Having once traveled to the Pamir Plateau, I thought a trip to the Kunlun Mountains wouldn't be much of a problem. However, as soon as our vehicle reached the foot of the Kunlun Mountains, the biting cold made me tremble involuntarily.
The Kunlun Mountains are a range of peaks and valleys, stretching for a thousand miles. It is one of the highest mountain ranges in the world. Its highest peak stands at an elevation of 7,167 meters, covered in thick snow and glaciers, creating a magnificent world of ice and snow.
Many myths and legends are associated with the Kunlun Mountains, such as Shen Nong tasting herbs and Hou Yi shooting the sun. This place was once a hub of activity for many historical figures and cultural giants like Fuxi, the Yellow Emperor, Confucius, and Li Bai.
This legendary sacred mountain is both mysterious and perilous.
On the way, I asked Yang Hanxue about Wang Yang. He replied, "Actually, the eldest young lady knew long ago that Wang Yang was part of the Illuminati. They had some exchanges during that time."
"Why are the Illuminati and An Ying both going to Kunlun?" I asked.
"We don't know that. The information we received is that the eldest young lady needs our help to find a passage in Kunlun."
"What kind of passage is it?"
"For the specific details, you'll have to wait until you see her and ask her yourself. Honestly, we don't know much more than you do," Yang Hanxue said with a wry smile.
Fu Honglang, who was driving, turned to glance at me and said, "Old Yang is telling the truth. We're also in the dark. Anyway, the eldest young lady's instructions were to meet her in Kunlun, and she also said that it's unlikely any of us will return alive this time."
"She told you that?" I looked at everyone.
They all nodded. I asked, "Then why are you..."
"We still came, right?" Fu Honglang chuckled. "To be honest, I didn't want to come either, mainly because my wife insisted."
I glanced at Mao Guizhi in the passenger seat. She said, "Some things are more important than living. I have to understand them, otherwise, it's too tormenting."
"What is it?" I asked.
She paused and didn't say much more. Fu Honglang added, "Brother Xiang, don't ask about this. Anyway, our matters are all private."
Hearing this, I nodded and didn't press further.
The car quickly turned off the small road and entered the Kunlun mountain range. I asked them why they were entering Kunlun from the Pamir Plateau side. Isn't it closer from Tibet?
Yang Hanxue told me, "These are all orders from the eldest young lady. Brother Xiang, you should rest for a while. We might have to walk soon."
Although it was already past midnight, I felt no sleepiness. Many thoughts were still swirling in my mind.
What was the passage An Ying was looking for?
Also, this time I came to Kunlun without saying a word. If something really happened, would Bai Hanyan be sad?
And Hong Yunpeng, he's getting married next month. Will I be able to make it back in time?
Countless questions intertwined like a tangled mess, making my thoughts chaotic.
I told myself not to think so much, but I couldn't help it.
Before I knew it, the car reached its destination. After getting out, we shouldered our equipment and baggage and started moving forward.
Most of us in this group were not ordinary people; our physical strength was quite strong. Except for Fatty and me, the other three hadn't taken a break during the journey.
We walked from night until past ten o'clock the next morning before finding a place to camp.
After sleeping for a few hours, we ate and then continued our journey.
Thus, we walked for two days and two nights, reaching the depths of the Kunlun Mountains. This place was desolate and uninhabited, with even animals being scarce.
Mao Guizhi, holding a satellite locator, checked it and said, "We should reach the meeting point in about two more hours. Let's rest for now."
Everyone nodded, started a fire, heated up some dry rations, and prepared some boiled water.
"Master Xiang, legend has it that Fuxi cultivated Taoist magic in the Kunlun Mountains back then, saying that this place is rich in spiritual energy. What do you think? If we lived here for a year or a half, would we also be able to extend our lifespan?"
Fatty's lips were cracked from the wind, but he still chattered on.
He hadn't stopped talking since we started this journey.
I smiled and said, "Who knows? How about you try living here for a few years and see?"
"Me, alone?"
"Who else?"
"Then I'd rather not. It's too boring to be alone, without even a companion to talk to."
After packing our things, we continued forward. Over two hours later, we arrived at the foot of an ice mountain. The cold wind around us became more biting, stinging our faces.
We took out the cold-weather supplies from our backpacks, wrapping ourselves up so tightly that not an inch of skin was exposed.
"Where are they?" I asked.
Mao Guizhi looked at the satellite locator in her hand and said, "They should be nearby. Let's search around."
Just as we were about to split up to search, Yang Hanxue said, "No need to search. Look over there."
Following his指 direction, we saw a plume of black smoke slowly rising in the distance.
We walked towards that spot. Upon arriving, we saw a erected tent, and a person was making a fire outside the tent.
That person was also wrapped up tightly, just like us, making them unrecognizable.
Seeing our arrival, she stopped what she was doing, stood up, and walked into the tent. After a moment, someone emerged from inside.
She stood in front of the tent in the snow, wearing a white fox fur coat. Looking at us, she seemed to be contemplating something. Her eyes revealed a unique determination and courage, as if facing a major decision.
The snowflakes in the air fell slowly, as if drawn by her presence. Her white fox fur coat swayed gently in the breeze.
Looking at that familiar face, I felt an indescribable emotion.
We walked closer. An Ying looked at Fatty and me. I pulled down my scarf to reveal my face. A flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes: "Xiao Fei? Why are you here?"
I pursed my lips. I had a lot to say, but at this moment, no words came out.
"Let's talk inside the tent," An Ying said.
Our group entered the tent, where it was significantly warmer than outside.
The tent was large and well-equipped. It looked like they had been here for several days.
Everyone took off their hats and scarves, stretching their bodies. Feng Shu brought in a charcoal brazier from outside and then poured us hot water.
"Eldest young lady, we've arrived at the agreed time," Yang Hanxue said, looking at An Ying.
She nodded, her gaze sweeping over me. "Since you're all here, we'll rest for a day and set off tomorrow."