They waited until the hottest part of the day had passed and resumed their journey in the late afternoon, approaching dusk.
Even the smoothest carriage ride couldn't compare to solid ground.
It swayed and jolted.
After so long in a stable environment, the prolonged travel started to take its toll on everyone.
Some felt a bit dizzy.
Li Datou periodically patrolled the caravan, riding from one end to the other before reporting back to Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao.
"Young Master, Young Madam, many of the people behind are feeling dizzy. I'm afraid they can't handle the strain of travel. Perhaps we should rest early tonight? We can gradually increase the travel time tomorrow to let everyone adapt?"
Li Datou rode his horse up to the carriage window to ask, his forehead beaded with sweat.
The horses, too, were struggling in the heat.
Cheng Hao nodded in agreement. "Bear with it for a bit longer. We'll set up camp later tonight. For now, let's keep moving. The further we get, the safer we'll be, especially away from this drought-stricken area. Just endure it a little longer."
If it was this difficult now, he couldn't imagine how much worse it would be in autumn.
The weather was dry and the air was parched.
Autumn would likely be even more severe, with no rain at all, which was a terrible prospect.
"Indeed. We're always worried about the affected area expanding. The further we go, the better. If it's uncomfortable, just endure this short stretch. After all, we can't risk traveling through the mountains at night. We need to keep a low profile."
Su Miaomiao added her thoughts. Even with so many people, it wasn't wise to travel noisily through the woods at night. It was too easy to attract wild beasts.
They also feared being targeted by other criminals, as darkness made ambushes easy.
Their caravan was large.
If a vulnerable point were attacked, it would throw them into disarray. With limited visibility at night, the risks were quite significant.
Li Datou understood after hearing their explanation. "That makes sense! Alright, I understand! I'll tell Da Ming and then inform everyone later."
The young couple he suggested had accepted his proposal, merely asking for a slight delay.
After hearing the explanation.
He certainly understood.
Given the current situation, the further they ran, the more beneficial it would be.
Li Datou then bid farewell to the young couple and continued to clear the path ahead.
Su Miaomiao felt that the two of them worked diligently and were very attentive. However, the current situation was indeed not optimistic. "We still have drinking water, but if we don't find any supply points along the way, it will be bad. Looking at the growth of these trees, I really don't know what the future holds."
Cheng Hao told her to take it one step at a time. "In this situation, we can't afford to overthink. Let's focus on the present. As for the drinking water, I'll try to help resupply the caravan."
Su Miaomiao knew he was referring to the water from his spatial ability, so she nodded and said, "Okay, be careful." This could only be added discreetly.
It wouldn't be sustainable for long.
Cheng Hao was also concerned, but he chose to comfort his childhood sweetheart more. "It's fine. We've already traveled a good distance. As long as we follow the map, we'll be able to leave this drought-stricken region quickly, and things will be a bit easier afterwards."
In short, staying put was dangerous. Leading everyone away offered a glimmer of hope.
Of course, there were risks involved.
Since they had made the choice.
They would bear the consequences.
Su Miaomiao gradually relaxed. Previously, she felt that as long as she was with her childhood sweetheart, they could face anything without fear. Now, having gained the trust of so many people, she felt a much greater pressure.