However, their good fortune was short-lived. Despite the convoy's structured formation, a gust of wind filled the air with dust, blinding the drivers. Suddenly, a supply vehicle in the middle veered off-course, narrowly missing a patch of quicksand before being entirely engulfed.

The supply truck had only one driver and was positioned safely within the convoy. The sudden accident was unexpected. By the time the others rushed to help, the truck was nowhere in sight.

Zhou You couldn't detect the truck even with his psychic abilities. It was as if the vehicle had vanished into another dimension.

He exchanged a resigned look with Shao Qi, who then threw a stick into the spot where the truck had sunk. The stick stood firm in the sand. Laughing bitterly, Shao Qi remarked, "It seems the truck has become the foundation of this place."

Seeing the stick stand sturdily, Zhou You cautiously stepped forward. Everyone held their breath, fearing for his safety. It seemed unreasonable to risk another life for an already lost vehicle.

Yet, no one voiced their concerns, partly due to Shao Qi's tacit approval. They merely prepared themselves for a potential rescue.

Zhou You lightly stepped on the sand, not sinking until he deliberately withdrew his inner energy. Suddenly, both his legs were swallowed by the sand, leaving the spectators petrified. The thought crossed their minds that their leader might end up a widow.

Reacting swiftly, Miao Miao tossed out a whip, coiling it around Zhou You's waist. Despite her efforts, only a portion of him was pulled free. Others rushed to help, and together, they managed to extract him from the treacherous sands.

"Why was it so hard to pull him out?" They wiped sweat from their brows, finding it incomprehensible given their immense strength.

Remaining composed, Shao Qi glanced at Zhou You, then addressed the group, "Let's move. The lost truck was our main water supply. No need to elaborate on what we should be cautious about now. It'd be best if we find a water source along the way, or we'll have to endure thirst."

In the desert, water was vital. Although they'd stocked up before entering, half of their reserves were now buried with the truck. How would they cope?

As they continued, silence dominated. Speaking wasted saliva. Their daily water ration was now a small bottle. Cooking was out of the question. Even though grilled meat made them thirstier, they opted for nutrient liquids, a source of hydration filled with essential glucose and amino acids.

"I used to think that navigating an endless mountain range was the worst ordeal. But now, compared to this endless sea of sand, I yearn for the lush, dense forests," Miao Miao sighed, sipping her nutrient liquid as if it were a luxurious drink.

"How much longer until we reach our destination? Is everyone taking the same path? We haven't encountered any other humans," Zhou You remarked, puzzled by the journey's unexpected challenges.

Shao Qi sat nearby. With anyone else, he might have responded with just a glance, but with Zhou You, there was always much to discuss.

"You've seen the terrain here. The paths are buried under sand, rendering them non-existent. Any direction could lead us out, and we've been fortunate to avoid them so far. They might not want to waste time on the road since we only have three days left. We must reach Wine City by the third day."

"In other words, our battle in Wine City might be the most challenging yet. Given our current condition, performing at our best there will be tough. We need to find water quickly. Is there water in Wine City?"

"Wine City is a misnomer; it's more of a ruined city now. Tap water is out of the question, but we might find some groundwater. However, we likely don't have the time to search. We have two choices: hunt mutated creatures for their blood on the way, or commandeer drinking water from other teams."

"Commandeering is just a polite term for stealing. Zhou You thinks the latter is more convenient, considering the lack of large mutated creatures around. Relying on tiny lizards and scorpions, they might die of thirst. Besides, most creatures here are venomous."

The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other's choice. There was little left to discuss. When they encounter other teams, they'd act. Conflict was inevitable.

"Has the satellite reached Wine City?"

"There's a secret research base outside Wine City, its location even unknown to me. In two days, they'll transport the satellite to the launch base. The process will be escorted by the military. The number of foreign agents in China remains uncertain, and those dispatched are elite. The military might not be foolproof."

"Where did they come from? There are mountains to the south, deserts to the northwest, the eastern coast, and what about the north?"

"While connections between major countries are severed, we're not entirely isolated. It's nearly impossible for humans to survive the northern winters. The northwestern desert isn't as vast as you think. West of Wine City lies vast grasslands, hosting one of our nation's major bases. Judging by the climate, Central Asia, Africa, and America might be the most probable human habitats. Yet, based on population, none surpass ours. The world's greatest crisis is a population crisis."

"If we can overcome natural threats and these remaining countries collaborate, perhaps we can forge a new world. A smaller population has its merits. The Earth retaliated from the weight of our previous population. We must cherish the present."