Xiao Pixiu bared its sharp teeth, roaring furiously at the sand beast.
The sand beast responded with a thunderous bellow of its own, its massive palm made of swirling sand and stone striking mercilessly toward Tianming!
"Tianming!"
Gai Nie's expression changed drastically. In a flash, his sword was drawn—steel light flashing like lightning.
With elegant precision, his blade swept through the air.
The next instant, his graceful figure returned to a calm stance, sword sliding back into its sheath and behind him, the enormous sand beast split neatly in half before collapsing into a storm of dust, its form scattering back into countless grains of sand.
Gai Nie walked forward with composed steps, the winds whipping around him.
Watching the effortless display, Shaoyu and the others stood stunned, their eyes wide with admiration.
"Ha! That guy Gai Nie sure knows how to show off. Seriously, having a sword in hand makes anyone look ten times cooler!"
Even Goku couldn't help but chuckle to himself, wondering if maybe he should consider switching careers and become a swordsman.
"That was amazing! Uncle, you're so strong!"
Tianming, still sitting on the ground, looked at Gai Nie with pure excitement.
"As expected of the world's number one Sword Saint—truly remarkable," Shaoyu sighed in awe.
"Roooaaar!"
Just then, Xiao Pixiu let out a dragon-like roar, its large golden eyes flashing with vigilance as it glared into the swirling sand.
The storm intensified—sand flying wildly in all directions—until it encircled them completely, forming the body of a massive two-headed sand serpent!
With a terrifying shriek, the twin heads lunged down to devour them.
Xiao Li brought her hands together over the pendant at her chest.
As her arms spread open, a transparent blue barrier of light enveloped everyone, shielding them from the serpent's snapping jaws.
But only moments later, her face grew pale with pain. "I… I'm sorry… my strength isn't enough…"
"Roarrr!"
Xiao Pixiu roared again and spread its wings to take flight, ready to counterattack—but Goku placed his hand gently on its head, stopping it.
"Mere insects, and they dare attack me? You've got guts, I'll give you that."
Goku's tone was calm, but his eyes gleamed dangerously.
His arms spread wide, and in an instant, an overwhelming wave of power exploded outward from him—rippling through the desert like an invisible storm.
With a thunderous BOOM, the massive sand serpent shattered into nothing but dust.
The sandstorm burst outward in all directions, blinding the sky and choking the air, until even breathing became nearly impossible.
In the blink of an eye, Goku vanished—reappearing outside the storm while holding Xiao Li safely in his arms.
If Gai Nie's attack could be described as graceful, then Goku's could only be called absolute destruction—pure, unrestrained force that obliterated everything in its path.
"Pfft—ugh!"
Tianming's head popped out from the sand, spitting out mouthfuls of grit. "No matter how you look at it, Big Brother Goku's still the strongest!"
Shaoyu climbed to his feet, brushing the sand from his clothes. His eyes fixed on Goku, admiration burning brightly.
'When will I ever become that strong…?'
"Put me down…"
Xiao Li's cheeks were flushed red. She avoided Goku's gaze, her voice soft.
Goku smiled faintly and set her down. But as he looked again at the rolling sands before them, his brow furrowed slightly.
"So, you're really that eager for me to destroy you completely, huh?"
"Whoa—! It's coming again!"
Tianming shouted, quickly scrambling behind Goku to hide.
But this time, perhaps sensing Goku's overwhelming presence—or perhaps for another reason—the swirling sands did not attack.
Instead, they began to sink, spiraling downward to form a vast pit. Two colossal stone statues rose from within, ancient and solemn, like eternal guardians standing watch over the gates of time.
"So this is the place."
Goku's voice was steady. "Everyone, come here—stand by my side."
Uncertain of his intentions, Gai Nie and the others nonetheless obeyed.
Light gathered in Goku's palm, forming a translucent energy shield that enveloped them all.
Then, with a single thought, Goku leaped forward, carrying them down into the depths.
Outside the barrier, the winds howled madly. The terrifying force of the vortex was enough to tear apart even a peerless master. Without the shield, any of them would have been shredded or knocked unconscious instantly.
"To think you even possess such skill… I am deeply impressed," Gai Nie said, watching the raging sandstorm beyond the barrier. He clasped his fists in respect.
Goku waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing. A minor trick."
