11 The Forgotten Desert I

They landed ungracefully with their heads first on the sand. The heat hit them immediately, even though the sun had yet to fully rise above them. With a groan Yang sat up and looked around while Ying dusted off sand from her body.

Around them, a beige landscape with little or no vegetation visible. A tall, dark and dried up tree was beside them, who distinguished itself from its surroundings. Sand was everywhere as far as the eye could see.

As Yang's gaze passed Ying, he realized thattheir outfit had changed. They now were clad in white, light cloths and had a scarf wrapped around their heads so that a spring for their eyes were left open. Beneath the layers of protection, he could feel the necklace safely wrapped around his neck.

With a flash, Flash appeared in front of them and threw some items at the their feet.

"These are the survival tools that you are granted with. Use them wisely."

Such impudence!

Yang had always been treated fairly and with respect. To see this flippant behaviour towards himself, caused him to feel anger. He wanted to lash out, but was stopped by a hand on his arm.

"Thank you, Mr. Flash." Ying pulled herself up and gave a small bow.

"Do you have any tips on how to successfully complete this trial?" She continued.

If it had been Yang who asked, Flash would most likely have ignored him. He disliked Yang because of his prior actions. Of course he couldn't offend the Fire High Gods and thus spared him some respect in the Celestial Palace. Now that they were in the Mortal Realm, he no longer felt the need to keep up his act.

However it turned out to be Ying who had questions. Flash held her in much higher estimate and therefore decided to give some real advice.

"Sure. Don't cry when you die, rise up instead."

"What kind of advice is that!?" Yang exclaimedin dissatisfaction.

Flash gave him a glare, which shut him up.

"Thanks for the motivation, Mr. Flash." A hint of a bitter smile was painted on her face under the scarf. She understood what the Immortal implied, but she still wasn't looking forward to it.

"I shall await your success." He stated as he disappeared into thin air.