Rektag Rescue Station

"Hyaena? Your brother?" Zaxi Danba asked, confused.

Hu Yang was choked by the smoke and coughed loudly, recovering after a while. He shook his head and waved his hand. "No, it's not Hu, as in the surname. It's 'fox' in 'fox wolf.' It's a nickname for a group of special poachers the Kokoxili mountain teams have been tracking for the past ten years. They're elusive, cunning like foxes, vicious, and greedy like wolves. Ten years ago, we discovered some major poaching activities involving Tibetan antelopes. The national authorities took it seriously and sent several experienced mountain teams. Despite several large-scale searches, we never found them. But it's certain that this group has been operating in Kokoxili's no-man's land for a long time. They are different from ordinary poachers. They have a strong organization and a tight division of labor. Worse yet, they seem to have been living there for a long time, making them more familiar with the terrain and landscape than the mountain teams. According to some team members' reports, they started with just two or three people. About seven years ago, there were around five of them. Five years ago, the group grew to between ten and twenty. How many they are now is unclear, but based on the food waste left at their poaching sites, it seems they always mobilize about ten people. Initially, when they encountered a mountain team or an expedition team, they would flee. But as their numbers grew, so did their weapons, and now they no longer fear the mountain teams. In fact, mountain team members have started feeling vulnerable. Especially this year, several solo or full teams of mountain members have disappeared without a trace in Kokoxili—no bodies, no signs."

Zaxi Danba said, "They might have been buried in these caves."

"Huh!" Hu Yang looked at Zaxi Danba in surprise. The idea hit him for the first time. He recalled when they first entered the ice cave, the expedition team was also drawn in by some strange clues. He muttered, "Could it really be like this? Are they using the complex terrain and hidden dangers inside the caves to kill the mountain team members and expedition members?"

Zaxi Danba sat up straight and tapped his fingers. "Is it possible? Think about it—they're targeting mountain team members and expedition teams, people fighting poaching and protecting Tibetan antelopes. If they create an atmosphere of death in a certain area, making it seem like anyone who enters won't come out alive, then for their poaching efforts…"

"The Tibetan antelopes in that area would be free for them to kill!" Hu Yang said incredulously, looking at Zaxi Danba.

Zaxi Danba shrugged. "I'm just throwing it out there."

Hu Yang replied, "No, the possibility you mentioned is very likely. If their numbers keep increasing, they will inevitably encounter mountain teams. To poach safely, they must control an area that even the mountain teams won't dare to enter. And that area just happens to be a critical migration route for Tibetan antelopes, allowing them to poach without restraint."

Zaxi Danba asked, "But how do you know they're the 'fox wolves' and not just ordinary poachers?"

Hu Yang answered, "There are some details that made me think of the fox wolves. They're very familiar with the terrain, that much is clear. They don't just run away; they're trying to kill us. This means they're not ordinary poachers, but a gang of desperados—that's the ruthless part. They've been quietly hiding in the caves for so long, silently leading us in, that's the steady part. They sacrificed their own comrades as bait to lure us into the hamsters' lair, that's the poisonous part. Ruthless, steady, and poisonous—it can only be the fox wolves. And…" He picked up the poacher's assault rifle, removed the magazine, and took out a bullet. "This is a fragmentation round. In addition to the casing, the bullet itself is made up of the bullet head and body. When it hits a target, the bullet head and body take a brief moment to separate, like a spring, compressing to a point where it explodes. It's a high-lethality weapon, and even if it doesn't hit a vital spot, it can still pulverize the internal organs. The poachers need intact antelope pelts, so these bullets are ideal. But these bullets are difficult to get, so regular poachers wouldn't use them."

Finally, Zhang Li and Kirk emerged from the cave. Kirk sighed in relief and said, "Finally, we're out."

Zhang Li asked, "Where are the others?" He was feeling much better now.

Zaxi Danba said, "One ran, one is dead." He suddenly asked Hu Yang, "Do you also think the two killed by the hamsters were their comrades?"

Hu Yang nodded, "Yes, based on what Kirk saw, that seems to be the case. Maybe they were newcomers, or perhaps they were suspected of betrayal. But their actions were brutal—killing traitors doesn't require such savage methods!"

Zhang Li thought for a moment before understanding, while Kirk didn't get it and asked, "What are you guys talking about?"

Hu Yang replied, "What we say doesn't matter right now. Our priority is to find a way to contact Lao Xiao and the others. Does your radio have a signal?"

Kirk said, "No. Should we try to go around and find them?"

Hu Yang shook his head, "No! Looks like another storm is coming. In this icy wasteland, trying to find someone is a death sentence. We'll stay here in the cave for now." He kicked the cave entrance in frustration, "Why isn't this entrance slanted downward?"

