Zhuo Mu Qiangba had a favorable impression of Yue Yang, and the four of them soon sat down to eat together, quickly becoming familiar with each other. Zhang Li said, "The moves you used to subdue that man earlier—you're in the military, right?"
Yue Yang smiled slightly and replied, "Yes, I'm with the Qinghai Provincial Armed Police Corps. I'm heading to Lhasa on a special mission."
Zhang Li nodded and didn't ask further, knowing the rules about not prying into military affairs. Yue Yang asked, "Zhang Da-ge[1], you're also in the military, right? Are you stationed in Lhasa?"
Zhang Li was taken aback and asked, "How did you figure that out?"
Yue Yang, somewhat shyly, smiled and explained, "The calluses on your hands come from years of shooting practice. Your posture is straighter than most people's, and your steps are precise, with almost identical stride lengths. That's the result of long-term drilling. It's clear you're well-adjusted to the plateau environment, and you recognized the grappling technique I used, so I figured you must be with a unit on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau."
Zhang Li was secretly impressed. This kid's reconnaissance skills were even sharper than his own. He pointed to Zhuo Mu Qiangba and asked, "What do you think he does?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba hadn't expected Zhang Li to suddenly test Yue Yang, but he smiled slightly. Tang Min watched with great interest. After a moment of thought, Yue Yang said, "This gentleman is in excellent physical condition—very strong. Although he's been inland for a while, he still has obvious characteristics of a Tibetan. If not for this lady, I would have guessed he was a retired special forces soldier."
Tang Min's face turned red as she thought, "Lady? I'm much younger than you."
Zhang Li looked at Tang Min and asked, "Why did you change your mind after seeing her?"
Yue Yang replied, "This lady's silver fox fur coat is very exquisite and well-made, with an elegant style. These are things that nouveau riche wouldn't appreciate, so she must come from a long-standing wealthy background. A retired soldier couldn't accumulate such wealth in a short time. And the gentleman's eyes are sharp, as if always ready for a challenge, which makes me think he might be a businessman—a big businessman."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba grinned, and Tang Min bit her lip, listening attentively.
Zhang Li was puzzled, "Wait, hold on. How can you be sure that this coat isn't something the lady bought for herself? Maybe her family is wealthy and it has nothing to do with him?"
Yue Yang chuckled, "This lady cherishes her fur coat very much. When eating, she's careful not to let any food fall on it. Before standing up, she dusts off her coat, and when sitting down, she carefully smooths out the back to avoid wrinkling it. From what I know, only a gift from a loved one would receive such treatment." Without waiting for Zhang Li to question further, Yue Yang playfully added, "Zhang Da-ge, you weren't going to ask me how I knew about the relationship between the gentleman and the lady, were you? Anyone with a keen eye can see that."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba laughed, "You have quite the keen observational skills. Were you a reconnaissance soldier in the army?"
Yue Yang chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head. Zhang Li explained, "There are many things in the military that can't be casually disclosed."
As Zhuo Mu Qiangba and the young soldier named Yue Yang continued talking, they found they got along well, discussing various topics. Naturally, their conversation turned to the recent trip to Kekexili. When Zhang Li noticed Zhuo Mu Qiangba, usually reserved, vividly describing the dangers they had faced in the ice cave, Yue Yang was so captivated he forgot to eat, listening intently. Yue Yang also shared some knowledge about the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. From Golmud to Lhasa, there are 45 stations along the way, including 38 unattended stations and 10 with observation platforms. Unfortunately, they weren't so lucky this time; otherwise, most trains departing from Golmud run during the day, making it a visual feast for first-time travelers along the Qinghai-Tibet route, passing by Yuzhu Peak, the vast Kekexili no-man's land, the Tanggula Pass, and the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains...
After the meal, Zhang Li casually invited Yue Yang to move from his hard seat to his soft sleeper compartment. The four of them played cards for a while. Although Zhuo Mu Qiangba wasn't very skilled, he happily joined in the game late into the night.
Due to weather conditions, the train slowed down, taking a full eighteen hours to reach Lhasa. Zhang Li remarked regretfully, "It's a pity we have to part ways now. I hope we'll have a chance to meet again."
The four of them bid each other farewell reluctantly. All three of them were curious about the special mission that brought this sunny young man to Lhasa, but they didn't ask in the end. As they left the station, Uncle Laba was already waiting. Seeing Zhuo Mu Qiangba and the others, he hurried over, muttering, "Oh my, young master, where have you been all these days? We couldn't get in touch with you; we were so worried. As soon as we got the notice from Lhasa, I came right away. How was it? Did you make a big discovery on this trip to Kekexili?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba smiled, "You could say we didn't find anything, but you could also say we found quite a bit. Let's talk in the car. By the way, where's Professor Fang Xin?"
Laba opened the car door and replied, "The professor is taking care of some things. He asked us to wait for him in Lhasa. You must be hungry; let's go eat and talk on the way. Young master, what exactly happened in Kekexili? Finding that notebook shouldn't have taken so long, right?"
Zhang Li, standing outside the car, said, "I think I should report back to my unit first, so I won't take this car." They waved goodbye to each other.
Inside the car, Laba, concerned, asked again, "Young master, did something happen? You don't look well. Miss Tang, did you find your brother's notebook?"
Tang Min shook her head, but then she noticed Zhuo Mu Qiangba's face darkening. She lightly nudged him and asked, "What's wrong?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba snapped out of his thoughts and said casually, "Oh, it's nothing." He had suddenly realized, after Laba's question, that they had encountered so many dangers in Kekexili—close calls, life and death situations. And from what they currently knew, the mysterious location they sought was likely even more perilous. What should they do?
