Chapter 469: Chapter 469: The Great Drought

Seven days later, Zhang Yuan and Mo Huai’an entered the borders of Yongzhou.

Yongzhou is located in the northwest region of Daqian, covering a vast area with magnificent scenery and distinct local customs.

Zhang Yuan had long heard of its name.

But after following the trade team into the state’s borders, he quickly sensed something amiss.

Midsummer had long passed; it was now the time of the Mid-Autumn, and during previous nights at the camp, one could feel the chill.

Yet upon entering Yongzhou, the temperature suddenly became warmer, and the deeper they went, the hotter it got.

During the day, the sun hung high in the sky, emanating infinite light and heat, shining down on the parched earth.

Hardly any green trees were visible by the roadside; the wilderness was full of dried yellow grass, and the air burned like fire when inhaled.

As they traveled, the people and animals in the trade team trudged under the scorching sun, feeling only exhaustion and agitation.

More alarming was that, at first, they could still find water sources near the road.

Later, they only saw riverbeds exposed and earth cracked, with dried fish, shrimp, crabs, and turtles everywhere, emitting an unpleasant odor.

The trade team Zhang Yuan and Mo Huai’an joined had over a hundred horses and mounts, and considering the people’s needs, the daily water consumption was a huge number.

Yet now, water sources were increasingly hard to find, and the entire trade team of several hundred people faced the crisis of having nothing to drink.

Helplessly, the trade team leader could only send guards out to search further away.

This greatly slowed down the team’s progress.

After turning onto the official road of Yongzhou, the situation became even more terrifying.

Corpses continually appeared by the roadside.

Most of these corpses were the elderly, weak, women, and children, dressed in ragged clothes, emaciated, and virtually all dried to a mummy by the scorching sun.

As the trade team passed by, some wild dogs were gnawing on the bodies.

Their blood-red eyes stared, and instead of fearing the trade team’s guards, they barked fiercely at them.

The guards in the trade team were already agitated and restless; seeing these man-eating wild dogs provoke them, how could they tolerate it?

They immediately slaughtered them one by one!

Some wild dogs ran away in fear, but even they were chased down and killed.

"Shopkeeper!"

Not long after, two trade team guards hurried back, bringing with them a man and reporting to the trade team leader: "This man still has a breath left; should we save him?"

The man they brought back was dressed in blue, appearing to be in his thirties or forties, with a pale face and faint breath.

Though he carried nothing of value, he didn’t look like an ordinary commoner.

The trade team leader hesitated for a moment and said, "Saving a life is better than building a pagoda seven stories high. Since we encountered him, it’s his fate."

He then summoned the team’s healer for treatment.

The healer gave the man in blue a few sips of medicine, but seeing no sign of awakening, checked his pulse, and finally shook his head, saying, "It’s no use, he’s beyond saving."

The trade team leader sighed, "Then forget it, dig a pit and bury him."

Momentarily kind-hearted, he didn’t expect the man’s fate to be so poor.

"Wait."

At this moment, Mo Huai’an stepped forward and said, "Let me take a look."

The trade team leader and healer were taken aback, hurriedly bowing, "Greetings to Master Mo!"

Seven days ago, Zhang Yuan and Mo Huai’an met the trade team and decided to follow them after learning their destination.

Upon knowing Mo Huai’an was a traveling mage, the trade team leader not only didn’t refuse but treated them with the utmost respect, welcoming them as honored guests.

These people who roam far and wide all year round are not lacking in insight and experience.

Needless to say, with a mage in the team, there was no need to fear ordinary supernatural occurrences, greatly enhancing safety.

They wouldn’t refuse even if they usually have to pay for such protection!

And the trade team’s destination was indeed Yong’an, the city of Yongzhou.

One of Mo Huai’an’s elders served as the abbot at Qingfeng Temple in Yong’an City.

"No need for formalities."

Mo Huai’an waved his hand, then bent down and opened the eyes of the man in blue.

The young mage pondered for a moment, then brought his index and middle fingers together, poking them into the man’s forehead.

"Wake up!"

He ordered lightly, and a pinpoint of spiritual light glowed from his fingertips.

The next moment, the faint man in blue shuddered, let out a low groan, and slowly opened his eyes.

The trade team leader and healer watching dared not breathe, their eyes filled with awe.

Amazing technique indeed!

"He’ll be fine."

Mo Huai’an withdrew his fingers, saying, "His primordial energy is severely depleted, and he needs a period of rest to recover."

Pausing, Mo Huai’an added, "If he could be fed some ginseng slices, that would be best."

"Understood."

Without hesitation, the trade team leader ordered, "Someone, bring three slices of ginseng!"

If it weren’t for Mo Huai’an, giving him a few sips of medicine was already his utmost benevolence; he certainly wouldn’t provide life-saving ginseng slices.

Now, with Mo Huai’an pointing it out, if the trade team leader pretended not to understand, he’d truly be a fool.

"Mm."

Mo Huai’an was pleased with the trade leader’s comprehension and handed over a small jade talisman: "This Peace Talisman is good for your children to wear."

The trade team leader was overjoyed, eagerly accepting it with both hands, "Thank you, Master, for your generous gift!"

Even though he knew little about talismans, he understood it must be something valuable from Mo Huai’an.

The trade team leader clearly recognized this as a reward from him.

Mo Huai’an nodded slightly and then turned back.

Witnessing the whole scene, Zhang Yuan said calmly, "Is it worth it? You can’t save everyone."

"I know."

Mo Huai’an smiled wryly, "I only wish to be at peace with my conscience."

Zhang Yuan laughed, "That’s true."

Having spent a long time with the young mage, Zhang Yuan had come to understand Mo Huai’an’s nature quite well.

May he return to this turbulent world as the same young man!

With a shift in thought, Zhang Yuan collected his smile and seriously asked, "Junior Brother, did you notice anything wrong?"

Mo Huai’an nodded, "Yes."

The situation within Yongzhou was unusual, not like an ordinary drought.

As a true disciple among the younger generation of Upper Scenic Celestial Sect, Mo Huai’an’s spiritual sense was as keen as Zhang Yuan’s perception.

But for now, there was nothing they could do.

The young mage thought for a moment and said, "Let’s discuss once we reach Yong’an City and meet Senior Uncle Fang Hui."

Zhang Yuan naturally had no objections.

As darkness began to fall, the trade team set up camp near the official road.

The high-temperature drought weather was most suitable for traveling at night.

However, the wilderness was full of strange encounters, making night travel extremely dangerous, so weighing the pros and cons, they had to make this choice.

The trade team leader routinely sent people to search nearby for water sources.

Soon after the search party left, several guards rode back hurriedly.

One shouted, "Shopkeeper, bandits, a large group of bandits has been spotted to the southeast!"

The trade team leader was stunned, "What?"

The hastily set-up temporary camp immediately fell into chaos.