Inside the dilapidated house where the madman had temporarily taken refuge, Zhang Li carefully examined the surroundings before standing up and concluding, "This wasn't just a simple pickup. Look here—you can see marks from someone repeatedly kicking their feet. These are the tracks of a body being dragged along the ground, and there are fabric scraps torn by the door. The madman was forcibly taken away. Three people entered the house, and judging by the footprints, they were all over 1.8 meters tall. Who could they be?"
Professor Fang Xin emerged holding a torn woolen blanket and a small pendant, looking rather pleased with himself. "It seems they left in a hurry and didn't realize the value of the items the madman was carrying."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba glanced at the dirty blanket and asked, "What is this?"
Fang Xin replied, "This is a tapestry woven using the *kesi* technique. I'm not sure what type of wool it is, but the craftsmanship suggests it's from the 13th-century Tibetan region. This pendant is a gilded *ghau* with a depiction of the Buddha's suffering inside. I believe these must have belonged to the madman. We can take them back and show them to your father."
The three returned to Zhuo Mu Qiangba's home, feeling rather dejected. On the way, Zhuo Mu Qiangba was lost in thought: "Who could have taken the madman? Was it Min Min? But why would she? No, it couldn't have been her."
As soon as they arrived home, Zhuo Mu Qiangba immediately began making phone calls to the Tianshi base's Tibet branch, instructing all employees to keep an eye out for a madman. While he couldn't go into detail, he still tried to provide as much information as possible. Meanwhile, Professor Fang Xin took the items he found to see Master Deren.
Master Deren was already very busy, needing to give blessings to pilgrims who had traveled far and recite Buddhist scriptures. Professor Fang Xin could only find a brief moment to ask Master Deren to appraise the items he had brought back. Shortly after, Professor Fang Xin came out, beaming with joy, and told Zhuo Mu Qiangba and the others, "It's been confirmed. This tapestry is from the Sakya Dynasty, depicting Hevajra with his consort. As for the material, Master Deren says he's never seen this kind of wool before. It's neither cow, horse, sheep, nor camel—quite rare. The *ghau* is modern and unique to the Gobba people. The small script on either side is by Shantideva[1]: 'All the suffering, fear, and pain in the world arise from grasping at the self; this demon is to be eradicated.' Inside, there's a depiction of the Buddha's torment in Naraka, being devoured by a thousand ghosts, and later, a mythical qilin passes through ninety-nine heavens to rescue the Buddha from the infernal pit. Master Deren says that this legend is unique to the Gobba people, with no records in any Buddhist scriptures. Your father mentioned he could do his best to help us find the Gobba people's territory."
"Ah!" Zhuo Mu Qiangba finally felt a surge of joy. He knew the weight of his father's words. With his father's influence, they would receive substantial material support, including resources they wouldn't otherwise have access to.
Zhang Li, standing nearby, remarked, "But your only lead has now vanished. How will you proceed?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba replied, "No, you don't understand. We have a general idea of where the Gobba people live, but no one has ever been there. Now, all clues point to the same place. The Tibetan mastiff we're looking for and the lost Buddhist scriptures are likely within the Gobba territory. We just need to gather enough equipment to set off!"
Fang Xin added, "Yes, we should act quickly. The madman's disappearance is a bad sign."
Zhang Li asked, "So, what kind of equipment do we need?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba replied, "A powerful off-road vehicle, full gear for climbing Everest, light and heavy weapons for each person, food, and an excellent guide."
Zhang Li inquired, "I understand the need for vehicles and climbing equipment, but why so many weapons?"
Professor Fang Xin explained, "We're not only crossing peaks above 7,000 meters but also traveling a path no one has taken before. Years ago, I explored with some friends, and we're likely heading into Tibet's last remaining virgin forest. No one knows what kinds of creatures might inhabit it, so sufficient weaponry is necessary to deal with large, aggressive animals like wild yaks."
Zhang Li said, "In that case, I'd better contact the regiment and see if we can get more support." He turned and headed into the living room.
As Zhang Li walked into the house, Professor Fang Xin, stroking his chin, mused, "Given that Master Deren has given his blessing, I think everything else will be easy to arrange. However, a skilled guide..."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba smiled.
Professor Fang Xin asked in surprise, "You already have someone in mind?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba nodded, then pointed to Laba, who was trimming the plants. This elderly servant, with his snow-white hair, looked somewhat bewildered. Zhuo Mu Qiangba began his introduction, "Uncle Laba here is our living map of Tibet. The sky may not show the trace of a bird's flight, but Uncle Laba can track an eagle from a thousand miles away. The sacredness of the Nyenchen Tanglha mountains cannot calm his fervent spirit, and the raging waters of the Yarlung Tsangpo River do not hinder his steps..."
Laba chuckled kindly at Zhuo Mu Qiangba, his deeply wrinkled face like the warm sun of spring. He replied modestly, "Young Master Qiangba, why are you attributing the story of Acho the Prince to me?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba laughed and said, "Uncle Laba, you truly deserve to be called Tibet's living map. Did you all know that Uncle Laba was once the most famous leader on the Ancient Tea Horse Road? Later, he served as a ground navigator for the Hump Route, surveyed the Tibet-Nepal border, and in the early 1990s, he led a team to establish a new route for climbing Namcha Barwa. He knows every gorge and mountain in Tibet like the back of his hand."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba's brief recounting left Professor Fang Xin with his mouth agape, forming a perfect "o" shape by the end. As he spoke, Professor Fang Xin grew more and more astonished and eventually approached Laba, gripping his hand tightly, unwilling to let go. Laba looked a bit embarrassed, but Professor Fang Xin said earnestly, "Old hero, please forgive my earlier disrespect."
Professor Fang Xin had visited Zhuo Mu Qiangba's home several times but always assumed Laba was just an ordinary old servant. Before Tibet's liberation, many servants in Tibet were serfs. After the liberation, some were given land to become self-sufficient, while others chose to stay with their former aristocratic masters. This was why Professor Fang Xin had never paid much attention to this wrinkled, calloused old servant. Only today, after hearing Zhuo Mu Qiangba's introduction, did he realize Laba had such remarkable achievements. The Ancient Tea Horse Road and the Hump Route were both famously treacherous paths; one was a caravan trade route, the other a death corridor in the sky—both equally dangerous. But what most surprised Professor Fang Xin was the pioneering route for Namcha Barwa.
Namcha Barwa is a sheer cliff beside the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the highest peak in Tibet at over 7,000 meters. The Tibetan name means "spear piercing the sky," indicating the peak's extreme climbing difficulty. And Laba, who was well into his seventies, would have been over fifty when he explored Namcha Barwa—a feat not achievable by an average person.
Laba was visibly flustered by the professor's excitement, and he quickly said, "Please don't say that, Professor Fang Xin. You are a wise person, just like Master Deren. I have great respect for you both. I'm just a man who roams the mountains. While my legs can still carry me, I like to walk more. If it weren't for the master saving me when I was eight, I'd probably have ended up feeding fish in the raging Nu River long ago, just like the rest of the caravan. The master saved me by buying my freedom from the Khampa chieftain with gold—" Recounting these old memories always stirred Laba's emotions deeply.
