Mo Jin said, "A few years ago, under someone else's guidance, I personally excavated a massive Mayan ancient city in that region. Those theorists talk nonsense, claiming that the rainforest lacks sufficient stone resources to build large stone cities. They vastly underestimate the power and wisdom of the ancients. The person who guided me told me that the ancient Maya were not only capable of crossing the Andes mountains, which rise to over 5,000 to 6,000 meters, but they could also quarry massive stones weighing hundreds of tons, transport them thousands of kilometers through waterways, and construct city-states and develop civilizations deep within the jungle."
"What exactly are we looking for?" Masuo asked again.
Mo Jin smiled enigmatically. "If I'm not mistaken, it should be a mirror." His smile darkened as he continued, "They are so cunning. On the surface, they seem to be conducting ordinary training, appearing unrelated to this search. But secretly, there must be another team collecting and organizing clues for them. Even I was nearly fooled. Looking for a dog—hmpf! From the beginning, I told you that no one in this world would go to such lengths for a dog. They're clearly after the temple; the dog is just a cover. Chinese people—hmpf, so cunning! This time, we must get ahead of them. Inform all the soldiers to pack up and return to Lhasa. By tomorrow, I want to see the sunrise in Asís Port."
As he spoke of the cunning Chinese, the smile vanished from Mo Jin's face. He recalled the guide from that previous journey, with those melancholic eyes that, for some inexplicable reason, always made him shudder.
Lü Jingnan announced the specifics of the exam. The original two teams would remain unchanged. The team drawing the red lot would set out a day earlier, starting from Putumayo in Ecuador. They were forbidden from using modern transportation and had to find ways to avoid Ecuadorian and Peruvian border patrols. They could also pass through Colombia. The destination was Santa María in Peru. Each person had only one day to collect and organize information. Since they couldn't bring equipment and weapons into Ecuador, they would have to procure materials locally. The total journey covered about 200 kilometers, and each team was given ten days to complete it. If they hadn't reached the destination within ten days, a rescue operation would be initiated.
Lü Jingnan concluded, "We must prepare for the worst. If the person who escaped earlier is indeed one of our competitors and overheard this information, you may encounter significant obstacles on your journey. Moreover, you must reach the destination before they do."
Zhang Li asked, "Seriously? We're just taking an exam. If it's that dangerous, why would they bother shadowing us? Are they trying to be our sparring partners?" The surrounding people laughed, while Yala secretly cast a glance at Lü Jingnan. Lü Jingnan said, "In any case—stay vigilant."
Tashi Danba pondered, "What does that mean—get there before them?"
With systematic learning and training behind them, the team now understood the necessity of collecting and organizing information before setting out for any destination. Such information could not only facilitate their journey but also save their lives in critical moments. The internet quickly connected them to the British Library, where they searched the world's largest database for all available information on South American countries, particularly Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.
Zhang Li scrolled with his mouse, remarking, "I think this midterm exam is too easy—200 kilometers in ten days? We could stroll the whole way and still finish."
Yue Yang, seated at the computer to Zhang Li's left, replied, "No, it seems you don't understand much about these three countries. Let me put it another way to pique your interest—Amazon Rainforest!"
Zhang Li's eyes lit up. "The Amazon! But we've been to Xishuangbanna; the terrain shouldn't be much different, right?"
Tashi Danba, on Zhang Li's right, entered some keywords and asked, "How much do you know about the Amazon Rainforest?"
Zhang Li thought for a moment and said, "Piranhas, I know about those. And it's supposed to be the largest tropical rainforest in the world, right?"
Basang, seated to Tashi Danba's right, was recording information from the internet into a notebook. Hearing Zhang Li's answer, he let out a cold chuckle.
Yue Yang also began recording information and added, "Not just that. The Amazon Basin is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and is known as the 'lungs of the Earth.' Of the over 20,000 known plant species globally, South America has more than 19,000, and 70% of them are found in tropical rainforests. The Amazon's forests account for two-thirds of the world's total forest area. Think about that." He suddenly exclaimed, "Found it! Listen to this: the Amazon River runs through South America, originating from the Andes in Peru. It's 6,440 kilometers long, making it the world's second-longest river after the 6,695-kilometer Nile. With abundant water flow, it discharges 116,000 cubic meters of freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean every second, accounting for one-fifth of the world's total river outflow. Seven of its tributaries are over 1,600 kilometers long, with the longest being the Madeira River at around 3,200 kilometers."
