My Misfortune Crushed Instances

Zhu Wen wasn’t a thick-skinned member of the Demon Race; it’s just that scales covered his cheeks, so even though his blood rushed, no one could tell if he was blushing.

He knew that his intentions had been exposed, but he didn’t know what to say.

To his surprise, Li Rui didn’t scold him; he just stood up and said, "Resolve it quickly, we’re preparing to set off."

After saying this, he returned directly to the dune for rest.

It was only then that Zhu Wen belatedly realized that when he was trying to escape, he clearly saw Li Rui resting under a canopy. Yet, in the blink of an eye, Li Rui blocked his path, and he had no idea how Li Rui had done it.

Upon thinking it over, he could only assume that this man was far stronger than he was. As for what methods Li Rui had used, he didn’t even try to guess, as it was pointless.

Once Zhu Wen adjusted his mindset and gave up on escaping, he rejoined the group, and Cheng Mingyue acted as if nothing had happened. The powerful warriors didn’t react either. If it weren’t for Yuan Erliang constantly glancing sideways at him, he would’ve thought they really hadn’t noticed.

Li Rui said, "Let’s set off quickly. How much further to the Yellow Sand Ancient City?"

By this time, Zhu Wen had calmed down.

Although he felt some fear, he wasn’t truly foolish. After Li Rui effortlessly thwarted his escape plan, he essentially accepted that he couldn’t leave this team.

So, since there was no other choice, he might as well wholeheartedly help them.

Even though he believed that this journey was likely a one-way trip to death, he needed to give it a shot. If this group changed their minds, there might still be a chance at survival.

Zhu Wen offered no more excuses and wholeheartedly helped guide the way.

Li Rui didn’t concern himself with Zhu Wen’s thoughts; no matter what, this member of the Demon Race couldn’t escape his grasp, especially as they ventured deeper.

However, it proved to be incredibly necessary to find this three-legged demon guide. In the vast desert, the dunes rolled endlessly, and one could easily lose direction. Sometimes, a fierce wind would stir up sandstorms.

Without someone familiar with the terrain to lead the way, it was easy to get lost.

As the sun set completely and the temperature gradually dropped, Li Rui admired Zhu Wen for accurately finding his way by moonlight, even with limited visibility at nightfall.

In the distance, the ruins of a decayed earth city appeared, with its walls full of holes and some parts collapsed. The city gate had long since decayed and collapsed, leaving only a hollow opening.

"This used to be a transit point for Zhangye State to enter Nuanyang State."

Zhu Wen, who had been silent along the way, finally broke the silence and said, "But it was also swallowed by dry earth. Now, there are many Ghost Spirits inside; it’s not to be ventured into lightly."

He was most worried that this group would insist on entering the city despite their small numbers.

Li Rui asked, "So, this place isn’t considered the heart of Nuanyang State yet?"

"Naturally not; this is just the edge," Zhu Wen replied.

Li Rui nodded, "Then we won’t go in."

Zhu Wen breathed a sigh of relief, pulled out a piece of dry food from his bosom, and washed it down with some water.

Throughout the journey, his resistance had gradually lessened because he found that these people were very strong yet never willful. If he suggested a direction, they would follow it.

Now, when he mentioned the dangers within the Ghost City, they decided not to enter. As a result, many potential dangers could be avoided, and if this continued, there was a chance they might actually leave Nuanyang State alive.

"May I boldly ask what your goal is on this trip?"

He took the initiative to ask.

Li Rui noticed the change in Zhu Wen’s demeanor. Throughout the journey, the old demon rarely spoke except to give directions, but now he was asking questions, signaling an intention to be friendly.

After all, the previous incident of trying to escape had strained their relationship, making things a bit awkward.

Li Rui answered, "We are looking for the legendary treasure."

Zhu Wen didn’t respond, but he had already anticipated it, as many had similar ambitions over the years. Who wouldn’t want that rumored treasure?

Long ago, various Demon Race members even waged endless wars for precious metals, but after everyone discovered the perils of Nuanyang State, and no one could locate the treasure, the treasure hunts gradually cooled down.

The old three-legged demon avoided the topic and suddenly brought up the Yellow Sand Ancient City ahead.

"Guests, do you know why this ancient city is terrifying?"

Li Rui shook his head, "Please elaborate."

Zhu Wen replied, "Nuanyang State has been barren since ancient times, although it wasn’t always so harsh. There used to be many city-states in the desert, and the Yellow Sand Ancient City was one of them."

"Back then, this city was controlled by the Sharon Race. They welcomed guests from all over, making this place a sentry post for entering Nuanyang State."

"However, the desert is inherently unkind; with more travelers, chaos naturally ensued, but Yellow Sand City remained orderly. Why? Because the Sharon Race had a team of the most elite city guard soldiers, thirty Demon Cultivators, and only the strongest among their race could serve. If any guard’s strength waned or they were injured, they would be replaced."

"With them present, the city remained stable. Troublemakers would face expulsion at best, beheading at worst."

"Eventually, as the desert spread, more races from the north migrated south, leading to conflicts over resources. Yellow Sand City couldn’t remain unscathed. Finally, the Yinxiang Race from the north sent poison masters into the city, poisoning the thirty Sharon Race guards and many civilians."

The events afterward are easy to imagine: a city without order turned chaotic, leading to a mass exodus of residents. As desertification intensified, it ultimately became a Ghost City haunted by the Undead.

Li Rui indicated that he understood the reasoning.

"But, old man, why are you telling this?" Li Rui asked.

Zhu Wen paused, "I wanted to say that the souls of those thirty guards still linger in the city. Those who enter have no hope of survival, and under no circumstances should you approach."

Li Rui waved his hand impatiently, thinking to himself that he had already said they wouldn’t go in; the old man was overly verbose.

Zhu Wen wasn’t done, "Additionally, I wanted to say that the races deep in the desert are fiercer than the Sharon Race of Yellow Sand City. Whether they are still alive or have become fierce ghosts, none should be underestimated. If you’re seeking that treasure, you should be mindful of your limits."

Li Rui nodded, "Got it."

Zhu Wen saw his serene demeanor, thinking he might not fully grasp the real dangers. However, once they ventured further and encountered some desert perils, he should then understand. If he had a change of heart then, it might not be too late.

The group rested briefly and then continued onward, slightly veering away from the direction of Yellow Sand City.

Li Rui needed to find what was most likely the ultimate legendary weapon and had to reach deep into Nuanyang State for it; he didn’t want to waste time.

However, as they circled to the side of the Yellow Sand Ancient City, reaching the nearest point, a change occurred.

First, there was the sound of a whistle, and a group of demons, riding mounts that resembled both horses and bulls, charged out from behind a nearby dune to block the path.

Next, more commotion arose, as more demon cavalry charged out of the Yellow Sand Ancient City, forming a circle to surround Li Rui and the others.

Zhu Wen looked very nervous, glancing warily in all directions.

"This, this is, sand bandits."

With a quick scan, he estimated there were at least a hundred enemies.

He appeared quite distressed because he realized these demon sand bandits had come from within the Yellow Sand Ancient City.

"Guests, I don’t know these sand bandits, but... the fact that they can stay overnight in the ancient city means they’ve wiped out the Sharon Race undead there. We, we might be doomed."