Tang Min recounted their experiences in Kekexili again in the car. Though she didn't make it as thrilling as Zhuo Mu Qiangba had, it still made old Laba clutch his chest and chant Buddhist prayers, thanking the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Zhuo Mu Qiangba sat in the car, pondering their situation. The plan to search for the purple qilin seemed increasingly out of reach. He realized that danger wasn't just an empty word—when faced with real danger, there's no time for regrets.
After hearing Tang Min's account, Laba sighed, "That was too dangerous, even more so than when we first surveyed the sacred mountains. Young master, do you still insist on looking for that mastiff?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba asked, "By the way, how's your brother doing?"
Laba's expression turned somber. Just when Zhuo Mu Qiangba thought Basang was unwilling, Laba said, "He agreed. Professor Fang's friends are also arranging bail for him. A few days ago, he was still reluctant, but after I talked to him, he gradually came around. He sees it as a way to atone for his past sins."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba asked, "Then why do you still look so worried, Uncle Laba?"
Laba furrowed his brow and said anxiously, "Young master, after all that happened in Kekexili, are you still determined to find that place? You're not a young man anymore; you're in your middle years. You should make a carefully considered decision. I watched you grow up and mature, taking one step at a time toward success. Everyone can see your achievements in the business world, but this time is different from any of your previous experiences. You might have to venture into a place far removed from human civilization, relying on your own two hands for everything. You've never had such an experience before. You were lucky to be rescued by the scientific expedition team in Kekexili, but you can't count on luck every time. Derong-laoye[2] only has one son—you."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba smiled, "Alright, Uncle, I understand your concerns. But life isn't about experiencing everything. None of our family had ever been in business before either. No matter what it is, someone has to be the first to do it. I remember my father saying that every day, we struggle with the unknown tomorrow, and every moment, we push through the unknown next moment. Life is a continuous process of learning, accumulating, and applying. I'm not afraid of challenges."
Hearing Laba's concerns, Zhuo Mu Qiangba felt the gloom in his heart lift, replaced by renewed passion and determination.
The three of them found a modest restaurant and grabbed a quick meal before waiting for Professor Fang Xin on Jin Zhu Road, as he had instructed. Zhuo Mu Qiangba kept inquiring about his family and the progress of their situation, but Laba only knew so much, and it was far from what Zhuo Mu Qiangba wanted to know. It wasn't until Professor Fang Xin appeared in Zhuo Mu Qiangba's line of sight, weary from travel, that a slight smile appeared on Zhuo Mu Qiangba's face.
Professor Fang Xin's eyes were bloodshot, indicating he hadn't rested well since Zhuo Mu Qiangba had left. Zhuo Mu Qiangba felt guilty for making an elder run around so much on his behalf. Professor Fang Xin's first words upon meeting were, "How's the progress?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba shook his head gently but smiled knowingly. Professor Fang Xin also smiled, saying, "It seems you did gain something from this trip, although probably not as much as I did." The two hugged and patted each other on the back.
Once in the car, Professor Fang Xin said, "Although I've learned things you wouldn't believe, I'd still like to hear what you have to say first."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba said, "This is going to take a while. I've lost count of how many times I've repeated this story. Alright, we landed in Zhidoi by chartered plane. I had my company leave a modified Xiaolong vehicle there. Zhang Li drove, Minmin led the way, and we traversed Kekexili." Tang Min pouted.
When Zhuo Mu Qiangba mentioned being chased by the Hummer, he paid special attention to Professor Fang Xin's expression, but the professor just listened quietly without showing any surprise. Zhuo Mu Qiangba paused and asked, "Professor, why do you seem..."
Professor Fang Xin replied, "I know what you're thinking. Don't worry; let me explain after you finish your story." Zhuo Mu Qiangba continued his story, and when he reached the part about the three grey wolves, Professor Fang Xin finally showed a look of astonishment. Zhuo Mu Qiangba said, "Amazing, right? It was my first encounter with wolves like that too."
Professor Fang Xin inquired about the wolves' appearance, fur color, and physical characteristics in detail, finally saying, "If it wasn't coming from you, I wouldn't believe it no matter what. Based on their fur and physical characteristics, these wolves resemble the form of the Canis lupus kenaiensis but bear more resemblance to the traits of the North American wolf."
"North American wolves?" Zhuo Mu Qiangba's eyes widened. Tang Min exclaimed, "Wow! If they came from North America, wouldn't that be a long way to travel?"
Professor Fang Xin said, "Just a resemblance. You must understand that ancient Feliformia evolved into Creodonts during the Paleogene period. Their descendants dispersed toward Europe and America along ancient river paths. It's not impossible that a group of North American wolves once thrived on the land beneath our feet. Based on your description, these wolves likely lived in regions with an altitude of two to three thousand meters, and you're right about that."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba asked, "Professor, why are you only interested in their geographic characteristics? Wouldn't their intelligence, which surpasses expectations, be more surprising?"
Professor Fang Xin said, "There's nothing to be surprised about. I think what you encountered should not be called wolves but werewolves."
Seeing Zhuo Mu Qiangba and Tang Min's shocked expressions, Professor Fang Xin smiled, "Not the kind of werewolves you imagine, who transform into humans under a full moon. That's the stuff of legends. The werewolves I'm referring to are based on a hypothesis in evolutionary history. The scientific community has speculated that if humans had not evolved into the world's most advanced species, wolves would have been the second most likely animals to replace humans."
Tang Min asked, "What's the first?"
"Dolphins," Professor Fang Xin answered. "Elephants come third. They have some common traits: first, they possess a brain capacity large enough for intelligence comparable to that of a three to four-year-old human child. Second, they live in social groups, which helps them accumulate knowledge and experience. Third, they have self-awareness, which is a necessary factor for a species to undergo significant evolutionary changes. Dolphins are considered the most likely candidates because they live in the sea, where scientists believe the buoyancy of the water makes it easier for their brains to function. However, I disagree with this viewpoint. Based on my research, wolves are the most likely candidates to evolve into a species with intelligence comparable to humans. The reason is simple: dolphins and elephants lack the physical agility and manipulative capabilities of wolves, and even if they had the cognitive abilities, they wouldn't have the necessary anatomical structure to utilize them. Wolves were only about ten thousand years behind humans in the evolutionary race. If they had started evolving ten thousand years earlier, they might be the ones dominating the world now."