Professor Fang Xin nodded in understanding. "I see. That's very fortunate. With you as our guide, I feel much more at ease."
Laba was confused. "What? A guide?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba replied, "Uncle Laba, we want to go to the Gobba people's territory."
"What!" Laba dropped the flower shears from his hand. "Why... why would the young master suddenly want to go there? Does the master know?"
Professor Fang Xin answered, "Master Deren has already agreed."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba asked, "Have you been there, Uncle? Why are you so tense?" Then, as if a light bulb went off in his head, he said, "Oh right, Uncle Laba is our living map of Tibet. There's no place he hasn't been!"
Picking up the flower shears, Laba slowly shook his head.
"No, I can't hide it from you, Young Master. I know of the place, but I've never been there. The master has said that it's a land cursed by the gods. Dark clouds bring perpetual gloom, and evil spirits shroud the nights. Only souls who have lost their way are cast into that unreturnable hell. It is not a place for you to tread, Young Master."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba responded, "I remember what my father said, but this time, he has given his permission. Moreover, he has also taught us that Bhaisajyaguru entered hell, and with the six-sided mandala flowers, he dispelled the accumulated resentment of thousands of years. Avalokiteshvara, with a thousand hands and eyes, once used lotus teachings to save countless malevolent spirits. Even Shakyamuni forsook his mount to guard the forsaken souls wandering the banks of the Yellow Spring[2]." He knew Laba was a devout believer, and ordinary reasoning wouldn't sway him; he had to use his father's teachings to persuade Laba.
Laba continued to shake his head, "Why did the master agree? That is not a place for you, Young Master. Why did he agree?"
Professor Fang Xin explained, "The Gobba people might be guarding ancient Buddhist scriptures that have been lost since the destruction of Buddhism in Tibet over a thousand years ago. These ancient texts may now need to see the light of day. That's why Master Deren agreed to let us go."
Laba replied, "No, you don't understand. The environment there is beyond imagination."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba eagerly asked, "So you do know where it is, Uncle? Where is it exactly?"
Laba hesitated and muttered in Tibetan, "The master shouldn't have agreed. It's the dwelling place of demons." Then he suddenly raised his head and asked, "Young Master, Professor, do you know why the Sino-Indian border has never been properly demarcated?"
"Hmm?" Zhuo Mu Qiangba hesitated, while Professor Fang Xin responded, "It's a historical issue."
Laba rubbed the wrinkles on his face, seemingly struggling with his thoughts. He closed his eyes slightly and said, "That's just one aspect. The more important reason is that surveying that area is too difficult! After liberation, I joined a survey team to explore the area. It was a vast expanse of endless snow-capped mountains. Before you, there are always snow-capped peaks. No matter how long you walk, those peaks remain before your eyes. It's as if you're advancing, but they are also advancing. We set up camp at the foot of the mountains, forming teams of twelve as the optimal group size. The survey team sent out over thirty groups, but no team ever returned to base camp. They got lost in the snowstorms, and even if their bodies didn't decompose, their souls were trapped in the sacred peaks. Half of those lost were Tibetans trained for years to live at high altitudes. I was supposed to go with the thirteenth group, but a severe illness prevented me, which is why I'm still alive today. Young Master, please, don't go. It's not a place you can go."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba raised his head and looked at the distant snow-covered peaks, his determination unyielding. He simply asked, "Are you saying that the Gobba people's territory is there?"
Laba seemed to read the resolve in Zhuo Mu Qiangba's eyes and sighed, "Yes, Young Master. They are said to live in that area, but no one knows how they survive there. It's not a small area; within China alone, it covers several thousand square kilometers and includes Bhutan, India, and Nepal. If you are determined to go, you could go west from Yadong or head south from Dingjie or Gamba. We're closer to Dingjie here, but the road from Gamba is better. This is all I know about the general area. But some say the Gobba people have been seen further west, and their range might extend to Nyalam."
Professor Fang Xin's eyes widened in disbelief, and he gave a wry smile. "Uncle Laba, do you realize the search area you've outlined for us? You've just marked the highest peaks in the world for us to explore!"
Laba replied sternly, "Indeed, the entire mountain range might be the territory of the Gobba people. Young Master, you must think carefully about what you're about to face! The highest peaks, the coldest weather, thin air, difficult terrain for vehicles, weeks of walking without seeing any signs of human life, gale-force winds that can blow yaks away, and a single night's snow that can bury tents. It's a barrier that even snow eagles cannot fly over."
Hearing this, even Professor Fang Xin had to reconsider. He said numbly, "Yes, Zhuo Mu Qiangba, you have to think this through. This is different from all your previous adventures. We're going to a place that even the highland eagles can't cross. Climbing teams conquer a single peak, but we are challenging the entire Himalayas."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba nodded slightly. Professor Fang Xin continued to stare at him and said, "An average elevation of 6,300 meters, ten peaks over 8,000 meters, more than fifty peaks over 7,000 meters; an average daily temperature of minus 30 degrees Celsius, tens of thousands of square kilometers of uninhabited areas, gale-force winds in the mountain passes capable of rolling a person or even a small car across the ground; oxygen levels are less than 10%—that's less than fifty percent of the oxygen levels in the interior of China. Blizzards, avalanches, and crevasses—each one of these can be deadly. And yet, our goal is—"
"It can be found; I'm sure of it," Zhuo Mu Qiangba interrupted, turning his head with a confident smile. At that moment, his tall and powerful stature added weight to his words. He looked at Laba and pleaded, "Uncle, please guide us. This is something I have wanted to pursue all my life."
Laba gave him a tender look, stroking the head of the young master he had raised, but in the end, he still shook his head. "Young Master, I am old. I cannot accompany you to the great mountain. I will recite the Auspicious Sutra a hundred times daily, praying that the goddess Tseringma will guide you, and that the great Gesar King will vanquish all the demons on your path."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba became anxious. "But Uncle, without your guidance, how can we dare to enter the snowy mountains?"
Laba fell into deep thought, and for a moment, no one spoke. The air seemed frozen, and time passed slowly. Suddenly, Laba seemed to realize something, exclaiming, "Young Master! I can recommend someone!"
"Yes!" Just as Zhuo Mu Qiangba prepared to listen attentively, he noticed a pair of piercing eyes watching him. Those eyes were evil and insidious, like a venomous snake with its tongue flickering. They were also somewhat familiar as if he had seen them somewhere before. But when Zhuo Mu Qiangba turned his head to look, the person had already turned and entered the main hall, blending into the crowd of pilgrims. Everyone wore loose Tibetan robes and felt hats, making it impossible to tell who was who. Professor Fang Xin, eager for more information, quickly asked Laba, "Who is it? Has he been to that place?"
"Yes," Laba confirmed. "He is my younger brother. I think he might be familiar with that area. As far as I know, he's been there at least five times, and I think he has seen the Gobba people."
"Then please take us to see him, Uncle Laba," Zhuo Mu Qiangba urged.
