The night passed peacefully, and morning soon arrived.
Xiao Zhitian and the Little Fairy Doctor woke early, packed their belongings, and set off toward Blackrock City. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Xiao Zhitian wore his Alchemist robe.
Under the respectful gazes of the city guards, the two entered through the exclusive passage without paying any entry fees and headed straight toward the Flying Transport Office located in the city center.
The journey to the Tagor Desert was long.
Riding Xiao Lan was inconvenient, as she was not a flying magical beast suited for long-distance travel and would require frequent rest.
Instead, they chose a Thick-Winged Bird, a magical beast specifically used for transport. Not only was it fast, but it also provided private rooms, eliminating the need to camp outdoors.
After crossing several streets, they arrived at the Flying Transport Office.
Over a dozen enormous flying birds were parked within the plaza.
These beasts were known as Thick-Winged Birds. After eating their fill, each could carry loads five times their own weight and fly continuously for four to five days. They were ideal for long-distance travel and extremely profitable for transport businesses.
The plaza was packed with people.
Some were queuing to buy tickets.Others were lining up to board the birds.
Seeing the long queue, Xiao Zhitian shook his head and instead led the Little Fairy Doctor toward a special passage beside the main line.
When they reached the guard, his pupils immediately shrank upon seeing Xiao Zhitian's Third-Rank Alchemist robe and youthful appearance.
"Sir, please come in," the guard captain said respectfully, stepping aside.
After entering the passage, a uniformed woman hurried over.
"Sir, are you taking a flight? May I ask your destination?" she asked sweetly.
"The eastern border of the Empire — Mo City in the Tagor Desert," Xiao Zhitian replied calmly.
"Alright, Sir. Please follow me."
She led the way, deliberately swaying her waist as she walked, clearly trying to draw attention.
Xiao Zhitian, however, remained indifferent.
The Little Fairy Doctor smiled faintly.
"Am I pretty?" she asked lightly, her gaze filled with meaning.
Xiao Zhitian smiled, grabbed the hand resting on his waist, and whispered into her ear.
"You're not just prettier than her… you're the only one I'm interested in."
Her face instantly turned red, and she quickly looked away.
After walking through a long corridor, they arrived before a Thick-Winged Bird.
This one was similar in size to the others, but the structure on its back was clearly more luxurious, made of higher-quality materials.
"Sir, this mount is specially prepared for Alchemists," the woman said with a gentle smile."Alchemists also enjoy free transport services."
Xiao Zhitian naturally understood the implication, but pretended not to notice.
He held the Little Fairy Doctor's hand, stepped onto the bird, chose an empty room, and entered — leaving the woman behind with a resentful expression.
Inside the room, everything was fully furnished and luxurious.
Beds, tables, soft cushions — it felt more like a private suite than transport.
Xiao Lan, now in her small bird form, flew around briefly before landing on the back of a chair.
Soon after they entered, the Thick-Winged Bird slowly ascended under the beast tamer's command and flew swiftly toward the eastern lands.
Suddenly, the Little Fairy Doctor kissed Xiao Zhitian on the cheek.
"This is your reward for behaving well earlier."
She then walked toward the window.
Xiao Zhitian stepped behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her waist.
Together, they watched as mountains and rivers swept past beneath the clouds, the moment filled with warmth and quiet affection.
Two and a half days later.
A vast golden expanse appeared on the horizon.
The Thick-Winged Bird slowly descended into the landing plaza of Mo City's Flying Transport Office.
During the journey, the Little Fairy Doctor's cultivation had reached Six-Star Dou Shi.
After she finished her nutrient fluid and put on her veil, the two stepped out of the room.
The moment they exited, a wave of dry heat washed over them.
The world here was painted almost entirely in yellow.
The doors of other rooms also opened.
Several Alchemists stepped out, most wearing Second-Rank robes.A few were even embracing uniformed women.
When they noticed Xiao Zhitian's youth and his Third-Rank Alchemist robe, surprise flashed in their eyes before they nodded politely.
Xiao Zhitian returned the gesture calmly.
He placed an arm around the Little Fairy Doctor and descended from the Thick-Winged Bird. After landing, he released her hand and led her toward the streets.
"It's so hot and dry here," she said softly."The air is full of fire and earth attribute energy… Even the way people dress is different."
On the streets:
Men were mostly shirtless or wore sleeveless clothing, their skin tanned from the sun.Women had bronze-toned skin, slim waists, and wore leather bustiers and short skirts, giving off a wild, exotic charm.
"Likely because the climate is harsh and customs are more open," Xiao Zhitian said calmly."Such clothing is more practical here."
Xiao Zhitian stopped a passing man.
The man was about to get angry — until he saw Xiao Zhitian's robe.
"Sir, what can I help you with?"
"Is there a map shop called Gutu in this city?" Xiao Zhitian asked.
The man thought briefly, then began explaining directions enthusiastically, even mentioning the usual prices.
Xiao Zhitian tossed him a small bag of gold coins and led the Little Fairy Doctor away.
After several turns, they arrived before an old-looking shop.
A signboard hung above:
Gutu
Xiao Zhitian silently said:
"System, check-in."
Ding! Check-in successful at Mo City Ice Emperor's Secluded Map Shop.Reward:• Realm +1• Dou Zong Summoning Card ×1• Sixth-Rank Pill — Seal Breaking Pill ×1
His Dou Qi, already at the peak of Eight-Star Da Dou Shi, instantly surged to the peak of Nine-Star Da Dou Shi — only one step away from breaking into Dou Ling.
After briefly checking the rewards, Xiao Zhitian entered the shop with the Little Fairy Doctor.
He walked to an ancient shelf and casually flipped through the items… until his hand paused.
A palm-sized, incomplete map lay there.
The route drawn upon it felt… familiar.