The night passed peacefully. When the first rays of sunlight appeared the next morning, Xiao Tian and Little Fairy Doctor had already packed their belongings and set off toward Blackrock City.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Xiao Tian once again donned his alchemist robe.
Under the respectful gazes of the city guards, the two passed through the exclusive alchemist passageway without paying any fees and headed straight for the Flying Transport Office in the city center.
The journey to the Tagor Desert was extremely long. Riding Xiao Lan for such a distance would not be comfortable, as she was not a flying magical beast suited for prolonged travel and would need frequent rest.
It was far more practical to take a Thick-Winged Bird — a flying mount specifically used for long-distance transport. These birds had comfortable rooms built on their backs, eliminating the need to camp outdoors.
After crossing several streets, Xiao Tian and Little Fairy Doctor arrived at the Flying Transport Office. Over a dozen enormous flying birds were parked neatly in the square.
These creatures were known as Thick-Winged Birds. After a full meal, one could carry five times its own weight and fly continuously for four to five days, making them ideal for profitable long-distance transport.
The square was bustling with people and filled with noisy chatter. Long queues had formed at both the ticket counter and the boarding areas.
Seeing the lengthy line at the ticket office, Xiao Tian shook his head. Instead of joining the queue, he led Little Fairy Doctor toward a special passageway beside it.
As they approached, the guard's pupils contracted slightly upon noticing Xiao Tian's Third-Rank Alchemist robe and his remarkably young appearance.
"Sir, please come in," the guard captain said respectfully, stepping aside immediately.
The moment they entered the special passage, a woman in a neat uniform hurried over with a sweet smile.
"Sir, are you taking a flight? May I ask your destination?"
"The eastern border of the empire — Mo City in the Tagor Desert," Xiao Tian replied calmly.
"Understood. Please follow me, Sir," the woman said, her smile widening.
Xiao Tian nodded and gestured for her to lead the way.
Along the corridor, the uniformed woman swayed her hips deliberately, trying to showcase her figure and attract his attention. Xiao Tian, however, remained indifferent and only glanced at her once without interest.
"Am I not pretty?" Little Fairy Doctor suddenly asked with a sweet smile, though her eyes carried a scrutinizing glint as her hand rested on his waist.
"You're much prettier than her," Xiao Tian replied softly, gently grabbing her hand and whispering into her ear. "Compared to her, I'm far more interested in you."
Little Fairy Doctor's face instantly flushed red. She lowered her head, too embarrassed to meet his gaze.
After following the woman through a long corridor, they arrived in front of a particular Thick-Winged Bird. This one was similar in size to the others, but the house built on its back was noticeably more luxurious and made from higher-quality materials.
"Sir, this flying mount is specially reserved for alchemists. Alchemists also enjoy free flying transport services," the uniformed woman emphasized the word "services," her tone suggestive.
Xiao Tian naturally understood her meaning but chose to ignore it completely.
Holding Little Fairy Doctor's hand, he stepped lightly onto the Thick-Winged Bird under the woman's resentful gaze and chose an empty room.
The interior was fully furnished with every comfort, emphasizing luxury and privilege. Xiao Lan, now in her small bird form, flew around the room curiously before landing on the back of a chair.
Shortly after they entered, the Thick-Winged Bird, under the beast tamer's command, slowly ascended and flew rapidly toward the eastern part of the empire.
Little Fairy Doctor suddenly leaned over and kissed Xiao Tian on the cheek. "This is your reward for behaving well just now." She then walked to the window.
Xiao Tian followed behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. Together, they watched the beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers flash past below, a warm feeling filling their hearts.
After two and a half days of flight, a vast golden expanse finally appeared on the horizon. The Thick-Winged Bird began its slow descent toward the landing plaza of Mo City's Flying Transport Office.
During these two and a half days, Little Fairy Doctor's strength had advanced to the Six-Star Dou Master realm.
Sensing they had arrived, Xiao Tian led Little Fairy Doctor — who had just finished drinking her nutrient fluid and put on her veil — out of the room.
The moment they stepped outside, a wave of scorching heat washed over them. The surroundings were dominated by yellow sand and dry air.
As Xiao Tian exited, the doors of the other rooms also opened. Several alchemists in their robes emerged, some even holding uniformed women in their arms. Most of them were Second-Rank Alchemists.
When they saw Xiao Tian's youthful face paired with a Third-Rank Alchemist robe, surprise flashed in their eyes. They quickly offered friendly nods.
Xiao Tian returned the greeting with a faint nod of his own.
He put his arm around Little Fairy Doctor's waist and flew down from the Thick-Winged Bird. Once on the ground, he released her and led her toward the exit of the square.
"It's so hot and dry here," Little Fairy Doctor remarked, sensing the environment. "The air is filled with fire and earth attribute energy. Even the local people's dressing style is very different."
On the streets, most men walked around shirtless or wearing only sleeveless outer garments, proudly displaying their tanned, muscular bodies. The women were mostly slender and graceful, with bronze-colored skin. They wore tight leather bustiers that revealed their slim waists and short skirts or shorts, giving off a wild, untamed charm.
"Perhaps it's because of the extreme heat," Xiao Tian said simply. "The customs here are more open, and this kind of clothing is also more practical for surviving and moving around in the desert."
Xiao Tian stopped a passing man. The man was about to get angry at being suddenly grabbed, but when he saw Xiao Tian's alchemist robe, his attitude changed instantly.
"Sir, how may I help you?"
"Is there a map shop called 'Gutu' in this city?" Xiao Tian asked directly.
"Yes, Sir. If you follow this street straight ahead, then turn…" The man thought for a moment and gave detailed directions, even mentioning the approximate price of the maps.
Xiao Tian released him, tossed a bag of gold coins into the man's hand as thanks, and led Little Fairy Doctor in the direction he had indicated.
After several turns, they arrived in front of a slightly ancient-looking shop. A wooden sign hung above the entrance with two simple characters: Gutu.
Xiao Tian's Dou Qi had already accumulated to the peak of Eight-Star Great Dou Master. The moment he stepped closer, his aura surged, instantly reaching the peak of Nine-Star Great Dou Master — just one step away from breaking through to Dou Ling.
After casually checking the system rewards, Xiao Tian and Little Fairy Doctor entered the shop.
He walked straight to an old wooden shelf and casually flipped through the items. Soon, he found a palm-sized, incomplete map. The route drawn on it looked somewhat familiar.