Laba replied, "However, the master must agree to this as well before you can meet him." Laba looked troubled.
"Why?" the two asked in unison.
Laba hesitated, "Well, because... he is... in Zaki Prison."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba and Professor Fang Xin exchanged a glance. Both familiar with Tibet, they knew that Zaki Prison was Tibet's largest and most secure facility. Judging by Laba's expression, it was clear his younger brother wasn't working there but serving a sentence. Laba continued, "Whenever I go to see him, it's only because the master has made special arrangements. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to see Basang."
"Ah!" Zhuo Mu Qiangba wondered, "Is he a serious criminal?"
Laba explained, "Not very serious, but it seems he suffered some shock, which caused some mental issues... Last time I saw him, he seemed normal, but the medical staff told me he still suffers from episodes under certain conditions."
"A mental illness!" Zhuo Mu Qiangba and Professor Fang Xin immediately thought of Tang Ming's brother Tang Tao and the madman in Menghe. It seemed something terrifying must have happened in the Gobba territory, something that caused anyone who entered to lose their sanity.
Zhuo Mu Qiangba asked, "Did your brother ever tell you what happened that traumatized him so much?"
Laba replied, "No, he wouldn't. The doctors specifically warned me not to bring up the subject, as it could trigger an episode. They said that every time they think Basang is well and try to ask about it, he becomes aggressive. Two doctors nearly lost their lives. I just don't know if he has fully recovered now."
At this moment, Zhang Li returned, smiling from a distance and waving, "Hey, it's all sorted! Master Deren
's influence is strong indeed. We can use the regiment's Leopard vehicle, and as for weapons, we can choose from CQ7.62s to QCW05s, Type 54 pistols to DCV05s. If necessary, we can even bring a QJZ03 heavy machine gun."
Recalling the mysterious disappearance of the madman and the chilling gaze that had sent shivers down his spine, Zhuo Mu Qiangba said, "Then, there's no time to waste. I'll go speak to my father immediately. We need to prepare to set off as soon as possible."
Master Deren hung up the phone and calmly said, "The warden said at most three people could go in. You all need to decide among yourselves."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba looked around. Laba was the guide and had to go. He also needed to go himself, leaving Professor Fang Xin and Zhang Li... At this moment, Zhang Li said, "Then you two go ahead. I should prepare with the regiment."
"No," Laba interjected, "My younger brother... he once served in the army. If anything happens, ordinary people won't be able to handle him. Professor, do you think...?"
Professor Fang Xin nodded and said, "Alright, I'll stay here and see if I can find more clues from the items left by the madman."
Established in 1960, the Tibet Autonomous Region Prison, located in Zaki Village on the northern outskirts of Lhasa, is also known as Zaki Prison. It is the only prison in Tibet holding serious offenders, female prisoners, and those convicted of crimes against state security. In 1990, the Autonomous Region Prison officially opened to domestic and foreign visitors. Zhuo Mu Qiangba and his companions stood outside the large iron gates of the prison.
A guard named Chaxi was assigned to receive them. He knew Laba and, upon seeing him, immediately informed him, "After the initial diagnosis, they believe his illness is completely cured."
Laba shook Chaxi's hand and said, "Thank you, thank you very much."
"Please, follow me," Chaxi guided them deeper into the prison.
On the way, Zhang Li, who had roughly understood the situation, asked, "Uncle Laba, your brother can't be much younger than you, right? What exactly was he...?" Zhuo Mu Qiangba gave Zhang Li a sharp look.
Laba smiled to show he understood and explained, "No, my brother is almost thirty years younger than me. At that time, our parents didn't get along very well, and he moved away with our mother when he was ten. I only found out he was arrested when the prison notified me. For the details, I think Chaxi knows more than I do."
Walking ahead, Chaxi chimed in, "It's indeed a strange story. It was my first day on the job here when Basang arrived. He looked terrifying with his fierce demeanor, unshaven beard, and tattered clothes. We all thought he was a madman from somewhere, but his strength was extraordinary. After injuring seven or eight guards, we realized the severity of the situation. Eventually, all the prison guards were mobilized, and we even had to use a tranquilizer gun to subdue him. At that time, he was shouting something in another language, something that still sends chills down my spine. He kept saying, 'I need protection!'"
Chaxi turned to look at everyone, who appeared puzzled and confused. He continued, "Yes, despite being so formidable, he kept shouting desperately for protection. We had no idea what he had experienced. Initially, we didn't plan to detain him here, but he insisted he only felt safe in our prison and demanded to see a large number of armed guards around him to feel slightly secure. To serve his sentence here, he admitted to multiple poaching activities involving endangered Tibetan antelope, a crime we initially thought was just nonsense. But he revealed several locations with Tibetan antelope hides, and at those sites, we found over five hundred hides in total. That was a huge case!"
"Wow?" Zhang Li was surprised, "To seek the safety of a heavily guarded prison, he didn't hesitate to admit to crimes. His mind was clear!"
Chaxi nodded, "Indeed. He seemed perfectly normal when he wasn't having an episode, but he would suddenly become agitated and violent under certain stimuli, which made him dangerous. Several doctors tried to identify the trigger but failed. Now Dr. Luo Zhui says he's recovered, but who knows? No one dares to ask him questions to find out."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba and Zhang Li exchanged glances. Who exactly was Basang, Uncle Laba's brother?
One iron gate after another opened, and Chaxi said, "We're here. Basang is in this small room. To be safe, let's follow the procedure. Uncle Laba will go in first to see him, and then one of you can go in. The doctor said he's afraid of groups, so having too many people around is more dangerous."
Laba went in first. Zhuo Mu Qiangba observed the place. The doors were reinforced with metal plating, and the windows had bulletproof glass, apparently treated so that you could see inside from the outside, but not the other way around. Basang, with a shaved head that was slightly pointed, had a stubbled beard that extended from his upper lip down and outwards until it connected with his sideburns. He wasn't particularly tall, but he was well-built, with full muscles, exuding a sense of explosive power, especially his sharp eyes, bright as an eagle's. The two brothers embraced and then slowly began to talk.
After more than ten minutes, Laba came out and nodded to Zhuo Mu Qiangba, "You can go in. He says he's willing to share some things that interest you."
Before Zhuo Mu Qiangba could move, Zhang Li quickly interjected, "I'll go in first, Mr. Zhuoma. I have more experience in interrogating." Though his commander had told him that Zhuo Mu Qiangba wasn't an ordinary man, he still believed that a big boss, no matter how capable, couldn't surpass soldiers like them, who trained daily.
"Oh." Zhuo Mu Qiangba thought about it for a moment and said, "Alright. I want to know exactly what he saw."
Zhang Li entered the room and suddenly realized the space inside was smaller than it looked from the outside. The aggressive-looking Basang seemed within arm's reach. Basang first spoke in Tibetan, and when Zhang Li didn't respond immediately, he asked in Mandarin, "Who are you?" His head was slightly lowered, his eyes staring straight at Zhang Li.