Tang Min said, "But you're wrong. The most likely candidates should be gorillas."
Professor Fang Xin chuckled, "But we are gorillas! The scientific community is discussing evolutionary paths between different species, not within the same species. If humans were to disappear from the earth, the species most likely to replace us wouldn't be gorillas, but domesticated dogs. Gorillas have already been relegated to evolutionary failures. So, if there is a place where wolves are the dominant species, we cannot imagine to what extent they could evolve their intelligence, like your encounter with those…"
Professor Fang Xin suddenly stopped, turning his head in surprise to find Zhuo Mu Qiangba's astonished eyes also looking at him. They both thought of the same place where humans and wolves lived together as friends. Professor Fang Xin said, "It's too incredible. Is that a legend, or does it really exist?" Zhuo Mu Qiangba replied, "I don't know. My mind is in a whirl right now."
Tang Min, puzzled, asked, "What is it? What are you both thinking about?"
Professor Fang Xin said, "Never mind that for now. Zhuo Mu, please continue. What happened next?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba recounted how they were rescued by Hu Yang's scientific expedition team. Professor Fang Xin smiled and said, "So it was the extreme expedition team leader who saved your lives." Seeing Zhuo Mu Qiangba's confusion, he added, "I've met that bearded guy once. He's been to the North and South Poles and climbed Mount Everest. He treats scientific expeditions like extreme sports and goes places where others wouldn't dare. He has the recklessness of a bandit and the meticulous thinking of a scientist. People in our field jokingly call him the Extreme Captain. Anyway, keep going; what happened after that?"
As Zhuo Mu Qiangba spoke, he remembered the bone flute they had found. He quickly took it out for Professor Fang Xin to examine. Professor Fang Xin inspected the bone flute carefully and said, "I'm not very familiar with this, but if you want to learn more, I can ask some friends to decode it. Since Hu Yang's team saw it, it shouldn't be too far off. However, if this really is an ancient Tibetan religious artifact, the chances of it appearing in Kekexili are quite low. I think your highly intelligent wolf friends probably brought it there from somewhere else. Most likely, they are wolves from Tibet." Professor Fang Xin's face suddenly twitched as he buried a shocking thought in his heart: "Could they be wolves capable of evolving into the Purple Qilin?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba nodded and continued recounting their extraordinary experiences in the ice cave. This time, Professor Fang Xin didn't interrupt. He had never encountered such a situation before and only remarked at the end, "That Hu Yang is too reckless. Even if he was furious with poachers, he shouldn't have let you go in there."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba defended, "At the time, Captain Hu didn't consider the cave to be that dangerous. Anyway, Professor, could you now tell me why you weren't surprised to hear I was being chased?" Tang Min also had a face full of curiosity.
Professor Fang Xin slowly began, "If this had happened before you set off, I would have been just as shocked as you were. But do you remember that before you left, Derong-laoye[2] asked you to invite Deni Lama? Do you know why your father did that?"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba shook his head, and Professor Fang Xin continued, "Derong-laoye wanted to know how feasible our expedition was. Deni Lama is like a living history of Tibet for the past 1,300 years. They discussed in a room for five days and nights, and I was honored to be invited to listen in. In the end, they reached a startling conclusion, which I believe is the real reason why you were pursued."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba looked puzzled. Professor Fang Xin slowly said, "Zhuo Mu Qiangba, my student and friend, do you know where the place you are looking for actually is? And do you know that you are not the first, nor the only one, searching for it? Other seekers have called that place—the Pabala Monastery!"
The atmosphere inside the car suddenly froze. Zhuo Mu Qiangba could only hear Professor Fang Xin quietly say, "Derong-laoye made an inference based on what we discovered, but this inference was confirmed by Deni Lama. The full name of the Pabala Monastery is Pabala-Rinpoche-Dalai Monastery. You should know what that means."
Zhuo Mu Qiangba sat stiffly in the car, as if he had forgotten how to think or move. Tang Min urged, "What does it mean? What does it mean?"
After a long pause, Zhuo Mu Qiangba slowly said, "Pabala means pure and supreme in Tibetan; Rinpoche means precious, a rare treasure. The first two are Tibetan words often used to refer to the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism, and Dalai, which comes from Mongolian, means the ocean. Together, the three mean: as boundless as the ocean, pure and supremely precious. That... is what it means."
Tang Min was also stunned, murmuring, "As boundless as the ocean, pure and supremely precious. My God!"
Zhuo Mu Qiangba anxiously said, "Professor, tell me, what exactly did my father and the others discover? Please, explain everything in detail."
Professor Fang Xin replied, "Of course, this is something you should know. The matter dates back to 1844, involving the British explorer Fuma-Tenide. I have some information about him here that you might want to take a look at."
Professor Fang Xin took a document out of his briefcase and handed it to Zhuo Mu Qiangba, who carefully reviewed it. The professor added, "He was one of the most legendary archaeological explorers of the 19th century. His adventures were frequently reported in the press, causing a sensation in his era. Many people of that time were inspired to become explorers because of him. Heinrich Schliemann, the German archaeologist who discovered Troy, and Robert Peary, the first American to reach the North Pole, were both driven by admiration for Tenide to pursue careers in archaeology and exploration. Tenide's archaeological approach had a distinct characteristic, which Schliemann also followed as a lifelong principle. They firmly believed that myths and legends passed down through generations were indeed real—that they were history preserved in the form of oral traditions."
