Sunny Youth

Tashi Danba also took a liking to Yue Yang. The four of them sat down together for a meal and quickly became familiar with each other. Zhang Li remarked, "The takedown move you used earlier—it's hand-to-hand combat training. You're in the military, right?"

Yue Yang smiled modestly and said, "Yes, I'm with the Qinghai Armed Police Corps. I'm on a special assignment to Lhasa."

Zhang Li nodded knowingly and didn't press further, understanding the rules of the military. Yue Yang then asked, "Brother Zhang, you're in the military too, right? Based in Lhasa?"

Surprised, Zhang Li asked, "How could you tell?"

With a shy smile, Yue Yang explained, "The calluses on your hands are from years of target practice. Your posture is straighter than most, and your steps are remarkably precise, almost uniform in length—evidence of long-term drills. It's clear you've fully adapted to the plateau environment. Plus, you recognized my takedown technique at a glance, so I figured you must be part of a military unit stationed on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau."

Zhang Li was quietly impressed. This young man's observational skills were better than his own. Pointing to Tashi Danba, he asked, "And what about him? What do you think he does?"

Tashi Danba hadn't expected Zhang Li to test Yue Yang suddenly. Smiling faintly, he watched as Tang Min looked on with keen interest. Yue Yang pondered for a moment before answering, "This gentleman is in excellent physical condition—very strong. Although he's been in inland areas for some time, he still carries distinct traits of a Tibetan. If it weren't for the young lady here, I would have guessed he's a retired special forces officer."

Tang Min blushed deeply, thinking, Young lady? I'm definitely younger than you!

Zhang Li pressed on, "Why does seeing her make you think he's not a retired officer?"

Yue Yang grinned and said, "The young lady's fur coat is exquisite, finely crafted, and elegant in style—things a nouveau riche wouldn't appreciate. This suggests she's from a long-established wealthy family. A retired officer couldn't amass such wealth in a short time. Additionally, the gentleman's sharp gaze, always on alert, suggests he's used to seeking challenges. That's why I think he's likely a businessman—a successful one."

Tashi Danba chuckled, and Tang Min bit her lip, listening intently.

Zhang Li wasn't convinced. "Wait a minute—how do you know she didn't buy the coat herself? Maybe her family is wealthy, and it has nothing to do with him."

Yue Yang laughed good-naturedly. "The young lady treasures her fur coat. She's cautious not to let food spill on it while eating, dusts it off carefully before getting up, and arranges the hem meticulously when sitting to avoid wrinkles. As far as I know, only a gift from someone special receives this kind of treatment." Anticipating more questions, Yue Yang playfully added, "And you don't need to ask me how I know about their relationship. Anyone with eyes can see it."

Tashi Danba laughed. "Very sharp observation skills. You're a scout in the military, aren't you?"

Yue Yang scratched his head sheepishly. Zhang Li explained, "Military personnel can't freely disclose certain details."

The three found Yue Yang increasingly engaging. They chatted about topics ranging from the far north to the deep south, eventually bringing up their recent trip to Kekexili. As Tashi Danba vividly recounted their harrowing experiences in the icy caves, Yue Yang listened intently, forgetting even to eat.

Yue Yang also shared interesting facts about the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. He explained that the route from Golmud to Lhasa included 45 stations, 38 of which were unmanned, and 10 with scenic viewing platforms. Unfortunately, they hadn't been lucky enough to experience the route's usual daytime schedule, which offered spectacular views like Mount Yuzhu, the vast Kekexili wilderness, Tanggula Pass, and the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains.

After their meal, Zhang Li graciously invited Yue Yang to move from the hard-seat section to his soft sleeper cabin. The four of them played cards together late into the night. Tashi Danba wasn't particularly skilled but enjoyed playing along with the others.

Due to weather conditions, the train journey to Lhasa took an extended 18 hours. As they neared their destination, Zhang Li said regretfully, "It's a shame we have to part ways. I hope we'll meet again."

The four bid reluctant farewells. Tashi Danba, Tang Min, and Zhang Li were all curious about Yue Yang's special assignment but refrained from asking.

At the Lhasa train station, Uncle Laba was already waiting. Spotting them, he hurried over, exclaiming, "Ah, my dear young master! You were gone for so many days, and we couldn't contact you. We were worried sick! As soon as I got the notification from Lhasa, I rushed over. How was your trip to Kekexili? Did you find anything valuable?"

Tashi Danba smiled faintly. "You could say we didn't find anything, or you could say we gained a lot. Let's talk in the car. By the way, why didn't Professor Fang Xin come?"

As Laba opened the car door, he replied, "The professor is busy handling some matters. He told us to wait for him in Lhasa. Have you eaten yet? Let's grab a meal and talk on the way. Young master, what exactly happened in Kekexili? Looking for that notebook shouldn't have taken this long, right?"

Standing by the car, Zhang Li said, "I should report back to my unit first, so I won't join you for the ride." They waved goodbye as he left.

