"Everything in the world requires balance; take with reason, use with moderation," the young girl gently stroked the leaves of the Jade Sea Spirit Core, her voice filled with philosophical wisdom.
"Just take a drop of your blood as a blood pact, promising not to misuse this medicine, and all will be well."
Xiao Chong and Zi Yan exchanged glances, both seeing the determination in each other's eyes. They followed her instructions, pricking their fingertips and letting a drop of crimson blood fall onto the Jade Sea Spirit Core.
The blood was instantly absorbed by the plant, and a subtle connection seemed to form between them.
"May our pact be witnessed by nature, to protect rather than destroy," Zi Yan whispered, her heart filled with reflections on their journey and hope for the future.
"Now, take theJade Sea Spirit Core and return. May it help you achieve your desires."
The girl smiled softly, watching as the two figures gradually disappeared into the lush greenery of the medicinal valley.
The small boat sailed back into the sea, the setting sun casting its warm glow on the two, illuminating their resolute yet gentle faces.
The desert wind, carrying fine grains of sand, swept over them, as if it were nature's most rugged welcome.
Xiao Chong stood on the endless expanse of yellow sand, gazing at the continuous golden waves ahead, his brow furrowed. Beside him, Zi Yan purple hair fluttered in the wind, her eyes sparkling with determination and curiosity.
"The desert… truly a place that tests one mettle," Zi Yan said softly, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if she were looking forward to the upcoming adventure.
"Indeed, the 'essence of sand' needed for the Life-Restoring Pill is said to be buried beneath this vast sea of sand."
Xiao Chong voice carried an unwavering determination. He pulled out an ancient map from his chest, carefully studying the mysterious symbols marked on it.
"According to the guidance of this ancient map, we should head north. There lies a forgotten oasis, and the Essence of Sand is hidden at its center."
.....
As they ventured deeper into the desert, the surroundings gradually became monotonous and oppressive.
The scorching sun, like flames in a furnace, tested their will and stamina.
But they did not retreat in the slightest. The trust between them and their shared goal became their greatest motivation.
"I remember when I was a child, my father often told me legends about the desert, saying it held countless secrets and treasures, guarded by beasts and spirits."
Zi Yan chatted as they walked, trying to alleviate the monotony of the journey.
"I never thought that one day I would set foot in this mysterious land myself."
Xiao Chong smiled at her words, a warmth that stood out amidst the aridness.
"Yes, fate always enjoys such jokes. But with you by my side, even facing unknown dangers, I fear nothing."
Just as they were engrossed in their conversation, a fierce wind rose, and a sandstorm suddenly descended, instantly blurring their vision. The two quickly donned their prepared windproof gear, huddling close together as they struggled forward.
"It seems the desert doesn't want us to find the 'Essence of Sand' so easily," Zi Yan voice came from behind her veil, tinged with a hint of playfulness.
"Then let's see who is more persistent," Xiao Chong responded, his tone revealing an indomitable will.
After a grueling struggle, the sandstorm finally subsided.
As the first starlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the weary yet resolute faces of the two, a strange sight came into view—a lush oasis, seemingly a paradise amidst the desert, lay quietly under the moonlight not far away.
"We're here," Zi Yan whispered, her eyes sparkling with surprise.
They stepped into the oasis. The two found it teeming with life, a stark contrast to the desolation around them. Following a clear stream, they arrived before an ancient ruin. At its center, an unusual plant emitted a faint blue light, particularly eye-catching.
"Is this… the Essence of Sand?" Zi Yan asked, somewhat incredulously. Xiao Chong nodded, cautiously approaching the plant.
"Yes, this plant only grows under specific conditions. It has absorbed the power of the desert over hundreds of years and is crucial for our pill making."
Just as he was about to harvest it, the ground suddenly shook, and a giant sand worm burst from beneath, blocking their path, its blood-red eyes flashing with vigilance and hostility.
"It seems the guardian has arrived," Xiao Chong tightened his grip on his sword, his gaze firm.
"With Brother Xiao Chong here, I'm not worried at all!" Zi Yan stood shoulder to shoulder with Xiao Chong.
The sand worm opened its massive mouth, emitting a deafening roar, as if everything between heaven and earth trembled at its sound.
A sandstorm arose from its movements, blotting out the sky and isolating the area from the world.
"Guardian, I need the Essence of Sand for a purpose. I will offer something of greater value in exchange," Xiao Chong declared loudly, trying to reason with it.
But the sandworm seemed unimpressed, only growing more furious as it whipped the surrounding sand, stirring up waves of sand.
Zi Yan clenched her hands, worried.
"This isn't working, Brother Xiao Chong, we need to think of something."
"Zi Yan, step back a bit."
Xiao Chong instructed, then drew his sword, the tip lightly touching the ground, and he shot towards the sandworm like an arrow from a bow.
A flash of sword light aimed for the sandworm giant eye, intending to defeat it in one strike.
However, the sandworm reacted swiftly, tilting its head to easily avoid the strike, and swung its tail around with such speed that the wind howled.
"Be careful!" Zi Yan cried out in alarm, as Xiao Chong twisted his body, skillfully dodging the sandworm deadly strike, and with a backhand slash, aimed for the sandworm's soft underbelly.
This time, the thick, finicky texture tore through the sandworm's hard shell, leaving a deep wound.
The sandworm roared in pain, its anger intensifying, and the entire desert seemed to tremble with its fury.
Xiao Chong panted, sweat dripping down his face, but the determination in his eyes never wavered.
"Enough! You foolish humans, how dare you harm me!" The sandworm voice boomed in their minds, able to communicate directly with their consciousness.
Xiao Chong was startled but quickly responded calmly, "If not forced by necessity, who would want to provoke you without reason?"
"Ridiculous!" The sandworm's voice was full of disdain. "For thousands of years, how many greedy individuals have come under the guise of exploration, only to steal treasures and disrupt the peace here. How many of you humans are truly trustworthy?"
Before the words had even faded, the sandworm's massive body, resembling a moving dune, stirred up fierce gusts of wind as it lunged at Xiao Chong once more, its rage made each attack more ferocious than the last.
Xiao Chong moved with agility, deftly evading every deadly strike.
"Though you bear hatred for humanity, I am not your enemy," Xiao Chong shouted while dodging. "Tell me, how can I earn your trust?"
"Trust?" The sandworm let out a cold laugh, the grains of sand trembling with its voice. "Human words are nothing but the cheapest form of deception to me."