Chapter 87 The Origin of Dalai
"The Five-Foot Path?"
"Could it be the Five-Foot Road built under the jurisdiction of the Prefect of Shu Commandery?"
Someone figured out that a comrade had asked about it based on the sound.
"I'm afraid it's more than that. Think about where we are now, Wufeng Mountain in Xiong Guan Town, and what's beyond that?"
Someone exclaimed in surprise, "I know now, this is the Shu-Shendu Road!"
"That's right, it's very likely this ancient road!"
Xia Ming, Zhuang Yongshou, and Shi Xinrong looked excited; they had all thought of this as well.
The legendary Southwest Silk Road was a trade route between the southwest and the outside world, built with countless efforts from the Warring States period to the Eastern Han Dynasty.
Their trading locations even extend directly across the mountains to Myanmar and India!
Looking back, if I could travel the land Silk Road in my lifetime, explore the trade that took place along the way, and study the cultural relics and treasures that were designed along it, I think that participating in any one of these aspects would be something that archaeological researchers would hope for.
If I could participate in the entire process, I would have no regrets even if it were my lifelong pursuit.
The researchers and experts all looked on with longing for the mystery.
The only people I don't understand are those who aren't even in the profession.
But they are perceptive and intelligent; they know what is useful and what is not.
"Old Xia, what are we going to do next?" Old Shi rubbed his hands together, his eyes shining as he looked at the gap. With the groundwork laid earlier, he already had a general idea of where the passage below led.
At the same time, some people are concerned about whether they need to report to the relevant local departments.
After all, although they have relevant procedures and processes, they might need to give advance notice in the face of the current situation.
Xia Ming understood Lao Shi's intention and indicated that he understood.
They then gave a brief explanation of the so-called Shu-Shendu Dao to everyone present, and only then did the confused people realize what was going on.
Before, when I went to the sea, I encountered the Maritime Silk Road; when I came to the southwest, I encountered the Southwestern Silk Road; and isn't there another Silk Road in the northwest?
Luo Yin looked like she had just learned something, and she frantically wrote things in her notebook.
She has recently felt increasingly that her knowledge base is too narrow, and what she usually learns is simply not enough to support her work.
Fortunately, they took good care of themselves, and the researchers were very kind and easy to get along with.
They not only explain technical terms and point out points that require attention, but also share their own insights and experiences, all for the better development of the team.
Thinking of what Old Man Chen had told her that day, a small flame of anger ignited in Luo Yin's heart.
It seems that besides her relatives on the grassland, she suddenly has a new concern.
She wanted to learn, enrich and expand herself, and no longer live a mediocre and aimless life!
She now has her first small goal: to be able to understand their conversations and no longer feel like a complete novice.
Luo Yin set herself a small goal, unaware that the changes that followed would influence her for many, many years.
People in the crowd were looking at each other, and most were waiting for the results from the senior members.
Only a handful of people who were paying attention to her noticed these subtle changes.
Among them was Chen Dong, who had been keeping an eye on her.
Old Master Chen was the first to notice that her aura had become solid and pure again, heavy yet carrying a faint glow.
It was as if a barrier of sunlight had spread around her, which quickly dissipated in just a few seconds. But after he glanced at her, he squinted and dared not look directly at her again.
His little trick could hardly escape the scrutiny of several eyes behind him.
The first to notice, Brother Du, blinked, realizing that Old Man Chen was behaving differently than usual.
He quickly followed the gaze to look at Luo Yin, but there seemed to be no change. He turned back and looked at her several times.
Then he finally realized something was wrong and quickly poked Brother Meng.
Meng Shaoyuan was slightly more capable than him. Upon hearing this, his face tightened, and he secretly made a gesture on the hem of his trousers with his right hand. He quickly lowered his voice and said, "There are some changes, but I can't tell."
"How is Xiao Luo?"
Brother Du asked again.
"I don't know, but the momentum is getting better."
Brother Du's tense mood eased a lot. "That's good. With her here, we're not afraid."
Meng Shaoyuan chuckled and nodded, pulling his brother up. "Keep your mouth shut, don't say everything."
"I know, I won't say anything nonsense, and besides, no one would believe me anyway."
Xiao Du's face fell. He felt uncomfortable just thinking about it. Being repeatedly outmatched by people younger than him who were slightly more skilled than him was a painful and humiliating experience.
He's been through this countless times, but his old man insists it's all part of the training.
He needs to be tempered and refined to grow quickly, but the old man doesn't care about his life or death at all.
"Cough cough~"
Just as I was reminiscing in pain, a cough came from above my head.
The experienced squad stood tall and straight, taking their posts without batting an eye.
Sure enough, the next sound was the rhythmic footsteps. The person's steps were steady and fast, but each step was solid, and you could tell at a glance that it was their captain.
