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The world is ever-changing, and even the mightiest nations struggle to endure. The once-unified Mercenary Empire has fragmented once again. The state that still calls itself the Mercenary Empire, despite its stronghold in the Star Shattering Abyss, no longer has many citizens who pursue the profession of mercenaries. The immense profits from the north-south trade routes sustain countless local nobles and merchants, leaving only outsiders to risk their lives for money by becoming mercenaries. In contrast, the Kutah Tribal Alliance, which still resides in the desert, continues to send countless impoverished youths down the path of mercenary work.

The vast desert harbors infinite dangers, but for those with experience, it is like an old sailor navigating the sea—smooth sailing. Moreover, over the centuries, travelers and merchants have established several safe trade routes through the desert. Even though the desert's landscape changes endlessly, with a guide leading the way, there would be no issues.

To reach the capital of the Mercenary Empire, the Star Shattering Abyss, I led Jin Luosha into the desert. With our wanted status, we relied on the Ice Wind's flying abilities to keep our movements unpredictable. Within the Kingdom of Fasin, we faced only a few small-scale attacks, which I managed to thwart. However, when crossing the border, we encountered resistance from the border patrol, clearly under orders from some high-ranking officials. This forced me to unleash another wave of slaughter, decimating hundreds of border guards before escaping.

Days later, we arrived at a small town called Sand Eye, near the border of the Mercenary Empire. This was the starting point for entering and exiting the desert, where one could find various travel tools, pack animals, and mercenary guides, making it quite prosperous. Joining a large caravan would be the safest and most reasonable option for desert travel, but as fugitives, we couldn't join such groups. Fortunately, the locals here were rugged and wild, and many desperate individuals were willing to serve dangerous clients for a high price. As long as I could afford the fees, hiring a guide would not be a problem.

I carried Jin Luosha into a tavern, sat down at the bar, and ordered a mug of ale, intending to gather information about guides. Jin Luosha was curious about the large mug of ale and wanted to try it. To distract her, I quickly ordered an expensive sweet-and-sour seaberry juice, allowing her to savor it slowly.

"Boss, I want to go to the Star Shattering Abyss alone. Do you know any experienced guides?"

"Traveling alone into the desert? We usually have plenty of guides for this kind of job, but recently, a group of mercenaries hired most of them for an exploration mission. They haven't returned yet, and the other guides are mostly tied to familiar merchant groups, so it's not easy..." the portly owner said thoughtfully.

"Bang—" A large mug slammed onto the bar, interrupting the owner. "Need a guide? Look no further than me, Bahrain, the best desert guide around. I've been navigating the desert since I was six, for over twenty years now. I know everything about sandstorms, quicksand, monsters, and bandits. With my protection, the entire desert will feel like your home."

Bahrain was a tall young man with dark skin and a typical desert-dweller's face, covered in a beard, and his muscular build exuded vitality. He wore a slightly tattered black robe and leather armor, with two curved swords hanging from his waist. The wear on the hilts suggested they had been used for a long time.

"You're Bahrain, but aren't you under twenty? How can you have been in the desert for over twenty years?" I turned to ask him.

"What? How did you know?" Bahrain asked in surprise.

"Just a guess, but didn't you admit it?" I smiled slightly.

"Hahahaha—" The patrons who had been drawn to Bahrain burst into laughter, indicating that many knew his background.

I didn't recognize him, but having lived in the Mongolian desert in my previous life, I understood the lifestyle of desert dwellers. From Bahrain's appearance and demeanor, he likely grew up in the desert, but if he had truly spent over twenty years there, his appearance and vigor wouldn't be so youthful. Thus, my casual guess exposed his lie.

"Regardless of your age, I do need a guide to take us to the Star Shattering Abyss. The fee is five gold coins, two upfront, and five more for supplies, which you'll purchase. Is that acceptable?" I stated my terms, ignoring Bahrain's embarrassment. As long as he was a competent desert guide, I wasn't too concerned about the rest. The route to the Star Shattering Abyss wasn't particularly dangerous; we just needed to avoid getting lost. As for any ill intentions from Bahrain, I was not worried.

"Of course there's a problem! My fee is twenty gold coins. How can you offer me the same rate as a regular guide?"

"Oh? What makes you special?" I asked, intrigued.

"Don't you see? I'm a Bronze Warrior. I can provide protection against sand bandits and monsters, ensuring your safety. A bodyguard like me typically commands fifteen gold coins, plus the guide fee, making it twenty gold coins." Bahrain patted his curved swords, stating matter-of-factly.

"Uncle, Bronze Warriors are pretty weak," Jin Luosha whispered, peeking out from my arms. She didn't understand the hierarchy of warriors, but she knew that ordinary Bronze Warriors from the Star Shield Chamber of Commerce were easily defeated along our journey. Despite my efforts to shield her from violence, this clever little girl had gradually grasped the disparity in strength. Perhaps fortunately or unfortunately, due to her young age, she lacked basic knowledge and moral judgment, and had become accustomed to my acts of violence without fear.

"What? Bronze Warriors are weak? White-haired boy, let me show you my strength!" Bahrain shouted, reaching out to grab me. Though Jin Luosha's voice was soft, Bahrain, with his keen senses, heard her. Having worked hard to achieve the rank of Bronze Warrior, he could not tolerate the insult and, unable to confront a child, vented his anger on me, hoping to impress me with his prowess.