Zhang Li forced a smile, trying to appear relaxed, "Relax, let's all relax, okay? I'm from the regiment of the Military District. My name is Zhang Li, and I'm here to—" Suddenly, he saw a fist coming towards him, rapidly growing in size, already almost at his face.
Zhang Li was quick to react. As a three-time champion of the Tibet Military District's Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) competition, with a national ranking of fifth, this time, however, he seemed a bit off his game. He barely dodged the straight punch with a side tilt, only to find Basang's left hook, charged with even more ferocity, already on its way. The punch was so fast that Zhang Li felt the wind before the punch itself, a speed rarely seen. Zhang Li had to lean back to avoid the blow, but his body lost balance. In his panic, he reached out with his right hand to grab Basang's left arm. To his surprise, Basang reacted even faster. His punch turned into a claw midway, grabbing Zhang Li's wrist first. With a push and a pull, he turned Zhang Li around, so his back faced him, locking both of Zhang Li's arms in an iron grip, lifting him off the ground with a slight exertion of force.
It was only at this moment that the people outside realized what was happening. Laba shouted, "Basang, put him down!" Meanwhile, Zhuo Mu Qiangba rushed into the room. Without even looking, Basang instinctively pushed the intruder away, intending to catch them off guard. Unexpectedly, he felt as if he had pushed against a wall. As he quickly turned his head and saw the tall, muscular man entering the room, it was too late to retract his push. Zhuo Mu Qiangba, combining his hands, first firmly grasped Basang's left hand. Then, with a turn, he pressed his entire body against Basang, forcing all three men to fall to the ground together. Using his absolute physical advantage, Zhuo Mu Qiangba pinned Basang, making him unable to move.
Zhuo Mu Qiangba trapped Basang's left hand with his arms, twisting one of Basang's legs with his feet as they lay back-to-back on the floor. Laba rushed in and asked loudly, "What are you doing, Basang?"
Basang released Zhang Li, struggling a bit, but he couldn't shake off Zhuo Mu Qiangba, who was pressing on his back. Zhang Li then countered, pinning down Basang's other hand. Chaxi was the last to enter the room. He glanced around at the scene inside and asked, "Do you need me to call for backup?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba, sensing that Basang had ceased resistance, smiled slightly and said, "No need, thank you." He got up, still maintaining control over Basang, and said, "We just wanted to have a good chat with Mr. Basang. It's just a bit cramped in here."
Chaxi nodded, turned around, and reminded them, "Be careful; he's very dangerous." He let out a
sigh of relief once outside, clicking his tongue. He had noticed that this burly man was not ordinary, but he hadn't expected him to be this formidable!
After a few more attempts to break free, Basang realized he couldn't escape the hold of Zhuo Mu Qiangba and Zhang Li, so he finally said, "You win."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba released his grip and asked, "It seems you had no malicious intent. Why did you suddenly attack Officer Zhang?"
Basang and Zhang Li each moved their arms, and Basang first pointed at Zhang Li, saying, "The grappling technique you used indicates you're from the regiment's special task force. Without a surprise attack, you'd be tough to beat." Then, addressing Zhuo Mu Qiangba, he said, "You used a wrestling technique. With skills like that, you must have won the Kubai competition. If I were dealing with you alone, I wouldn't be so sure of the outcome." Zhang Li felt embarrassed hearing this, realizing that he wasn't a match for Zhuo Mu Qiangba.
Laba interjected, "Basang, don't be rude. This is Young Master Qiangba, the one I often mentioned to you."
Basang became more respectful, giving Zhuo Mu Qiangba a thorough look and complimenting, "So, you're Young Master Qiangba. Truly, you have great strength. Thank you, thank your entire family, for taking care of my brother." Basang suddenly knelt and kowtowed several times, surprising Zhuo Mu Qiangba, who quickly helped him up. Basang expressed his gratitude repeatedly.
Zhang Li, curious about Basang's combat tactics, asked, "Which unit were you in? I've never seen your technique before."
Basang smiled and said, "Oh, you've definitely heard of it because I know you get briefed about us the day you arrive in Tibet." He rolled down his shoulder strap, revealing a blue spider tattoo on his left shoulder. Zhang Li exclaimed, "Blue Spider!"
On Basang's left shoulder, a blue spider tattoo stood out against his rugged muscles. Zhuo Mu Qiangba, not understanding, asked, "Blue Spider? What kind of unit is that?"
Zhang Li recited as if reading from a textbook, "The Nepalese Blue Spider Special Commando, known as a top commando unit, is on par with Germany's Red Scorpion Special Forces and the U.S. Navy SEALs. The Red Scorpion Special Forces dissolved after World War II, and you're all familiar with the Navy SEALs, known for their speed, efficiency, and reputation for accomplishing impossible missions. The Blue Spider Commando was established by the Nepalese government in 1977, modeled after the Red Scorpion Special Forces. They hired the most renowned military educators and special forces training experts to create a series of rigorous training methods for this unit, many of which became international standards. On their first day in the field, our border troops are required to understand this unit's characteristics. Other illegal entrants pose little threat, but this unit could potentially cause significant disruption to our border security. While large-scale actions are unlikely, we must prevent them from entering to steal border information or probe our defenses."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba said, "Ah, that can't be true. I think the Nepalese government wouldn't have such intentions."
Zhang Li responded, "Although China-Nepal relations are good, no one knows why Nepal formed such a unit. It's always good to be prepared. Why are you here?" His last question was directed at Basang.
Basang relaxed and replied, "Don't worry. There's no need to be so tense. We don't pose a threat to you. Let me tell you why I'm here. In the mid-1960s, the Red Revolution from the mainland swept across the globe, impacting all of China's neighboring countries. The Nepalese king feared that the revolution might overthrow him, so he decreed the formation of a top-notch elite commando unit. Its primary task was to ensure the safety of royal family members during travel. Modeled entirely after the Red Scorpion Special Forces, the Blue Spider members also tattooed blue spiders on their shoulders like the Red Scorpions. This is the origin of the Blue Spider. However, due to the late start and time needed for training, by the time the unit was ready, the Red Revolution had ended. Ordinary security forces sufficed for royal family safety, so the unit was disbanded within three years, becoming nothing more than a financial burden to both the military and the royal family."
Zhang Li righteously questioned, "Then why did you come to China? Why did you engage in poaching Tibetan antelope?"
Basang's eyes suddenly went blank, and Zhuo Mu Qiangba and Zhang Li's muscles tensed involuntarily. They were both prepared for a sudden attack from this dangerous individual. Laba stepped back as the tension in the room rose again. Basang clenched his teeth, making a grinding sound, seemingly exerting tremendous self-control. His muscles spasmed, his hands trembled, and even his forehead began to sweat. Zhuo Mu Qiangba and Zhang Li were no better, breaking out in cold sweats. Finally, Basang seemed to overcome something, his body going limp, and he calmly said, "Yes, what exactly did I come here for? You have to face it eventually; you can't escape. It was terrifying, like a nightmare."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba tentatively asked, "What exactly happened to you? Was it related to a dog?"
