The group began their trek across the dunes, their footsteps sinking into the soft sand. Each step was an effort, the shifting ground sapping their energy. The sun beat down relentlessly, and the lack of shade made the journey even more grueling.
Feng Jiao Xue remained silent as they walked, her gaze flickering to the horizon. The dunes rippled under the heat, creating mirages that danced and shifted. She frowned slightly, her sharp eyes catching something the others missed.
"Stop," she said abruptly, her voice cutting through the stifling silence.
The group halted, turning to look at her.
"What is it?" the crown prince asked, his tone cautious.
Feng Jiao Xue pointed to the horizon. "There," she said. "Do you see that line of haze? It's moving toward us."
The others squinted, their eyes following her gesture. At first, they saw nothing but the endless expanse of sand. Then, gradually, they noticed the faint, undulating line in the distance.
