The second day after leaving Sumeru City, Shao Yun followed the caravan as it wound its way through the dense rainforest.
Aside from the occasional trill of a distant bird or the sight of colorful butterflies fluttering through the sunlight, nothing particularly interesting happened along the way.
The long and monotonous journey left everyone a little weary and dull-minded—but at least it was peaceful, with no danger or trouble in sight.
…
By the afternoon of the third day, the caravan finally arrived at Caravan Ribat.
There, a group of Eremites under the Akademiya's command was already waiting, ready to thoroughly inspect every beast of burden and crate of cargo.
One of the armored mercenaries asked casually as he searched, "Dehya, this shipment doesn't have anything… illegal, right? Like, say, canned knowledge or the like?"
Dehya smiled, perfectly composed. "You're worrying too much. It's just food and daily supplies—same as always. I've made this run plenty of times before. No need to be so jumpy."
The Eremite sighed helplessly. "I know, I know. But lately, the Akademiya's ordered us to tighten inspections. Hope you can understand."
Seeing it was a direct order from the Akademiya, Dehya could only shrug. "Alright, fine. Take your time. Just… don't spill the grain or damage anything, got it?"
…
After a thorough inspection, the Eremites found no contraband and finally waved them through.
Leaving Caravan Ribat behind, the group entered the Sandstorm Wall—a towering barrier that divided the lush rainforests of Sumeru from the vast, arid desert.
The wall's surface bore the scars of centuries: wind-eroded lines and faded colors blending into a rugged beauty.
Now and then, a few hardy weeds poked through cracks in the parched earth—tiny dots of green defying the wasteland. But the further they went, the rarer even those became.
Beyond the Wall of Samiel stretched the endless desert.
Tumbleweeds rolled across the dunes, gathering and scattering with the fickle winds.
Eroded rocks dotted the sands like ancient sentinels, their jagged forms shaped by time itself.
The air was dry and heavy—each breath felt thick with dust.
Even the breeze carried grit, fine as powdered glass, stinging the skin like invisible needles.
Only the occasional cactus broke the monotony of the yellow wasteland.
Shao Yun pulled up a scarf to shield his face from the sand.
This desert's harsher than the Wild West back home, he thought. Forget grazing animals—surviving here at all's a feat.
But as the caravan drew nearer to Aaru Village, the air grew less dry, the sandstorms weaker.
Nestled among weathered cliffs, Aaru Village enjoyed precious water sources—making it the largest and most prosperous settlement in the desert.
…
From afar, Dehya spotted a graceful figure waiting at the village entrance.
The woman's long hair shimmered in deep ocean-blue, tied neatly into low twin ponytails.
Her eyes were strikingly mismatched—one a warm amber glinting like polished resin, the other a clear, piercing azure.
Her clothing blended desert tones with celestial motifs—gold and starlight intertwined—creating an elegant yet commanding presence that seemed both earthly and divine.
Dehya's face lit up. She waved energetically and shouted, "Candace! Hey! I'm here!"
Hearing her name, Candace turned toward the sound. When her eyes landed on Dehya, a faint smile curved her lips—though it carried a trace of subtle reproach.
As Dehya came closer, Candace greeted her in a tone that was calm yet laced with meaning.
"Well, well, Dehya. It's been… what, half a year since I last saw you?"
Dehya instantly picked up on the mild scolding hidden beneath the words.
Putting on her most disarming grin, she hurried forward and started explaining in a coaxing tone, "Aw, come on, my dear Candace! Don't be mad. You know I didn't mean to vanish on you. The commission from the Homayani family was just too good to pass up, that's all."
"Oh, and look! I brought you a gift—premium waterproof foundation!"
She held out a beautifully wrapped box like a treasure offering.
But Candace only sighed, glancing at it with mild exasperation.
"Dehya, you know I don't wear makeup. Instead of wasting money on things like this, maybe bring back something the villagers actually need next time. That'd make me happier."
Her calm tone barely concealed her irritation.
Dehya chuckled softly, unfazed. "Heh, don't let that cool face fool me—I know you're pouting inside! Come on, don't stay mad. Anger's bad for your health. Here, just take it."
She pressed the box gently into Candace's hands.
Candace hesitated, then let out a resigned sigh. "Alright… thank you. But really, this is wasted on me. I spend most of my days out in the sand—you know I can't keep things this fancy looking nice for long."
Even so, she tucked the gift away with care.
Seeing her accept it, Dehya relaxed and grinned. "Hehe, see? Not mad anymore, huh? I know, I should've sent you letters to let you know I was safe. My bad for worrying you."
Shao Yun watched the two women banter and couldn't help thinking, So that's Sumeru's famous hot-and-cold duo… Dehya the fire, Candace the ice.
Just as the tension between the two eased, Candace turned to Shao Yun and asked, "Enough about that. Who's this gentleman?"
Dehya beamed. "Oh, him? This is Mr. Shao Yun—the man I recruited to help with guard duty! Without him, I'd never have handled the night watch on my own."
Candace stepped closer, her mismatched eyes studying him.
With a polite smile, she said, "I'm Candace, guardian of Aaru Village. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Shao Yun removed his hat and placed it over his chest, bowing respectfully.
"The pleasure's mine, Miss Candace."
Candace's smile warmed. "Perfect timing, both of you. I was just about to have dinner—care to join me?"
At the mention of food, Dehya's eyes instantly sparkled. She patted her stomach eagerly. "Oh, that sounds amazing! It's been forever since I've tasted your cooking, Candace!"
But Candace only crossed her arms, feigning annoyance. "Hmph. No dinner for you. Go help unload the supplies first."
Dehya clasped Candace's arm dramatically, shaking it like a pleading child.
"Oh, come on, my dearest Candace! Don't be so cruel! I swear I'll write next time—just feed me first!"
Candace chuckled, unable to keep up the act. She patted Dehya's shoulder, smiling. "Alright, alright. Don't embarrass me in front of our guest. There's enough for you too."
…
Later, Candace led them to the village chief's house, borrowed a pot, and began cooking.
Her movements were practiced and graceful; soon the room filled with the mouthwatering aroma of spices and roasted meat.
Before long, the table was laden with an array of desert-style dishes, the centerpiece being three bowls of fragrant Aaru Mixed Rice—crystal grains glistening beneath a swirl of herbs and spice.
Next to them simmered a large gilded stew pot, brimming with tender chunks of beast meat in a rich, savory broth.
And of course, several other local specialties completed the feast.
Candace took her seat and smiled politely. "I may have gone a bit overboard—but I hope you enjoy."
Dehya's eyes widened at the colorful spread. "Whoa, this looks amazing! It's been way too long since I've had food this good!"
Shao Yun, ever the gentleman, smiled and nodded. "Thank you for the meal, Miss Candace. I won't hold back."