Chapter 519: Lord Wind Shadow, Something's Wrong

Facing Lian Ye's question, Zhi Cun Tuan Zang cleared his throat lightly and explained.

"I'm planning to take a break for a while, and when I'm idle I'll come see you."

He couldn't tell Lian Ye, only knowing that someone wanted to travel with him, so he deliberately gave himself a period of leave.

"You mean you have time off?" Lian Ye's face showed delight upon hearing it.

He was worried about having no friend to travel with, and didn't expect Tuan Cang to happen to be on break.

Finally someone can accompany him on a trip!

It's an unexpected joy; the time‑space traversal finally has someone to accompany him.

Alone he truly lacks security; having a good brother by his side eases his mind greatly.

Zhi Cun Tuan Zang nodded and said softly, "I'm free at the moment; do you have any plans?"

This guy keeps saying he wants me to accompany him on a trip, but the exact arrangement is unknown.

To tell the truth, he hasn't traveled even though he's that old.

Tuan Cang isn't interested in travel per se; the only reason he plans to go is because of Lian Ye.

If it were anyone else, he wouldn't bother at all.

As the Hokage, handling countless affairs daily, not just anyone can occupy his time.

Hmm, except Lian Ye…

"Do you know there's a town called Loulan in the Wind Country?"

Lian Ye didn't explain immediately, but instead posed a question to him.

"Loulan?" Zhi Cun Tuan Zang raised an eyebrow slightly.

The Konoha Village archives do contain some related records, though not very detailed; he only knows a little about it.

It is said that the powerful natural energy there is called the "Dragon Vein" by the locals.

That's all he knows; whether the information is true or false remains unknown.

Moreover, Loulan's location lacks precise coordinates; only that it's in the Wind Country desert, and ordinary people might not be able to find it.

He doesn't understand why Lian Ye is asking this.

"Where do you plan to travel?" Zhi Cun Tuan Zang quickly guessed Lian Ye's intention.

Given his knowledge of Lian Ye, he couldn't mention a place unrelated.

Since it was mentioned, the destination is most likely there.

"Exactly, there's something I want there," Lian Ye said with a smile and nodded.

If one could use the Dragon Vein's power to traverse time and space, it would be a fine travel destination.

Time‑space traversal is completely random; arriving somewhere feels as thrilling as opening a blind box.

Isn't this more interesting than simply checking in and taking photos?

Although Zhi Cun Tuan Zang doesn't understand what Lian Ye seeks in Loulan, he wisely refrains from asking further.

He thinks that the guy will naturally tell him; asking rashly is of no use.

"When shall we depart?"

"Once I tell Uncle, we can set off immediately."

Lian Ye had no intention to waste time and promptly went to the Laboratory to inform Qianshou Feijian of his travel plans.

Qianshou Feijian, engrossed in Orochimaru research, didn't mind the matter.

The kid, idle, loves to travel; he's become accustomed to such behavior.

What he didn't know is that Tuan Cang also intends to travel with him.

Lian Ye didn't tell Qianshou Feijian the purpose of the trip; otherwise, given the kid's temperament, he would certainly refuse.

Time‑space traversal, that topic looks extremely perilous.

If that kid finds out, he'll certainly get a bad end.

Adhering to the principle that fewer matters are better, it's better not to tell him.

Waiting until I successfully complete the cross‑time‑space travel and return, then telling Qianshou Feijian won't be too late.

"Alright, I've made the arrangements."

Lian Ye greeted Qianshou Feijian, then left Konoha with Zhi Cun Tuan Zang.

"Lian Ye, do you know Loulan's exact location?" On the road, Zhi Cun Tuan Zang voiced his lingering doubt.

That guy couldn't read a map as a child; even after learning later, Tuan Cang still doubts Lian Ye's navigation ability.

Can't help it; back when they carried out missions, Lian Ye often led them astray.

A mission originally planned for three days was delayed a whole week because he took the lead.

Indeed, most of the time was spent hurrying along.

Moreover, Loulan's location is rather hidden; without a road, the two would hardly find a town in the vast desert.

"I don't know," Lian Ye said honestly.

He only knows that Loulan lies within the Wind Country; how could he know the exact coordinates?

Zhi Cun Tuan Zang: "……"

Heh, as expected of this guy.

He always knew the situation wouldn't go smoothly; getting lost was already anticipated.

He could already picture the two trudging through the scorching desert.

Traveling with this guy might be the worst decision he's ever made.

No doubt about it!

Had I known it would be like this, I shouldn't have acted on impulse and followed Lian Ye on this trip.

Lian Ye noticed his friend's expression was off and quickly spoke to comfort him.

"Don't panic; although I don't know where Loulan is, the Wind Shadow certainly knows, so we can just go ask the Wind Shadow."

In any case, Tuan Cang and Sha Men get along well, so I'm sure they'll be happy to tell us their location.

Of course, even if they're unwilling, he has ways to make them speak.

It's just that his methods aren't that pretty.

At that moment, Sha Men, who was handling official business in the Wind Shadow Office, suddenly felt a chill for no reason.

It seemed like an ominous premonition, and he shivered instinctively.

"I'm getting old; indeed, I need to consider retirement now."

Otherwise, dealing with state affairs every day is really taking a toll on the body.

Among his cohort of Second Kage, three died and one retired, and only he is still holding things together.

The other Villages have moved on to governance by the Third Hokage and Yondaime, but Sand Hidden Village remains under a Second Kage.

"Hehe, I never expected I could live this smoothly up to now."

Sha Men couldn't help but feel a sigh; in terms of overall strength, Sand Hidden Village is undoubtedly the weakest among the Five Great Villages.

But having survived the First and Second Wars shows he still has some merit.

The reason is simple, just seven characters.

—Those who understand the times are heroes!

For those Kage who can't read the situation, the grass on their graves is already three meters tall.

Especially the Villages that attacked Konoha have suffered heavy losses.

The most pitiful among them is Cloud Hidden Village; its strong members were all killed by Konoha.

It is a state of complete population decline.

If Sand Hidden Village and Cloud Hidden Village truly fought, Sand Hidden Village would probably have a greater chance of winning.

"Under my governance, the Village can truly be said to be thriving!" Sha Men smiled.

After a while, he'll retire, letting the younger generation take over, and his mission will be complete.

At that moment, a Sand Hidden Village ninja, looking anxious, burst into the office.

"Wind Shadow Lord, something terrible has happened; the Third Hokage and Konoha Poison Master have entered the Village!"

Sha Men: "???"