The four of them lit a campfire inside the cave. Aside from the flames, there was still nothing. Zaxi Danba sat against the ice wall, thinking that fate had taken a strange turn. Zhang Li, holding a rifle, said, "The poachers are using something similar to the Hungarian AMD rifle. It has handles on both ends, with the magazine in the middle, and the caliber is slightly larger than the AMD. It's probably because they're using fragmentation rounds. These guns are all homemade, not factory-produced, but it's clear the guy who modified the gun is an expert. The bullets were bought, and these rounds, I hear, are available in Russia."

Kirk said, "If it had been Zhang Li with the submachine gun instead of Strong Brother, that guy wouldn't have gotten away."

Zaxi Danba suddenly turned to look at Kirk, his deep gaze seemingly lost in thought. He asked, "If the fox wolves aren't just four people, do you think he ran off to…"

"Exactly. That's why we must be on guard…" Hu Yang pointed at the two campfires at the entrance and said, "Originally, my flamethrower didn't have much fuel. So why make two? First, it's a signal from Lao Xiao and me. If you see three campfires in a triangular pattern in the wilderness, it's me. Second, it's to confuse the enemy, making them think we're not alone."

Zaxi Danba smiled and said, "The first time I saw Captain Hu, I thought you were just a rough guy. But now, I'm beginning to realize that you're quite the strategist."

Hu Yang replied faintly, "It's not about strategy, it's just experience. When you've brushed shoulders with death enough times, you become more cautious in everything you do. But Zaxi Danba, honestly, you're a born adventurer. Of course, your physical advantages are undeniable—let's not even compare to Zhang Li, who is a special police officer with specialized training and far superior reflexes and skills. But in unfamiliar environments, his adaptability and courage can't compare to yours. That kind of instinctive reaction is something ingrained in a person, not something that can be trained. For example, that sense of danger—you're born with it. And the truth is, people with such abilities are rare. You're in your early forties, full of energy, and you've built quite a business. Why live a monotonous life when you could join our expedition team? We specialize in research in dangerous terrains, and we really need someone like you."

Zaxi Danba widened his eyes, smiled after a moment, and said, "I'll give it serious thought when I get back." He thought to himself, "Should I tell the captain about my current activities?" After some contemplation, he shook his head.

Just before the fire was about to die down, Lao Xiao and the others finally arrived. They learned that the cave they first entered was nearly eight kilometers away from where they were. Lao Xiao and his team hadn't encountered any issues, but after hearing about Hu Yang's experiences, they were also quite alarmed. When they heard that Hu Yang's DV had been destroyed in the cave and the ice wonders had been blown up, they all lamented the loss. Zaxi Danba took the opportunity to show Lao Xiao the crystal cluster he had collected from the cliff's edge. Lao Xiao looked at it and said, "This is Kokoxili Jade. This region has many volcanic rock formations, and the crystals formed from dissolved minerals like copper, zinc, tin, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and others. This is a common variety, just with a unique color. This is the Kunlun Mountain range, and Kunlun Jade is world-renowned. If you could find a piece of high-quality Kunlun Jade, that would be a real treasure." Zaxi Danba smiled slightly; that was enough for him.

The convoy camped in the wilderness for the night, and nothing new occurred. Zaxi Danba spent a few more days at the base, and the fox wolf figures never reappeared. A few days later, they finally reached their destination—Raktag Rescue Station, with the supply team.

Hu Yang, eager to report the expedition's incident, needed to head to the Geermu Nature Reserve, which had communication with the outside world, and went with them. As they drove, Hu Yang pointed outside and explained, "Once we pass this little mountain pass, we'll be able to see Raktag Rescue Station. It serves as both a reserve and a supply transit station. If we go around, we'll see several large freeze shelters. It's a unique form of high-altitude permafrost that you won't find elsewhere."

Zaxi Danba, whether looking for the notebook that could lead the way or hoping to reunite with Tang Min, became excited. He rolled down the car window, letting the cold air rush in, and breathed deeply, "Min Min is just on the other side of the mountain pass, waiting to meet us. I can feel it!"

Zhang Li thought, "Isn't that a bit exaggerated? There's no such thing as heart-to-heart connection, is there? It seems Young Master Danba is quite smitten."

As the car passed over the pass, the Raktag Rescue Station's buildings, made of mud bricks, came into view. Standing in the freezing wind, waiting eagerly, was none other than Tang Min! Wrapped in a white silver fox fur, she waved her arms from afar, moving gracefully like a swan dancing. Zaxi Danba couldn't wait for the car to reach her and jumped out, running toward her, calling her name loudly. Watching the couple embrace, Hu Yang seemed to be transported back to his younger days, to a time when passions were burning bright.

The two tightly embraced, exchanging endless, heartfelt words, feeling each other's heartbeat, as if they had to stay close to each other, to truly feel alive. Zaxi Danba tried to wipe away the tears on Tang Min's face, caressing her snow-white cheek, unable to stop admiring her, as though he could never look enough. It was a moment so tender, like holding something precious in your hands, afraid it might slip away, or tasting it, afraid it might melt away.

