But then again, this is another world, and the geography and style certainly cannot be compared with the real world.

For example, Journey to the West, the countries that Tang monks and apprentices passed through, what Chechi country, Baoxiang country, Lion Camel Ridge and so on.

Therefore, Gao Xing is full of expectations for this trip to the Western Regions.

"Ahead, the jade gate is closed."

The next day, the three of them came to the world-famous Yumen Pass.

In ancient times, Yumen Pass and Yangguan Pass were the most important military passes in the northwest, located in Dunhuang.

To go out of the Central Plains and pass through the Western Regions, you must pass through these two passes.

Therefore, it is also a necessary place for the ancient Silk Road.

Because of its special military status and landform, wars of all sizes have left a lot of tragic or poignant poems throughout the ages.

Like what......

"Qinghai Changyun Dark Snow Mountain, the lonely city looks at Yumen Pass. The yellow sand wears gold armor in a hundred battles, and Loulan will not be returned if it is not broken. ”

"Looking at the flowers speechless, tears are like pouring, how many spring breezes complain goodbye. I don't know the outer road of Yumen Pass, and I went to the border city last night in my dream. ”

"The Yellow River is far above the white clouds, a lonely city and ten thousand mountains. Why should Qiang Di complain about the willows, the spring breeze does not pass the jade gate. ”

As soon as you get out of the customs, it is the desert outside the plug.

Although it is not the heyday of the Silk Road, there are still many travelers and caravans coming and going.

When you pass a level, everyone has to be cross-examined.

But fortunately, as long as it is not wartime, the inventory is not too strict. In particular, some caravans, as long as they properly stuff the benefits to the soldiers guarding the pass, they can pass the pass smoothly.

At this moment, Gao Xing is no longer flying without Edgeworth.

For one, Edgeworth's consumption is large, which is not enough to support continuous long-term flight.

Second, Gao Xing wanted to explore the traces of the national teacher along the way, and casually saw the customs of the ancient Western Regions, and had more knowledge.

When they passed the pass, Gao Xing and the three of them mixed into a caravan to cross the Yumen Pass and stepped into the desert outside the Saiwai.

However, the desert at that time was not the same as when Gao Xing went to explore the Exquisite Ancient City.

At that time, the ancient Silk Road had long been abandoned, and once it entered the desert, it was almost considered to have entered a no-man's land.

But now, desertification is far less serious than in later generations, and oases large and small can be found everywhere. Even if you get lost, it is easier to find a water source, even a village, a market, etc.

Of course, the vast majority of people still walk along the Silk Road honestly, which is relatively safe.

Along the way, there are post stations, inns, or caravans.

Of course, it also depends on luck.

Because caravans are not completely safe, they may encounter sandstorms, wild beasts, robbers, and even demons and monsters......

After exiting the customs, there is a vast expanse of yellow sand and undulating sand dunes all around, and there is nothing to see.

So, the three of Gao Xing left the caravan and accelerated their pace.

In the evening, we came to an oasis.

This is the largest market after the customs clearance.

The oasis is not very large, surrounded by sand dunes, but, importantly, there is a lake the size of tens of acres.

There are many plants growing around the lake.

This creates a favorable condition, a place for passers-by to rest, a bazaar.

The small bazaar is almost entirely pubs, restaurants, and inns.

"Little Er, do you have a room?"

Gao Xing walked into an inn and asked.

"I'm sorry guest officer, don't talk about going to the room, there are no shops."

Xiao Er's tone was very dragged.

Another one, it's still the same.

Change ...... again

The four inns were all full.

"Guest officer, in fact, there is usually a house on weekdays, but these days, everyone doesn't dare to hurry easily, and they all live here."

"Don't dare to hurry? Why? ”

Gao Xing wondered.

"What? You haven't heard anyone talk about it all this way? ”

Xiao Er was a little surprised.

"No, the three of us are in a hurry all the way......"

"Well, let me tell you, the road ahead has not been smooth in the last few days. In the past few days, I heard that more than a dozen people have died.

Therefore, everyone did not dare to go west, and either changed the route or stayed here temporarily. ”

At this time, some diners sitting in the lobby of the inn eating and drinking also began to complain:

"yes, we've been staying for four days......"

"I heard that a monk went to subdue the demon, wait and see, maybe there will be news tomorrow."

"The officers and soldiers stationed there don't care, what kind of demons are not under their control......

Gao Xing listened to it for a while, but he didn't hear a reason.

These people only talk about making demons, but they can't say what kind of demons they are.

So, Gao Xing left the inn and took Xiaobai and Xiaoqing to the tavern diagonally opposite.

Comparatively speaking, there were more customers in the tavern, about two dozen people, sitting at a small table drinking, boxing, or chatting.

Fortunately, there was still an empty table in the corner, Gao Xing walked over and sat down, beckoning Xiao Er to come with some wine and food.

"Okay, wait a minute, the three guest officers......

Xiao Er answered and ran quickly to the back hall.

The shop is not large, and it is relatively low, so it is very noisy when there are many people.

