I just broke up with my boyfriend and then I transmigrated into the world of "The Lost Tomb&quo

Once he confirmed that most people had temporarily moved away from the edge of the quicksand pit and were pressed against the huge wind-eroded rock pillar, Ling Xiao's cold gaze shifted to another direction.

He practically jogged back to the car where Jieyuhua was. The modified off-road vehicle was more durable than a regular one, at least when everyone was outside in the scorching sun, Huaye could enjoy the air conditioning inside.

Ling Xiao flung open the car door, and a wave of scorching heat and the pungent smell of blood and rust rushed in, only to be quickly suppressed by the powerful air conditioning system. He slipped inside, slammed the door shut behind him, and temporarily shut out the suffocating atmosphere of death outside.

The cool air from inside the car enveloped him, offering a slight respite to his skin, which was slightly flushed from the heat and tension. Xie Yuhua quickly handed him a bottle of water, a hint of worry barely perceptible on his handsome face.

"Why is there such a strong smell of blood? Are you sure? How are we going to get across?" His voice was as cold and calm as ever, but his sharp eyes swept over Ling Xiao's entire body to check if he was injured.

“We have a car, right?” Ling Xiao patted the steering wheel, gave Xie Yuhua a wink, took the water bottle, unscrewed the cap, and tilted his head back to gulp down several large mouthfuls. The icy liquid slid down his parched throat, bringing an almost luxurious sense of comfort.

He didn't feel tired, but the extreme dryness of the desert environment and the evaporation of moisture from his movements were real. In such a place, dehydration is more deadly than insects.

“I’ll shovel some sand around the car in a bit, you can just sit inside.” His tone was authoritative. The car wasn’t stuck very deep; the wheels were mainly covered by soft sand at the edges of the quicksand. Once enough traction was created, it would be able to move.

“I’ll go with you.” Upon hearing this, Xie Yuhua immediately put down what he was holding and reached for the car door handle. His movements were swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation. He, Xie Yuchen, was never a flower that needed to be protected in a greenhouse.

"Don't move!" Ling Xiao reacted even faster, almost reflexively, grabbing Xie Yuhua's wrist just as she was about to press the door lock. His fingers were strong, carrying the slight heat from the scorching desert sun, firmly holding Xie Yuhua's icy wrist.

The cramped car interior fell silent instantly, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning vents. The two were very close, and Ling Xiao could clearly see Xie Yuhua's slightly furrowed brows and the determination and hint of…displeasure that flashed in her phoenix eyes?

“There are bugs everywhere outside, Xiao Hua.” Ling Xiao’s voice was low, with an almost earnest firmness, his gaze fixed on Xie Yuhua. “You saw it just now too, that thing is probably a mutated corpse beetle.”

It's safer for you to stay in the car. I can clean the wheels by myself, it'll be quick.

"Don't make me worry." He emphasized the word "safety," his gaze sweeping across the seemingly calm but actually deadly sandy area outside the car window. The image of Chen Yunjin being devoured, and the quicksand trap that instantly swallowed up the boy named Liu Zi, were still vivid in his mind. This was uncontrollable, and he couldn't let Xie Yuhua be exposed to such risks.

Xie Yuhua's wrist struggled slightly against Ling Xiao's palm, but he didn't break free. He met Ling Xiao's gaze, his eyes unwavering: "Ling Xiao, I'm not made of porcelain. You know my skills. Two people can act faster. Every second we stay here increases the chances of things going wrong." He paused, his voice clear and cold, each word distinct, "Besides, if the insects really swarm out, you'll be outside while I'm in the car. Do you expect me to watch them?"

The last sentence, carrying a barely perceptible hint of questioning, pierced Ling Xiao's tough protective shell like a needle. His grip on Xie Yuhua's wrist loosened unconsciously.

The atmosphere inside the car was somewhat tense. Outside, Ah Ning's anxious shouts and the fat man's sounds as he adjusted the flamethrower could be faintly heard, mixed with the howling of the wind as it passed through the holes of the Devil City. Time was ticking away.

Ling Xiao's gaze lingered for a few seconds in Xie Yuhua's firm and clear eyes before sweeping across the perilous sandy landscape outside the car window. He saw the unwavering determination in Xie Yuhua's eyes—not recklessness, but a judgment based on her own strength and a clear understanding of the current situation. He also saw the hidden concern: Xie Yuhua would never willingly let him face the dangers outside alone.

“…Okay.” Finally, Ling Xiao’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and he released her hand. But he immediately added, his tone leaving no room for negotiation, “Stay close to me and follow my instructions. If the sand loosens or moves in any unusual way, immediately retreat back into the car and lock the doors. Understand?” He stared intently into Xie Yuhua’s eyes, seeking a clear promise.

Jieyuhua nodded slightly, her eyes steady: "Understood."

The two exchanged a quick glance, needing no further words. Ling Xiao took a deep breath, checked again the short knife at Xie Yuhua's waist and the hidden ignition device in her sleeve, then abruptly pushed open the car door.

The scorching, dry air, thick with a pungent, sweet, and metallic smell, rushed in instantly. The aura of death was palpable. Xie Yuhua followed closely behind, getting out of the car and gently closing the door behind him with a swift and graceful movement. He gripped the thin, dragon-patterned staff tightly in his hand, the cold metallic touch further focusing his mind. The two leaned against the sturdy car door, their eyes sharp as lightning, instantly locking onto the pile of sand around the wheels that needed to be cleared.