Chapter 6, Escaping the Great Calamity
Before the sun rose above the horizon, everyone, filled with the fervor of victory, braved the unbearable and ever-increasing heat, making their way towards the Virgin Oasis on camelback.
Hu Yiguo has indeed brought the best news under the current adverse circumstances
Long Eagle Path: "How many days will the remaining drinking water last us?"
The front of the rear troops is occupied by the caravan transporting food and water. These camels have undergone rigorous training, moving in an orderly fashion, rarely going mad and straying from the group. However, having walked continuously for more than ten days, it is no wonder they can catch up, falling behind by only one day.
The well in Rizhao is located right in the center of Shagu. As one approaches this well, which contains only a small amount of water, the vegetation becomes increasingly dense. Over two hundred tents are densely erected around the well.
Long Ying could not help but think of the Sizi Bridge in the southern city of Dajiang, which is indeed the best place for a date. Unlike here, where one can only arrange to meet at a certain oasis. The desert is the easiest place in the world to get lost; trying to find an oasis is akin to searching for a single grain of sand on a beach.
It is less than one hour until dawn
The rate at which they sweat is certainly much lower than ours. I have already used my internal energy to close my pores, but in less than an hour, it feels as if I have been dried out by the sun
Their spirits immediately plunged into the abyss of despair. The long-distance pursuit turned into a desperate flight; let alone maintaining integrity, having half of the people survive and leave the desert has already surpassed expectations
Hu Yi has always suspected that the Xue Yantuo bandits were unaware of such a peculiar paradise in the Great Desert Sea, and this has now been confirmed, as there are no traces of bandits having ever been in the basin
Upon seeing his expression change slightly, Mi Nantian mistakenly thought that Long Ying felt "guilty at heart" due to his unintentional words, and thus said apologetically: "Brother Long..."
Guan Yifu exclaimed, "What a good idea! It should be feasible."
Guan Yi just arrived behind them and replied, "The water in all the water bags is only half left, enough for the camels to drink, which will allow us to last for another five days."
The caravan, while they were speaking, had already vanished into the swirling sand and dust, seemingly disappearing. However, for them, it would only take a few moments to catch up with a few sips of hot tea
The two, Huangyuan and Mian, were invigorated, for it was only Hu Yi who had arrived, and not a large contingent of their own forces coming to join them, which indicated that Hu Yi had already settled the others and had come alone to intercept them, preventing them from going to the oasis to meet their demise
Mi Nan Tian smiled and said: "The most ideal situation would be to encounter Ao Cong returning from the oasis, thinking we are his people, and delivering him directly to us. This would save us a lot of effort"
At intervals of a burning incense stick, the caravan would communicate routinely using fire signals to report their safety. The dragon eagle would then launch an attack after receiving a signal. Otherwise, if the front team did not see the expected fire signal, they would immediately know that the rear team had encountered trouble, and the entire army would turn back to attack, which would be disastrous
The guide camel driver bears not only the heavy responsibility of leading the way, but must also remain alert and closely follow the front team. Additionally, he is tasked with the vigilance of watching for any signs of danger in the distance. The closer they get to the enemy, the higher the level of alertness required. Any unusual occurrence will not escape the keen eyes of this selected expert of the desert
At the command of Long Ying, everyone sprang into action and quickly pursued the caravan.
The crowd responded with a resounding echo
Guan Yifu said: "The thieves have been on the road for several consecutive days, and everyone is exhausted, with their vigilance extremely low. As long as we can evade the keen-eyed camels, we may be able to deal with this group without alarming the supply convoy ahead."
His actions are by no means superfluous; rather, they are indispensable.
The dragon eagle spiraled towards the enemy team, moving to within less than a hundred zhang of the leading camel. It executed a thousand-jin drop, burying most of its body in the sand. The dust swirled and then moved forward another twenty or so zhang, but ultimately it was not a true dragon whirlwind; after losing its momentum, it retreated back to the ground
From the tone of Lao Mi's voice, it is evident that he is very satisfied
Hu Yi, a person who has grown up in the desert, was not mistaken. Less than thirty miles from the Virgin Oasis, he changed direction against the wind and, with his extraordinary sense of smell, detected the scent of something burning in the air, indicating that someone was making a fire for warmth. Realizing the situation was dire, he consulted with Lin Zhuang and Ding Fumin, and they decided to head to a place called "Rizhao Well," located forty miles southwest of the oasis. This well is situated at a tributary of an underground river flowing from the oasis, and it contains water year-round, but it is only sufficient for a few people.
