Chapter 110 Journey

“Such a refreshing breeze,” Wu Qingsong closed his eyes, letting his horse carry him forward.

For some inexplicable reason, ever since leaving Orgrimmar, he suddenly felt a liberating sense of freedom.

Ling, however, seemed uneasy, glancing back at Orgrimmar, now a distant speck, “I wonder how Liuli is doing?”

Since escaping from Rem City, the catgirl Liuli had not been separated from Wu Qingsong. The recent arrangement had left her in tears, though she had reluctantly agreed to it.

Her demeanor made Ling feel somewhat remorseful, but Wu Qingsong firmly decided to follow his own plan. Taking Ling and six houndmen, including Beck, they embarked on their northeast journey.

“Don’t worry, Ram and Harold will take good care of her,” Wu Qingsong assured her. He then spurred his horse, galloping forward with a sense of exhilaration.

North of the Esola Hills lay a vast, unexplored forest extending to the northern foothills of the Tecks Mountains. While the flowering season was fading in the southern hills, spring arrived late in this region. The journey was adorned with various wildflowers, complemented by distant snow-capped peaks, creating a serene and uplifting ambiance.

This was the outer edge of the Esola Hills. The few existing mines here had been completely abandoned during the recent insectoid tide. Although the northernmost mines weren’t directly attacked during the tide, they were later assaulted by the residual insectoid forces.

However, by the time Wu Qingsong and his team passed through, no trace of insectoids remained. Instead, they occasionally spotted small mercenary groups on fortune-seeking adventures, rummaging through abandoned mines and villages for any remaining valuables.

Most of these groups would leave upon spotting Wu Qingsong and his party from a distance. They might not have recognized the infamous ‘Hangman’ Tagraedi, but their uniform dark red insect shell armor was a clear warning sign that these were not individuals to mess with.

Ram had mentioned that this area was once the territory of the Norwei Wolf Clan. However the discovery of iron mines made investments here lucrative, attracting thousands of mercenaries and triggering frequent insectoid invasions. Overwhelmed by the pressure, the Norwei Wolf Clan had been forced to largely retreat to the northern wastelands, leaving only a few die-hard members to continue their resistance.

The clan had been rendered hopeless due to the more profitable mining activities overshadowing traditional agriculture in their lands. Such was the harsh reality of their situation.

The mountain paths grew increasingly steep, and the floral thickets were replaced by vast coniferous forests. The ground was carpeted with thick layers of pine needles, and the climate became cooler. Wu Qingsong and his companions progressed northeastward, and after five days, they finally found an inconspicuous path that led them into a canyon.

Surrounded by steep snow-capped peaks, the temperature became frigid. Meltwater from the snow formed rapid streams flowing in their direction of travel. The road was in severe disrepair, with parts blocked by dirt and rocks that had fallen from above, forcing them to search for alternate paths.

This trade route appeared to be completely abandoned. Only the occasional ruins of signal towers and house foundations evidenced its past prosperity.

Beck, who had some knowledge of the area, explained, “Sir, this route has always been difficult to traverse. And since the other side of the mountain range leads only to a desert, it’s naturally been deserted. Nowadays, people traveling north use the Benaris River, going upstream to the Giant’s Keep, and then taking the main road. Those heading east mostly travel south along the Benaris River. Only smugglers dare to cross the desert by this route.”

“Is that so?” Wu Qingsong said.

Unlike Beck, who had only partial knowledge, Wu Qingsong had researched the history of the region before setting out. 

The area they were crossing was once a hotly contested strategic location between the Batiz and Norwei Kingdoms. The trade route they were following had been an important link between the two kingdoms. However, with the fall of both kingdoms and the once-mighty Batiz Kingdom engulfed by the sands, the road had lost its purpose.

Two days later, as they finally emerged from the canyon and descended through miles of downhill terrain, the forest abruptly gave way. After a short transition of grasslands and shrubbery, they suddenly found themselves on the edge of an expansive Gobi desert.

Looking back, the imposing snow-capped Tecks Mountains were still visible, but their surroundings had transformed into a vast expanse of wind-blown sand. Dwarf and bizarre desert plants, along with numerous wind-eroded, strangely shaped rock pillars, created an almost surreal atmosphere.

For the houndmen, the unfamiliar environment heightened their anxiety, and the dry, hot climate was uncomfortable for them. Thankfully, a town was nearby, the first settlement they had encountered on their journey inhabited by beastfolk.

An oasis amidst the desert wilderness.

“Welcome to Graal, my lord.” 

As they entered the town, a diminutive beastman approached them with a broad smile. Short and skinny, his disproportionately large ears stood like wings on his small head, giving him an almost comical appearance.

“How may I assist you?” he asked with eagerness.

Wu Qingsong felt a sense of familiarity with the creature’s appearance, but it wasn’t until Beck engaged in a lengthy conversation with him that he identified him as a sand foxman.

Clearly, this beastman was an emissary sent by those who wielded power over the oasis. Given the unobstructed desert landscape, they must have seen Wu Qingsong’s group approaching from a great distance.

Beck, becoming increasingly skilled at interacting with such characters, efficiently concluded the negotiation. The sand foxman then respectfully guided them to a large, spacious area of tents, complete with facilities for securing horses and a sizable overhanging canopy.

Soon, some meerkatfolk dressed only in grey shorts swiftly arrived with fresh water and fodder. They unloaded the saddles from the horses, allowing them a comfortable break to graze and rest. Wu Qingsong and his group could finally relish the sweet water, savor delicious grape wine, and even enjoy a delectably chilled melon soaked in water.

“This town is owned by Lord Sa Badel,” the sand foxman said, staying nearby to assist them. “Unfortunately, the lord is not present in the town right now. If there’s anything you need, do let me know. I’ll do everything within my power to serve you.”

His welcoming demeanor was refreshing, especially after several hours of trekking through the scorching desert. The service provided a sense of homely comfort.

Though Wu Qingsong wasn’t familiar with this Lord Sa Badel, he assumed him to be a decent person.

“We need to reach Nals Oasis and require a guide who knows the way,” Wu Qingsong told the sand foxman.

“That’s quite a journey,” the sand foxman noted. “Are you gentlemen engaged in trade, travel, or adventure? Don’t worry, securing a guide will not be an issue. If required, we can also provide camels, food, and water, all at very fair prices. These are essentials for a desert crossing.”

The sand foxman’s enthusiasm made his offers hard to refuse.

“Agreed,” Wu Qingsong responded. “The sooner we can start, the better.’