At last, they emerged from Death Marsh. According to clues found in ancient texts, the Star Orb was very likely hidden within an ancient Star Ruins. The ruins were located deep within a vast desert, rumored to be fraught with countless traps and powerful guardian beasts. Without the slightest hesitation, the group pressed on toward the desert to meet their new challenge.
Stepping into the desert, the scorching sun beat down relentlessly. The sand beneath their feet was scorching hot, every step feeling as though they were treading on burning coals. A fierce wind carrying abrasive grit howled past, stinging their faces, while the blowing sand obscured their vision and made it impossible to tell direction. Squinting against the gale and shielding his face with a thick arm, Lu Chen complained loudly, "This damn place is even more agonizing than Death Marsh!" Sweat streamed continuously from his forehead, only to be instantly vaporized, leaving behind streaks of white salt.
Lin Xiu tightened the straps of his pack and gazed ahead with a resolute expression. "Everyone, hang in there a little longer. The Star Ruins are somewhere in this desert, and we will definitely find them." As he spoke, he drew a tattered animal-skin map from his tunic, carefully comparing the faint markings upon it in an attempt to find the correct route through this boundless sea of sand.
Chapter 49