In the car, Laba looked concerned. "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 noticed that Tashi Danba's expression had darkened. Gently nudging him, she asked, "What's wrong?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Tashi Danba replied faintly, "Oh, it's nothing." In truth, returning to Lhasa had reminded him of the countless dangers they faced in Kekexili, where they narrowly escaped death multiple times. Now, knowing the mysterious location they sought was even more perilous, he couldn't help but wonder—what should they do next?

Tang Min recounted their experiences in Kekexili once again while in the car. Though not as vivid and thrilling as Tashi Danba's earlier descriptions, it still caused Uncle Laba to clutch his chest in shock and recite Buddhist scriptures in gratitude to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. As Tashi Danba sat in the car deep in thought, the plan to search for the Purple Kirin seemed increasingly unlikely. He realized that danger was not just a word spoken casually—when faced with real danger, it would be too late for regrets.

After hearing Tang Min's account, Laba sighed, "That was incredibly dangerous, even more so than when we surveyed the Sacred Mountain. Young Master, are you still set on finding that mastiff?"

Tashi Danba changed the subject. "How's your brother doing?"

Laba's expression darkened, and just as Tashi Danba assumed Basang was unwilling, Laba replied, "He agreed. Professor Fang Xin's friend is already working on his bail. At first, he was reluctant, but I talked to him, and he eventually understood. He sees it as a way to atone for his past mistakes."

Tashi Danba asked, "Then why does Uncle Laba still look so worried?"

Frowning uneasily, Laba said, "Young Master Danba, after everything you've experienced in Kekexili, are you still determined to find that place? You're no longer a young man—you're middle-aged now. You should make decisions after careful thought. I've watched you grow up, mature, and step by step achieve great success. Your achievements in the business world are clear for everyone to see. But this endeavor is unlike anything before. You might have to venture deep into uncharted territories, far from human civilization, relying solely on your own hands. You've never faced anything like that before. The scientific expedition saved you in Kekexili, but you might not be so lucky every time. Your father, Master Deren, only has you as his son…"

Tashi Danba chuckled. "Alright, Uncle, I understand your concerns. Life is not about experiencing everything firsthand. Our family had never been involved in business before either, but someone had to be the first to try. I remember my father once said, 'Every day, we struggle against the unknown tomorrow. Every moment, we must conquer the uncertainties of the next.' Life is a process of learning, accumulating, and applying. I'm not afraid of challenges." Hearing Laba's words of concern seemed to sweep away Tashi Danba's own doubts, reigniting his determination and fighting spirit.

The three of them found a modest restaurant and had a quick meal before heading to Jinzhulu Road to meet Professor Fang Xin as arranged. While waiting, Tashi Danba repeatedly asked Laba about the family's situation and progress. Laba knew some details but fell far short of the answers Tashi Danba was seeking. It wasn't until Professor Fang Xin appeared in Tashi Danba's view, looking travel-worn, that a smile finally crossed his face.

Professor Fang Xin's bloodshot eyes revealed that he hadn't rested well during Tashi Danba's absence. This filled Tashi Danba with guilt, knowing the elderly professor had worked tirelessly on his behalf. The professor's first words upon meeting him were, "How did it go?"

Tashi Danba shook his head tactfully but with a knowing smile. The professor smiled back, saying, "It seems this trip wasn't fruitless after all. But I bet my findings are even greater than yours." The two embraced, patting each other on the back.

Once in the car, Professor Fang Xin said, "Although I've uncovered information beyond your imagination, I'd like you to share your story first."

Tashi Danba replied, "It's a long story, and I've repeated it countless times. Alright, we chartered a flight to Zhiduo, where I had my company leave a modified Xiaolong car. Zhang Li drove, and Minmin led the way. We crossed Kekexili." Tang Min pouted.

When Tashi Danba recounted the Hummer chase, he paid close attention to the professor's expression. Yet the professor listened quietly, showing no surprise. Pausing, Tashi Danba asked, "Professor, why does it seem like…"

The professor interrupted, "I know what you're wondering. Don't rush. Finish your story, and I'll explain." Tashi Danba continued until he described the encounter with the Gray Wolf Brothers, which finally elicited a look of astonishment from the professor. "Incredible, isn't it? I'd never encountered wolves like them before," Tashi Danba said.

The professor asked detailed questions about the wolves' appearance, fur color, and physical features. He concluded, "If it weren't coming from you, I wouldn't believe it. Based on their fur and body type, these wolves resemble the build of Canis kenaiensis, but their overall appearance has more in common with American wolves."

"American wolves?" Tashi Danba's eyes widened. Tang Min exclaimed, "Wow! They must have traveled a long way from America!"

The professor explained, "It's just a resemblance. You must understand that during the Paleozoic era, ancient feline-like creatures evolved into crepuscular dogs, whose descendants spread across ancient river routes to Europe and the Americas. It's possible that American wolves once thrived on the land beneath our feet. Judging by your description, these wolves likely inhabit regions at altitudes between two to three thousand meters, which aligns with your observations."

Tashi Danba questioned, "Professor, why are you more interested in their geographical traits than their astonishing intelligence? Isn't their intellect even more surprising?"