Basang's whole body shook, as if shivering. After a long pause, he recovered and clutched his head, saying, "No—not a dog, but what was it? Why can't I remember?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba felt puzzled, while Laba reassured him, "Don't rush, take your time. You'll remember eventually. Just start from the beginning and tell Young Master Qiangba everything in detail."
Basang slowly recalled, thinking, "From the beginning?—From the day the Blue Spider was formed, it never served a single day of purpose. Equipped well and costing a lot, the Blue Spider, aside from its name, became a burden to both the military and the royal family; also, as this officer said, the Blue Spider only posed political problems for Nepal. Within three years, this unit, hailed as Nepal's strongest and most elite in history, was forced to disband." At this point, Basang closed his eyes.
Zhuo Mu Qiangba frowned, thinking, "How long will it take for him to get to the point I want to hear?" Zhang Li nodded silently, pondering that he had never heard much about this unit, and assumed it must have been a well-kept secret. He hadn't realized...
Basang continued, "Since this unit only guarded the safety of royal family members and was never used, it didn't involve any state secrets, so we weren't eliminated or monitored. We were simply dismissed like trash. All members sought their own paths, and I took on various jobs, but life and fate were against me; I remained unsuccessful. Then, an old comrade approached me, telling me about a lucrative opportunity."
Zhang Li abruptly stood up, saying, "That opportunity was poaching Tibetan antelope, wasn't it?"
Basang chuckled bitterly, "Yes. Who would have thought the once-famed Blue Spider unit would fall to poaching? We chose the most dangerous but also the safest route. We started north from Tumlingtar, crossing the West Ridge of Pungpa Peak and the Yarlung Tsangpo River, making our way to the lower part of the Changtang Nature Reserve. Then we would either head west or detour north. Every summer was our hunting season. We didn't go to Hoh Xil because the patrols there were quite formidable. They increased their posts, making it a difficult journey with poor weather. We only needed to camp along the migration path of the Tibetan antelope, usually yielding about ten each time. We made four or five trips, but the harvest wasn't great, with the most successful outing yielding just over sixty. Then, we decided to—" Basang's mouth twitched, and he repeated, "We changed our route!"
Basang clenched his fists, breathing deeply, as if trying to remain calm, but it seemed he was becoming more tense. In a hurried, slightly trembling voice, he said, "It was pure coincidence, or perhaps our karma—an invisible hand leading us to our doom. We got lost in the Westerlies, wandering in a snowstorm for fifteen days, not even knowing where we were. We only knew we were still in the vast Himalayas, seemingly never able to escape. Three members froze to death, two were snow-blind, and those of us still alive were at our limits. While descending an unnamed peak, a team member slipped and slid down the snow slope. Who knows how long he fell? He eventually radioed us, saying we should all come down; he had found paradise!"
Basang finished in one breath, panting heavily. Laba handed him water, which he gulped down like a man who had just escaped the desert. One glass wasn't enough, and Laba refilled it for him. It wasn't until his fourth glass that Basang displayed a twisted expression—a grimace, not a smile. It was as if his facial muscles were pulling his mouth wide apart while his eyes were filled with a cruel terror. Chaxi, observing from outside, saw this and knew the doctor needed to be called any moment. Basang's endurance had reached its limit.
"Paradise! Ha, ha, a real paradise!" Basang's voice was hoarse, his gaze frantic as he scanned each person in the room. "How that strange ghostly place came to be, I don't know. But the depth of the depression was unimaginable; we descended at least two thousand meters in elevation. The first descent was difficult, and about half the team got lost. But when we reached the bottom, we found—" Basang's gaze shifted, "no more endless snow, but towering trees, green grass, and an endless forest. The first glimpse was truly like paradise! But my sixteen teammates, the elite of the elite, all perished in that paradise."
Zhang Li's face changed, as did Zhuo Mu Qiangba's. It was no small feat to eliminate an elite special operations team of over ten people. It would require a significant investment of manpower and resources, but they were all wiped out in a place that appeared to be a paradise. What kind of place was it?
"Descending from the snowy peak was easy, but climbing back up was like ascending to the heavens. That seemingly beautiful paradise was, in reality, a hell, a true hell." Basang scrutinized Zhuo Mu Qiangba and Zhang Li as if assessing criminals, his gaze shifting back and forth. "Have you ever seen mosquitoes as big as hornets? One bite can swell up an entire arm! Have you ever seen man-eating plants? Palm-sized spiders hide under their leaves, ready to join the feast once someone is caught. Have you ever seen tree roots that strangle people and hang them in mid-air at night? Have you ever encountered leeches lurking in the marshes, making you look like you're covered in sausages when pulled out?"
Basang's words made both men feel a strange mix of chills and heat, an indescribable sensation. He raised his voice again, "Scary, huh? No! None of that frightened us! We overcame it. We passed through the forest and saw vast grasslands stretching to the horizon, seemingly merging with the snowy peaks. We also discovered herds of Tibetan antelope. I believe that was a lost world. I had never seen so many Tibetan antelopes. They weren't afraid of people at all, as if they had never encountered humans before. At the time, we were ecstatic, like gold falling from the sky. We even skinned their kind right in front of them, and they showed no signs of panic. Just like that, we kept killing and skinning, until our hands grew numb and our tools were filled. Still, we were not satisfied. We decided to first transport the antelope hides out and then return."
With a grim smile, Basang seemed to reminisce about the harvest scene. "We had planned to wait for the antelope shearing season and not sell the hides right away. We decided to go back. One of the experts who specialized in describing military maps memorized the geographical coordinates. We stored the first batch of spoils, nearly six hundred Tibetan antelope hides, securely within China. That was the stash I later revealed to the police. On our second attempt, we approached from the north, starting from Zhongga and heading south, crossing the snowy mountains. The deathtrap paradise was still there, lying quietly like a slumbering golden beauty, waiting for us."
At this point, Basang's voice suddenly lowered, his head drooping, "This time, we encountered someone else. He was dressed oddly and warned us in the local dialect, but we didn't listen. Our minds were full of antelope and gold. Tibetan antelope was as valuable as gold! To keep our movements secret, we killed him. We killed him! A unit once dedicated to protecting VIPs made its first kill against an unarmed Tibetan! When we reentered that forest of death, we—" Basang suddenly froze, his whole body like he was struck by lightning. His eyes went blank, darting back and forth, his brow furrowing tighter and tighter, his expression growing more pained. Once more, he clutched his head and howled like a wolf.
Zhang Li and Zhuo Mu Qiangba, both highly alert, saw the change in Basang's demeanor and immediately stood up, flanking him on either side to prevent any sudden attacks. Laba gently patted Basang's back, trying to comfort him. Basang, holding his head up to the sky, screamed, "Why! Didn't the doctor say I was cured? Why can't I remember? Why!"