Tashi Danba added, "Additionally, the Amazon Basin's biodiversity is unparalleled on Earth. So far, over 2,600 species of fish and 1,600 species of birds have been documented, with countless more plants and animals yet to be recorded."
Basang said coldly, "Aside from being called the 'lungs of the Earth,' it's also known as the 'Green Hell.' In the jungle, people face dangers akin to hell. A single misstep, and you might not even know how you died."
Zhang Li chuckled softly, suddenly staring at an image on his screen. His expression was almost drooling as he exclaimed, "Look, look! These indigenous women in the jungle don't wear clothes!"
Yue Yang leaned over to take a look and teased, "Not bad. Maybe you could marry into one of their tribes. But don't get too excited and forget how to read English."
Zhang Li glanced at the text below the image, struggling with the unfamiliar words. "What does it mean?" he asked Yue Yang.
Yue Yang whispered, "Cannibals."
Tashi Danba interjected, "Let's not joke around. The more I read about this place, the more dangerous it seems—possibly more dangerous than everywhere we've been combined. The sheer number of hazards in this region is staggering. It would be humiliating if we couldn't reach the destination within ten days."
Later, as Tashi Danba escorted Tang Min outside, she hesitantly clung to his waist, burying her face in his chest. After a long silence, she looked up, her eyes brimming with emotion, and whispered, "This journey is so dangerous."
Tashi Danba gently smoothed her hair. "Are you scared?" he asked calmly.
Tang Min half-pouted, half-declared, "No, I'm not!" She pressed closer, murmuring, "As long as I'm with you, I'm not afraid of anything." But as soon as she spoke, her eyes reddened.
Tashi Danba cradled her face and kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Don't worry," he said softly. "Nothing will happen. Professor Fang and Uncle Maula will take care of you. Be strong, be brave, okay?"
Tang Min tilted her head playfully and said, "Alright. But you have to be careful. Your team members are all troublemakers, and I'm quite worried. This time is different from before—there are deadly dangers lurking in the jungle."
Tashi Danba replied, "Don't worry. They know the importance of safety. But you should also be cautious. Don't be too wilful. I heard from the instructor that you're quite mischievous in their group as well."
"No way!" Tang Min pouted.
Tashi Danba returned to his computer, but barely two minutes had passed when Zhang Li whispered conspiratorially, "Shhh, Danba, the tomboy is here!"
With a long sigh, Tashi Danba looked up. Sure enough, Lü Jingnan was standing at the door, gesturing for him to come out. He followed her outside, where Lü Jingnan's stern expression gave no clue to her thoughts. Tashi Danba broke the silence, asking, "Instructor, what's the matter?"
Lü Jingnan's lips moved slightly, then, after a moment of thought, she finally said, "This time, be careful."
Tashi Danba smiled politely and replied, "Thank you."
As Tashi Danba walked back in, Zhang Li lamented, "Ah, why doesn't anyone come looking for me?"
Yue Yang teased, "Well, look at him—tall, handsome, strong, wealthy, experienced, considerate to women, and dependable. He's got both brains and muscles. What do you have?"
Zhang Li scratched his head and admitted, "Fair point."
Yue Yang continued, "A man like him is a rare gem—something you'd only read about in novels or see in movies. If I were a woman, I'd follow him around all day, calling out—" Yue Yang clasped his hands to his chest, adopting a coy voice, "Danba, oh Danba, my dear Danba…"
Zhang Li shivered in mock horror but silently thought to himself, A rare gem? Then why is he divorced?
"What are you all talking about?" Tashi Danba asked, appearing suddenly. Yue Yang jumped and stammered, "Back so soon?"
Zhang Li immediately crowded closer, asking, "So? What did the tomboy say to you, Danba?"
