Cultivation Simulator: Shocking the Academy-Chapter 465 - 318: The Desert
Watching Luo Chen and the young girl walking shoulder to shoulder, several burly men exchanged glances and revealed helpless smiles. They obviously hadn’t anticipated that what was initially a wary and hostile encounter would turn into such a journey together.
The group traversed through sparse woods, and as they walked, the edge of Sunset Forest gradually came into view. It took them less than three hours to walk out of the dense woods and reach the undulating, boundless grassland. Occasionally, a few towering trees dotted the landscape, adding a unique charm to the grassland.
Luo Chen vaguely remembered that he once came here with a pack of black wild dogs. Back then, he was just an explorer filled with curiosity and longing for this land. Now, he set foot on this land again, but as a traveler accompanied by a mysterious young girl.
As they continued walking, the long-legged golden-haired and blue-eyed girl kept conversing with Luo Chen. Almost every question she asked seemed to revolve around Gou Head City, making Luo Chen increasingly aware that this encounter wasn’t as simple as it appeared. The blue-eyed girl clearly had a keen interest in Gou Head City, perhaps even a special purpose.
"Are you very interested in Gou Head City?" Luo Chen finally couldn’t help but ask. He wanted to know why the girl was so focused on Gou Head City.
The girl smiled slightly, a sly light flashing in her blue eyes, "Just curious, that’s all. I’ve heard Gou Head City is a place full of mystery and legend, and I’ve always wanted to see it for myself."
Luo Chen nodded and said no more. He understood that the curiosity the girl mentioned was probably not so simple. However, he had no intention of delving further. After all, everyone has their secrets and goals, and he was no exception. As long as this journey could proceed smoothly, he was already satisfied.
Over time, the conversation between the two gradually became more relaxed. Luo Chen began recounting his experiences in Gou Head City to the girl, who also shared some of her amusing stories and encounters. Amidst the laughter and chatter, the distance between them seemed to unknowingly diminish.
Although he noticed that Huo Zhen Bieji, or rather Li Xin, seemed to harbor some ill intentions towards him, Luo Chen still maintained composure and calmness. He knew that in this unfamiliar environment, excessive tension or suspicion could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings or even danger. Therefore, he decided to adapt calmly, answering questions without boasting or hiding.
In the afterglow of the sunset, a gentle breeze swept over the grassland, bringing a hint of coolness. Luo Chen and Li Xin walked side by side, their conversation appearing quite pleasant. Li Xin sometimes laughed lively, sometimes listened quietly to Luo Chen’s stories, occasionally showing a gaze as cold and fierce as a viper, prompting Luo Chen to remain vigilant at all times.
Through their conversation, Luo Chen learned that Li Xin was the sister of the Tatar Tribe’s leader, which was evidently a very prestigious identity within the tribe. Her golden hair, blue eyes, and unique personality made her stand out in the tribe. Li Xin was particularly fond of the culture of Great Qin, not only adopting a Qin-style name "Li Xin" but also frequently inquiring Luo Chen about the customs and history of Great Qin.
Behind Li Xin, four guards followed closely, constantly alert. Luo Chen paid special attention to the burly man who made him wary; he was Li Xin’s head guard, with a robust build and stern face, his every move reflecting the demeanor of an expert. The other three guards were equally notable, though silent and reticent, their eyes revealing determination and courage.
Near the edge of Sunset Forest, Luo Chen walked with the others. This area had a unique environment, where woods and grassland intersected, and leaving this edge meant entering an endless desert. The natural climate here was starkly different from within the forest—dry, arid, desolate—as if it were a harsh testing ground of nature.
The path was rugged, with cracked ground and sparse vegetation, rarely populated. In the distance, the mountains appeared chopped by knives, full of grotesque rocks and exuded a certain desolate beauty. The most alarming aspect was the occasional flash floods that unpredictably cascaded from deep within Sunset Forest, carrying mud and stones, eventually vanishing into the yellow-green interwoven wilderness.
During the day, the semi-desert grassland was scorched by the sun, with heat steaming, as if one were inside a steamer. Luo Chen felt sweat constantly sliding down his forehead, soaking his clothes. He glanced around, but Li Xin and the four burly men seemed unaffected, steadily advancing. Their faces were tanned, yet they showed no sign of discomfort.
