"Another hour, and we will reach the oasis where we rest tonight," Balph shouted to everyone. "So, please push a little harder."
Luo Gang said casually, "It is only a little past three. In an hour, it will be four. Isn't it too early to rest now?"
Balph, likely happy about the money he had earned, was in a good mood. Rarely patient, he explained, "What is early about it? Besides this oasis, there are no others to rest at. You must know, the desert at night is very dangerous. So, we must camp early. I, Balph, will not harm you."
"Oh." Luo Gang looked as if he suddenly understood, showing he grasped Balph’s meaning.
Balph liked it when people obeyed. Seeing Luo Gang understood, he chuckled, "Rest assured. With me, Balph, here, crossing this desert is no problem at all."
Zhu Yanyi began to look around. As time passed, she noticed the desert environment changing. Sparse dry grass appeared, followed by some cacti. Then, she saw some small red flowers, very bright and eye-catching.
In this wasteland, they seemed even more precious.
"Mr. Balph, what are these small flowers? They are quite pretty," Zhu Yanyi asked.
Balph glanced at the flowers and laughed, "We do not know their real name. But they are very tough, growing in the desert. So, we call them Desert Roses. They are not actually roses, but we like to call them that."
"Desert Rose. A very nice name," Zhu Yanyi smiled.
"If you see these flowers, the oasis is not far," Balph pointed ahead.
Actually, Zhu Yanyi felt fine. Perhaps because she had been on the camel the whole time, she did not feel tired or thirsty at all.
Although Balph loved money, he did this part well. The two seats arranged on the camels were very comfortable. Riders could nap without worrying about falling off.
Just as Balph said, swaying along, she saw an oasis not far away. It was not large, but seeing a bit of green in this barren land felt especially comforting. No wonder some people always challenge crossing the desert. Only then can one truly feel the surprise nature brings, just like Zhu Yanyi at this moment.
First, there was only barrenness. Then, some green appeared. With the Desert Roses, a hint of vitality was found. Finally, the oasis appeared, bringing the hope and joy of discovering life.
Getting off the camels, Zhu Yanyi and the others stretched their arms and legs. Then, they began to set up tents. They needed to rest here for the night. Although this was a deserted desert, the nights were very dangerous. Even resting in this oasis, danger existed. Moreover, the temperature difference in the desert was huge. If they did not prepare tents and sleeping bags, they might freeze to death.
This oasis had a small lake. It was not big, but travelers liked to spend the night here. After all, the next oasis was not this large.