"Stand guard properly and don't leave any gaps!"
Huo Sen looked at them one by one, stopping in front of Du Yuetian and Meng Shaoyuan.
"Yes, Captain."
Hosen nodded, then whispered a few words to Captain Jiang before dispersing.
They didn't know what the discussion was about, but for a long time afterward, Xiao Du felt like he was being targeted because his standby time doubled from that point on.
After discussion, they ultimately decided not to notify the relevant local personnel for the time being.
Especially given that we haven't even figured out the situation yet, and with the arrival of the guide Dalai.
Yes, afterwards, they had a heart-to-heart talk with Dalai, the main purpose of which was to confirm his identity.
Dalai initially denied it, saying he didn't know what they were talking about and vehemently refused to admit that he couldn't understand them; however, a series of subtle details that he hadn't even noticed later revealed his identity.
Even he became impatient, his eyes reddening, and he insisted that he didn't know!
Seeing his agitation, the older comrades, fearing he might say or do something inappropriate, quickly asked everyone in the room to leave, leaving only two comrades on guard duty.
Dalai saw far fewer people, and the tension in his heart eased considerably.
After calming down a bit, I listened to Mr. Zhuang's words of comfort, since he was the one who brought it up.
He then nodded helplessly in acknowledgment under the tolerant gaze of the older comrade.
"I am!"
"I am a Qiang person!"
These five words felt like a huge burden, making it exceptionally difficult for him to utter them.
The older comrades looked at each other and all felt that there must be some behind-the-scenes information they were unaware of.
"Dalai, don't worry, there are only a few of us here. We promise to keep quiet about what happens next, and we will also make proper arrangements for our comrades outside. We will never reveal any information."
Shi Xinrong nudged Lao Xia, and Xia Ming assured him.
"I... I'm so sorry, I lied to you before."
Dalai wiped his eyes, his face revealing his pain and regret.
He seemed to be caught up in some kind of emotion.
The older comrades immediately realized that something must have happened to him or his family, and that his identity was related to it.
But there doesn't seem to be much information about the Qiang people in the materials I'm looking for!
No, there is one story about the Qiang people avoiding suspicion and concealing their identities, but that's absurd!
What era are we living in? The People's Republic of China has been established for over 20 years!
Xia Ming's shock did not escape the scrutiny of Lao Shi and Lao Zhuang. After a brief discussion, the two realized what he was thinking, and their gazes toward Da Lai were filled with deep shock and surprise.
At first, I was skeptical and incredulous, but later I was shocked, terrified, and angry and heartbroken when my suspicions came true.
“My hometown is not here. It is a remote and isolated village where the Qiang people who have survived live. There are only about 20 households and more than 300 people in the village. They work at sunrise and rest at sunset, living a simple and peaceful life.”
Dalai didn't notice his tears falling as he spoke.
The three people opposite could see it clearly.
The old men listened intently, their brows furrowed.
“Our village is nestled against the mountains, surrounded by forests. There are hardly any outsiders throughout the year, but there are always a few hunters and mountain dwellers who come over the mountains.” As he said the last word, Dalai’s expression changed.
His expression was filled with hatred, helplessness, and panic.
"And it was because of that hunter that our village suffered pain and indescribable disasters."
"It's all his fault! It's all because of him!"
Dalai growled in pain, clearly unable to control his emotions.
"Dalai, Dalai, calm down."
"Take a deep breath, keep your breathing smooth, and don't get angry."
Some people helped him catch his breath, others patted his back, and his mind finally calmed down a bit.
And their guesses about what they heard were just as they had guessed earlier.
I don't know what the hunter said to their village chief, but every year after that, someone in the village would die inexplicably.
Accidents can happen, regardless of age or gender!
He didn't think much of it at first, but the ensuing funeral made the village no longer the same as before.
The once warm and friendly relationship turned tense and serious, and the villagers began to look at each other with wariness.
The three veteran comrades vaguely understood the reason, and looking at this comrade who looked much more haggard, they didn't know what to say.
"Sigh, living well is the only true principle!"
Old Shi patted him on the shoulder and said in a deep voice.
That's all he can say right now.
Dalai burst into tears again, "Waaaaah, my poor little brother only lived to be 7 years old, he never had the chance to grow up."
He sobbed softly and wept, then burst into loud sobs.
Those outside who heard the commotion were startled, then stiffened and looked into the house.
If it weren't for the sound I just heard, I would have thought they were hallucinating, but such obvious crying can't be fake.
"What's going on?"
"Could it be that he got scolded? Isn't Old Zhuang known for his good temper?"
"You have to be careful who you talk to. Old Xia and Old Shi have sharp tongues, I know that from experience," Xia Mingjiang said, patting his chest with an expression that said, "I know them well."
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Author's Note: Two chapters owed
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