"None of your business."
"Come on, tell us!"
"Yue Yang, why are you stirring the pot again?"
"Did she hint at something?"
"Yeah, did she?"
"You guys are so nosy. Why don't you learn from Basang and organize your materials?"
"Still asking!"
Puerto Asís lies more than 800 kilometers south of Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. Its remote location and inconvenient transportation make this riverside city resemble a mid-20th-century American town. On its calm streets, sporadic vehicles pass by, and vendors sell their goods in an orderly manner. It's hard to tell that this place frequently witnesses clashes between local armed forces and government troops. Puerto Asís connects to the Putumayo River, and traveling downstream leads to numerous indigenous tribes.
Mo Jin and Masuo were staying in a European-style villa on the outskirts of Puerto Asís. The villa's owner was short, stout, and dark-skinned, exuding an air of menace even through his smiles. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, a gold tooth, a thumb-thick gold chain around his neck, and fourteen gold rings—two of which were set with massive jadeite stones—on his ten fingers. His wrists and ankles sported Rolexes and gold anklets, and he was dressed in a gold-tinged, white silk shirt resembling a traditional Chinese tang suit. His entire appearance was dazzling.
Mo Jin and the man, Veto, were chatting amiably, their laughter punctuated by the occasional burst of hilarity. Two identical Cuban cigars further solidified their camaraderie. As they talked, Mo Jin motioned for Masuo to place a suitcase full of cash on the table. In turn, Veto ordered a burly subordinate to bring out a box of white powder. Another round of knowing laughter followed.
Veto gestured for his men to take the money, but Mo Jin pressed a hand on the suitcase, saying, "Hold on, Veto. I need a small favor from you."
The gold-toothed Veto grinned. "With our relationship, what's there to hesitate about? Just say the word."
Mo Jin explained, "These individuals will be passing through Puerto Asís in the next day or two. I'd like you to keep an eye on them. I don't want them harmed, but I also don't want them leaving too quickly. Ideally, delay them for a few days."
Veto picked up the documents containing Tashi Danba's team's information, glanced through them, and chuckled. "No problem. We'll wait for them at Ospina. As soon as they show up, we'll stall them for you. By the way, Ben, do you still have that African crystal from last time? I really liked it. Price isn't an issue."
Mo Jin laughed. "I'd have to check. You know how vast my collection is; I don't keep track of every piece."
Veto laughed heartily. "Alright, alright, my friend. Don't forget."
Half an hour later, Mo Jin and Masuo boarded a wooden boat and glided through the silent Amazon rainforest. Mo Jin opened the suitcase and began tossing packets of finished cocaine into the river. Watching this, Masuo couldn't help feeling a pang of regret. "Why are you doing this, boss?"
Mo Jin replied, "You can't eat it, and it only attracts trouble. Even if we smuggled it into the U.S., the profits wouldn't be worth the risks. I've never been interested in this kind of stuff."
Masuo asked, "Then why trade with that drug lord?"
Mo Jin smiled. "You don't understand. Veto is a big, dumb ox. As long as you buy his goods, he'll treat you as a friend. If you don't, he'll get suspicious and start scheming against you. He has close ties with the revolutionary armed forces and wields significant influence in this area. My goal is to have him stall those Chinese people."
Masuo pressed further, "But we have plenty of soldiers. Why not station some at Puerto Asís instead of going through Veto?"
Mo Jin snorted as he pierced another bag and scattered the cocaine into the river. "Fool. Our soldiers are too valuable; they're reserved for more important tasks. These minor matters are better left to local armed groups and seasoned smugglers who know the terrain and frequently cross borders. It's much more cost-effective this way."
As he emptied the last bag, Mo Jin clapped his hands in satisfaction and stood up. "Buying raw materials at the source is quite economical, isn't it?"
Masuo flattered him, "I never imagined the boss had such extensive connections—even Colombian drug lords are willing to help us."
Mo Jin sneered. "That's nothing. These drug lords just want to launder their money. And what better way to do that than by acquiring fine art pieces?" He shot Masuo a knowing look, and both men shared a sinister smile.