Professor Fang Xin took out another document and handed it to Zhuoma Qiangba. "Take a look at this. It's a fax I just got from a friend at the British Museum."
Zhuoma Qiangba took the document, and Tang Min leaned in to look as well. Both of them exclaimed, "Is this...?"
Professor Fang Xin nodded. "Yes, it's an 1844 issue of the British Weekly News. Look here." Under Professor Fang's finger, the headline on the front page clearly read, "The Great Explorer Embarks on a New Journey: Destination—The Most Mysterious Ice Peaks of the Far East." Below that were some blurry photos and descriptions.
Professor Fang Xin continued, "From what I have gathered, this great explorer of the 18th century, while in what is now India, accidentally heard an epic from a Tibetan bard. This was an epic even older and more mysterious than the Epic of King Gesar—the Epic of King Ali, which seems to have been lost to history now. We don't know exactly what Foma heard in the Epic of King Ali, but it excited him to the point of near madness, and from then on, the name 'Pabala Temple' frequently appeared in his words. He entered Tibet three times, apparently always in search of clues related to the Pabala Temple. His last expedition was the most fruitful; it is said that he found something like a map, though this can no longer be verified. Then came the journey to the ice peaks mentioned in this newspaper. That was the last time anyone saw this great explorer. The situation afterward is very complex and secretive. I nearly exhausted all my contacts, searching far and wide. The current understanding is roughly this: Somehow, the map ended up in British hands, but it was lost again during World War I, only to be discovered by the Nazi SS during World War II. This explains why in 1938 and 1943, Hitler twice ordered his top aide, Himmler, to personally organize expeditions deep into Tibet."
Professor Fang Xin gently patted the still-dazed Zhuoma Qiangba and smiled, "I'm simplifying a lot here. If I were to go into detail, it would take over a year to explain everything, including myths like Atlantis that have been passed down in Western Europe since ancient times. After World War II, the situation changed again. It is said that both the United States and the Soviet Union obtained copies of the map, though it's unclear if the original map was split in a struggle or simply copied. Shortly after the founding of the People's Republic of China, many Soviet experts assisted China. Among them was a special team of experts who entered Tibet five times, but they returned empty-handed each time. Meanwhile, in 1950, the British and Americans conducted a joint expedition to Mount Everest, apparently also searching for that map. Later, the map that had been stored in the United States was reportedly stolen, and several copies appeared. At one point, there were as many as a dozen different maps. As more people ventured into the uninhabited areas of Tibet, under the guise of scientific research, exploration, and surveying for various reasons, it was not surprising that many disappeared. Those who obtained a map inevitably entered Tibet's uninhabited zones and never returned, with only more bodies discovered by subsequent explorers."
Professor Fang Xin finally added, "According to Deni Lama, the most recent incident was in 1991, when three foreign explorers hired a lama from Rongbuk Monastery to act as their guide. They entered the Shishapangma region and, like the others before them, vanished forever."
Zhuoma Qiangba murmured, "What kind of place is that? How could this happen?"
Professor Fang Xin reassured him, "I know it's hard for you to accept right now, but these are the facts. The Pabala Temple, which the Goba people have guarded for generations and which supposedly houses the Purple Qilin, is mysterious and has never been discovered. This is our destination. The world is full of mysteries, and this is one of the most remarkable coincidences. Even the world's greatest writers could not have penned such a twist. The Purple Qilin we are searching for happens to be in the same place as the Pabala Temple, which people have been seeking for centuries! After thorough research by Lord Deren and Deni Lama, we still do not know if the Pabala Temple truly exists. However, we are certain of one thing: there have always been people searching for it, and they have never stopped. That's why when I heard you were ambushed, I wasn't surprised. If, after all this time, no one had noticed our expedition, that would be strange. Moreover, the fact that they kidnapped that mad Goba tribesman indicates they've been watching us for a long time."
Professor Fang Xin paused before continuing, "This time is different from the past. We are searching for this place based on other clues, without a map. That could be our advantage."
Zhuoma Qiangba lowered his head in thought, while Tang Min asked, puzzled, "How can not having a map be considered an advantage?"
Professor Fang Xin replied, "That map may not even exist, or if it does, how many copies are there? Which one is the original? And where does it actually point to? None of this is clear. Moreover, one of the maps is based on an unreliable memory, which appears to point toward Everest, an obvious mistake. Without a map, we won't overly rely on the directions it might provide. Isn't that our advantage? But now the problem is, we've encountered a previously unknown group of Goba people, and one has already been kidnapped by another party searching for the temple. We don't know if they might reach the Pabala Temple before us."
Zhuoma Qiangba shook his head. "I don't know. I'm completely lost right now. I don't understand how things turned out this way—this is completely beyond my expectations and imagination. What do you think we should do now, Professor?"
Professor Fang Xin said, "There are currently two paths we can take. The first is to try to establish contact and reach an agreement with the other group searching for the Pabala Temple. They might have other crucial clues. If we combine our clues with theirs, we might find the legendary temple, and then each of us can take what we need. They seek treasure; we seek the Purple Qilin—"
Before Professor Fang Xin could finish, Zhuoma Qiangba interrupted angrily, "Enough! No more! I will never cooperate with people who invite me with a rocket launcher. Never! Ah, I'm sorry, Professor, I… I'm just so furious, I can't control my emotions."
Professor Fang Xin smiled understandingly and continued, "Then, the second path is... to conduct a scientific expedition in the name of the nation!"
Zhuoma Qiangba frowned in confusion. "Please explain in more detail, Professor."
Professor Fang Xin explained, "We can propose a scientific expedition project to the relevant national authorities to protect cultural heritage and rescue national artifacts. The state would then undergo a thorough approval process, form an expert team to carry out this scientific expedition, and provide us with the necessary equipment. However, there are two problems with this approach."
"What problems?"
