Chapter 001: Death Operation

Xue Long escaped back to the mainland in a state of panic, and this incident spread widely. Many people, after their initial shock, felt it was somewhat normal, as anything could happen in the mysterious former territory of the Western Xia. Moreover, those in this line of work never expected to make a living there, so the strange occurrences encountered by the research team and Xue Long had no substantial connection to them; they were merely passed around as a curious tale.

Where is he?" the old man asked anxiously

The old man glared at me fiercely from his wheelchair, his cane striking the desk with a loud bang as he scolded, "You little brat, stay at home obediently. If you dare to run around, I will break your legs!"

Old Cao, what exactly is going on

In 1996, an expedition team traveled a long distance to the vicinity of Fatai Temple, preparing to camp temporarily before continuing their journey to an ancient city ruin in the former territory of the Western Xia. Unexpectedly, overnight, the entire team along with all their equipment and supplies vanished without a trace.

"It's just in the front yard, but..." The man's expression became somewhat complicated as he looked up at the old man and hesitantly said, "They... they..."

I stuck out my tongue after listening, the old man has been working for so many years, usually not spending money recklessly, and his family business has accumulated quite a fortune, yet he can't even buy a single item. What the hell is this hard currency, could it possibly be harder than the Simuwu Ding?

If I were a conventional person, I might heed their advice and quietly embark on a new chapter in my life after personally experiencing this event, sealing away everything I know in my memory. However, quite the opposite is true; I inherently possess many unstable factors within me. Prolonged trials have not led to my gradual maturity; rather, they have fostered a desire to express and shout at any moment. The more I know, the greater this invisible pressure becomes, reaching a point that is even beyond my control. However, quite the opposite is true; I inherently possess many unstable factors within me. Prolonged trials have not led to my gradual maturity; rather, they have fostered a desire to express and shout at any moment. The more I know, the greater this invisible pressure becomes, reaching a point that is even beyond my control.

The state of Xixia was established by the Dangxiang Qiang people in the year 1038. At its peak, its territory included present-day Ningxia, Gansu, Shaanxi, Qinghai, and parts of Inner Mongolia. Its full name was the Kingdom of Baigao Daxia. Due to its location in the western frontier, it is generally referred to as Xixia by later generations

I cannot comment on this; this item is top-notch.

Xue Longtou stayed outside for half a day, confirming that there were no abnormalities before returning to sleep. It was quite eerie; upon entering the tent, the rustling sound reemerged. Xue Longtou felt a bit uneasy, but in that situation, all one could do was to be fearful and vigilant

Old Cao, is the old man confused? The Fatai Temple is so ominous and has no benefits, why send someone there?

This operation lasted a long time, and I could see that the old man was very anxious. Although he did not explicitly say so, he would occasionally become distracted and lost in thought. A month after Cao Shi and the others set out, there was still no news, and the old man's mood seemed to worsen. He often lost his temper over minor mistakes made by his subordinates, throwing things and striking people with his cane. I served by his side every day, receiving the most scolding, suffering greatly.

Xue Longtou, like an old man, has struggled through life for half a lifetime, having seen all sorts of extraordinary events and possessing great courage. He quickly dragged his brother-in-law to a low-lying area not far from the camp, waiting cautiously until dawn before slowly approaching the camp. Something had happened, and everything had vanished completely, leaving not even a trace. It was only at this moment that Xue Longtou realized that his tent was situated right in the center of a massive hexagonal pattern on the ground, which had not existed when the camp was set up yesterday. Something had happened, and everything had vanished completely, leaving not even a trace. It was only at this moment that Xue Longtou realized that his tent was situated right in the center of a massive hexagonal pattern on the ground, which had not existed when the camp was set up yesterday

