Chapter 94 Searching for the "Essence of Sand". "Everything needs balance. We need to take it in the right way and use it in moderation." The girl gently stroked the leaves of the Blue Sea Spirit Heart, her tone full of philosophy, "All you need to do is leave a drop of your heart's blood and promise in blood that you will not abuse this medicine, and then you will be fine." Xiao Chong and Zi Yan looked at each other and saw the determination in each other's eyes. They acted as they were told, and each of them dripped a drop of bright red heart blood onto the Bi Hai Ling Xin. The blood drop was instantly absorbed by the plant, and a subtle connection seemed to be established between the two. “May our contract be witnessed by nature, and protected rather than destroyed.” Zi Yan whispered, her heart full of emotion about this journey and hope for the future. "Now, take the Azure Sea Spirit Heart back with you. May it help you fulfill your wish." The girl smiled slightly and watched the two men leave, their backs gradually disappearing into the lush greenery of the medicine valley. The boat sailed back into the sea, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the two people, reflecting their firm yet gentle faces. The desert wind, mixed with fine sand, blows in your face, as if it is nature's most rugged welcome ceremony. Xiao Chong stood on the endless yellow sand, staring at the endless golden waves in front of him, his brows furrowed. Beside him, Zi Yan's long purple hair fluttered in the wind, her eyes flashing with determination and curiosity. "The desert... is really a challenging place." Zi Yan said softly, with a barely perceptible smile on her lips, as if she was looking forward to the upcoming adventure.
"Indeed, the 'essence of sand' needed for the rejuvenation pill is said to be buried under this vast sea of sand." Xiao Chong's words were filled with unquestionable determination. He took out an old map from his arms and carefully studied the mysterious symbols marked on it. "According to the guidance of this ancient map, we should head north. There is a forgotten oasis. The essence of sand is hidden in the center of the oasis." As the two stepped deeper into the desert, the surrounding scenery gradually became monotonous and depressing. The scorching sun was like the flames in a furnace, testing their will and physical strength. But they did not back down at all. The trust between each other and the common goal became the best motivation. "I remember when I was a kid, my father often told me legends about the desert, saying that there were countless secrets and treasures hidden here, as well as monsters and ghosts guarding the treasures." Zi Yan talked as they walked, trying to ease the boredom of the journey, "I never thought that one day I would set foot in this mysterious place myself." Xiao Chong smiled slightly upon hearing this, and that smile seemed particularly warm in the wind and sand, "Yes, fate always likes to play jokes like this. But with you by my side, I am not afraid even in the face of unknown dangers." Just as they were chatting excitedly, a strong wind blew up, a sandstorm suddenly descended, and the vision became blurred in an instant. The two quickly took out the prepared windproof protective gear, snuggled together, and moved forward with difficulty. "It seems that the desert doesn't want us to find the 'essence of sand' easily." Zi Yan's voice came from under the veil, with a bit of playfulness. "Then let's see who is more persistent." Xiao Chong responded, his tone revealing an indomitable will. After a difficult struggle, the sandstorm finally subsided. When the first ray of starlight penetrated the clouds and shone on the tired yet determined faces of the two men, a strange sight came into their eyes - not far away, a green oasis seemed like a paradise in the desert, lying quietly under the moonlight. "We're here." Zi Yan said softly, with surprise in her eyes. Entering the oasis, the two found it full of life, in stark contrast to the surrounding barrenness. Following a clear stream, they came to an ancient ruin. In the center of the ruins, a strange plant emitted a faint blue light, which was particularly eye-catching. "Is this... the essence of sand?" Zi Yan asked in disbelief. Xiao Chong nodded and approached the plant carefully. "Yes, this plant will only grow in certain environments. It has absorbed the power of the desert for hundreds of years and is the key to our medicinal pill refining." Just as he was about to collect, the ground suddenly shook, and a huge sandworm suddenly emerged from the ground, blocking their way, with alertness and hostility flashing in its blood-red eyes. "It seems that the guardian is here." Xiao Chong clenched the sword in his hand, his eyes firm. "I'm not worried at all with Brother Xiao Chong around!" Zi Yan stood side by side with Xiao Chong. The sandworm opened its huge mouth and let out a deafening roar, as if everything in the world was trembling.
A sandstorm arose due to its movement, covering the sky and isolating the area from the outside world. "Guardian, I need the essence of sand. I will exchange it for something of higher value." Xiao Chong said loudly, trying to convince others with reason. But the sandworm didn't seem to appreciate it. It just slapped the surrounding sand even more angrily, causing waves of sand. Zi Yan clenched her hands and said worriedly, "This is not a solution, Brother Xiao Chong, we have to think of a way." "Zi Yan, step back." Xiao Chong gave an instruction, then drew out his sword, tapped the ground with the tip of the sword, and rushed towards the sandworm like an arrow. The sword flashed and slashed towards the sandworm's giant eye, intending to defeat the enemy with one blow. However, the sandworm reacted quickly, easily dodged the attack by turning its head, and swept across with its tail at such a speed that the wind whistled. "Be careful!" Zi Yan screamed in shock. Xiao Chong turned around and cleverly avoided the fatal attack of the sandworm. At the same time, he swung his sword back and slashed at the sandworm's soft belly. This time, the sword blade finally tore through the sandworm's hard shell, leaving a deep scar. The sandworm roared in pain and became even angrier, and the entire desert seemed to tremble with its anger. Xiao Chong was panting, sweat dripping down his cheeks, but the determination in his eyes never wavered. "Enough! You stupid human, how dare you hurt me!" The voice of the sandworm roared in their minds, and it could actually communicate directly with their consciousness. Xiao Chong was stunned for a moment, then responded calmly: "Who would want to provoke without reason if they were not forced to do so?" "What a joke!" The sandworm's voice was full of disdain. "For thousands of years, how many greedy people have stolen treasures and destroyed the peace here in the name of exploration. How many of you humans are trustworthy?" Before he finished speaking, the sandworm's body moved like a sand dune, stirring up gusts of wind and attacking Xiao Chong again. Its anger made each of its attacks more ferocious. Xiao Chong was agile and skillfully dodged every fatal attack. "Although you have hatred, I am not like that." Xiao Chong dodged and shouted, "Tell me, how can I make you believe me?" “Trust?” The sandworm sneered, and the sand grains trembled with its laughter. “To me, human language is nothing but the cheapest deception.” (End of this chapter)