"First, within the expert team formed by the state, we would only be members, and the overall leader of this expedition would be appointed by the state. The artifacts discovered would likely be nationalized rather than kept as private collections," Professor Fang Xin said.
"That's not an issue. If there really is such a temple, the contents rightfully belong to the state," Zhuoma Qiangba responded, thinking to himself, "As for the leader, as long as we can safely reach the place, we can deal with specifics later."
Professor Fang Xin continued, "Alright, but the second problem might be more challenging." Zhuoma Qiangba braced himself. "Given our current experience and abilities, the expert team may not allow us to join. Without our clues and guidance, they would be at a loss. So, before searching for the location, we must undergo rigorous special training. Regarding this point—"
Professor Fang Xin looked at Zhuoma Qiangba, who unexpectedly responded confidently, "That's not a problem at all. In fact, that's exactly what I was hoping for." His tone carried a hint of excitement.
Professor Fang Xin nodded inwardly, noting how much Zhuoma Qiangba had changed after the Kekexili expedition. If he had told him this before he went to Kekexili, Zhuoma Qiangba would have likely refused without a second thought. Pleased, Professor Fang Xin said, "In that case, Qiangba, tomorrow we'll visit Zhang Li's base. Who knows, the special training team might just need the two of us."
Seeing Zhuoma Qiangba's look of surprise, Professor Fang Xin smiled and said, "The day after Lord Deren and Deni Lama finished their discussion, I shared my thoughts with Lord Deren. With his approval, we immediately contacted Commander Renci of the Special Guard Regiment. Lord Deren personally spoke with the leaders in Lhasa, and they quickly agreed. Before you even returned, elites from all over the country were already gathering at this location. Basang has also arrived at the Special Guard Regiment and is providing the arriving experts with all the details of his experiences to help formulate the training specifics."
Zhuoma Qiangba's face was full of astonishment and excitement, as if he couldn't wait to get to the Special Guard Regiment. He exclaimed, "So, you... you already arranged all this, Professor? That's wonderful, absolutely wonderful!" Zhuoma Qiangba was so happy that he rubbed his hands together repeatedly.
Professor Fang Xin said, "Don't celebrate just yet. The special training is extremely rigorous, and we have no idea when we will complete it. It's highly possible that while we are still undergoing intense training, our opponents will have already found the temple and taken everything."
Tang Min suddenly asked, "Is there a third option?"
"There is," Professor Fang Xin replied calmly. "Give up." Tang Min stuck out her tongue and didn't dare to ask further.
Zhuoma Qiangba said, "I am confident that we can complete the training before they do."
"Yes, we are confident. We will definitely make it," Tang Min added.
"Hmm," Professor Fang Xin turned his head, his expression stern. "What? You still want to go? Haven't you caused enough trouble this time? You nearly got three people killed in Kekexili."
Tang Min's eyes welled up with tears as Professor Fang Xin's words hit hard. Zhuoma Qiangba found himself caught between the two, unsure how to comfort Tang Min or explain to Professor Fang Xin. The atmosphere was tense for several minutes until Tang Min finally burst into tears, sobbing, "I... I didn't mean to... Wah..."
Tang Min cried bitterly, but Professor Fang Xin remained unmoved, not saying a single comforting word. Zhuoma Qiangba racked his brain and finally managed to persuade Professor Fang Xin to let Tang Min join the special training, leaving it to be decided later whether she could pass the training. Looking at Tang Min, who was weeping on Zhuoma Qiangba's chest, Professor Fang Xin sighed inwardly. He understood his student well. Normally indifferent and rarely emotional, once Zhuoma Qiangba became attached, his feelings ran deep. It seemed separating him from Tang Min wouldn't be easy now.
After returning home to visit his parents, Zhuoma Qiangba firmly expressed his willingness to undertake this new adventure. His parents' attitudes were different from before; this time, Lord Deren was very supportive, becoming his son's steadfast supporter, while Meiduo, his mother, wept with worry. The next day, as Zhuoma Qiangba prepared to embark on the path of special training, Lord Deren, his father, solemnly placed a unique family talisman—a copper cross-sword symbolizing good fortune and auspiciousness—around his neck.
Professor Fang Xin had seen this palm-sized copper sword before and believed it to be at least a thousand years old, a rare artifact with immeasurable historical value. The sword had a symbolic quadrilateral blade, etched with four auspicious beasts: a roaring lion, a dragon biting its tail, a majestic tiger, and a celestial roc. Behind each beast was a line of strange characters, believed to be in a lost ancient Tibetan script. The hilt was also shaped like a beast, standing tall and fierce, somewhat resembling a Qilin, but with a triangular head. According to the Deren family, this beast was called a "Triangular Pixiu," a creature embodying both genders.
After packing his bags and amidst his mother's countless instructions, Zhuoma Qiangba set off on yet another adventure in his life. This time was different from the past; he was venturing into an unknown world, likely far from human civilization, relying entirely on his own strength. Yet, his steps remained as firm and steady as ever. Challenging fate and pursuing ideals were the unwavering beliefs of his life.
The Special Guard Regiment was nestled among towering mountains. As he walked along the road, snow-covered peaks nestled against the blue sky, and the river gleamed like a silver ribbon under the morning sun. Herds of cattle and sheep dotted the vast, serene, and vibrant land. A cool, refreshing breeze blew, carrying with it a cloud as pure as snow, sweeping away all worries and sorrows from the heart. No matter who stood on this sacred land, breathing the crisp air of the plateau, they would feel a deep longing for tranquility, bow in reverence to the holy snow-capped mountains, shout into the empty valleys, and open their hearts to the serene, pristine lakes. As Zhuoma Qiangba took in this fairy-tale landscape, he was filled with both anticipation and unease for the upcoming special training. The large iron gate of the Special Guard Regiment was now within sight—a gateway to the unknown.
