The fatty looked at me somewhat confusedly, not knowing what I intended to do.
I took out a tin can from my backpack and tossed it onto the ground. A magical scene unfolded as the can quickly attracted a lot of white sand.
"What is this?" the fatty asked, puzzled.
I replied, "There's iron in this white sand. Look at these granular particles; they're all magnetic powder."
The fatty picked up the can, examined it, and then wiped off the magnetic powder with his hand, asking, "Where did this magnetic powder come from?"
I shook my head and glanced at the vast expanse of the white desert not far away, saying, "That I don't know. However, with this around, I'm afraid the road ahead will be a bit difficult."
After I informed everyone of the situation, two solutions were proposed.
First, they could abandon all their equipment. 138 Reading Net
Second, they could take out anything containing iron that was impossible to use, find someone to wait for them outside the desert, and watch over the equipment.
The first suggestion was obviously impossible. As for the second, everyone exchanged glances, and no one had any ideas for a while.
Finally, I suggested that Li Chuang and Rexiti carry the iron items out and return to our previous campsite to await our return.
After all, their purpose for coming here was different from ours. We had to find the Sui Hou Pearl, but they did not.
Everyone eventually accepted this suggestion, and then they began organizing the items in their backpacks, sorting out everything that contained iron.
Anything they couldn't use was given to Li Chuang and Rexiti to carry back.
This process took until evening. After distributing the items, Rexiti and Li Chuang returned the way they came.
The rest of us, having rested for the afternoon, were full of energy and decided to continue our journey.
During the day, the sun beat down relentlessly. By night, this white desert turned extremely cold, making it feel as if we were walking on snow.
Especially when the wind blew, the sand and the cold gusts were excruciating.
However, we youngsters were fine. Fu Kui was clearly struggling, stopping to rest every half hour.
We continued like this, walking and stopping, until around five in the morning when everyone found a place to sleep and rest.
We slept until noon, ate, and then resumed our journey.
"No, we can't go any further."
Qu Chuan, walking at the front, stopped. Although not as old as Fu Kui, the hardships of the past few days had clearly taken their toll on him.
"We have no idea how vast this desert is. If we continue, we might not find the location marked on the map, and we might all perish here."
Honestly, I was also conflicted. I actually wished to press on and find the place marked on the map sooner.
But at the same time, I was very worried. Qu Chuan was right; we had no idea how big this desert was.
For the past few days, we had been using the sun and stars as landmarks to find our way.
Although we had sufficient water and food, if we got lost, it would be the end of us.
There was a magnetic field in this desert, rendering communication devices useless. Even my watch had stopped.
I estimated that the satellite signaling equipment Jin Qiaoyue brought would also be of no use.
Even if it worked, how would the rescue team find us?
Would they send helicopters?
It was likely that helicopters would be pulled down as soon as they arrived here.
Mulling over these troublesome issues, I fell silent, not offering any opinion.
"No..." Fu Kui licked his chapped lips and said, "If we turn back like this, wouldn't all our previous efforts be in vain?"
"Third Master, I know that treasure is very important to you, but we must also consider the circumstances. Right now..."
Before Qu Chuan could finish, Fu Kui interrupted him, "As I said before, if I don't find the Sui Hou Pearl this time, I will not go back. When we came, you took my money and promised to help me find the Sui Hou Pearl."
At this point, I noticed A Yuan, Fu Kui's bodyguard, move slightly, his hand unconsciously resting on his waist.
"Sigh... alright then." Qu Chuan said with a helpless expression and stopped speaking.
It was clear he had also noticed A Yuan's movement.
In this desolate place, anything could happen, and no one could be sure.
We continued walking across the vast white desert. The dazzling whiteness caused my eyes to ache. The sky was blue, and the ground was white, making me feel as if I were being crushed by these two colors.
Just as I was gazing into the distance, trying to contend with these two colors, another color suddenly appeared.
I was startled, took out my binoculars, and looked. I found that the new color in the distance was a lake!
This discovery filled me with joy!
We had finally arrived!
The destination marked on the map was beside that lake. After walking for so long, we had finally reached it.
Fu Kui and the others also showed expressions of joy when they saw the lake.
The fatty hadn't realized what was happening yet and asked me, "Master Xiang, what are you happy about?"
I handed him the binoculars and told him to see for himself.
He took them, took a look, and then said, "A lake? Is that the place?"
"It should be."
"Then, does that mean we've arrived?"
"Yes."
The fatty put down the binoculars, pointed forward, and shouted, "We're here! We're here! It's just ahead, everyone, put in some effort!"
His shout ignited the spirits of everyone else, and each person quickened their pace.
Soon, we were getting closer and closer to the lake.
The lake, in the middle of the desert, was resplendent and dazzling, looking like a vast blue sea from afar, crystal clear.
Gentle lake breezes occasionally stirred the surface of the water, as if embracing this desolate land.
White reeds floated on the rippling surface of the lake, and vibrant green plants extended downwards. Under the scorching sun, they always cast shadows that blocked the sun, making the scene resemble an oil painting.
Upon reaching the lake, the fatty immediately threw down his backpack and rushed forward without a word, burying his head in the water to wash his face with great relief.
Seeing this, I also put down my backpack and went to the lakeside, cupping water to splash on my face.
The lake water was very cold, and when it hit my face, it greatly refreshed me.
After washing my face, I stood up and looked towards a spot not far away. To the east of the lake, there was a prominent peak, which was precisely the destination marked on the map.
It was also the tomb of the King of the Taohua Kingdom!
The map indicated that this lake was called the Holy Lake, and that mountain was called the Holy Mountain.
After such a long journey, we had finally arrived!
Thinking this, I sat down on the ground, and then completely lay down, relaxing my body entirely...