Que Qiu glanced at Tianmiao and then lowered his head again.
The doubts in his mind grew larger.
Who exactly is this woman, beautiful beyond belief? And she appeared too timely and abruptly.
Without much delay, everyone set out once more, and with Tianmiao’s robust camel team, it seemed like the lost time was recovered as they proceeded towards the previously determined destination.
Que Qiu, as the guide, still walked at the front. He wasn’t very talkative himself; he just confirmed the path and moved forward, all the while pondering about Tianmiao’s origins. Human? Or, could she be a fairy from this desert? Is it possible? Could such a beautiful elf exist in this desert? Blending in among them, is it with malicious intent or goodwill? For a moment, Que Qiu’s mind was a bit chaotic.
Due to Tianmiao’s arrival, the men in the team were no longer looking unspirited after walking for a short while. Each was now radiant, even if exhausted, they would straighten their backs with determination, unwilling to lose face in front of a beauty.
Until the sky completely darkened, the monotonous yellow sand before them changed appearance, and more ancient ruins began to appear inch by inch. Various stone pillars and scattered ruins were distributed, yet extremely systematically.
Professor Wu, adjusting his glasses and taking a careful look around, exclaimed, "This seems to be a sacrificial square, fifty-three stone pillars, Heaven-Reaching Divine Altar. That’s right, it looks like we’re not far from the Irel Ancient City!"
Everyone gathered around, this rare sight of ancient ruins inch by inch thrilled these scholars to no end, some were taking photos, others making sketches. Heaven-Reaching Divine Altar, it’s only mentioned in books.
"The last record of this Heaven-Reaching Divine Altar was updated three years ago, an article published by a relic enthusiast. Seems like truly reaching here is rare." Professor Wu sighed.
"Yes, without a professional guide, it’s impossible to get here because we’ve just traversed the Maze of Sand. A typical team wandering inside it for a day will be redirected to another direction." Tianmiao stated from the side.
Que Qiu abruptly turned his head to glance at Tianmiao, she knew this so precisely?
Professor Wu chuckled and replied, "Miss Tianmiao is indeed knowledgeable! It seems our guide has genuine expertise. Our money wasn’t spent in vain. Que Qiu, you hadn’t mentioned this before. Turns out we’ve gained a lot."
Que Qiu rarely joked and said, "Seems like I should raise my fee?"
After everyone laughed, they began setting up camp. Tianmiao’s camel team was well-equipped with high-grade supplies, and even had abundant solid micro-fuel for the bonfire. The bonfire before the camp was much brighter and radiated more heat than the one started with sparse dry wood last time.
Tianmiao and Cheng Luo sat on a mat, draped in a cloak, chatting together.
"Sister Tianmiao, I also brought a self-heating small hot pot, would you like to try it?" Cheng Luo asked Tianmiao.
"Sure." Tianmiao nodded, and continued, "Then, I’ll treat you to something delicious too, but I might need some help."
After Tianmiao finished speaking, she looked up at everyone and said, "I brought a grill and everything; we can make some barbecue or something to eat. It’s on the sixth camel. Does anyone want to be the head chef?"
"I’ll go, I’ll go, I’m a professional at grilling meat!"
"Count me in!"
The men vied eagerly to find the grill and busied themselves vying for attention.
Que Qiu finished managing the camel team, then sat down in front of the bonfire, didn’t say a word, and just quietly watched them bustling back and forth.