He has a profound impression of tornadoes and understands their nature so well that even seasoned desert dwellers can be deceived by them
In his heart, Long Ying devised a plan. Just as the camel's front feet were less than three feet away from his hiding place, he executed a springing move and dashed out, almost brushing against the side of the camel as he ascended onto its back. By the time the camel driver sensed something was amiss, he had already struck the vital point in the driver's ear with his fingertip, causing him to collapse immediately. Long Ying then positioned himself in front of the camel driver's lifeless body, ensuring that the driver did not fall off the camel's back. To those behind, it would appear as if everything remained unchanged.
The two individuals let out a sharp cry and chased after the dragon eagle
Mi Nan Tian looked at Long Ying, who had been silent, and asked in surprise, "Eagle Master, do you have something on your mind?"
The dragon eagle ascended to an altitude of nearly 8 zhang, and before it, a wondrous sight appeared in the howling cold wind
Although the endless, arduous, and exhausting journey filled with dangers lies ahead, the poignant feeling of regaining what was lost and turning peril into safety remains profoundly prominent, making it unforgettable.
I have yet to express my gratitude to you. I heard from Fat Uncle that Xiaohui and Xiaojiao were originally meant for you, but you passed them on to me.
With a swift motion, it headed straight towards the welcome.
The dragon eagle pressed down on hetushu.com, filled with joy in my heart, leading a massive caravan of five hundred camels loaded with grain and water, yet managed by only a little over a hundred people, as it grandly changed its course towards the northwest.
The guide had already tightened the reins on the camel beneath him. At this moment, he took a deep breath, returned to his original speed, and walked straight towards the Dragon Eagle. As he watched the camel's feet draw closer, just before entering the illuminated area of the lantern, the Dragon Eagle sank completely into the sand. Even for a secretive person, this technique of holding one's breath under the sand could only be employed at night; if attempted under the blazing sun during the day, it would surely result in being roasted alive.
Lin Zhuang said: "We have now effectively vanished without a trace, and we are not afraid of scouts. In this place, it is impossible for reconnaissance to spread out; even if there are some, they cannot conceal themselves from us. If two come, we will kill them both"
Huyi arrived at Longying and Fengguoting, and said: "For my tribe, camels are a divine gift from heaven. Their temperament may be somewhat difficult, but among all livestock, only they can continuously travel for fifteen days from one water source to the next after having eaten enough pasture. If they do not have grass, as long as they do not encounter a sandstorm, they can still endure for five days."
Long Ying asked Da Da: "Is it cold?"
I truly wish to see the expression on Bian Ao's face when he realizes he has lost his food and water
Seeking the Difficult Path: "It is not about satisfaction, but rather contentment. I have personally promised my three beloved wives and concubines that I will not engage with any other women"
The dragon eagle slanted from the east, cutting across the front of the caravan. It spun up ahead, several hundred zhang away from the leading camel driver, unleashing a burst of magical energy from both palms, which immediately merged into a small tornado of its own making. This stirred up a large cloud of dust, swirling up to six or seven zhang into the sky, and then retreated towards the enemy team
Hu Yi saw that they had seized the entire grain and water caravan, and he let out a sigh of relief. In the arid desert, the most important thing is to have an adequate supply of grain and water; everything else is secondary
Feng Guoting and his companions, in accordance with the agreement with Long Ying, launched their attack half an hour before dawn. First, Feng Guoting, Mi Nantian, Huangyuan Wu, and Jun Huaipu infiltrated the enemy's midsection from both flanks to initiate a surprise assault. As chaos ensued, the thirty-six skilled fighters following closely behind pounced like wolves and tigers, killing and seizing camels. This group of bandits was already no match for them under normal circumstances, let alone after more than ten days of jostling and fatigue, with everyone suffering from sore backs and aching waists. Caught off guard and with weakened fighting spirit, they collapsed after just a few exchanges, while the remaining ones were dispatched as easily as chopping vegetables.