Laba looked helplessly at Zhuo Mu Qiangba, as if to say he hadn't expected this either. But Zhuo Mu Qiangba had caught on to something. He calmed Basang down and asked in detail about the person they had killed. Surprisingly, Basang remembered the incident very clearly. After questioning Basang, Zhuo Mu Qiangba left the room without saying a word and asked Chaxi to call the doctor treating Basang. After hearing the situation, Dr. Luo Zhui calmly explained, "This is actually proof of his recovery. When the brain experiences an event too traumatic to process, it blocks out the memory, not forgetting it, but hiding it deep within. If he hadn't forgotten what happened, whatever caused his intense fear would continually stimulate his nerves, driving him mad. As for the description of the deceased, I think it's real because humans are inherently good. The first person one kills, or sees killed, leaves the deepest impression."
On the way out of the prison, Zhuo Mu Qiangba remained silent, his head slightly lowered. No one knew what he was thinking. In the car, he kept staring at the floorboard, making Laba nervous. He felt uneasy, as he had recommended the person to the young master, but now it seemed that Basang wouldn't be of much help. Laba asked, "Young Master, about Basang..."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba, still looking down, surprisingly smiled. He raised his head, as if he had made a significant decision, and put his arm around Laba's shoulder, saying, "Uncle, I've decided. I will find a way to get Basang out of prison. He will be our best guide."
"What!" Laba and Zhang Li were shocked. Zhuo Mu Qiangba, full of confidence, said, "Remember when he talked about the person they killed? I asked him in detail about the man's clothing, and without a doubt, it matches the Gobba people's attire my father described to me. And given the region they were in, it's even more likely they accidentally entered the Gobba territory. As for what happened exactly, I've already asked the doctor. If he returns to that place, he'll slowly remember."
Zhang Li felt a chill and warned, "But, Young Master Qiangba, you need to be clear: they were an elite special forces unit, and now, it seems only Basang survived, and he went mad! What kind of place is that? What happened there is beyond my imagination. If we go, just the few of us—"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba smiled slightly and said, "If you link all the events we've experienced, it seems to explain everything. The Gobba people's territory might guard long-lost Buddhist scriptures, and there could be the legendary mystical beast, the Purple Qilin, there. Basang's poaching team mistakenly entered the Gobba territory and killed a Gobba member, triggering the Gobba people's wrath. The two groups fought fiercely, and ultimately, both the modern-armed Blue Spider unit and the numerous Gobba people met the same fate—near extinction! Tang Tao, an adventurer, also entered the Gobba territory then. While filming a large canine, he accidentally witnessed the fierce fight between the two groups. Judging by the stand-off, it must have been extremely brutal and bloody. Thus, the madman is the only Gobba survivor, Basang is the only survivor from the Blue Spider unit, and Tang Tao was an observer. That's how all three went mad. So, when we go, aside from dealing with the forest's flora and fauna, there shouldn't be much more danger."
Zhang Li didn't argue, but he thought, "Young Master Qiangba, your theory is a bit of a stretch. First, the timelines don't match. Basang has been in prison for over ten years, while Tang Tao only recently went mad; the madman is even less likely, as if his timeline matches Basang's, he would have been only four or five years old back then, and if the Gobba people were all dead then, he wouldn't even speak today, right? Moreover, they either spoke incoherently or had amnesia. According to your translation of the madman's words, his tribesmen were all bitten to death! Could it be that both groups used their mouths to—" Zhang Li shuddered at the thought and couldn't imagine further. He reconsidered, "Looking at what each of them feared, Tang Tao feared darkness, the madman feared dogs, and Basang feared crowds. Darkness, crowds, dogs, biting to death! Could it be—" Zhang Li seemed to grasp something, feeling chills run down his spine, his hands trembling as he drove!
Seeing himself getting closer to his goal, Zhuo Mu Qiangba was in high spirits. He said to Zhang Li, "Since we're here, let's go to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Hotel for some Sichuan cuisine. Or we could go to Lhasa Hotel; the environment there is quite nice. Then, I want to visit our company's breeding base in Lhasa. Uncle Laba, you can go to Barkhor Street to buy some items to bring back."
The Lhasa Hotel is the first four-star foreign-related hotel in Tibet, located just a ten-minute drive from the Potala Palace in the center of the Holy City. The three chose a window seat in the restaurant on the second floor, where they could see the fountain in front of the hotel.
As soon as they sat down, Zhang Li exclaimed, "Ah!" and stood up with a delighted expression. Zhuo Mu Qiangba turned his head and asked, "What is it?"
"A Hummer H1 Alpha! The AMG Company's original military off-road vehicle from the United States, four-wheel drive, front-mounted V-8 supercharged diesel engine with electronic fuel injection, DOHC dual overhead camshaft, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 19.5 seconds. The words used to describe it are unique, original, and the best off-road vehicle in the world," Zhang Li finally praised. "This is a man's car, powerful and full of bloodlust. War has bestowed Hummer with supreme honor, and the rolling flames have forged its steel bones. I dream of owning one myself."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba also saw it. The strong, commanding presence and agile performance indeed made it an imposing vehicle. But he was more focused on the license plate—"Embassy 224-009." He knew it was an embassy car from a certain country, but why was it parked here? Was it picking up some important person to visit the Potala Palace? "Ah! What's going on?" That strange sensation hit Zhuo Mu Qiangba again, like a slippery eel slithering up his back, a giant rotten sea star stuck to his face, or the screeching sound of cat claws on a steel plate, causing every hair on his body to stand on end. Just like at home, the same bone-chilling gaze—the sinister gaze convinced Zhuo Mu Qiangba that it was the same person from before!
Struggling, Zhuo Mu Qiangba turned his head to see a tall figure sitting three tables away from them. The person had his back to them and, judging by the straight line of sight, was likely slightly taller than himself. Dressed in an oil-slick leather military trench coat, left unbuttoned and draped over the shoulders like a cape, wearing a red beret. His golden hair and sun-baked skin led Zhuo Mu Qiangba to identify him as a foreigner. He decided to approach this person.
However, just as Zhuo Mu Qiangba stood up, the person who had his back to him immediately rose as well. With broad shoulders and a robust frame, he resembled a standing Vajra statue, even making Zhuo Mu Qiangba think to himself, "What a formidable man!" That overpowering figure made Zhuo Mu Qiangba think of the Hummer parked outside.
As the man stood, the two bodyguards in black suits beside him also stood up, protecting the man as they headed for the door. The man walked with heavy steps, each one echoing loudly on the floor. Zhuo Mu Qiangba noticed that the man's high-laced military boots had steel plates embedded in the soles. Annoyed, Zhuo Mu Qiangba sat back down, only to notice that the waiter had just delivered the dishes they ordered to their table and was looking around in confusion. It dawned on Zhuo Mu Qiangba that those three had just arrived and hadn't even eaten. They left just because he stood up, indicating that the man was very vigilant and had been observing him the whole time. But that familiar back and eyes—where had he seen that man before? Zhuo Mu Qiangba couldn't remember.
Zhang Li continued to rave about the Hummer, while Laba noticed Zhuo Mu Qiangba's stand-and-sit act and asked curiously, "Young Master Qiangba, what's going on?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba replied, "Oh, nothing. Ah, here comes the food! Try this, top-quality yak steak!"
