Chapter 35: The Heart's Knot Unraveled

Chapter 35: The Heart’s Knot Unraveled

In the desert, nothing is more precious than water.

Ji Bingyan had prepared ample water and camels, but his planning assumed a party of six. With Xiao Pan remaining in the town, that left five.

Camels, being desert creatures, can survive days without water. Even if they traveled all the way to Zhamuhu’s base camp, Ji Bingyan’s supplies should have sufficed.

But now, they didn’t.

Four extra mouths weren’t the only issue—Peng Yi Hu’s horse had died, and its cargo couldn’t simply be abandoned. Even camels, though resilient, needed more water when burdened.

Ji Bingyan had anticipated this while Chu Liuxiang and Hu Tiehua were rescuing the others. After much deliberation, he decided to speak up.

In his original plan, the remaining water had to be rationed carefully.

As Li Chaofeng broached the topic, Ji Bingyan nodded grimly. Chu Liuxiang and Hu Tiehua’s expressions darkened.

Water shortages in the desert meant life-or-death stakes.

Hu Tiehua snapped, “Dead Rooster! We encountered enemies, but nothing’s been lost. How can we be short on water?”

Ji Bingyan glared, gesturing toward the tent. “If we could ditch those four, you’d have enough water to bathe in the desert.”

Hu Tiehua finally understood why Ji Bingyan, usually meticulous, had raised the issue. He chuckled sheepishly.

Among the three, Hu Tiehua was the least likely to abandon Peng Yi Hu’s group. He fell silent.

Ji Bingyan turned toward the horizon, confirming their bearings before explaining. “I know of a hidden spring a hundred li away, but it’ll take us off course. Those four in the tent might not agree to detour.”

Hu Tiehua, though gruff, wasn’t foolish. Furrowing his brow, he muttered, “Survival comes first. I doubt they’d risk death over pride.”

As Chu Liuxiang and Li Chaofeng nodded, Ji Bingyan gestured to Li Chaofeng. “May I speak with you privately, Young Master Li?”

Hu Tiehua bristled. “What’s this? You think Old Stinkbug and I can’t hear whatever you’ve got to say?”

Chu Liuxiang chuckled, dragging a grumbling Hu Tiehua away while Li Chaofeng followed Ji Bingyan behind a dune.

Alone, Ji Bingyan’s first words were an apology. “I’ve wronged you, Young Master Li. Please forgive my suspicion.”

Li Chaofeng replied, “You feared for your safety, not malice. No harm done.”

Ji Bingyan nodded. Though young, Li Chaofeng carried himself with maturity. After another sincere apology, Ji Bingyan asked, “Where do you suggest we go?”

Li Chaofeng glanced at him, then rubbed his temple, his tone wry. “This is my first desert journey. My knowledge comes from books and my heightened senses. I could survive alone, but I can’t guide the group. Chu Liuxiang’s quest for the Black Pearl is uncharted territory.”

Indeed, though Li Chaofeng had demonstrated skills like the Grass Checkerboard Technique and Poppy Poison antidote, his expertise lay in survival, not navigation.

“But if water’s the issue,” Li Chaofeng added, “we needn’t travel a hundred li. Trust me, and I’ll fetch fresh water tonight.”

Ji Bingyan blinked, then bowed deeply. “Your help would be invaluable.”

---

By dawn, Chu Liuxiang awoke to Peng Yi Hu’s group huddled around a cold fire, devouring desert flatbread and drinking from bowls.

Hu Tiehua emerged from the tent, spotting Li Chaofeng nearby. A pot of clear water steamed beside him, with swords and blades suspended above, dripping dew.

Using Suspended Sword Condensation, Li Chaofeng had harnessed the desert’s night chill and humidity—a simple feat for him.

Ji Bingyan, having finished his night watch, was already inspecting the camels.

Peng Yi Hu rose as Chu and Hu approached. “We owe our lives to you three.”

Hu Tiehua scoffed. “Three? Only us. He’s the real savior.” He gestured to Li Chaofeng.

Peng Yi Hu hesitated. “But… isn’t he just a cook?”

The four had awoken ravenous, finding Li Chaofeng tending the water pot. He’d served them flatbread and water, introducing himself as the camp’s cook.

Hu Tiehua chuckled at Peng Yi Hu’s dismissal. Li Chaofeng, sprawled on the sand, drawled, “A cook is all I am. I’ve done nothing for you.”

Realizing their rudeness, Peng Yi Hu bowed again. “My apologies. May I ask your name, Young Master?”

“Snake Xiaogui—snake as in venomous, xiao as in humble, gui as in specter.” Li Chaofeng didn’t even open his eyes.

Peng Yi Hu exchanged glances with Hu Tiehua, who laughed heartily. “That’s his name, alright!”

Ji Bingyan, overhearing, paused mid-count. Snake Xiaogui? Then it struck him—Li Chaofeng’s alias masked his identity as Yao Dao Longya’s master.

The Demon Sword Dragon Fang legend promised unimaginable power, a lure too potent to risk exposure. Ji Bingyan’s chest tightened. He’d spent weeks suspecting Li Chaofeng, yet the truth was the opposite: he himself could betray Li Chaofeng to Stone Guanyin for the sword’s secrets.

Betrayal, he realized, was his own sin to bear.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end