The donkey carriage stopped. Xiang Shaoyun had mostly healed up. Old Urchin's medicine was quite powerful, capable of healing him up in such a short time, so Xiang Shaoyun could finally get off the old donkey.

Inwardly, he sighed, I need a nice shower to rid my body of this donkey's smell.

The old donkey seemed to have read his mind and said, "Kid, you have been lying on this lord's body for almost half a day, yet you have such an expression on your face? What, do you think this lord is dirty?"

Xiang Shaoyun replied with an awkward expression, "Lord donkey, you must be kidding. How would I think that way? I was just feeling uncomfortable from my injuries."

"That better be the case. You won't be able to get on me that easily anymore," said the old donkey loftily.

A look of shame covered Xiang Shaoyun's face as he thought, Who wants to get on you? I'm not into bestiality! Moreover, you're an old male donkey! I'm not a freak!

Old Urchin pulled the flap of the carriage open, allowing the woman inside to step out. Xiang Shaoyun glanced over, and his eyes instantly locked onto her. He couldn't move them away.

She was dressed in a light yellow outfit. As she bowed slightly to step out, her long hair cascaded down and covered half her flawless face. Her eyes were as clear as limpid autumn waters. Her nose was delicate, and her lips were akin to a blooming cherry blossom. When one moved one's gaze farther down, one would be greeted with a snow-white neck and a bountiful chest with a deep valley.

She got off the carriage, and it became apparent that she was tall with a flawless hourglass figure. She was a woman of no imperfection. Xiang Shaoyun had not seen a lot of women like this. Only Ye Chaomu and Yu Caidie were comparable to her.

"Watch where you're looking. Do you want me to dig those eyes out?" berated Old Urchin with a glare, jolting Xiang Shaoyun awake.

Xiang Shaoyun blushed and said, "Sorry. I was unable to restrain myself."

He wasn't wrong. No man could remain calm in the face of a woman so perfect.

"Haha, well said. What an interesting kid," said Old Urchin with a hearty laugh. "Kid, my young lady is as beautiful as a fairy. Do you want to see her every day?"

The woman berated solemnly, "Grandpa Urchin, you're fooling around again!"

"Ahhh, grandpa is doing this for your own good! You don't want to return because you are unwilling to accept the Hall's marriage arrangement between you and that Holy Son, right? You might as well find yourself a partner to deal with those geezers," said Old Urchin with a sigh. He pointed at Xiang Shaoyun and continued, "Look, this kid is not bad."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" the woman complained unhappily.

She looked to be someone in her early twenties, her entire person exuding grace. Comparatively, the donkey carriage looked incredibly shabby beside her. In fact, she looked like a princess who had escaped home.

"I, Xiang Shaoyun, thank the young lady for saving my life," said Xiang Shaoyun.

"Your surname is Xiang as well?" asked the woman, an odd look on her face.

"Um. I'm surnamed Xiang as well," answered Xiang Shaoyun in confusion.

"Kid, what is your relationship with the Xiang Clan?" questioned Old Urchin.

"I am a disciple of the Dragon Phoenix Academy, here to cultivate. I got myself swallowed by the super sandstorm by accident. I wonder which Xiang Clan you are referring to?" Xiang Shaoyun asked in a manner that was neither servile nor overbearing.

He was aware of the hidden influential clan in the Western Desert, the Xiang Clan. It was a clan comparable to the Yu Province's Yu Clan, and he indeed originated from that clan. However, he had never been there and had only heard of it from his father. Thus, he did not know if it was the same Xiang Clan that these two obviously knew of.

"A Dragon Phoenix Academy disciple? Well, this is definitely a misunderstanding," muttered the woman.

"That might not be the case," said Old Urchin. "Where are you from? Which organization do you belong to? Who is your master? Also, list out 18 generations of your ancestors, or I won't mind doing something to make you talk."

Xiang Shaoyun could sense that Old Urchin was a powerful person, and was thus forced to give a rough introduction of his background.

Old Urchin laughed, "So you're from the Western Desert as well, also surnamed Xiang. Interesting, really interesting. Young lady, why don't we bring this kid back and fool those geezers first. That way, they won't force you that much anymore."

"No. He's too weak. Anyone smart will be able to see through this," said the woman.

"True, only a third-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator. If he was a third-stage Soul Foundation Realm, it would be much better. Too bad, too bad," said Old Urchin after shooting Xiang Shaoyun a glance.

Xiang Shaoyun was depressed, feeling like he was losing his freedom.

"Alright. I will deal with that myself. Let him go," said the woman understandingly, seemingly having read Xiang Shaoyun's mind.

Xiang Shaoyun quickly said, "Thank you, young lady."

He then turned and left. But at that moment, a group of people suddenly appeared ahead of him, forcing him to stop. They were all mounted on powerful beasts and clad in shining armor. They were all heading in Xiang Shaoyun's direction. A torrential aura crashed forth from them while clouds of sand were left in their wake.

Old Urchin suddenly shouted, "Ahh, why are these fellows here so fast? Looks like they have been waiting for your return, young lady."

"Um. They are too kind," answered the woman indifferently.

There were about 100 newcomers who were arriving quickly. When they saw the woman, they hopped off their mounts, knelt down on one knee, and greeted, "We welcome the young lady's return to the Holy Hall."

The woman waved her hand. "Rise."

At her command, they all stood up.

Next, a tall and sturdy man stepped forth and said, "Young lady, Captain Ning Pengcheng of the squads greets you. Please get on the carriage and allow us to escort you back."

As he said that, a luxurious carriage pulled by four sturdy desert horses appeared. There were even four maids standing in wait around the carriage, making the scene look even more impressive.