and increasing his strength had also become clearer. Raising his clay bowl, he looked at the reflected lamplight in the liquor and silently swore, This time, I will become stronger. I will not only protect myself, but also protect those around me. I will never let tragedy happen again.