He could feel the immense pressure of the storm clearly. In the original story, Tianming and his friends somehow survived this descent unharmed—only fainting afterward. That always seemed unbelievable.
Now, he understood—it must have been Gai Nie who protected them back then.
The barrier continued to descend, deeper and deeper—until, after what felt like a long fall, a radiant light appeared below.
As the light brightened, a breathtaking new world unfolded before them.
Even Gai Nie, calm as ever, couldn't help but show surprise.
"To think that beneath the endless sands lies such a hidden realm… Truly, the world is full of wonders."
"So this is Loulan? Wow—it's incredible! It's beautiful!"
Tianming's eyes sparkled as he shouted in excitement.
They landed beside a clear, shimmering lake.
The air was filled with iridescent mist, the waters gleamed like starlight—ethereal and dreamlike, a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
"I never imagined a place like this could exist in our world…"
Shaoyu spoke softly, awe in his voice.
Suddenly, the sound of armor clattering rang out.
A squad of soldiers clad in silver-white armor appeared in the distance, weapons drawn, their expressions wary.
"Who are you people?! How did you get here?"
Their leader demanded sharply.
"Roarrr!"
Xiao Pixiu let out a fierce, dragon-like roar behind Goku. Its round eyes glared at the soldiers—not out of malice, but sheer dominance.
"Ah! Wh-what kind of creature is that?!"
The soldiers staggered back, trembling in fear.
"That's strange," Goku said coolly. "Xiao Pixiu came from your city, didn't it? And yet you don't even recognize it?"
"Impossible! Loulan has no such creature—"
"Roarrr!"
Before they could finish, Xiao Pixiu roared again, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The soldiers barely managed to stand upright.
"You've heard of the Dragon Soul, haven't you?"
Goku's eyes narrowed slightly. "This Pixiu carries that very soul."
"What? The Dragon Soul?!"
The soldiers' faces went pale, their eyes widening in shock.
"Good. Then take us to your High Priestess," Goku said calmly.
The soldiers exchanged nervous glances, then quickly nodded.
"Understood. Please, follow us…"
---
The grand hall gleamed with golden light.
Bronze statues lined both sides, each one holding a sword, standing in solemn silence.
Dozens of Loulan citizens—men and women, young and old—stood respectfully on either side of the hall.
At the center, before a raised dais, stood a stunning woman holding a staff. Her expression was calm and dignified as she glanced briefly at the majestic Pixiu before turning her gaze toward Goku and his companions.
"Five travelers from afar," she said softly, her voice clear and commanding. "We thank you for returning Loulan's sacred relic—the Dragon Soul—to us. However, I am curious. Without the guidance of a Loulan warrior, how did you find our hidden city in the endless desert?"
"We fell through a giant pit in the sand," Goku replied casually.
"Yeah! That's right!" Tianming nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
"Hmph! Do you think I'll believe such a ridiculous excuse?"
The High Priestess's expression turned cold. She struck the ground with her staff—and instantly, an iron cage descended from above, trapping Goku and the others within!
"Roar!"
Xiao Pixiu growled furiously, ready to tear the cage apart, but Goku merely placed a hand on its head again. Instantly, the creature quieted down.
"Hey! You crazy old lady!" Tianming shouted angrily. "We were being nice and honest, and you suddenly lock us up? What's your problem?!"
Goku sighed softly. "This kid's got guts… calling such a beautiful woman an 'old lady.'"
He glanced sideways at Xiao Li, who remained silent, clutching the pendant at her chest.
"High Priestess," Shaoyu spoke calmly. "We don't understand what offense we've committed against Loulan, that you would treat us as prisoners."
The High Priestess's brows twitched at Tianming's insult, though her composure quickly returned.
She turned her gaze to Xiao Li. "Do not think us ungrateful or unreasonable. Tell me—do you even know who she is?"
"Of course! She's Xiao Li, our best friend!" Tianming said confidently.
"Then you still believe I've wronged you?"
The High Priestess's voice rose sharply. Murmurs rippled through the gathered Loulan people.
"Does this have something to do with Xiao Li?" Shaoyu asked, glancing at her. She kept her head bowed, silent.
"You mean… you never asked about her true identity?"
The High Priestess frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing.
"Identity? What kind of identity could Xiao Li have?"
Tianming asked in confusion.
_____
T/N:
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