Han Lian paused for a moment and glanced at Zhang Nian. The man looked quite amiable, but his behavior didn't match Han Lian's expectations. If he really was kindhearted, then with their group so badly injured, why hadn't he asked about his companions? Instead, he hadn't even acknowledged them and had gone straight to asking about something else.
That clearly didn't fit Han Lian's standard for a good person.
He'd just heard Han Lian mention that this was the Northern Desert. If he remembered correctly, this should be the Northern Region of the Central Plains, though he wasn't sure exactly where.
"Phew, I've traveled around this area for a long time. Ask whatever you like. If I know the answer, I'll tell you."
After thinking it over briefly, Han Lian decided that it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Whatever sort of person the other man was, he was just a passing stranger to the caravan. As long as he didn't endanger them, Han Lian naturally wouldn't do anything. Besides, from what he could tell, the man was only a Three-Star Dou Ling. He was probably from some minor family, out looking for opportunities. He couldn't cause much trouble.
Zhang Nian nodded and didn't keep anything to himself. He showed Han Lian the map in his hand. With Zhang Nian's current strength, he could easily tell whether someone was lying.
As soon as Han Lian took the map, its age was apparent. The paper was yellowed, and the drawing had nearly worn away. He studied it closely. As a cultivator, he could tell at a glance that the scene depicted on the map was extraordinary. He began pondering it, because of the distinct black and white colors on the map and the round pool that resembled a pond. He felt