The old man's real name is Wei Changkong, but everyone else calls him Master Ba. Only I, as his adopted son, dare to privately refer to him as the old man. He is quite a formidable figure, controlling at least 60% of the underground cultural relics trade in Jiangbei City. Particularly in the past two years, the old man has become paralyzed from the waist down due to an accident, yet this has not affected his status in the slightest. The various stalls and operations in the entire Jiangbei underground market continue to function in an orderly manner, and everyone still respectfully addresses him as Master Ba. Particularly in the past two years, the old man has become paralyzed from the waist down due to an accident, yet this has not affected his status in the slightest. The various stalls and operations in the entire Jiangbei underground market continue to function in an orderly manner, and everyone still respectfully addresses him as Master Ba

Old Cao, we have long agreed to go to Guilin for a trip. How about I talk to the old man and ask him to send someone else to Fatai Temple, and we can...

After sitting for a while, Xue Longtou and his brother-in-law urgently needed to relieve themselves. The two ran behind a small sandbag outside the camp to defecate. When they pulled up their pants and turned around to head back, their mouths fell agape. The camp, which had been calm just a few minutes earlier, was now eerily empty, with only a few still-burning campfires and the solitary tent they had occupied remaining in place.

"It's nothing." Cao Shichao glanced out the window and said, "Those who eat this bowl of rice are all the same. Back in the day, Ba Ye also endured it this way. The rumors about Fatai Temple are merely hearsay; one can only believe half of what Xue Longtou says. Rest assured, this trip to Guilin is indispensable."

If the incident involving the scientific expedition team is not sufficient to indicate the sinister aura surrounding Fatai Temple, then another event that occurred a year later was like a heavy bomb, completely stunning everyone.

Three days later, Cao Shi quietly set off from Jiangbei with his men, heading towards the former site of the Western Xia, the Fatai Temple. I stayed at home accompanying the old man in planting flowers and raising birds, feeling so idle that I was about to mold. Several times I tried to pry open his mouth, but was scolded back each time, leaving me quite helpless

Everything began with a plan orchestrated by the old man.

At that time, the natural environment near the Fatai Temple was quite normal, and there were no unexpected incidents due to climate or sandstorms. Moreover, this team disappeared completely, leaving no traces behind. The rescue personnel only discovered a massive hexagonal pattern with a diameter of twenty meters at the scene.

The Western Xia dynasty was somewhat different from other minority regimes of its time, such as the Liao and Jin dynasties. After the rise of the Mongols, they launched six campaigns against Western Xia, to which the people of Western Xia mounted a desperate resistance. Consequently, the Mongols harbored a deep-seated animosity towards Western Xia, to the extent that Genghis Khan himself died at the Liupan Mountain palace during the fifth southern expedition. After the last emperor of Western Xia surrendered, the Mongols inflicted devastating destruction upon the dynasty. Furthermore, in the early 20th century, a large number of Western Xia documents and artifacts from Heishui City were lost abroad, leaving very few materials available for research. As a result, later generations have always perceived this nation, which vanished in the desert, as shrouded in a veil of mystery. We, in this line of work, seldom venture to the ruins of Western Xia in search of goods, and I find myself puzzled as to what has prompted the old man this time.

Yes, Master Ba has asked me to take people to the Fatai Temple in the ancient site of Xixia this time

Everyone said so, and Xue Longtou felt somewhat uncertain, doubting whether there was a temporary issue with his hearing. Nevertheless, he stubbornly insisted that everyone continue to sit around.

I thought to myself, isn't this nonsense? The old man is the type who, despite being as tough as steel, is gentle and flexible. He has a clear understanding of worldly matters, and he is not particularly greedy. His greatest virtue is knowing when to stop, and he approaches his work with a sense of measure. As a result, over the years, his operations and ventures have rarely encountered major issues, and both his business and influence have grown increasingly larger. This time, the action at the Fatai Temple involved significant risks. The old man's decision to proceed can only indicate that the item in question is of the highest quality.