Waiting for them at the gate were Zhang Li and Basang, who had his distinctive looped mustache. As Basang spoke with his brother Laba, Zhang Li beamed and said, "Guess who I saw when I returned to the base, Young Master Qiangba? You'll never guess."
Zhuoma Qiangba shook his head, and Zhang Li said, "Come on out, scout." Yueyang, with his sunny smile, saluted smartly and said, "Yueyang, a member of the Third Criminal Investigation Brigade of the Qinghai Armed Police Corps, reporting for duty!"
Zhuoma Qiangba smiled slightly and extended his hand. After a round of introductions, Yueyang said, "Dr. Gu Junren is waiting for you inside. Let's head in."
Professor Fang Xin murmured softly, "Oh, so it's him."
Zhuoma Qiangba turned to him, and Professor Fang Xin explained, "Dr. Gu Junren is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a researcher at the Palace Museum, a doctor of ancient artifacts, a permanent advisor to China's national archaeological team, a consultant to the Antarctic expedition team, and an honorary chairman of the China Wilderness Survivors Association."
Tang Min stuck out her tongue and said, "Wow, just hearing those titles makes him sound like someone really important."
Professor Fang Xin added, "However, Dr. Gu is already in his eighties. He was a close friend of one of my teachers, so it's unlikely he would join us on this expedition."
Yueyang said, "The professor seems to know Dr. Gu well. He didn't come in person, but he is in constant contact with us through video."
Inside the multimedia room of the barracks, a venerable old man was seated on a sofa, appearing kind and gentle through the video feed. The elder greeted everyone warmly, "Fang Xin, you're here too? I heard your research on canines has reached world-leading standards. I remember you always had a deep interest in biology back in the day. I wanted you to study archaeology with me, but you refused. Now that you're getting on in years, you want to go on an expedition again? Have you remembered this old man now?"
Professor Fang Xin laughed awkwardly, "Dr. Gu, well, hehe, I wouldn't say I'm leading in anything, just exchanging knowledge with colleagues around the world. This expedition is also for academic research. Dr. Gu's experience in wilderness survival is invaluable, and with your help, we will certainly gain much from the training."
Dr. Gu took a sip of tea and continued, "I have reviewed the items you sent. Each one is a masterpiece. If your expedition succeeds, the value of the discoveries will surely shock the world. I'm getting old, or else I'd want to join this expedition myself. Now, the big guy next to you, you're the initiator and sponsor of this mission, right? I'm afraid I've taken away your command, haha!"
Dr. Gu then turned serious. "This expedition is of great national importance, so they specifically brought me in as the deputy chief commander of this operation and your chief instructor for the special training. The state will provide all the equipment you need, and you must strictly follow orders during the operation. If anyone is suspected of breaking the rules, we will remove them from the expedition team immediately. Now, let me ask you a few questions."
Dr. Gu picked up a document and read, "Hmm, Zhuoma Qiangba, a Tibetan. Very well, let me ask you this: Do you know how dangerous this journey will be?"
Zhuoma Qiangba replied, "Yes, I do."
Dr. Gu asked, "Then why do you still want to go?"
Zhuoma Qiangba answered, "For faith."
Dr. Gu gazed at Zhuoma Qiangba through the video for a long time and said, "Very good. With faith, life will never feel empty or lonely. Fang Xin, I won't ask you because you've already lost a few fingers for your research on canines and had several near-death experiences. Another one won't matter to you. Oh? Is this young lady also going on the expedition?"
Tang Min nodded, and Dr. Gu asked, "So, why do you want to join this mission?"
"For love!" Tang Min replied without hesitation.
Dr. Gu chuckled, "Haha, see? This young lady's reason is much more compelling than yours. Well done, little girl, you have my moral support. However, this expedition exceeds all previous exploratory missions. Your risk level is even higher than that of the Antarctic expedition team. So, based on your physical condition and qualifications, you are not suitable for this mission."
Tang Min pouted and said, "Grandpa, you're being sexist."
The term "Grandpa" made Dr. Gu smile warmly, and he said repeatedly, "Haha, although I'm a bit old, my thinking is still that of New China. I'm not harboring any remnants of feudalism, haha. Grandpa isn't lying to you; this mission is truly not suitable for you. We need young, strong men. Exploration is physically demanding and dangerous without enough strength."
Tang Min hurriedly said, "I-I am strong." She suddenly lied, "I often went on expeditions with my brother."
Zhuoma Qiangba knew that although Tang Min's brother was an avid explorer, his sister had always been a diligent student who had never set foot on an expedition. But he was conflicted and didn't expose her lie. He thought to himself, "If it doesn't work out, I'll just have to persuade Minmin to give up another day."
Dr. Gu asked, "With your brother? Who is your brother?"
Tang Min replied, "My brother's name is Tang Tao. He's been on many expeditions."
"Tang Tao!" Dr. Gu suddenly had a thoughtful expression on his face. "The one who frequently appears in magazines? Hmm, that kid. I met him once five years ago. We had an exchange on wilderness survival and exploration techniques. At that time, I asserted that among Chinese explorers, he would rank first or at least second. Have you truly gone on expeditions with your brother?"
Tang Min fluttered her big eyes and nodded enthusiastically. Dr. Gu muttered, "Your brother is a rare talent among explorers, but he's a bit too selfish, wanting to claim everything for himself. Some things, however, are extremely dangerous. I sincerely hope he doesn't run into trouble during his explorations. Since you say you've been on expeditions with your brother, you can stay and train for a couple of days. We'll see how things go from there." Tang Min gave Zhuoma Qiangba a secret glance, indicating that luckily, Dr. Gu didn't know she had never joined her brother on an expedition and that her brother was currently lying in a hospital in the United States.
