826: Set off with the caravan

Dozens of workers from the White Cloud Merchant Guild, each possessing decent cultivation and agile movements, were busy securing goods—already packed into specially made large Universe Bags—onto the broad, platform-like backs of Giant Camels using thick iron chains and specialized beast saddles.

These Universe Bags were more than a hundred times larger than ordinary Storage Pouches, their openings shimmering with complex spatial runes; they were standard equipment for the guild's transport of bulk materials. After all, ordinary storage spaces were too small, while the value of top-tier spatial rings was terrifyingly high—if lost, the damage would be immeasurable.

As Yao Delong led Qiong Shuang to the edge of the square, a middle-aged manager, sweating profusely while tensely directing the transport, caught sight of the two approaching from the corner of his eye. His brow instinctively furrowed, and he habitually moved to wave away any idle bystanders. However, when his gaze fell upon Qiong Shuang's signature plain white dress, her snow-white hair, and her hazy yet breathtaking figure, his hand froze mid-air!

It was her!

The stunning woman who followed that terrifying existence holding the purple gold cloud pattern token!

Manager Zhang's heart skipped a beat! He quickly turned his head to look at the "ordinary" green-robed youth beside Qiong Shuang. No! His appearance, aura, and even his cultivation Realm had changed! Last time, that person's aura was unfathomable, making him unable to breathe, but this one... no matter how he looked, he seemed to be just a plain, unremarkable Late Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator?

Just as Manager Zhang was filled with suspicion and cold sweat was about to break out on his forehead, Yao Delong already understood. Explaining his identity? That would be too much talk.

A faint light flickered at his fingertips, and that purple gold cloud pattern token, representing the White Cloud Merchant Guild's highest courtesy and immense power, appeared calmly before Manager Zhang's eyes like the most direct answer!

The token was ancient, with a purple-gold base, and the cloud patterns flowing across it seemed to contain some fundamental truth of heaven and earth, emitting an invisible pressure that made even the Soul feel awe!

"Hiss—" Manager Zhang sucked in a breath of cold air, as if struck by an invisible giant hammer. His waist instantly bent ninety degrees, and the doubt and sweat on his face were immediately replaced by extreme respect and trepidation!

"So it is the honored guests! This lowly one was blind! This lowly one deserves to die! Please wait a moment, honored guests, the loading will be finished shortly! I have already prepared the most comfortable carriage for you; please, get in and rest first!" Manager Zhang's voice carried an uncontrollable tremble, his respect bordering on sycophancy.

Yao Delong remained expressionless, merely nodding slightly. Under Manager Zhang's personal guidance, he led Qiong Shuang toward the very front of the caravan. There, a magnificent carriage pulled by two Cloud-Treading Steeds—entirely snow-white, extraordinarily majestic, and with faint clouds under their four hooves—was waiting quietly.

The carriage was crafted from precious red sandalwood, inlaid with warm spiritual jade, and covered in profound protective runes to isolate Divine Sense and noise. One could tell at a glance it was specially prepared for the most distinguished guests.

After Yao Delong and Qiong Shuang's figures disappeared behind the heavy curtains of the magnificent carriage, a burly middle-aged man with bulging muscles, a fierce aura, and cultivation already at the Late Stage Soul Transformation strode over. He had seen Manager Zhang's exaggeratedly respectful posture from a distance.

"Old Zhang, are those two the ones you mentioned... the targets for 'special attention' this time?" Commander Li lowered his voice, his tone filled with deep doubt and scrutiny. "That girl isn't simple! Even from this far away, I can feel a bone-chilling Vicious Beast aura; she's definitely a high-rank Yao Beast! But that kid next to her..."

He furrowed his brows, his tone carrying a trace of imperceptible contempt. "His aura is plain, just a Late Nascent Soul. He needs us to 'guard' him? I think it's the girl who's guarding him."

Hearing this, Manager Zhang's face immediately darkened. He glared sternly at Commander Li and lowered his voice even further, speaking with a warning:

"Old Li! Watch your words! Put away those little thoughts of yours! Remember, what do you mean 'guard'? Those are our honored guests! The guests are merely using the name of our White Cloud Merchant Guild to enter the territory of the Xuan Ye Dynasty legitimately and smoothly! Understand? Your duty is to 'serve them well,' not to 'guard' them! And certainly not for you to question the guests' identities!"

Commander Li was stunned by Manager Zhang's severe attitude. He had never seen Old Zhang be so cautious or even fearful toward anyone.

"Could it be a Headquarters Enshrined?" Commander Li couldn't help but ask, his face full of shock. An Enshrined of the White Cloud Merchant Guild Headquarters? What kind of concept was that? Either they were a powerhouse with unfathomable strength at the Perfected Spirit Transformation Stage or even the Half-step Integration Stage, or they were a top-tier partner who could bring massive profits to the guild!

Their status was incredibly exalted, and their annual dividend income was an astronomical figure that a branch guard commander like him wouldn't even dare to dream of! The only explanation was that this person's true identity was terrifyingly high!

Thinking of this, the hair on the back of Commander Li's neck stood up. He immediately discarded all thoughts of contempt, and his face took on the same respect and caution as Manager Zhang's. "Understood! Old Zhang! Don't worry, I know my place! I won't ask what shouldn't be asked!"

Manager Zhang's expression softened slightly, and he patted Commander Li's solid shoulder. "That's more like it. Remember, treat the honored guests as if they were an Inspecting Elder sent from Headquarters. Only respect is allowed; no negligence or prying!"

"Yes!" Commander Li responded in a deep voice. When he looked at the magnificent carriage again, only awe remained in his eyes.

"Wu—Ang—!"

As the last few large Universe Bags were firmly secured to the backs of the Giant Camels, the largest head camel emitted a low, long cry. Like a horn signaling departure, it instantly spread across the entire square.

"Caravan assemble! Set out—!" Commander Li's voice, booming like thunder and infused with the thick spiritual power of the Late Stage Soul Transformation, clearly drowned out all the noise.

Rumble!

Dozens of mountain-like Wasteland Giant Camels moved their heavy steps simultaneously, like moving mountain ranges! The earth let out a dull, rhythmic roar under their trampling, kicking up clouds of dust!

The massive caravan, like a torrent forged of steel and flesh, slowly began to move under the escort of dozens of guild guards with fierce auras and sharp eyes, heading toward the towering gates of the Sleepless City.

The morning sun, full of vitality, was like a golden veil generously draped over the vast desert wilderness, adding a warm golden edge to the endless desolation.

Camel bells rang out, echoing through the open fields in a crisp and rhythmic manner. The low and distant cries of the giant beasts were filled with the announcement of the journey and the longing for the return. The flying dust permeated the sunlight, outlining the massive and ancient silhouette of the caravan.

Wheels rolled, and hoofbeats sounded like thunder.

This caravan, carrying a massive amount of resources, finally left the protection of the Sleepless City and plunged into the vast desert that stretched for tens of thousands of miles, full of unknowns and dangers. Inside the quiet, magnificent carriage at the very front of the caravan, Yao Delong closed his eyes to rest, while Qiong Shuang curiously peeked through a crack in the window, looking at the grand and desolate scenery outside. Their destination was pointed straight at the center of the storm—the Xuan Ye Dynasty.