The blazing sun hung high in the boundless blue sky, baking the endless desert until it was scorching hot, as though every grain of sand trembled in the heat waves and released a searing breath.
The sky was a pale, brilliant blue, with not a single cloud daring to appear. The sun alone dominated the heavens, mercilessly pouring down golden light and adding a dazzling yellow sheen to the desert.
In this vast and harsh Sand Sea, there was scarcely any sign of life. Only the occasional withered yellow shrub stubbornly rooted itself in the sand. Though its branches and leaves had long lost their former vitality, it still stood unyieldingly, a rare adornment in this desolate land.
Yet deep within this seemingly lifeless desert, a caravan stretching hundreds of meters slowly advanced, like a slender black line tracing the path of life across the golden sands.
The caravan's camels bore heavy loads, their steps steady and powerful. From time to time, they snorted out white vapor, which stood out starkly in the sweltering air. Like the caravan hands, they endured the blazing sun. As the caravan moved onward, camel bells rang one after another, crisp and lingering, carrying through the silent desert as the most beautiful melody in this barren world.
The rear of the caravan was rather different.
Li Si sat leisurely atop a camel, swaying idly along at the very end of the caravan as he flipped through a thick, ancient-looking book.
A specially made magical item kept the area around him cool, driving away the desert heat.
Even the camel beneath Li Si seemed quite content, shaking its head and looking about. This was likely the first easy and pleasant journey it had experienced since being bought by the caravan.
Duke, following behind Li Si, was