However, Gao Xing can still catch the relevant news from the chaotic sounds.

However, what is strange is that the content of these drinkers' discussions is also confusing, and there is no consensus at all.

Some say it's a few fox demons, some say it's a wolf demon, and some say it's an evil ghost......

However, one thing is certain, that is, the location of the incident is about thirty or forty miles from here to the western regions.

"Senior brother, what the hell is going on? Why are all these people saying differently? ”

Xiao Bai listened for a while, and couldn't help but use his divine sense to communicate with Gao Xing.

"I don't know, could it be...... How many different batches of demons are there? ”

"Why don't we take a look later?"

"Well, okay, I'm also curious, what kind of demon these people are encountering."

After eating and drinking, Gao Xing settled the bill, quietly left the market with Xiaobai and Xiaoqing, and headed west.

At the speed of three people, thirty or forty miles was nothing, and it was not long before they saw rolling sand dunes.

"Listening to them, the location of the demon should be in this area."

Xiaobai looked around and said softly.

"Hmm!"

Gao Xing responded, raised his eyes and looked around, as if he didn't sense any demonic energy.

So, the three of them moved on.

After walking a short distance, there was some faint movement ahead......

"Someone!"

Gao Xing's expression moved, and he subconsciously snorted softly.

Sure enough, in the distance, there was a group of people and a few camels hurrying towards them.

When the others got closer, Gao Xingfang found that there was an old monk in the crowd......

"Three donors, why do you dare to go here?"

Seeing the three of Gao Xing, the old monk couldn't help but be shocked and shouted loudly.

"Master, we heard in the bazaar that a monk went to subdue demons, could it be that he is a master?"

Gao Xing asked with a smile.

"Don't mention it, the old mana is limited, and he can't deal with that demon...... Fortunately, they were rescued. ”

"Yes, thanks to this master, otherwise we might have been eaten by youkai."

"Since the three of you know about the demon, why do you dare to rush in the middle of the night?"

Someone couldn't help but ask.

Gao Xing was about to answer, but Xiaoqing hurriedly said, "We are not in a hurry, but we are going to find out what kind of demon it is." ”

The old monk couldn't help but smile bitterly: "This is no joke, that demon is too deep, listen to the old man's advice, hurry back and go another way." ”

"Master, what kind of demon is it?"

Gao Xing asked again.

"The old man can't tell what kind of demon it is, it is ever-changing, and it can make people hallucinate. Perhaps, it's a phantom demon. ”

Saying this, Gao Xing couldn't help but think: "Master, is it possible, is it the legendary desert mirage?" ”

According to ancient records, the desert mirage does not have a fixed form, as the old monk said, it is ever-changing.

And its specialty is to create illusions, just like a mirage, it is difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

It is precisely because of this characteristic that it is called a desert mirage.

"Desert Mirage? Hey? The donor actually knows about the Desert Mirage? That's right, when you say that, it's a bit like a desert mirage recorded in ancient books. ”

"Oh my God? It's actually a desert mirage? I've heard people in the Western Regions say that once this thing appears, it means disaster.

Within a radius of hundreds of miles, it will slowly encroach upon it and devour all living beings......"

"Quick, hurry to the bazaar and inform everyone, or it will go to the bazaar, and everyone will suffer."

The group panicked and wanted to leave quickly.

"Master, why don't you let them go back first, how about you go with us to find that desert mirage?"

As a result, the old monk's face changed, and he waved his hand again and again: "You can't go, you can't go, the old man finally escaped from the illusion of that monster......

By the way, the three donors insisted on going to find the monster, could it be ......"

Speaking of which, the old monk took a closer look at Gao Xing and finally made a discovery.

"It turns out that he is a cultivator...... However, the old man advised the three donors to think twice, the desert mirage was really quite difficult, and once it fell into its illusion, it was in a very dangerous situation. ”

"In that case, let's go back to the bazaar first, and we'll go ahead and have a look."

After speaking, Gao Xing raised his hand and motioned for Xiaobai and Xiaoqing to follow.

"Alas!"

The old monk looked at the backs of Gao Xing and sighed, recited a Buddha name with his palms together, and then said to the others: "Let's go, let's go back to the market first, and let everyone know, so that everyone can be prepared." ”

"Let's go ......"

The group hurried in the direction of the bazaar.

"Hmph, this old monk is really as timid as a mouse......

After walking for a while, Xiaoqing couldn't help but snort.

Gao Xing shook his head and said, "Xiaoqing, you can't blame him for this, he did his best." Anyway, I saved a group of people from coming out. ”

Xiaobai asked, "What kind of demon does this desert mirage belong to?" I don't think I've heard of it. ”

Gao Xing thought for a while and said, "I don't know much about it, according to records, this kind of demon only appears in the desert and is good at creating illusions......

In short, it's weird.

We'll have to be careful not to be fooled by its illusions. ”

"yes, got it."

After walking forward for a while, Xiaoqing couldn't help but pause, and wondered: "Why can't you sense that guy's demonic energy?" Could it be that it has slipped away? ”

……

(End of chapter)