The wind passes through the courtyard path: "We will cooperate with you"
There was neither engagement nor casualties
The possibility of this is extremely slim, in this cursed place, even if we agree to meet, it may still result in a missed encounter, and if we want to escape, we would run towards another oasis
Many people gathered around Long Ying, squatting down to read books like him
Mì Nán Tiān, Huāng Yuán Wǔ, and Lóng Yīng walked together with the camels. Fēng Guò Tíng and Jūn Huái Pǔ stayed behind the palace, while Guǎn Yì Fū resumed his old profession, instructing everyone on how to manage the camel caravan. It is important to know that with over 600 camels, if they are not accustomed to being directed by strangers, things can quickly become chaotic. The most diligent among them was Dádá; this was his first tough battle, and he performed excellently, receiving praise. He was excited and showed no fear of the desert's terrifying climate changes.
Forty partners simultaneously exert their energy to move a cover weighing three hundred pounds, which is covered in sand. Those whose strength is insufficient may use a wooden prop to first lift one side, allowing the sand to spill out. After reducing the weight, they can then roll it down to the ground through the gap.
Wasteland Dance: "Just by observing that the other party does not expend unnecessary effort to chase into the desert, one can discern this person's cunning; we must not underestimate him."
Long Ying was secretly pondering that he had finally caught up with Hengkong Muye, engaging in the act of transferring beautiful women. Although the essence was different, it still belonged to the same form, and a strange feeling surged within him. Suddenly, he felt something was amiss; why, after the victory, was his mind filled only with thoughts that would bring about negative emotions?
Long Ying smiled and said, "Do not be greedy for achievements." He then gestured towards the wilderness behind him and said, "Keep a close watch on this excited young man." He continued in a serious tone, "First, seize the camels, then take the enemy's bows and arrows to kill the foes; I will take responsibility for guiding the way."
A caravan composed of two hundred camels moved in rows of three and five, steadily traversing the sand sea where dust obscured the sky and visibility was poor, following the lead camel at the front. The lead camel was equipped with specially designed lanterns on all sides, guided by the bandits riding it, while the other camels had no lighting. Each camel carried two people, all tightly wrapped from head to toe in thick, warm fabric. By his keen sense, he discerned that most of the enemies were asleep on the camels' backs, with only a few remaining on watch. Each camel carried two people, all tightly wrapped from head to toe in thick, warm fabric. By his keen sense, he discerned that most of the enemies were asleep on the camels' backs, with only a few remaining on watch
Various thoughts flashed through his mind at lightning speed, and he had returned to the ground, stepping down to emit the agreed signal.
Long Eagle said: "I have a tentative idea, which is to hand over this group of people to you, while I will deal with the supply team. As long as I can control the lead camel, we can deviate from the original route set by the bandits. In this area, deviating by a few miles will go unnoticed, and by then, sounding the alarm will be of no use."
Longying and others have seen the camel devouring its food with such greed before, and they all feel a warm sense of nostalgia as they revisit old dreams
The grain and water team must maintain a distance of at least 2 miles from the rear troops. As long as no thieves raise the alarm, no one will know what has happened in the rear, even if chaos ensues. Alas! But that is impossible.
Guan Yifu stated that this last batch of caravans served as the rear guard. The Xue Yantuo horse bandits are elusive and have never been tracked from behind or documented. Especially in the harsh environment of the desert, it has become customary not to station heavy troops in the rear, but rather to deploy forces at the front, advancing in three main columns.
Long Ying pondered: "The events of last night unfolded too rapidly, leaving no time for contemplation. Mo Che received precise information from the Great River Alliance that we would come to eliminate the border marauders, giving him ample time to devise strategies against me. This matter was entrusted to his most outstanding general, Dan Luo Du, to arrange formations, traps, and other preparations for us to fall into the net."
Guan Yifu inspected each enemy lying on the sand, delivering a final blow to those who were not yet dead. This act, seemingly cruel, was in fact a mercy, sparing them from the relentless torment of the desert. Yet, it also revealed how hatred can forge an ironclad will for revenge in a person of inherently good nature
Long Ying shouted: "It is Hu Yi, there is hope!"
The timing is more important
According to the traditions passed down in our clan, we sweat at a rate several times faster than they do. The most astonishing thing is that even if they lose a quarter of their body weight in water, they remain unfazed. If it were us, we would have long since perished from dehydration.
After Xue Yantuo arrived at the Virgin Oasis, occupied by the Turkic forces, he rested for two days before setting off for the Huer Oasis, using the oasis as a base to pursue them further
Long Eagle Dao: "I just recalled some old matters"
Alas! Dajiang Lian. He can only hope that he has never acted as an undercover agent, so he would not have to bear the unbearable burden he carries now. At least in the foreseeable future, he remains powerless to help the innocent people of the South and North cities.