The professor responded, "There's nothing surprising about it. In fact, I believe what you encountered shouldn't be called wolves—they should be called wolf-men."

Looking at the astonished expressions of Tashi Danba and Tang Min, who were too stunned to speak, Professor Fang Xin smiled and said, "Not the kind of werewolves you're imagining, transforming into upright creatures under a full moon. That's the stuff of legends. The 'wolf-men' I'm referring to come from an evolutionary hypothesis. The scientific community once proposed a theory: if humans had not evolved into the most advanced species on Earth, wolves would be second in line among the animals most likely to replace humans."

Tang Min asked, "What's the first?"

"Dolphins," Professor Fang Xin replied. "And third, elephants. These animals share a few common traits. First, they have sufficient brain capacity and an intelligence level equivalent 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 possess self-awareness, a necessary variable for the evolution of any species. Dolphins are ranked first because they live in water, and scientists believe the buoyancy of seawater allows their brains to think more easily. However, I disagree. Based on my research, wolves are the most likely to evolve into highly intelligent beings like humans. The reason is simple: dolphins and elephants lack the physical structures conducive to labor. Their limbs are far less versatile and tool-oriented compared to wolves. Even if they had the intellectual capacity, their physical limitations would prevent them from acting on those thoughts. Wolves, on the other hand, fell behind humans in evolutionary competition by only ten thousand years. If they had started evolving ten thousand years earlier, they would likely be the ones ruling this world today."

Tang Min said, "I think you're wrong. The number one contender should be gorillas."

Professor Fang Xin chuckled. "We are gorillas. The scientific community discusses evolutionary trajectories across different species, not within the same species. If humans were to disappear from this planet one day, it wouldn't be gorillas reclaiming the land—it would be the domesticated dogs we've raised. Gorillas are already destined to be evolutionary failures. So, if there's a place where wolves reign supreme, we cannot even begin to fathom the level of intelligence they might have developed. Like… that place you mentioned…"

Professor Fang Xin paused, turning back to Tashi Danba with wide eyes, who was already looking at him with the same astonishment. Both simultaneously thought of a place where humans and wolves coexist like companions. Professor Fang Xin said, "It's unbelievable. Is it just a legend, or could it actually exist?" Tashi Danba replied, "I don't know. My mind is a mess right now."

Tang Min was confused. "What's going on? What are you two thinking about?"

Professor Fang Xin responded, "It's nothing. Let's not dwell on it for now. Tashi Danba, go on—what happened next?"

Tashi Danba continued, recounting how they were rescued by Hu Yang's scientific expedition team. Professor Fang Xin smiled and said, "So it was the Extreme Expedition Leader who saved you. No wonder." Seeing Tashi Danba's puzzled expression, he explained, "I once had the pleasure of meeting that bearded fellow. He's ventured to both the Arctic and Antarctic, climbed Everest, and treats scientific exploration as extreme sports. He's a daredevil with the audacity of a bandit and the meticulousness of a scientist. Within the community, he's nicknamed the Extreme Leader. Alright, carry on—what happened next?"

As Tashi Danba narrated further, he remembered the bone flute and quickly took it out for Professor Fang Xin to examine. After inspecting it carefully, the professor remarked, "I'm not an expert on this, but if you'd like, I can ask some colleagues to analyze it. If Hu Yang's team has seen it, it's likely significant. However, if this truly is an ancient Bon artifact, the odds of it appearing in Kekexili are slim. I suspect your intelligent wolf friends brought it there from elsewhere. Most likely, they are Tibetan wolves." The professor's face briefly trembled as he suppressed a startling thought: Wolves capable of evolving into the Purple Kirin!

Tashi Danba nodded and continued recounting their encounter in the ice cave. This time, Professor Fang Xin did not interrupt; he had never encountered such an experience himself. Finally, he commented, "Hu Yang was too reckless. Even if he was angered by the poachers, he shouldn't have taken you into such a dangerous place."

Tashi Danba defended Hu Yang, saying, "At the time, Captain Hu didn't anticipate the level of danger inside the cave. Alright, Professor, can you now tell me why you weren't surprised when I mentioned being pursued?"

Tang Min's face also showed eagerness for an explanation. Professor Fang Xin finally began speaking slowly. "Had this happened before you left, I would have been as shocked as you. But do you remember? Before you departed, your father, Master Deren, invited the Denni Lama. Do you understand why he did that?"

Tashi Danba shook his head. Professor Fang Xin continued, "Master Deren wanted to assess the feasibility of our expedition. Denni Lama is a living record of Tibet's 1,300-year history. They deliberated in private for five days and nights, and I was honored to be invited to observe. In the end, they reached a shocking conclusion, one that I believe is the root cause of you being pursued."

As Tashi Danba stared at him blankly, Professor Fang Xin said, "Tashi Danba, my student and friend, do you know the true nature of the place you're searching for? Do you realize you're not the first—nor the only one—looking for it? Others call that place the Pabara Monastery."