The heart of the Uqiu Desert was a deathly silent wasteland where even monsters were scarce.
On this ancient road, known to the locals as the "Death Shortcut," the only things one could encounter besides endless wind and sand were formidable fighters with absolute confidence in their abilities.
Over the next leg of their journey, Cui Ciyou and Elinalise encountered several more adventurer parties.
Without exception, their members carried themselves with ferocity, wore fine equipment, and had eyes filled with the courage and vigilance forged on the edge of life and death.
They were the finest of this continent's warriors who lived by the blade.
Late one night, as Cui Ciyou and Elinalise sat around their campfire, gnawing on specially prepared, rock-hard jerky and washing it down with water, a jumble of footsteps and clanking metal sounded from behind a nearby dune.
Both immediately went on alert, their hands instinctively settling on their sword hilts.
Soon, a party of five came into view.
At their head stood a burly man built like a brown bear, his thick beard covering almost half his face.
He carried a two-handed broadsword as large as a door over his shoulder. At the sight of Cui Ciyou and Elinalise, he froze briefly, then a flicker of wariness crossed his eyes.
"Hey, you two. Where are you from?"
The burly man asked in a deep voice, speaking fluent Fighting God Language.
His gaze swept back and forth between Cui Ciyou and Elinalise, full of scrutiny and suspicion.
It was hardly surprising. Cui Ciyou and Elinalise's appearances were deeply misleading.
One had black hair, black eyes, handsome features, and a calm demeanor.
He wore a White Combat Outfit made of fine fabric despite its practical cut. No matter how one looked at him, he resembled a young