Zhang Li exclaimed, "Look, the owner of the car is here! So cool!"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba looked up, and his mind shouted, "It's really him!" The tall, blond foreigner, wearing the Swiss army winter camouflage underneath the leather coat, with the snow-white military coat contrasting sharply with the black leather, perfectly outlined his panther-like physique. The epaulets on his shoulders gleamed in the sunlight.
The slightly raised nose was covered with aviator sunglasses, his whole face like a stone on Namcha Barwa—cold, hard, eroded by millennia of winds, frozen by eons of snow. The man glanced at Zhuo Mu Qiangba as if unintentionally, then climbed into the Hummer and drove away himself, the sound of the engine's turbo indicating its powerful horsepower.
Zhuo Mu Qiangba grew even more puzzled. Such a distinctive person—if he had seen him before, how could he not remember? But that back, those eyes—they did provoke his brain with a jarring sensation, a stinging pain.
The ringtone of his mobile phone pulled Zhuo Mu Qiangba back from his memory search to the restaurant. Zhuo Mu Qiangba picked up the phone and said, "Hello, Professor? Ah, you're also in Lhasa? Why didn't you come with us? Okay. We're at the Lhasa Hotel. Alright, alright."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba said, "Professor Fang Xin is also here, but it seems he has other business."
Zhang Li asked, "Should we go pick him up now?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba said, "No need; he said he's already eaten. He's at the Jokhang Temple now. We'll find him after lunch, then head back together. Uncle Laba, going to Barkhor Street is on the way anyway."
The three drove to Barkhor Street, a place most visitors to Lhasa stop to buy some trinkets. Barkhor Street was bustling, lined with shops and filled with streams of pilgrims. The street was lined with various ethnic handicrafts, such as prayer wheels, Tibetan incense, Tibetan knives, rings, earrings, bracelets, and traditional clothing. There were pilgrims from the northern Tibetan pastoral areas wearing white robes, Khampa warriors with their hair in heroic knots, and residents of Barkhor Street in bright clothing. In short, all kinds of devotees were turning their prayer wheels and walking around the Jokhang Temple without stopping. Zhang Li drove slowly to allow old Laba to see the roadside shops and choose what he wanted to buy to take back home. Turning the corner onto the pilgrimage path near the Great Dharma King's Palace, Zhuo Mu Qiangba suddenly lightly tapped Zhang Li and said, "Stop the car! Stop!"
Zhang Li pulled over, about to ask what Zhuo Mu Qiangba had seen, but noticed Zhuo Mu Qiangba staring straight ahead, seemingly lost in thought. Even opening the car door seemed beyond him, so Zhang Li had to open it for him. Zhuo Mu Qiangba, eyes fixed and unblinking, got out of the car and walked forward in a daze. Zhang Li followed his gaze and saw a young girl of about seventeen or eighteen, wearing a light yellow ski hat, a white down jacket, and red high-heeled shoes, with light yellow furry gloves on her hands. Her small face was rosy, and her big eyes were dark and bright, like a swan by a winter lake, a spotless ice crystal sculpture.
When Zhuo Mu Qiangba was about ten meters from the girl, she noticed him. The girl showed the same expression as Zhuo Mu Qiangba—astonishment, joy, and sadness. Zhang Li felt something was off. "Min Min, you... you're here!" Thousands of words were stuck in Zhuo Mu Qiangba's chest, but he only managed to stammer out this question. The person who had been on his mind and in his dreams, making him wander between pain and happiness, suddenly appeared before him, leaving him at a loss for words. He just wanted to hold her tightly and melt her in his arms. Tang Min, the girl of Zhuo Mu Qiangba's dreams.
"Yes, I'm here," Tang Min softly replied, tears welling up in her eyes, as if they were estranged lovers reunited after lifetimes of separation. In reality, they had only been apart for less than a week. They embraced tightly, as if they would never let any force in the world separate them again.
Zhang Li, still in the car, was bewildered. "Is that necessary? Why are they so emotional? Could she be his daughter?"
With his face pressed against Tang Min's, Zhuo Mu Qiangba gently rubbed against her, kissing her forehead. His suppressed emotions erupted at that moment as they clung to each other. "You're so silly. Didn't I tell you not to come? When did you arrive? Where have you been staying these days?" His reproach was filled with concern. Tang Min responded with a line of poetry, "If Heaven sees us, it will not let us part; if Aphrodite sees us, she will make us reunite on earth."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba lovingly cupped Tang Min's face, kissing her repeatedly. He then buried her head in his chest, muttering, "Have you been in Lhasa all this time? Have you been well? Haven't you caught a cold? Did you have any altitude sickness? Could you adapt to the food? How... how is your brother doing?"
Zhang Li thought, "It seems Young Master Qiangba loves his daughter very much."
Laba also thought, "Strange, I don't remember the young master mentioning he had a daughter. Could it be that I'm really getting old and forgetful?"
Tang Min clung tightly to Zhuo Mu Qiangba's chest, sniffling, "Yes. Yes, yes. Yes, yes, yes." Like a little cat that had been terribly wronged. It took a long time for her to string together a complete sentence. "My brother's condition hasn't improved, so I hired professional caregivers."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba asked, "Then why didn't you take good care of your brother?"
Tang Min started crying again, replying, "It's all because of you. You... you big bad guy. Your phone was unreachable; I was almost going crazy!"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba comforted her, "I told you, didn't I? There's no signal where we are. Alright, look at you. You've lost weight. Look at you, crying like the landlord's wife in 'Afan-Ti'."
Tang Min laughed through her tears, "Then you're that fat landlord, Bayi Laoye."
The two exchanged sweet nothings, forgetting where they were. By the time Zhuo Mu Qiangba remembered to pick up Professor Fang Xin, Zhang Li felt the car's tires were almost flat from waiting. Zhuo Mu Qiangba, with an apologetic smile, said, "Sorry to keep you waiting. Ah, Uncle Laba, you can go ahead and buy what the family needs, like Kangzhu Tibetan incense or divine candles."
Laba, stroking his beard, said, "Hmm, it seems the young master didn't hear me earlier. I already told him I was going to buy things, but he didn't respond. Look, everything is already loaded in the car."
"Ha, ha. Really?" Zhuo Mu Qiangba chuckled awkwardly, "Sorry, sorry, I was a bit distracted. Here, let me introduce you. This is Miss Tang Min, she is... she is..."
Tang Min was displeased, pouting, "I'm his girlfriend."
"What!" Zhang Li's eyes widened, nearly popping out, and Laba's mouth dropped open, his false teeth almost falling out. Zhuo Mu Qiangba helped Tang Min into the car and followed, saying, "Uh, I'll explain this to you later. For now, let's drive to Professor Fang Xin; he must be getting impatient."
When they picked up Professor Fang Xin, they saw his feet surrounded by a pile of cigarette butts, indicating his current mood. Zhuo Mu Qiangba didn't know how to apologize, so he briefly introduced Tang Min and then stood in silence.
Professor Fang Xin, with a cold glance, scrutinized Tang Min and then calmly said, "So you're Tang Min? I've heard Qiangba mention you."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba thought, "Oh no, the professor seems to be blaming Min Min for the delay."
