12 The Forgotten Desert II

"Why were you even bothering to show respect towards him, when he blatantly disregarded us?" Yang was annoyed.

"As they say among mortals: "Treat others as you would have wanted to be treated". By showing kindness to others, they will also more likely do the same."

Ying calmly replied before scrunching down to inventory their equipment. Yang snorted to Ying's silly wishful state of mind. If the world was truly so simple, there would no longer be any conflicts.

They had two big backpacks containing two knives, two tinderboxes, some nuts and dried meat wrapped within handkerchiefs, some rope and eight leather bags. After quickly opening the lids, Ying could conclude that the larger six of them were filled with water and the two smaller ones contained alcohol. Lastly, they also had two bear pelts to keep them warm during the nights.

"Such a stingy bastard! With this little amount of food and water, we will never make it out alive!" Yang complained, which was ignored by Ying.

The Ice God rolled the pelts into bundles and bound them to the backpacks, since they couldn't be contained in them. Then she divided everything else equally and handed out one of the packed rucksacks to the annoying Fire God.

"Hey, don't ignore me!" Yang grabbed the backpack with one hand and pecked Ying's shoulder with his other.

In return, he received a cold glare and a push on the chest. Taken by surprise, Ying fell downon his buttocks. His stunned facial expression amused her, but she didn't show it.

"The more time we waste, the less likely we will survive." She said coolly.

"Furthermore, water is a rarity. Thus stop wasting it by talking if not necessary."

"You-" Yang rised up with a vengenceful mind but stopped when he saw Ying's meaningful gaze.

"Also, avoid unnecessary movements as they are a waste of energy and sweat. Spare whatever enmities you might have against me until we have left this place."

With that said, she swinged her rucksack over her shoulders and prepared to leave.

"Remember because of whom we are in this mess." Ying commented as a finish and started to walk away.

The Fire God was speechless for a moment, but quickly recognized the undeniable truth in Ying's words. No one but him was responsible for this hell and the unfairness towards them.

With a heavy heart, he followed the woman he started to admire more and more.