"Ah-hem!" Hu Yang, uninterested in such romantic matters, only wanted to ask one question. It had been bothering him, and once asked, they could get back on the road. "Little girl, I have to ask you, how did you get them to cross Kokoxili's dangerous route? Who did you follow last time? Don't you know how dangerous that route is? You almost didn't make it."

Tang Min stared at Hu Yang, puzzled by this rough-looking man, who resembled an outlaw from old films. Zaxi Danba quickly introduced Hu Yang as the expedition leader who had saved their lives, and only then did Tang Min innocently reply, "I didn't know the route would be that dangerous. The first time I entered Kokoxili, I went with a convoy from Zhiduo County, and it felt perfectly safe the whole way."

Hu Yang asked, "What convoy was it?"

Tang Min said, "I don't know, but their team leader is Rong Zawangmu. He's very friendly."

"Ah!" Hu Yang slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "No wonder you took this route! Rong Zawangmu is from the Kokoxili Winds. His Qinghai Geological Research Team is certainly very familiar with Kokoxili. They came here in the spring for research and stayed the entire summer. It all makes sense now. You guys were lucky this time, but I think you won't be playing so recklessly again in the future. Well, I'll be off now. You can stay here a few more days, let your bodies recover before heading out. This is the supply team's transit station, and the warehouse has enough supplies for you to stay for a year or so."

Hu Yang was about to leave when Zaxi Danba looked at his back and said to Tang Min, "Don't be fooled by the rough exterior of Captain Hu. He's actually a very good person, with a lot of experience in field research. By the way, how have you been these past few days?"

Zhang Li shouted from the entrance of the rescue station, "Can we come in and talk? The wind outside is too strong!"

Inside the rescue station were only three people: Ding Ming, Lu Li (a married couple from Qinghai), who had come to this desolate place driven by their deep passion for Kokoxili, and another doctor, Chen Chen, who was also a volunteer. The rescue station was next to the nature reserve, where mountain patrol teams rotated in and out. The supply convoy came by every three months, with a break during the winter when the mountain passes were closed.

A hot cup of yogurt tea drove away the cold, and Zaxi Danba and Zhang Li sat in the room, listening to Ding Ming and Tang Min. It turned out that Tang Min had just recovered recently and had been half-conscious for the past three days. The mountain patrol team had set out five days ago, sometimes taking three to five days or even half a month to return. After recovering, Tang Min had been waiting for the patrol team and Zaxi Danba's return. The three doctors had never seen the notebook Tang Min mentioned. Ding Ming recalled the rescue of Tang Tao, and with lingering fear, he said, "His strength was completely exhausted, but he kept struggling. That was true desperation. I just couldn't understand what could make someone so terrified. And when the rescue patrol came back, their faces were as cold as ice, like they had seen a ghost. After much questioning, they refused to talk about it. Later, when I was treating one of the patrol members, I got a hint. Apparently, Tang Tao's vehicle was… chilling."

"Chilling!" Zhang Li repeated the phrase, wondering, "What kind of vehicle would make someone feel that way?"

"I'm not exaggerating. Those were their exact words. They made me stop asking, saying they didn't want to relive the experience or make others afraid." Ding Ming looked at the three travelers, his eyes full of unease and a strange glint that sent a chill down their spines.

"Alright, alright. Actually, we only heard about it. We don't know the full story. Come on, have some more tea. I expect the patrol team will be back in the next few days. You can rest for a while. I'll get a bed ready for you. Honestly, we haven't had this much excitement around here in a long time," Lu Li said with a soft voice. Living in such a remote place, she was always smiling, and both she and her husband had a passion for life.

Just then, the sound of a car horn echoed, and everyone stood up. Lu Li said, "Ah, speak of the devil! They must be back. I hope it's the team led by Captain Ma."

Ma Zhanhao was a big, sturdy man with a rough face and a booming voice. After drinking a few sips of barley wine, his face slowly flushed red. "What do you guys want?" Captain Ma's voice was gruff, sounding like he was speaking from a jar.

"A notebook? We're a bunch of rough folks here. No one here keeps notebooks," Captain Ma grumbled.

Tang Min anxiously said, "But it has to be here! Think again. It's a black leather notebook, thicker than usual, like a book…"

"You… what did you say! Say that again!" Ma Zhanhao's expression suddenly tensed, pointing at Tang Min, his voice trembling. "You… you mean, it's a black leather-bound notebook with gold lettering, and it's… that thick?"

Tang Min's face lit up. "Yes, yes! That's my brother's notebook! You've seen it, haven't you? You must have seen it!"

Unexpectedly, Ma Zhanhao grabbed Tang Min's hand forcefully, shouting, "That notebook! That's your brother's? Tell me everything about it! What is it? What's its story?!"