Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 423 Xu Tian and his three companions arrived at Lingyuan City first

Lin Feng received the news with a hint of relief on his face. He said, "Thank you, Brother Cao Xun, for telling me. I'll remember your kindness." His voice was sincere, and although his expression was stern, his eyes revealed gratitude. He clasped his hands together and bowed to Cao Xun to express his gratitude.

Cao Xun quickly waved his hands and said, "Brother Lin, what are you talking about? You should be thanking us for saving the Cao family twice. We have no way to repay this great favor." His eyes were sincere, and he remembered Lin Feng's life-saving grace in his heart. He held Lin Feng's hand tightly with both hands and shook it vigorously, as if to emphasize his gratitude.

After confirming the identity of the ambushing suspect, the group decided to continue their journey to Lingyuan City. The sun was still blazing, but they felt a sense of heaviness and vigilance in their hearts.

The blazing sun hung high in the sky, mercilessly pouring down myriad golden rays. The vast desert was scorched, like a golden sea of ​​sand. Heat waves surged through the air, distorting the distant view. Xu Tian, ​​Chen Xiner, and Chen Yu seemed insignificant in this vast sea of ​​sand. They led their horses, struggling forward across the soft sand. Every step raised a cloud of dust, and the dull sound of their horses' hooves on the sand sounded like the desert's heavy sigh.

Xu Tian walked at the front, his posture erect and resolute. Despite the raging sandstorm, his heroic spirit remained undimmed. His face was tanned by the sun, and his deep eyes gazed ahead, revealing a hint of determination and anticipation. His clothes, though worn, were neat and clean, fluttering gently in the breeze.

Chen Xin'er followed closely behind. She had a graceful figure, and although her face looked a little haggard from the fatigue of the journey, her bright eyes still sparkled with a lively light, like a clear spring in the desert. Her long black hair was tied into a ponytail, swaying in the wind.

Chen Yu walked at the end. He was agile and his steps were steady and powerful. He held the reins tightly in his hands and watched the movements around him vigilantly. There was a hint of tension and caution in his eyes, and he was always ready to deal with possible dangers.

As they advanced, the outline of Lingyuan City gradually emerged in the distance. Standing tall on the edge of the desert, this city shone like a dazzling pearl, emanating a unique charm. It sat on the edge of a vast oasis, creating a stark contrast between the oasis and the desert: vibrant green on one side, desolate and lifeless golden on the other. Standing not far from the south gate, they could clearly see the mottled marks left by time on the city walls, a testament to history and a mark of the city's vicissitudes.

In the direction of the north city gate, a huge chasm stretches across there like a scar on the earth, bottomless. Looking from above, the darkness is so deep that it seems to swallow up all light and hope, which makes people feel fearful.

The vast oasis to the east presented a lush landscape. A vast lake shimmered in the sunlight, its waters crystal clear, and occasionally fish could be seen frolicking in the water. A diverse array of vegetation grew around the lake, with tall, lush trees providing a cool, green shade for the oasis. Birds soared above the lake, their cheerful chirping bringing life and energy to this tranquil oasis. To the west and south lay the boundless desert. Raging winds swept across, whipping up clouds of yellow sand that obscured the sky, like a ferocious beast roaring, deterring outsiders and protecting the city's mysteries.

Xu Tian raised his hand to block the dazzling sunlight, squinted his eyes and looked at Lingyuan City, thinking to himself: "This Lingyuan City looks quite prosperous, but I wonder what secrets are hidden in this city?" His eyes revealed a hint of curiosity and vigilance, and his face, which was slightly roughened by the wind and sand, had a serious and focused expression.

Chen Xiner beside him seemed to see what he was thinking and said softly, "Xu Tian, ​​no matter what, we must wait for Lin Feng." Her voice was soft and firm, and her eyes were full of concern and worry for Lin Feng.

Xu Tian nodded slightly and said, "Don't worry, Xin'er, we will definitely wait for him." There was a hint of comfort in his voice, but also full of determination.

The three of them, leading their horses, marched step by step towards the south gate of Lingyuan City. At the gate, guards, neatly clad in armor and holding spears, stood majestically on both sides. The armor reflected a cold metallic luster in the sunlight, making people dare not underestimate them.

Xu Tian stepped forward, pulled out dozens of Xuan coins from his pocket, and with a polite smile, said, "Comrades, thank you for your hard work. This is a small token of our appreciation." His voice was gentle and humble, and his eyes hinted at a hint of flattery. The guards took the Xuan coins, carefully examined them, and after confirming that there was nothing unusual, they cleared the way and let them into the city.

Upon entering the city, Xu Tian was immediately struck by a bustling atmosphere. Shops lined the streets, and people came and went, their shouts and laughter intertwined, creating a bustling scene. A dazzling array of shops hawked silk, weapons, and medicinal herbs, while snack stalls exuded enticing aromas.

However, they were surprised to find that as soon as they entered the city, many people gathered around them. Their eyes were eager, their faces filled with anticipation, and they asked in unison, "Are you here to do business? Do you have any good goods?" Their voices rose and fell, filled with eagerness and desire.

Xu Tian frowned slightly, a little confused, but still politely replied, "No, we're here to look for someone." His voice was low, but clearly audible in the noisy environment. Upon hearing this, the enthusiasm on those people's faces instantly disappeared, replaced by indifference. They dispersed and ignored them.

This situation struck both Xu Tian and Chen Yu as quite strange. They exchanged glances, each revealing a puzzled expression. Chen Yu scratched his head and whispered, "What's going on? Why are these people so strange?" His voice was perplexed, his brow furrowed, and his eyes filled with doubt.

Xu Tian shook his head, also looking confused, and said: "I'm not too sure. Maybe the people in this city attach great importance to business." There was a hint of thought in his eyes, trying to find some clues from this strange phenomenon.

At this moment, Chen Xiner, who had been silent the entire time, spoke. Her voice was clear and melodious, like a mountain spring, and it was particularly beautiful in this noisy environment. "Let's forget about all this for now. Let's find a place to eat and rest, and wait for Lin Feng in the city." Her eyes revealed a hint of fatigue, but more of determination and expectation. Xu Tian and Chen Yu both thought this proposal was feasible.

So they searched all over the city and finally found an inn that looked decent. The inn's sign was a bit old and swayed slightly in the wind, making a creaking sound.