Dr. Gu continued, "Due to my health not being what it used to be, I won't be able to personally guide you in your wilderness survival training this time. I've entrusted one of my students to guide you. She used to be an instructor in the Tibet Military Region, familiar with the environment there and has her own methods for training. She is currently en route to Lhasa and should arrive soon. I hope you all get along well. As for me, I'll be remotely directing you from Hainan. Haha."
Zhuoma Qiangba asked, "May I know who will be the chief commander of this expedition?"
Dr. Gu smiled, "Oh, it's a high-ranking official, someone with a very busy schedule, currently attending meetings in Beijing. However, he has promised to make time for the special training. I can't reveal too much right now; you'll find out when the time comes. For this operation, including my student, there are three people from the military who will form the core team. You four will be the guides; is that clear? Additionally, there will be two others to assist you—one is my longtime assistant, and the other is a representative from Tibetan religious circles. Since this mission is closely related to ancient Tibetan teachings, I believe he can provide unexpected guidance from a religious perspective."
Professor Fang Xin inquired, "Oh, the assistant Dr. Gu mentioned, is that Eric?"
Dr. Gu nodded, and Professor Fang continued, "Then I'm relieved."
Zhuoma Qiangba whispered, "Professor, do you know him?"
Professor Fang replied, "Yes, Eric is a passionate Xinjiang native, ten years younger than me. You'll like him. He was one of the outstanding young researchers personally selected and trained by Dr. Gu years ago. Of course, he was young then; now, he's capable of independently undertaking major archaeological missions. I worked with him during my fifth expedition to Tibet ten years ago. He indeed has extensive experience in scientific exploration and expeditions."
Dr. Gu added proudly, "Oh, really? But my other student, you definitely don't know her. That girl is my prized pupil. Well, you've just arrived, and this old man has already bombarded you with a bunch of questions. You must be tired. Go rest now, familiarize yourself with the environment and your teammates. You might have to rely on each other in the future."
Professor Fang began, "Dr. Gu, there's also a new development—"
Dr. Gu interrupted, "Alright, save the updates for when Eric and Jingnan arrive. I need to take my medication now. They'll keep me updated on your progress. Best of luck with your training, and may you complete this expedition successfully."
The screen went dark, and the three of them exited the multimedia room. Zhang Li and Yueyang, waiting outside, asked, "So, what did the professor ask you? Any strange questions?"
Zhuoma Qiangba briefly explained what happened. Noticing Basang and his brother Laba standing in the distance, he walked over. Laba gave a brief explanation to the two of them before needing to return home to settle the pilgrims. Zhuoma Qiangba extended his hand, saying, "I'm glad you could join us."
Basang was not appreciative and replied coldly, "I'm not here to help you." He glanced at his brother's back and said, "You're the ones choosing to court death. I'm just... guiding the way. Consider it repayment for Derin Laoye's care for my brother."
Basang stared into the distance with a haughty expression. Among this group, only he had survived that journey of death, and only he knew the horrors of that place. As he looked indifferently at the sky with his distinctive mustache, no one knew what he was thinking.
Yueyang, observing Basang, asked casually, "Who is that? So arrogant?"
Zhang Li replied, "That's Uncle Laba's younger brother. I heard he's been to the place we're looking for, but he suffered trauma and lost part of his memory. We need him to guide us on this mission." Yueyang furrowed his brow.
To ensure the special training for this expedition was undisturbed, the Special Guard Regiment set aside a specific area from the training base as a restricted zone. This zone was some distance away from the regular training grounds. From afar, they could hear the sounds of soldiers training, but in the vast mountains, no one was in sight. Zhuoma Qiangba and the others waited until after lunch for the trainers mentioned by Dr. Gu to arrive. A man and a woman came; the man was about 1.7 meters tall with deep brown curly hair. His square face, though kindly, seemed weathered like leather, having been hardened by various harsh climates to resemble sandpaper. He looked older than fifty, but like Professor Fang, he had a pair of sharp eyes under his thick eyebrows. The woman looked to be in her twenties or thirties, with a standard oval face, sharp eyebrows, and cold eyes. Her long hair flowed freely over her shoulders, fluttering in the wind. With her thin warm coat swaying in the breeze, she exuded an air of heroic grace.
When Professor Fang saw Eric, he greeted him with a smile, and the two exchanged greetings from a distance. Upon seeing the woman, Zhang Li and Yueyang both widened their eyes and simultaneously exclaimed, "Iron Guanyin!" and "Stone Maiden!" Then they looked at each other in surprise, asking, "You know her?" They both replied dejectedly at the same time, "Of course, she was our instructor."
Tang Min, with a hint of dissatisfaction in her voice, asked, "How come this woman is so young?"
Zhuoma Qiangba was surprised, "She's your instructor?"
Yueyang, with a hint of fear, replied, "Yes, she... she taught us reconnaissance techniques."
Zhang Li spoke in a lowered voice, "She... she taught us special combat skills. Very scary."
Yueyang added, "You know what they say about her? This woman is cold as ice. She has a steel will and a scorpion's heart. She treats soldiers like enemies. Undergoing her training is like enduring punishment."
Zhang Li whispered, "You guys have it easy. She's been an instructor in various units in the Tibet Military Region. Everyone dreads her. No one even dares to speak loudly in her presence. Haven't you heard that this woman is a celibate? She doesn't regard men at all."
Yueyang whispered, "Oh, I hadn't heard that. How do you know?"
Zhang Li, in an even lower voice, said, "Just look at her name—Lü Jingnan. 'Jing' as in 'compete,' and 'Nan' as in 'man.' Doesn't that mean she wants to compete with men?"
The more they spoke, the quieter they became, like two secret agents exchanging information. Eventually, even with his ears perked up, Zhuoma Qiangba and Tang Min couldn't hear them. Tang Min loudly questioned, "How could she be so cruel? She doesn't even look that old!"
"Shhh!" Zhang Li and Yueyang sneaked a glance at Lü Jingnan, and Zhang Li said, "Don't speak so loudly; she has very sharp ears."
