Battle Through the Heavens: He possesses extraordinary comprehension and is born a Battle Emperor!

Chapter 94: Searching for the "Essence of Sand".

"Everything needs balance; take it in the right way and use it in moderation." The girl gently stroked the leaves of the Azure Heart, her tone full of philosophy. "Just leave a drop of your heart's blood, and promise by blood pact that you will not abuse this medicine, and you will be fine."

Xiao Chong and Zi Yan exchanged a glance, both seeing the determination in each other's eyes. They did as instructed, lightly breaking their fingertips and each dripping a drop of bright red heart's blood onto the Azure Sea Spirit Heart. The blood droplets were instantly absorbed by the plant, and a subtle connection seemed to be established between the two.

"May our covenant be witnessed by nature, protected rather than destroyed," Zi Yan whispered, her heart filled with emotion for this journey and hope for the future.

"Now, take the Azure Heart back with you, and may it help you achieve your wishes."

The girl smiled slightly and watched the two leave, their figures gradually disappearing into the lush greenery of the medicine valley.

The small boat sailed back into the sea, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the two of them, illuminating their resolute yet gentle faces.

The desert wind, carrying fine sand, blows against your face, as if it were nature's most rugged welcoming ceremony.

Xiao Chong stood on the boundless yellow sand, gazing at the endless golden waves before him, his brows furrowed. Beside him, Zi Yan's long purple hair fluttered in the wind, her eyes sparkling with determination and curiosity.

"The desert... it's truly a challenging place," Zi Yan said softly, a subtle smile playing on her lips, as if she were filled with anticipation for the adventure to come.

"Indeed, the 'essence of sand' required for the Rejuvenation and Life-Sustaining Pill is said to be buried beneath this vast sea of ​​sand."

Xiao Chong's words carried an undeniable firmness. He took out an old map from his pocket and carefully studied the mysterious symbols marked on it.

"According to this ancient map, we should head north, where there is a forgotten oasis, where the essence of the sand is hidden in the heart of the oasis."

As the two ventured deeper into the desert, the surrounding scenery gradually became monotonous and oppressive.

The scorching sun, like flames in a furnace, tested their will and physical strength.

But they did not back down in the slightest; their mutual trust and shared goals became their greatest motivation.

"I remember when I was a child, my father often told me legends about the desert, saying that there were countless secrets and treasures hidden there, as well as monsters and ghosts that guarded those treasures."

As they walked, Zi Yan chatted, trying to alleviate the boredom of the journey. "I never imagined that one day I would personally set foot in this mysterious place."

Xiao Chong smiled slightly upon hearing this, a smile that seemed especially warm amidst the sandstorm. "Yes, fate always likes to play tricks like this. But with you by my side, even facing unknown dangers, I have no fear."

Just as they were getting into their conversation, a gust of wind blew up, and a sandstorm suddenly descended, instantly blurring their vision. The two quickly took out their prepared windproof gear, huddled together, and struggled forward.

"It seems the desert doesn't want us to find the 'essence of the sand' so easily," Zi Yan's voice came from beneath her veil, tinged with a hint of playfulness.

"Then let's see who's more persistent," Xiao Chong replied, his tone revealing an indomitable will.

After a long and arduous struggle, the sandstorm finally subsided.

As the first rays of starlight pierced through the clouds and shone on their tired yet determined faces, a strange sight came into view—not far away, a lush oasis, like a paradise in the desert, lay quietly under the moonlight.

"We've arrived," Zi Yan said softly, her eyes sparkling with surprise.

Stepping into the oasis, the two found it teeming with life, a stark contrast to the surrounding desolation. Following a clear stream, they came to an ancient ruin. In the center of the ruin, a strange plant emitted a faint blue light, standing out prominently.

"This is... the essence of sand?" Zi Yan asked in disbelief.

Xiao Chong nodded and carefully approached the plant. "That's right. This plant can only grow under specific conditions. It has absorbed the power of the desert over hundreds of years and is the key to our refining of medicinal pills."

Just as he was about to collect the sandworms, the ground suddenly shook, and a huge sandworm burst out from underground, blocking their way, its blood-red eyes flashing with alertness and hostility.

"It seems the guardians have arrived." Xiao Chong gripped his sword tightly, his gaze resolute.

"With Brother Xiao Chong here, I'm not worried at all!" Zi Yan stood side by side with Xiao Chong.

The sandworm opened its enormous mouth and let out a deafening roar, as if everything in the world was about to tremble.

The sandstorm arose from its movement, blotting out the sun and isolating the area from the world.

"Guardian, I need the essence of sand for a while, and I will exchange it for something of even greater value," Xiao Chong said loudly, trying to persuade him with reason.

But the sandworm didn't seem to appreciate it; it just pounded the surrounding sand even more angrily, stirring up waves of sand.

Zi Yan clenched her hands tightly, saying worriedly, "This can't go on, Brother Xiao Chong, we have to think of a way."

"Zi Yan, step back a bit."

Xiao Chong gave instructions, then drew his longsword, lightly touched the ground with the tip, and shot towards the sand worm like an arrow.

With a flash of sword light, it slashed at the sand worm's giant eye, intending to defeat it in one blow.

However, the sandworm reacted swiftly, turning its head to the side to easily dodge the attack, and then swept its tail across the ground with incredible speed, creating a whooshing sound.

"Watch out!" Zi Yan cried out in alarm. Xiao Chong turned his body and skillfully dodged the sand worm's fatal attack. At the same time, he swung his sword backhand and slashed at the sand worm's soft abdomen.

This time, the blade finally 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 was panting, sweat streaming down his face, but the determination in his eyes never wavered.

"Enough! You foolish human, how dare you hurt me!" The sandworm's voice boomed in his mind, and he could communicate directly with their consciousness.

Xiao Chong was taken aback, then calmly replied, "Who would willingly provoke someone without being forced into it?"

"What a joke!" The sandworm's voice was full of disdain. "For thousands of years, countless greedy people have used exploration as a pretext to steal treasures and disrupt the peace here. How many of you humans can be trusted?"

Before he finished speaking, the sandworm's body moved like a sand dune, whipping up gusts of wind, and attacked Xiao Chong again. Its anger made each attack even more ferocious.

Xiao Chong moved nimbly, skillfully dodging each deadly attack.

"You may harbor hatred, but I am not like that," Xiao Chong shouted as he dodged. "Tell me, how can I make you believe me?"

"Trust?" The sandworm let out a cold laugh, the sand grains trembling with its laughter. "Human language is nothing but the cheapest deception to me."

(End of this chapter)