Chapter 37: The Northern Desert City

“Hey, girl, want a ride in your big brother’s BMW?” he said to Zhou Yan with a cheerful grin.

She shot him a withering look.

With a single call from Zhou Yan, the shadow leopard demon bounded over and crouched obediently at her feet.

“This leopard, honestly…” Xiao Yang muttered through clenched teeth, frustrated that his plans had been foiled.

At that very moment, the fine steed beneath him sensed that its master had changed. A wild glint flashed in its eyes, and it tried to throw Xiao Yang off.

But how could a mere horse embarrass a martial artist who was already prepared? With a cold snort, Xiao Yang asserted his dominance and suppressed the animal’s resistance.

“If you keep acting up, I’ll slaughter you,” he said coldly, not caring whether the horse understood or not.

Instantly, the irritable steed calmed down.

“Behave yourself, and I’ll give you a little motivation,” he added, casually enhancing the mount with a strengthening technique.

Xiao Yang had noticed that the odds of the first three enhancements succeeding were extremely high—almost guaranteed. Any previous failures were likely due to sheer bad luck.

A wave of warmth surged through him, washing away all fatigue. The steed shivered with pleasure, glancing uncertainly at Xiao Yang.

“Feels good, huh? Here, have another round,” he said, enhancing the horse again.

His luck held; the enhancement succeeded once more. The horse’s legs nearly gave out from comfort, but it managed to stand firm.

This time, the steed realized for certain that its newfound strength was thanks to the man before it. Its affection soared, and it even turned to nuzzle Xiao Yang gently.

“Hey, cut it out! I’m still a novice, you know!” Xiao Yang shouted, annoyed, nearly losing his seat from the horse’s enthusiastic nudge.

His sharp voice made the steed stop its antics.

Though Jiang Luo’s hands and feet were bound, his eyes took in everything, and he felt as if his heart were being pummeled by a thousand blows.

This horse had cost him eight thousand taels of silver. Though not a demon beast, its physique rivaled one. He had spent three months tending to it, and his total investment easily exceeded ten thousand taels.

Now, seeing the horse’s ingratiating behavior, Jiang Luo cursed his own foolishness. Why had he ever bought this wretched beast? If it hadn’t been for testing the horse today, none of this would have happened.

“What’s this fellow called?” Xiao Yang suddenly asked.

“General Lieyang,” Jiang Luo replied hastily, not daring to be careless.

“General Lieyang? What a ridiculous name. Let’s just call you Little Red.”

Jiang Luo was taken aback, but then a glimmer of hope sparked in his heart. The horse itself had chosen that name—any other would usually make it violent. He waited in anticipation, hoping to see Xiao Yang thrown off.

But to his dismay, there was no sign of the temperamental General Lieyang. Instead, all he saw was a sycophantic… well, horse. Hearing its new name, the steed showed no displeasure at all and even tried to nuzzle Xiao Yang again, as if to say: “You’re the boss, call me whatever you like—I’m just a humble little horse.”

Jiang Luo was dumbfounded. Was this really the proud King of Wild Horses? Why did it act more like a loyal dog? Its affection seemed almost excessive.

He lapsed into silent contemplation.

“Simple, unpretentious Little Red,” Xiao Yang said, stroking the horse’s mane.

Little Red responded with an excited whinny.

“We’ll be at North Desert City soon. Have your men go and demand the ransom,” Xiao Yang said, glancing at the distant city with a touch of awe.

He was inwardly stunned. This was a colossal city; its walls were at least thirty zhang high, stretching for hundreds of miles.

“Senior brother, isn’t it astonishing? The first time I saw it, I was speechless,” said Zhou Yan. Although both the Giant Spirit Sect and North Desert City were top-tier powers, the sect was built on a mountain and favored single-compound architecture. Such massive structures were a rarity.

“What’s so impressive? It’s just a wall,” Xiao Yang replied, acting unimpressed, though in his heart he admired the city’s builders. No wonder it was the strongest stronghold within three thousand miles—beast hordes would struggle to break through these walls unless it was a super-swarm.

Suddenly, a retching sound interrupted his thoughts.

Jiang Luo vomited again; the bumpy journey had been torture for him. It had started out tolerable, but after a short while he was overcome with nausea. After this experience, he doubted he would ever want to ride a horse again.

The group soon arrived at the city gates.

A well-equipped martial master strode over, calling out in a cold voice, “Who goes there?”

Xiao Yang made no attempt to conceal his identity; after all, he needed it to protect his business interests.

“Xiao Yang, disciple of the Giant Spirit Sect.”

At these words, the martial master’s expression grew solemn as he regarded Xiao Yang with newfound respect, clearly having heard of the sect’s reputation. His tone softened as he continued, “What brings you to North Desert City?”

“I have business interests here that require my attention,” Xiao Yang replied.

“Very well,” the martial master nodded, about to let them pass, when his gaze fell on the Jiang family’s entourage. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

“What’s the meaning of this? If you can’t explain, don’t blame us for taking action.”

At once, ten martial artists surrounded Xiao Yang, all on high alert.

“These people tried to rob me, but I subdued them. According to them, their people will come with ransom money,” Xiao Yang explained calmly.

But the martial master replied icily, “I don’t care about your grievances. Once inside North Desert City, everyone abides by our rules. Release them immediately.”

Xiao Yang raised an eyebrow, surprised by this regulation. He glanced at Jiang Luo, deciding not to stir up trouble—it was their territory, after all, and he understood the wisdom of not provoking the local powers.

“Alright,” Xiao Yang dismounted, preparing to untie Jiang Luo and his companions.

Just then, the commander recognized someone on horseback and froze in surprise. He knew this man—he was the son of an old friend. Anger flared as he recalled Xiao Yang’s words; the Jiang family may not be a major clan, but they certainly weren’t bandits.

“How dare you! Who are you to take hostages from North Desert City?” he shouted.

There was an unwritten rule in North Desert City: anyone with influence or a faction within the walls was considered a city resident. The City Lord’s Mansion would not interfere in internal disputes, but if outsiders targeted city factions, the authorities would step in. Of course, this was also because the city lord collected annual protection fees.

At his words, the ten gate guards levelled their spears at Xiao Yang.

“I told you, I’m a disciple of the Giant Spirit Sect. This man tried to rob us on the road, and I captured him,” Xiao Yang said helplessly.

“Nonsense!” the martial master snorted, preparing to act.

Jiang Luo, finally regaining his composure, hurriedly called out, “Wait, Uncle Liu!”

The martial master paused, recognizing Jiang Luo.

“Little Luo, are you alright?” he asked in concern, clearly close to the young man’s father.

“Uncle Liu, please ask my father to bring six hundred thousand taels for my ransom,” Jiang Luo said quickly. He needed a trustworthy messenger; sending one of his own guards would only delay things. With the commander’s help, he could save valuable time.