Tagor Desert.
Chen Cang had been here many times, yet every visit felt a little different.
From the tension of his first crossing to the ease of feeling as though he were coming home, his strength had grown by no small amount.
"I won't accompany you to the Snake-People Tribe. Once I've finished dealing with things in Wutan City, I'll come back for you. You can complete the tribe's baptism in the meantime. The next time we leave, we'll be away even longer."
Gazing toward the distant city in the heart of the desert, Chen Cang spoke to Queen Medusa.
"All right."
She inclined her head slightly, revealing neither pleasure nor displeasure. After that single word, she continued watching the young man, as though asking whether he had anything else to say.
Unfortunately, Chen Cang had already turned to Zi Yan.
"Will you come to Wutan City with me, or stay here with your big sister Medusa and wait for me?"
"I'll stay with big sister Medusa. The Xiao Clan isn't any fun at all. If you still haven't come back when I run out of pills, I'll go find you with her."
"All right, that settles it."
Having given those simple instructions, Chen Cang wasted no time. He waved goodbye and left with the two magical beasts.
Medusa and Zi Yan remained where they were, watching until he vanished from sight before heading hand in hand toward the Holy City.
Stone Desert City, on the edge of the desert.
Hovering high in the air, Chen Cang considered for a moment, then sent the two magical beasts ahead to the Magical Beast Mountain Range. He quietly descended and entered the city alone.
Strolling through the streets, Chen Cang surveyed the changes in Stone Desert City, his steps slow, as