Ke YongAn was shocked with the power behind the voice. This only appeared in those who were in the Spirit Awakening Stage. Perhaps the power behind the voice was approaching the Spiritual Sea Level. However, Ke YongAn quickly pondered over the contents of what that voice spoke of.
10 000 gold coins? With some thinking, Ke YongAn linked it to what Yan RuSu told her. Thinking about where they were going(from the large amount of cargo) and what dangers the teenager Du GuYung, it was easy to come to the conclusion that this was their hired expert.
It turned out Du GuYun had already dismounted his horse and currently persuading the hired expert. His gentle words floated out of the hut,
"Esteemed Elder Cai, this sum is no small matter. Our agreed sum, 1 000 gold coins could buy you a large plot of land. At most, we can settle on 2 000."
"Peh! Do you want me to help you or not?" There was a thunderous voice that caused the horses to be startled and thumm within each person.
There was a long silence until Ke YongAn was able to make out the sigh of Du GuYung as his figure soon appeared from the hut. He looked dejected as he leapt onto his horse.
"It seems Esteemed Elder Cai doesn't want to lend a hand to us. Come on, we will be able to find some other expert to help us. Ai, I was even going to put in some good words for him in-front of my father."
He kicked his horse and began to move forward, slowly followed by the entourage.
"but..." One of the hired experts was extremely nervous and scared. Actually, all of them were.
Just what dangers will we face? Ke YongAn curiously wondered.
"It is fine." Du GuYung put up a sad face. He continued, "Esteemed Elder Cai is a dragon among men. No one would have dared stand in his way, don't even mention a lifeless desert. But alas...what a pity! It seems we'll just have to settle on a second-rate expert.
Perhaps we'll have to invite Elder Ouyang. I really lament. Esteemed Elder Cai was our very first on our lists in our hearts."
Listening, Ke YongAn couldn't help but feel weird. It seemed he was purposely spitting out these things.
Instantly, a roar came from within the forest.
There was an almost imperceptible smirk upon Du GuYung's mouth. When Ke YongAn took a peek at Yan RuSu, it seemed she was having trouble keeping a straight face. Ke YongAn could swear that Yan RuSu seemed like she could burst out in hysterical laughter this instant.
Even with that roar, Du GuYung didn't look back and continued on, as if he had nothing to do with the matter. The other hired experts however, looked uneasy as the turned their gazes backwards.
"Who mentioned the name "Ouyang Wen" in my presence?!"
There was a rush of wind that rustled the trees in the forest before Elder Cai appeared before them. His unkempt grey beard and hair coupled with his simple wear drenched in sweat caused him to look like a beggar.
Without looking back, Du GuYung spoke, "If Esteemed Elder Cai is reluctant to help, then we won't press."
The entourage continued to walk through the forest.
Seeing them getting further and further away, Elder Cai became anxious.
Don't tell me they're really going to that bastard Ouyang? If they do, wouldn't that give him an inch to go a mile? This is also the first mission I found in four years...Elder Cai thought. Thinking about his rival Ouyang, he felt extremely angered.
However, Elder Cai still had his pride. Therefore, he waited for the entourage to turn back. Unfortunately, that never happened, and the carriages grew smaller and smaller over the distance. Gritting his teeth and feeling anxious, he caught up to the entourage.
"Why wouldn't I dare to lend a helping hand? I will get you lot across the eastern dessert, easy!"
Ke YongAn swore that Du GuYung was giving himself an internal thumbs up at that moment. His expression brightened up so much that it rivaled a child's.
"Really?" He spoke hopefully.
Ke YongAn couldn't look at this weird scene any longer. Her line of sight saw Yan RuSu struggling hard not to laugh, and was able to contain it. Elder Cai saw her scrunched up and shaking body, but only attributed that to her incomparable joy with his arrogant view.
"My words are worth gold! However...shouldn't one also keep their word?" Elder Cai spoke proudly, sneakily glancing at Du GuYung.
Du GuYung, having received the meaning, waved his hand as a large heavy bag appeared into view.
But the clunking sound as it was taken Elder Cai proved its amount.
Checking the contents, Elder Cai smiled contently.
"A gift to esteemed Elder Cai. 5 000 gold coins." Du GuYung smiled.
As the entourage continued along its path through the forest, it was seen how many were trying to court good will with Elder Cai. They flattered and bootlicked shamelessly while also giving out gifts. After all, who wouldn't want to have good relations with a peak-level Spirit Awakening Stage expert?
Of course, Ke YongAn wasn't affected that much, as she met many such people in the palace.
Finally, Ke YongAn noticed the trees had began to thin out. The grass was also disappearing as sand appeared.
Before long, Ke YongAn could see a vast expanse of desert. There were only shrubs here and then that reminded them that life truly existed.
Heat rose, and being at a low level, many began to feel breathing as a strain, not to mention move forward.
There didn't seem to have any danger, even after traveling for an hour or so. Or, half a shizen.
Ke YongAn began to feel increasingly pressured, knowing there was danger, but not knowing when it would appear.
It seemed Ke YongAn did not have to wait long before there seemed to be an earthquake. Alarmed, shouts began to ring out. The sand underneath began to cave in as it revealed a ginormous Worm!
The worm had no ears or eyes, but possessed a terrifying mouth structure that showed rows and rows of teeth.
The worm was the colour of the sand, making it difficult to pinpoint.
"Hmph. Merely a puny worm." Elder Cai snorted arrogantly, and raised his hand. Instantly, many felt an incredible energy build up.