1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Sandstorm

Soon it will enter the desert. I don't know why I'm a little worried. Hopefully nothing happens when you cross this desert. Inner Shuwan was looking at the desert they were about to cross from a distance.

“We will pass through the desert, approximately what should we prepare?” Jiao asked curiously.

“Of course we should have sufficient water supply. The desert is a hot and arid place, if we do not have an adequate water supply we can lose a lot of fluid to dehydration,” Zhang explained.

“How will we protect our eyes from sand that is likely to fly in the wind?” Yu Hao asked to clarify.

Shuwan then interjected, “That's why you don't have to worry. I've brought eye protection for all of us. In addition, you must prepare a shawl or cloth to cover your nose and mouth so as not to breathe sand.”

Shuwan then took out the glasses he was carrying before the mission. Jiao then asked, “What is this thing? I've never seen it.”

Yu Hao added, “True. This thing looks a little strange.”

“Pfft..” Shuwan laughing. “This object is called glasses. This object is very rare because it can only be found in a place very far from here,” Shuwan explained so as not to make his friends suspicious.

“So apparently. It should look strange,” said Jiao.

Shuwan then put the glasses on his friends. Surprisingly he felt that Zhang seemed to have understood this thing. Zhang did not ask anything about these glasses. Did he realize something? Ask Inner Shuwan.

“Oh, yes! What about the horse we ride? Are we gonna take him across the desert?” ask Yu Hao.

“I don't think we can take him anymore. We don't have enough space to hold water. Fear they will die of thirst while in the middle of the desert,” Zhang said in response to Yu Hao's question.

“Your words make sense. So, we're going to leave it here?” said Yu Hao.

“True. We'll let them go here. If we tie him up, they'll also die of starvation. For that, we just let them go so that they are free to roam for food and survive,” Zhang explained.

Finally they released the horse that had been giving them travel.

“Well... Now you are free. Thank you for accompanying our trip,” Zhang said as he stroked the head of the horse he released.

After breaking the bond, the two horses ran freely back into the forest.

The first problem is solved. But the next problem is how they can determine the direction when they are crossing the desert.

We don't have a compass, I don't bring it either. Aihs... How could I be this stupid? Inner Shuwan was filled with worry. Shuwan starts to open the voice, “Ehem... Anu's... How will we recognize the direction we are heading? While we do not have a directional pointing tool.”

“We can use stars as directions. I learned it in school,” Zhang said.

“I've heard it, if the stars in the sky can show us the direction we are heading,” Shuwan interjected.

“Then, do we have to wait until night to get that star?” Jiao asked curiously.

Yu Hao interrupted, “But we don't have enough light to cross the desert in the middle of the night.”

Zhang was silent, and so was Shuwan.

Even though I've been on a lot of missions, I've never crossed the desert. How can I understand this kind of thing? I'm getting worried. Inner Shuwan.

“Then we will walk from now, at least we can reach a quarter of the journey. In addition, we can use a long cloth to tie our hands so as not to separate and can feel our respective existence,” said Zhang broke the silence.

Shuwan takes out his long cloth, though not as long as it was originally because it had been cut off when crossing the Desolate Valley (episode 11). They tied the cloth to each other in their hands. Not to forget they also wear a veil to cover their nose and ears so as not to enter the sand. When they finished, they got ready and rushed towards the desert.

“Biarpun now still entering spring, but the desert is still a desert. Very hot, arid, and also barren. We just entered it, but it feels like this leg is starting to weigh to step,” complained Zhang. “If you feel tired, just say so. We can rest for a moment,” Zhang said calming the situation.

After walking for a long time, they decided to rest. Drink, and eat a little snack brought.

Then my skin can burn. Damnit damnit! If only I had brought sunscreen. Inner Shuwan was upset.

“This drop looks so broad. How long can we get through it?” jiao.

“What?” Yu Hao was shocked. He threw his body into the desert sand, saying, “If this continues I can die.”

“I don't think people like you will die easily,” said Jiao laughing at the almost desperate Yu Hao. “But, are our food and drink supplies enough for the next few days?” Jiao continued worriedly.

“This is what I'm also worried about,” Shuwan chirped. “We have to save enough,” again.

“Then, we will only drink one sip when resting. Even though our journey has not reached half of it,” said Zhang.

“Ha-only one sip?” Yu Hao stammered while raising his body that had been lying on the sand.

Shuwan, Zhang, and Jiao nodded.

“Ah... No. gabe... I will really die this time,” Yu Hao said with a desperate look.

Zhang got up from his seat, “Nah... Since we have rested, we should immediately continue the journey,” invite Zhang.

Those who were still sitting got out of place and started walking.

The day became increasingly hot in the desert, so it was not expected that a large wind approached them with dust particles that could irritate the eyes. Fortunately they are protected by Shuwan's glasses.

Did not feel the sun would soon go from its position, replaced by night. But who would have guessed, that Shuwan and his friends were blocked by a storm that hit the desert.

“A-what's that in front there?” jiao asked in panic.

“Wire! It looks like a storm will pass here,” said Zhang who also became panicked. “We must join hands and prostrate, so that our bodies are not dragged and crushed by this sandstorm."

They also survived the sandstorm. However, the storm seemed endless, and made them even more panicked. “How is this? The storm does not end. We can be buried by sand,” said Jiao whose voice became trembling from fear.

“Zhang how is this?” Shuwan asked who also began to feel threatened. Zhang only clasped Shuwan's hand tightly.

“You're scared, there's me and the others here. You are not alone,” Zhang said half-screaming.

Hunch right. In the book, there is no sandstorm. How can it be like this now? Has the story really changed? Inner Shuwan churned amidst the sandstorms.

“Because this storm looks like it will last a long time, what if we walk against the storm?” Zhang asked his friends for their opinion. “Maybe it would be better that way. I'm afraid if we just wait, we can be buried in the sand of this desert,” said Yu Hao.

The four of them joined hands and held them tightly. Zhang who was carrying a long stick walked in front to hold back and guide the way.

When stepping, their legs feel so heavy because it goes against the direction of the storm. The sand flew and obscured their sight. Their bodies were weakened from fatigue, Jiao who was walking the very back fell from exhaustion.

“Jiao! Hang in. Here drink..” Shuwan exclaimed as he gave Jiao a bottle of water.

“I'm very tired, really tired,” Jiao said.

Shuwan, Zhang, and Yu Hao just looked at each other. They also do not know how to.

Not finished there their obstacle. Right behind Jiao suddenly popped a quicksand. Jiao's body was attracted by the sand. “Aaaahhh... Help me!” yell Jiao.

“Jiao! Hang on, we'll pull you!” Yu Hao cried.

The suction sand pull is so strong that Shuwan and the others are dragged into the sand.

“Aaaahhh..”.

They shouted so loudly because of the pull.

Is this the end of my journey? Brother, Grandpa, sorry... Inner Shuwan was sad.

They drowned in the sand and fell into a place so strange, dark, and silent. Everything was in an unconscious condition as a result of getting into the quicksand.