Professor Fang Xin gave a polite handshake to Tang Min, smiled slightly with formality, and then said, "Let's get in the car. It's getting late, and it will be hard to make it back to Guwei."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba agreed, "Yes, yes. Let's get in the car. By the way, Professor, why didn't you come to Lhasa with us?"
Professor Fang Xin replied, "I hadn't planned on coming, but then I remembered I have a friend who is well-versed in Tibetan artifacts, so I wanted to show him the two items. Since all EMS shipments start from Lhasa, I came straight here."
"Oh," Zhuo Mu Qiangba said, "Did you send the two items out?"
Professor Fang Xin replied, "Yes, if he's home, it won't be long before we get a response. By the way, how did your search go today?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba recounted what had happened in the prison, and Professor Fang Xin nodded, "So it seems the Gobba people's activity range is indeed within the Himalayas. Our search area has shrunk a bit. Once Basang is out of prison, we can set off."
Laba shook his head, "Basang was sentenced to fourteen years. He still has several years left."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba patted Laba's shoulder and said confidently, "There's a way." He had plenty of money; that was never a problem. His purebred Tibetan mastiffs were either wild-caught or gifts from people who respected his father, costing him virtually nothing. Each pup sold for at least tens of thousands, a truly profitable business.
Professor Fang Xin's expression changed slightly, saying, "However, Qiangba, I have to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"How do you plan to deal with Tang Min?" Professor Fang Xin asked seriously.
Zhuo Mu Qiangba looked troubled, scratching his head, "Min Min... she, she... she insists on going—"
"No way!" Professor Fang Xin sternly interrupted, "After hearing Basang's account, I think you know what that place is like. It's not a place for a girl. Even for us, it's life or death, unknown territory. Tang Min isn't like her brother Tang Tao. You can tell from her physique; she lacks any outdoor survival experience. Just surviving here on the Tibetan plateau is hard enough, let alone climbing snowy peaks. I could tell from your eyes earlier that you were thinking of taking her. Have you thought about what to do if she falls ill or has altitude sickness? How would you get her to a hospital in that environment, or get help? Can you treat her? That would be sending her to her death!"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba had never seen Professor Fang Xin speak so harshly before and was momentarily speechless. The professor had a point. But every time he thought of Tang Min's eyes, he couldn't find a reason to dissuade her. Laba suggested, "The professor is right. Why not let Miss Tang Min rest at home? It could help improve the relationship between her and the madam, and you could be at ease."
Professor Fang Xin stared at Zhuo Mu Qiangba and said, "If you find it hard to tell her, I can do it for you."
"No need." A crisp voice came from inside. Tang Min, wrapped in Zhuo Mu Qiangba's mink coat, came out looking like a porcelain doll. Her lips pouted high as she said, "I heard everything."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba gestured for Tang Min to go back inside, but she pretended not to see and said to Professor Fang Xin, "You're right; my body is weaker. I can't carry heavy loads or walk fast, but you seem to have overlooked something important."
Professor Fang Xin turned to her and asked, "What's that?"
Tang Min bit her lower lip, widened her eyes mischievously, and said, "You forgot that you are also over sixty years old."
"Ah! You!" Professor Fang Xin hadn't expected Tang Min to counter with this.
Tang Min continued confidently, "Although the professor is still in good health, age takes its toll. The body can't keep up forever, and I'm still young. I can undergo various tests and train in harsh conditions. If a bird never spreads its wings because it can't fly, it will never fly in its life. It's only when it opens its wings that we know if it's an eagle or a swan. But older people are different. With age comes a risk of osteoporosis; they can't bear weight. All organs may suffer from atherosclerosis, reducing blood supply, so elderly people can't do heavy manual labor or walk long distances, let alone climb mountains at high altitudes."
"You—" Professor Fang Xin's tone changed, and Zhuo Mu Qiangba raised his voice, "Min Min! Watch your tone!" He secretly signaled for Tang Min to stop talking and go back inside.
Professor Fang Xin quickly regained his composure, chuckled, and said, "I have entered Tibet seven times, joined the Everest scientific expedition three times, run ten kilometers every morning, carried a twenty-kilogram load up and down eight floors, and bathed in cold water year-round, even in the coldest weather. Little girl, if you can do any of those things, I'll consider you qualified to go climbing with us."
Tang Min turned away from Professor Fang Xin, saying, "Anyway, I believe as long as the professor qualifies, so do I. Besides, I've studied at a medical school, so at the very least, I can provide medical help."
Professor Fang Xin pondered for a moment, then said, "Where we're going, it's not just the harsh environment. There might be unknown creatures there. Three people, including your brother, have gone mad, showing that whatever is there is terrifying. Aren't you scared?"
Tang Min replied crisply, "I'm not afraid!" She raised her head to meet Professor Fang Xin's gaze with a determined stance. She said firmly, "I want to see what it is that made my brother... that made my brother like this." Her voice choked as she spoke.
Professor Fang Xin found himself at a loss against this young girl who could be both tough and tender. Zhuo Mu Qiangba, having witnessed Tang Min's mischievousness before, knew she was a spoiled princess. Zhang Li, standing in the back, remarked, "Stop arguing. You both make good points. If we go by qualifications, probably none of us here would meet the criteria."
Everyone turned toward the door to see Zhang Li with a bitter smile coming out from the back room, the same expression that Zhuo Mu Qiangba had when he left Master Deren's room.
Zhuo Mu Qiangba asked, "What's wrong? Why the face?"
Zhang Li replied with a wry smile, "I just contacted the regiment and informed our commander about what we learned from Basang."
Zhang Li shrugged, looking helpless, and Professor Fang Xin asked eagerly, "What did your commander say?"
Zhang Li replied, "The commander said, given the special circumstances, they're not considering supporting our expedition into the mountains."
"Ah!" Zhuo Mu Qiangba and Professor Fang Xin exclaimed. Without military support, they would lose access to all specialized supplies, including weapons, military communication channels, satellite positioning, and all military-grade equipment, from armored vehicles down to daggers.
Zhang Li added, "But our commander said he would first consult with Master Deren."
Only then did Zhuo Mu Qiangba let out a sigh of relief because even a military dagger was vastly superior to what was available on the market, let alone other equipment. Only Tang Min pouted, saying, "Hmph, what's the big deal? If they don't support us, then they don't. My brother never used any military stuff."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba explained, "Most of the supplies sold on the market are just for show. For practical use, military-grade supplies are far superior."
Professor Fang Xin shook his head, saying, "Your brother never used military supplies? He only used fewer Chinese military supplies. He sourced equipment from around the world. Any of his gear wasn't bought in the regular market but from the black market. Not only did he use military supplies, but he also gathered the best of them worldwide. You lack basic knowledge, yet you want to join us. Sigh..."
Hearing this, Tang Min pouted even more, stamping her foot and saying, "I... I wasn't planning to go, but since the professor said this, I'm determined to go. Hmph, let me tell you, I originally came to share a path to that place; otherwise, why would I come all this way?"