I have to get lucky right away.

Chapter 659 Date
The off-road vehicle drove forward along the road that gradually became flat and solid, and in the distance, the towering top of a city gradually emerged on the horizon.

Enduring the bumpy ride across the Gobi Desert, Chen Xuan was lured by Feng Xue's promise of "being very close to the Western Paradise," and temporarily put aside his stress response to the city.

However, as the scenery at the horizon gradually drew closer, Chen Xuan began to feel that something was amiss. What appeared in his field of vision were not the oases and farmlands around the city he had seen before, but towering steel structures, interwoven pipes, huge iron tanks, and large vehicles coming and going.

All of this was in stark contrast to the cities he had experienced before, leaving Chen Xuan momentarily stunned.

Smelling the slightly pungent, strange odor in the air, Chen Xuan hesitated for a moment, then suddenly remembered seeing a similar scene in the newspaper. After thinking carefully, he finally recalled the news that had almost dominated the headlines several years ago, and said somewhat uncertainly:
"That's...an oil field?"

"Probably." Actually, Feng Xue hadn't expected to see this scene either. Although this area was indeed an oil-producing region, but...

Wait... kerosene lamp oil, right?
Feng Xue inwardly grumbled, but ultimately did not contact Fina. Meanwhile, Chen Xuan, inexplicably relieved, was filled with complaints.

In his experience, places filled with demons, monsters, strange fates, and supernatural powers are often associated with backwardness and isolation, seemingly incompatible with modern civilization. Under Feng Xue's guidance, he also realized that this was a deliberate act by those in power to maintain their rule.

And here, with such a large-scale oil field and industry, the management should be more modern and orderly... right? At least, no city lord should suddenly jump out and ask for your "heart" anymore.

There was no way around it. The first half of the journey could be described as simply encountering dangers, but after crossing the Tongtian River, he really became Tang Sanzang's flesh, as if everyone could benefit from him. It was unclear whether this was because foreign mythology was like this, or because of the changes in his own destiny.

As the vehicle passed the oil field, the two could clearly see the workers on the road. Their fates were ordinary, but their demeanor was much better than that of the residents in the cities they had visited before.

"It seems that the local city lord is indeed not the kind of monster city lord who exploits the lower class." Chen Xuan was truly relieved now. They did not stop in the oil field area, but followed the road signs and drove towards the nearby city that seemed to have risen because of the oil field.

The city's walls are not as ancient and magnificent as those of Zeeland; they are more like functional boundary markers. The buildings within the city also have a modern feel, and all kinds of cars can be seen driving on the asphalt roads, emitting a pungent smell of gasoline.

As darkness began to fall, the city lights came on, but the most striking sight was the enormous radiance in the city center.

While it was still relatively bright outside the city, the two of them didn't notice the exaggerated flames. But as the sky gradually darkened, the flames burning fiercely at the highest point of the city finally began to show their presence.

"What is that? Some kind of... energy core? Or an industrial torch? It can't be on fire, can it?" Chen Xuan asked, looking at the tower that resembled a giant candle.

"Who knows?" Feng Xue shrugged. This time he wasn't lying; at least in the field of vision using his Qi Observation Technique, the fire itself wasn't some extraordinary flame. Judging from its color, it was likely a natural fire burning oil. However, regardless, since the city was spending so much fuel to maintain this "torch," there must be a reason. As the two spoke, the sky grew increasingly dark, while at the same time, the city became increasingly lively.

Along the streets, people hung up all sorts of colorful lanterns, and many households lit small bonfires in front of their doors. Children, dressed in new clothes, ran and laughed in the streets, bringing Chen Xuan peace of mind. The air began to fill with the aroma of roasted meat and cheerful music. People greeted each other with relaxed smiles, a scene that reminded Chen Xuan of the Spring Festival at Dongda University.

"Looks like we've stumbled upon some kind of festival?" Chen Xuan looked at the lively scene and couldn't help but feel relaxed, his mood lightened considerably.

Feng Xue parked the car in a parking space outside a hotel and, as usual, began booking a room, while Chen Xuan casually approached a nearby waiter and asked in the typical local manner:
"May peace come upon you, my friend. What is this celebration in town? It looks quite lively."

Seeing Feng Xue and Chen Xuan, both with Asian features, the waiter didn't show any strange expression. He simply smiled warmly and said, "May peace be with you, guests from afar! You've come at just the right time! We're preparing for the 'Fire Jumping Festival'! It's tomorrow night!"

"Fire Jumping Festival?" Chen Xuan repeated curiously, having never heard of this festival before.

“Yes!” The man nodded vigorously, his face beaming with genuine joy. “This is the prelude to Nowruz! It’s an important festival for us to welcome the new year, ward off evil, and pray for good fortune! Do you see that sacred fire in the city center? Tomorrow night, everyone will go there. We will bring the fire, and men, women, and children will all jump over it, praying for health, peace, and boundless energy like fire in the new year!”

Nowruz? Fire Jumping Festival? Chen Xuan looked a little confused, but he still understood the custom of "jumping over fire basins," and couldn't help but wonder whether it was introduced to the Central Plains from the Western Regions in ancient times, or from the Central Plains to the Western Regions.

Of course, despite his thoughts, Chen Xuan still replied, "Thank you, friend. It sounds like a great holiday."

"You're welcome! You're welcome to join us tomorrow too! The sacred flame will bless all those with kind hearts!" The waiter extended a warm invitation, and then, as if he had heard someone calling him, he hurriedly ran up to serve the guests.

Looking at Chen Xuan, who was already able to communicate skillfully with strangers, Feng Xue couldn't help but sigh that the boy had really come through some experience. She reached out and took the room key from the counter, glanced at Chen Xuan who was still admiring the brightly lit and cheerful city outside, and said:

"Alright, let's rest for a bit. We've finally found a lively place, so let's have some fun if we want!"

Hearing Feng Xue say this, Chen Xuan couldn't help but feel excited. A year ago he was a jinx, and the past year has been full of misfortunes. This is the first time he has ever looked forward to a celebration and participated in a festival like this!

(End of this chapter)