The old Taoist priest and his four disciples sped along like arrows released from a bow, their feet barely touching the ground, their speed seemingly tearing the surrounding air apart. Before long, they arrived safely at the bustling and solemn military post station in Dujiangyan City. The moment they stepped into the post station, they immediately saw Company Commander Li and his men, who were already waiting there. Many of these people were familiar faces from the tomb-digging operation they had participated in at Pengshan, and there seemed to be a subtle, unspoken understanding between them.
Company Commander Li, with a serious and solemn expression, introduced the situation to the old Taoist priest: "Taoist priest, Commander Liu attaches great importance to our upcoming trip to Dihua in Northwest China, and has devoted a great deal of effort and attention to it. For this reason, he has specially arranged a full twenty sturdy and durable military vehicles to ensure that we can travel smoothly and without any obstacles on the road. Not only that, but gasoline, clean water, and ample food, and even delicious cured meat, have been prepared in abundance, filling two whole vehicles. As for the other vehicles, each one is equipped with six brave and fearless soldiers, all of whom are fully armed and equipped with extremely sophisticated gear. Whether it is a heavy light machine gun, a light and agile Mauser pistol, or a large quantity of powerful hand grenades, they have all been prepared, which can be described as complete."
Upon hearing this, the old Taoist's expression slightly darkened, though he remained outwardly composed, a barely perceptible hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He pondered to himself, "What are you all going to do? Are you going to that mysterious northwestern Dihua region to dig for treasure, or are you planning some dangerous operation like robbery? With so many weapons, are you really heading for a fierce battle? But we clearly didn't come here for war. What secrets and mysteries are hidden behind this?" A strange unease welled up within the old Taoist. He knew this journey was far more complex than it appeared, perhaps concealing many untold stories and dangers…
The next morning, as the sun slowly rose, like a fiery red yolk, it cast a soft glow upon the group. The group of over a hundred people, all in high spirits, dressed in various colors, with short guns and daggers at their waists and packs on their backs, drove off in a long procession from the bustling city of Chengdu. Truck after truck, like a long, giant dragon, sped towards Xi'an and Lanzhou. The scenery along the way flashed by; mountains, rivers, and villages were left behind in an instant.
After several days of travel, the group finally arrived in Lanzhou. The climate here was completely different from Chengdu's—dry and cold, with howling winds that seemed to threaten to blow them away. They stopped their carriages and found an inn to rest for the day. The inn was bustling with activity; people were coming and going, some drinking and chatting, others eating and resting. The group also got out of their carriages, entered the inn, ordered some food and drinks, and discussed their upcoming journey while eating. After the meal, they went to the market to buy some water and food for emergencies. Then, they resumed their journey, continuing towards Jiayuguan.
Three days later, they finally passed Jiayuguan. The sight before them stunned them; a vast expanse of Gobi Desert stretched out before them, seemingly endless. The sky was a deep, jewel-like blue, and the sun blazed down fiercely, scorching the sand and stones on the ground. A sense of desolation welled up within them. Looking at this barren landscape, the old Taoist knew that this journey to the Western Regions was likely fraught with peril, with little chance of survival. Remembering the divination he had received before setting out—a divination that indicated misfortune—his heart sank. If he didn't go, and waited to die at home, he might live a few more years. But he knew his own body best. Thirty years ago, his master, Yunjizi, had told him that his lifespan was limited to about sixty years, not exceeding sixty-six. Now he was already sixty, considered a long life in the Republican era. On this journey to the Western Regions, he hoped to encounter a great opportunity, to rise from the ashes and live to a hundred like his master, Yunjizi. Otherwise, he would just be an ordinary mortal, eventually disappearing into obscurity. But he was not afraid of death. He knew that as a cultivator, he had long since transcended the fear of life and death. As long as he could realize his Dao, he would not hesitate to pay the price with his life. So, he gripped the Daoist iron sword tightly in his hand, his eyes fixed firmly ahead, and led the group forward.
After a long and arduous week-long journey, the group, like pilgrims who had endured countless hardships, finally arrived at the mysterious city of Dihua. The moment they saw the city, their eyes lit up with excitement and anticipation. Dihua was bustling with people, a cacophony of voices, like a pot of boiling water, the noise rising and falling, a truly vibrant and lively scene. In the market, the crowd surged like a tide, bustling and jostling. People dressed in diverse attire, their faces displaying different expressions; some smiled, seemingly enjoying this rare moment of prosperity; others frowned, seemingly troubled by the trivialities of life. These people from different regions and with different cultural backgrounds gathered here, together creating a unique and exotic landscape. A dazzling array of goods filled the stalls lining both sides of the street, colorful and abundant, a feast for the eyes. From exquisite handicrafts to delicious exotic snacks, from gorgeous silk clothing to unique ethnic ornaments, each item exudes a unique charm, as if telling the world about the long history and diverse culture of Dihua City.
In the ancient post station located on the outskirts of the city, Lao Dao and Company Commander Li slowly stepped inside. Approaching them were Ma Shuiyin, the quartermaster from Dihua City responsible for receiving them, and a Uyghur guide named Bakamu. Bakamu was a robust man around thirty years old, followed by a dozen or so equally spirited Uyghur companions.
The group filed into the house and quickly found seats. The quartermaster, Ma Shuiyin, gave a slight bow, cleared his throat, and said, “Gentlemen, this journey has been arduous. Commander Jin specifically instructed me to treat you well. You can rest comfortably in the city for three days before continuing your journey.” With that, he waved his hand, and instantly, a dozen or so Uyghur girls in brightly colored clothing gracefully entered. They carried gleaming copper kettles and bowls, pouring milk tea for everyone, the rich aroma filling the room. Next, two burly men carried in an enormous roasted whole lamb. One of them picked up a knife and, with magical skill, deftly sliced the lamb in the blink of an eye. The tender, juicy meat seemed irresistibly tempting; seeing this, everyone reached for the meat and devoured it like hungry wolves. Even the old Taoist priest disregarded his dietary restrictions, grabbing a leg of lamb and devouring it, while also downing two large bowls of milk tea in one go. His satisfied expression suggested he was savoring the most exquisite delicacy in the world. After eating and drinking his fill, night fell, and the old Taoist priest slept soundly, while Yun Liu and Yun Qi dutifully took turns on duty, guarding the tranquility of the area.
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