Just as the morning bell of Cyan Ox Village struck for the third time, the Wooden Ox convoy set off down the stone-paved path with a chorus of low moans. Huwa, squatting atop the lead Wooden Ox, was busy stuffing roasted chestnuts into the ox's mouth when Zhang Yifan suddenly grabbed him by the back of the collar and hauled him down. "If you ruin the ox's teeth again, watch out that Old Cyan Ox doesn't butt you!" Zhang Yifan pointed to the gears in the ox's mouth. "These are 'iron-gnawing teeth,' made specifically for chewing hard things. They can't handle you shoving candied roasted chestnuts in there."
Villagers seeing them off crowded the village entrance. Xiaoxiu hurried up and tied red yarn to the tail of every single Wooden Ox, tying the final piece around Zhang Yifan's waist. "It's cold on the road. Whenever you miss Cyan Ox Village, just give the string a tug, and I'll keep some hot soup waiting for you by the stove." Seizing the opportunity, Huwa shoved a handful of chili powder into Zhang Yifan's pocket. "Brother Fan, if anyone tries to steal the oxen, throw this! It's even fiercer than Old Cyan Ox's sneezes."
The howling sandstorms of the Gobi struck on the morning of the third day, filling the air with a yellow haze, yet the glazed eyes of the Wooden Oxen gleamed brightly through the gale. Ali, a Persian merchant riding a camel, drew closer, his thick beard covered in sand. "Young Master, the camel caravan is about to lose its way!" Unfazed, Zhang Yifan produced…
Chapter 19