Yueyang added, "That woman... she's preserved herself well. Don't be fooled by her young appearance; she's actually in her late thirties, almost forty."
Zhuoma Qiangba nodded, "So, she's a single older woman. Maybe she has a quirky personality and a bad temper, but she's probably not as terrifying as you say. I only see a hint of sadness on her face, just a flower about to wither, waiting bitterly in the bleak wind for someone to pluck her." Tang Min puffed out her cheeks, glaring at him.
Zhang Li and Yueyang stared at Zhuoma Qiangba with wide eyes, their expressions clearly saying, "If you think like that, you're done for. You're beyond help." In the distance, Basang sneered coldly.
At this moment, Lü Jingnan approached. No matter how Zhuoma Qiangba looked at her, he couldn't see what was so terrifying about this woman. Her cold demeanor actually gave her a unique aura. If Tang Min was a graceful white swan, then Jingnan was a predatory hawk, with sharp eyes and an intimidating presence. Before Jingnan even reached them, Zhang Li and Yueyang stepped forward, like frightened rabbits facing a wolf, nervously saying, "Hello, Instructor." "Hello, Instructor."
Instructor Jingnan glanced at them, "Are you both from the Tibet Military Region?"
Zhang Li nodded, and Yueyang said, "I'm from the Qinghai Armed Police Corps."
Instructor Jingnan responded, "Oh, I see." Turning to Zhuoma Qiangba, she said, "Zhuoma Qiangba, forty-two years old, height 1.87 meters, weight 107 kilograms, CEO of Tian Shi Breeding Base, worth over a hundred million?"
Zhuoma Qiangba observed the strong-willed woman standing before him. She was only slightly shorter than him, probably around 1.78 to 1.8 meters tall. Her gaze was sharp and aggressive, but having been in the business world for so long, he wasn't easily intimidated by a woman's aura. He responded with a casual smile, "Yes, your memory is quite good."
Jingnan sensed that he was more formidable than she had imagined. She replied sarcastically, "What makes you so eager to risk your life on such a dangerous expedition?"
Zhuoma Qiangba replied, "Don't you know how much faith and pursuit can drive a person's will to survive? Do you live in this world without ever having had an ideal or a profound quest?"
Jingnan was taken aback, quickly realizing that this man was far more determined than she had initially thought. He possessed a leader's charisma, and his words carried an air of authority. Although he was just participating as a regular team member, she now had to reassess who would truly lead this expedition. Jingnan decided she needed to carefully study Zhuoma Qiangba's profile before putting him to the test. She backed down slightly, saying, "Alright, very well. I've been on the road all day and I'm a bit tired now. I'd like to rest for a while. Let me introduce you to Dr. Eric, Dr. Gu's capable assistant. It seems we still have one team member missing. You all get to know each other first, and then I'll go over our plan with you."
Zhuoma Qiangba thought he saw a slight smile on Jingnan's face, but there was no expression at all. It was the kind of smile that made him feel as if he had imagined it, an eerie smile that he had never seen before.
Jingnan went alone to her room to rest, while Eric quickly warmed up to everyone. Introduced by Professor Fang, the seven of them formed a circle on the open ground, listening to Eric recount his past adventures in scientific exploration. Eric was very talkative and would occasionally sing a few Xinjiang folk songs and perform a dance with strong ethnic characteristics to entertain the group. When it was time to rest, Professor Fang suggested that Zhuoma Qiangba share their experiences in Kekexili so that the experts could offer some guidance. After hearing Eric's stories, however, Zhuoma Qiangba felt a bit embarrassed. Encouraged by Professor Fang, he began recounting their story again. Eric occasionally furrowed his brow in deep thought, gasped in surprise, and at times seemed to visualize the scenes vividly, supplementing and clarifying parts that Zhuoma Qiangba found hard to describe. Among the seven, only Basang seemed uninterested, glancing around absent-mindedly. He felt that what they described was nothing compared to what he had been through. After a while, Jingnan called him inside.
In the afternoon, while the six of them were engrossed in conversation, someone with a standard Beijing accent asked, "Excuse me, is this where the team preparing to find the Parbara Monastery is training?" Everyone turned around, and upon seeing who it was, their eyes widened.
The newcomer was dressed in a maroon inner robe and a yellow outer robe, typical of a monk, wearing a red monk hat, and holding a rosary of Bodhi beads. He carried a five-pronged Vajra in one hand, and from his graying hair, it was clear that he was no longer young. He was slender, and despite the freezing weather, he still bared his right shoulder, demonstrating his devotion. Even though Dr. Gu had mentioned that a representative from Tibetan religious circles would join them, seeing this lama in person still came as a surprise to everyone. The lama held the Vajra in one hand and pressed his palms together in a Buddhist greeting. Zhuoma Qiangba, recognizing the gesture, returned it respectfully: "Yes. Do you have any guidance for us, Master?"
Upon seeing Zhuoma Qiangba's demeanor, the lama immediately knew that only the son of the wise Derin Laoye, who had grown up in his household, could carry out these rituals and honors so naturally. Through his self-introduction, everyone learned that this was Je Banya Lharab, a high lama. He was originally a follower of the Nyingma school, but for the past twenty years, he had been in secluded meditation at the Sera Monastery, a Gelugpa monastery. He was directly summoned by Lama Dani Zhasak for this mission, almost without alerting anyone in the Tibetan religious community. Zhuoma Qiangba understood this, considering it was still a mission with no guaranteed outcome, and Lama Dani must have felt it was best not to draw too much attention. When Zhuoma Qiangba worriedly asked about Lharab's age, Lharab replied that he had just turned fifty and his health was fine. But as Zhuoma Qiangba looked at Lharab's graying, upright eyebrows, he couldn't help but feel uneasy, as if the lama seemed even older than Professor Fang.