In this world, Zhongzhou was at the very center. Not only did it boast vast territories, but it also had the richest spiritual energy and numerous famous mountains, great rivers, and sacred lands of cultivation. Thus, since ancient times, Zhongzhou had been the most desired place for cultivators. Beyond Zhongzhou, the world was equally expansive and was divided into various states, large and small. To the east lay the vast ocean. To the north stretched endless frozen plains. To the south, one would find towering mountain ranges and dense forests. As for the west, what awaited was endless wind and sand—a boundless desert. And at the extreme west, there was nothing but desert within the desert. The air was so dry that it carried the searing heat of fire. Ordinary people, even if they took a single breath here, would likely burn their lungs. In such an extreme environment, there should logically be no trace of life. However, within this scorching, arid desert, there was an oasis—a lush patch of green standing in stark contrast to the endless sand. Scattered among the greenery were a few simple houses, clearly inhabited. Suddenly, under the boundless blue sky, where not a single cloud could be seen, a figure appeared out of thin air, standing mid-air as if it were solid ground. Lu Qing gazed down at the small but vibrant oasis amidst the endless yellow sands, his eyes filled with intrigue. "I didn't expect that in the depths of this blazing desert—a land that should be a forbidden zone for life—there would be such a thriving oasis. Is this the power of the Wood Spirit Pearl?" Feeling the faint pulses of energy coming from below, Lu Qing gained some insight. Indeed, he had come here precisely to retrieve the Wood Spirit Pearl. However, the current situation was somewhat unexpected. The Wood Spirit Pearl did not seem dormant; instead, it had transformed this desert into a miraculous sanctuary of life. Lu Qing slowly descended, observing the oasis below as he did so. The oasis was not large, spanning only about two or three miles. There were dozens of simple houses, suggesting a population that was not insignificant. Trees dotted the landscape, and children ran about, playing. At the heart of the oasis was a shallow lake, its waters teeming with fish. The entire oasis exuded a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. Lu Qing made no attempt to hide his presence as he descended. Among the playing children, one happened to look up and saw Lu Qing slowly descending from the sky. His mouth gaped open in shock, his eyes widened, and he pointed skyward, unable to utter a word for a long moment. After a while, he finally managed to squeeze out a shout: The other children followed his gaze, and in the next moment, all of their eyes widened in disbelief. News of an immortal’s arrival quickly spread throughout the oasis. Everyone who saw Lu Qing in the sky was astounded. Before long, an elderly man, frail with age, was escorted forward by the gathered crowd. When he saw Lu Qing standing in the air, his cloudy eyes widened in astonishment before he immediately dropped to his knees, bowing deeply. "Greetings, honored immortal! May I ask what brings you to our humble village?" Following the elder’s lead, the crowd behind him also knelt down in reverence. "You are the leader of this place?" Lu Qing asked coolly. "I am the chief of the Qiu clan of Huangsha Village," the elder replied. "I have come in search of a peculiar pearl, likely green in color. Do you have any knowledge of it?" Lu Qing asked directly. At these words, the elder trembled visibly. Behind him, the gathered villagers stirred uneasily. The elder looked at Lu Qing, bitterness filling his heart. He had known that such a powerful immortal would only be drawn here because of the village’s sacred relic. Yet under Lu Qing’s calm but piercing gaze, he dared not remain silent. "Honored immortal, our village does indeed have such a pearl. It is a sacred treasure that has been passed down through generations." "This oasis exists in the midst of this boundless desert solely because of its protection." "I beg you to have mercy and not take it away." "Without the sacred pearl’s protection, our village will be swallowed by the desert within three days, and all of us will be buried beneath the sands." Latest content publıshed on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⚫𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢⚫𝔫𝔢𝔱 As he spoke, the elder continuously kowtowed, his voice filled with sorrow, his plea deeply moving. Behind him, the villagers also bowed their heads to the ground, praying for Lu Qing’s mercy. Lu Qing looked at the kneeling villagers below. Most of them were barely clothed, their bodies covered only by woven grass and scraps of cloth. It was clear that though they lived in this oasis, their existence was far from prosperous. Rather, they were barely clinging to survival. However, his expression remained unchanged. "The pearl is of great importance to me. I must take it," he said plainly. Upon hearing this, the elder’s eyes filled with despair. But Lu Qing’s next words stunned him. "However, I will give you a choice—if you are willing, I can take all of you out of this desert and find a new home for you in a place with lush mountains and rivers." The villagers were struck silent. A moment later, the elder asked in disbelief, "Honored immortal, you mean… you can take us away from this endless desert?" "Do you think I have any reason to deceive you?" Lu Qing replied indifferently. "Of course, the choice is yours. If you prefer to perish alongside this oasis, I won’t stop you." The elder was at a loss. Indeed, for a being of Lu Qing’s power, there was no need to deceive them. If he harbored ill intentions, he could simply take what he wanted by force—there was nothing they could do to stop him. "Honored immortal, this matter concerns our entire village. I must discuss it with my people." Though deeply tempted, the elder maintained his respectful demeanor. "I will give you fifteen minutes," Lu Qing nodded. "Many thanks, honored immortal." The elder kowtowed once more. As he turned to face his people, he was met with burning gazes. "Chief, what is there to discuss? Accept the immortal’s offer immediately!" "That’s right! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" "If we miss this chance, we may never leave this place again!" "Chief, there’s no need to hesitate!" Hearing the urging of the villagers, the elder realized that there was no need for discussion. They were more eager than he was. And he understood why. Over the years, the village’s population had steadily grown, but the oasis remained the same size. Though they still managed to survive, they were already struggling. If they continued , their lives would only become more difficult. And with no way of navigating the vast desert, they had never dared dream of leaving. Now, Lu Qing was offering them salvation. This was nothing short of a miracle. Understanding this, the elder no longer hesitated. He turned to Lu Qing and once again prostrated himself. "Honored immortal, we have decided. We humbly beseech you to take us away from here." "We beg the immortal to grant us this salvation!" The villagers bowed as one. "Very well. But first, take me to see your sacred relic—to confirm whether it is truly the object I seek."