Barlf felt even more certain that Luo Gang and his group were genuine tourists. If they had hidden agendas, they wouldn’t have so easily agreed to the guide’s suggestions. Only those who truly wanted to travel and lacked local knowledge would trust a guide’s arrangements. As long as they weren’t malicious, Barlf didn’t mind ensuring their safe passage. After all, he was there to make money.
When the agreed time arrived, Barlf led the way in his own vehicle, with Luo Gang following closely behind in his car. They didn’t drive far before stopping at a camel rental station.
“If you want to cross the desert, you can’t use cars,” Barlf stated directly. “You can store your vehicles here for one hundred thousand coins a day. We need to rent camels to walk.”
Luo Gang and the others raised no objections. “We’ll follow your advice, Brother Barlf. Let’s store the cars first, then rent the camels. We don’t know much about camels, so please help us choose good ones.”
Barlf clearly knew the locals well, so everything proceeded smoothly under his guidance. The seven of them, including Barlf, rented four camels. Each camel had two specially designed seats, allowing two people to ride comfortably.
These were Bactrian camels with double humps. With the specialized seating equipment, carrying two people was very safe. Barlf rode with Luo Gang, Zhu Yanyi with Qin Tianxiang, Zhang Yan with Wang Ye, and Li Yang with Pei Tiandu.
After paying the fees, Barlf helped them prepare plenty of water and dry rations. “Water is essential for crossing the desert. Also, you must use this sunscreen, especially you young ladies. Without it, your skin will become as rough as grass and as black as coal after this trip.”
In truth, Zhu Yanyi had far better items, but she couldn’t reveal them now. So, when Barlf recommended products, everyone bought them readily.
Barlf was quite pleased. In his mind, these were clearly inexperienced newcomers. He had made a good profit from selling these supplies. Of course, having taken their money, Barlf would naturally ensure they reached the Gusi Lan Ruins safely and returned. That was how he maintained his reputation here. As long as people cooperated, he was easygoing. If they didn’t, he had the means to handle outsiders.
Seeing that everything was ready, Barlf helped everyone mount the camels, and they slowly began their journey.
Bells hung around the camels’ necks, ringing clearly with every step. In the lonely desert, this was the only pleasant sound.
The camels moved slowly but steadily. Zhu Yanyi felt drowsy on the camel’s back. “This speed and the bell sound are like a lullaby.”
“Then go to sleep,” Qin Tianxiang said with a smile.
Zhu Yanyi looked around. There was nothing else to do, so she closed her eyes to rest. Barlf had no objection; not everyone enjoyed the rugged desert landscape.
After resting for a while, Zhu Yanyi woke up. Checking her watch, it was already three in the afternoon. Looking around, she had no idea how much longer it would take to reach the intermediate transit oasis—the one closest to that terrifying base.