The Border Pass at Siqi was upon them before they knew it.
Unexpectedly, yet logically, the checkpoint was manned by soldiers, apparently to prevent spies from infiltrating. The entire Border Pass fortress was incredibly strict, with scarcely a smile on the faces of those entering.
However, with a bit of silver, both groups passed through the checkpoint smoothly.
Upon leaving the land of Siqi with its many rivers and lakes, the surroundings became desolate. The trees gradually thinned out, giving way to the Gobi Desert. By the tenth night, not a single tree could be seen in any direction.
The farther they traveled, the more desolate it became. Li Huowang guessed that this must be what Huo Shu was supposed to be like.
"HUUUFF..." Zhao Wu, on night watch, exhaled a puff of white air. He rubbed his numb, frozen hands together, continuously breathing on them for warmth.