Long Ying exclaimed: "That will be more than enough. The Turks and the Xue Yantuo people, unable to see us and having their supplies of food and water taken by us, will think that we are avoiding the Virgin Oasis and not entering it. With their food and water lasting only a few days, their only option is to rush to the Huer Oasis. The enemy will not have the patience to wait. If I were Bian Ao, I would instruct the mounted Turks to guard the Virgin, while I lead the bandits to Huer to seek revenge on us. Brothers! The Virgin will always be ours, while the call of 'Mother' from Huer is a reflection of the future of the horse bandits. If I were Bian Ao, I would instruct the mounted Turks to guard the Virgin, while I lead the bandits to Huer to seek revenge on us. Brothers! The Virgin will always be ours, while the call of 'Mother' from Huer is a reflection of the future of the horse bandits. Ha! Refreshing!
In the desolate wilderness, Wu and Mi gazed into the distance, where the sky and earth seemed indistinguishable, unified by the blazing sunlight. A small black dot was faintly visible, moving about. Even with their exceptional eyesight, they were left with the illusion of shadows continuously overlapping and separating, unable to discern how many people there were.
Mi Nan Tian's expression grew serious as he said: "Indeed, this is the case. Therefore, the Xue Yantuo people are well-prepared, blocking the Muling Pass, and they are biding their time without taking action until we complete our assembly and abandon the fortress, at which point they will send people to cut off our retreat."
The Rizhajing area is likely the most distinctive place in the Great Desert, situated within an irregular sandy valley that spans approximately 2 li, surrounded by sand dunes rising about 2 zhang high, resembling a small basin. The ground is composed of a mixture of sand, mud, and stones, covered with various plants unique to the desert, clearly nourished by underground water sources over a long period. Remarkably, from the outside, one would never suspect the existence of such an extraordinary place. In fact, even the most curious observer, after glancing around for a while, would soon grow weary of the monotonous desert scenery and focus solely on the journey ahead, unwilling to pay further attention.
The color of the wasteland changed: "Not good! We overlooked the Turkic troops that left before we arrived at the grassland."
Dada's eyes sparkled brightly, revealing no trace of fear, and said: "The blood is boiling."
Long Ying muttered to himself: "Have we underestimated Danluo?"
The unloading work kept everyone in a daze, and this oasis in the desert was immediately beset by robbers. The plants in the basin did not suit the horses' appetites, so the horses were fed with prepared fodder. However, the camels could consume any plants that grew in the desert, raising doubts about whether they would later suffer from stomach troubles
The dragon eagle gallops alone across the sandy sea, sensing the changes in the wind direction. According to Guan Yifu, each bandit of Xue Yantuo is equipped with a bamboo whistle, which can produce varying sounds to alert their own troops in times of crisis. The sharp sound of the bamboo whistle can be heard several miles away, and if the wind is favorable, the range can be even greater. If the dragon eagle chooses the right direction, causing the supply caravan to deviate into the headwind, even if the warning whistle is blown, it will not alert the main force ahead.
Dragon Eagle Path: "Someone is coming!"
The expression on Mi Nan Tian's face shifted from heavy to pale, and under the blinding sunlight, everyone appeared ashen. This unknown troop should have occupied the oasis ahead of them, taking away their lifeline. The reality would be completely contrary to what Long Ying and the others had calculated; it was not Bian Ao and his band of thieves who were forced to flee into the desert, but rather their elite battalion.
Everyone agrees that since there are two people per camel, unless one is a master like a dragon or an eagle, capable of taking down two individuals at once, there will always be someone who can take advantage of being thrown off the camel's back or other methods to seize the opportunity to sound the alarm
From today, it marks the auspicious day of the fourth dawn.
Guan Yi's eyes sparkled as he asked: "When shall we attack the virgin?"
Long Eagle Road: "In fifteen days, can we reach the Virgin Oasis and another oasis near Hohhot?"
Only then did the people behind realize what had happened, each secretly wiping away a cold sweat, feeling grateful for the favor of heaven, and with high spirits, they followed Hu Yi to meet the elite troops at Rizhao Well.
Hu Yi shook his head and said: "Unless we prevent the camels from drinking water now, we will not be able to go anywhere; the first to collapse will be the horses. The plan of the Xue Yantuo people is to allow the camels to replenish their food and water at the Virgin Oasis"