This sound seems to exist only within the tent, vanishing without a trace as soon as one steps outside. Xue Longtou kicked everyone who was sleeping and reading awake, and everyone gathered in a circle with their belongings. Upon hearing the situation, everyone expressed their confusion, as there was no such rustling sound in the other tents.

"Eighth Master, Cao Shi and the others... they seem to have turned into monsters!"

However, upon further reflection, I still feel something is amiss. This does not align with the old man's character. No matter how fatty a piece of meat may be, he would not take a bite until he has thoroughly assessed the situation. He would only dare to take such a small risk if he had more than a 70% certainty.

"Young Master Tian, I know you are tight-lipped and close to Master Ba, so it is nothing to say these words to you. You can listen, but you must not let it leak. By telling you this, I have already crossed Master Ba's taboo." Cao Shi took a deep drag from his cigarette and then pulled out a map, laying it flat on the table: "First, take a look at this; it is a map of the ancient Western Xia."

The old man grabbed the cane beside him and shouted, "You son of a bitch, speak up! What the hell is going on!"

When I made up my mind to document it, several informed individuals cautioned me in succession, advising that it would be best to keep this matter buried in my heart forever, as it involves too many people and issues, and one cannot be sure it would not invite unnecessary trouble again

The place of Kefa Taishi... ...

Although Cao Shi is indeed sincere, he is by no means foolish. Before I had finished speaking, he understood my meaning, looked at me with gratitude, then shook his head slightly, his tone tinged with a hint of bitterness: "No, Young Master Tian, if anyone else goes, Master Ba will be uneasy. This matter is simply too important."

Cao Shi is a robust man in his thirties who has been following the old man for at least ten years. He possesses excellent skills, and most importantly, he is reliable in his work, which has earned him a great deal of trust and importance. In recent years, several experienced old associates under the old man have retired one after another, and with the old man himself also incapacitated, the burden has almost entirely fallen on Cao Shi's shoulders. Given the significance of this business deal, I estimate that the old man will still send Cao Shi to take charge.

To be honest, at that time, people in the northern region engaged in this line of work were not having an easy time. The larger pits had long been disturbed repeatedly by various local scavengers. Occasionally, when a rich pit was discovered, the number of people waiting to go down for goods could easily form an enhanced unit. The casualties from gang conflicts were more numerous than those who died from accidents in the pits. Many quick-witted individuals gradually shifted their focus to the northwest and southwest regions, which served as a means of diversion and pressure relief. I am not sure if the old man did this, but even if he did, it would be impossible for him to set his sights on a desolate sand pit like https://www.hetushu.com.com.

I first vented my frustrations to Cao Shi, complaining that the old man did not take me seriously. Then I cautiously inquired about the situation regarding this operation. After lighting a cigarette, Cao Shi said: "Young Master Tian, you should not blame Master Ba; he is not allowing you to go for your own good"

Western Xia

Buddhism flourished in the Western Xia, with numerous ancient temples scattered throughout the country, such as the renowned Gaotai Temple and the Reclining Buddha Temple. However, the Fatai Temple mentioned by Cao Shi is merely an obscure little temple, likely unknown even to many scholars specializing in Western Xia culture. Yet, in our line of work, Fatai Temple is quite famous, as this place is considered very sinister

What is it

Such events bring not only fear to people, Xue Long slapped himself hard across the face, rubbed his eyes, and indeed the camp was empty, including both people and various supplies

When the invisible pressure surpasses the limits of endurance, I contemplate for a long time, resolutely picking up the pen, preparing to record everything I have experienced in its entirety. Although I do not know who will see these words, nor do I know whether those who read them will believe my account, I firmly believe that I must do this

I was scolded harshly and slipped out of the study, feeling dejected, yet my curiosity grew stronger. The old man had no other relatives and no biological children, so he regarded me, his adopted son, as his heir. Generally, he would not conceal business matters from me, but this time his lips were tightly sealed, which only confirmed that my judgment was quite reliable

Lost in thought, I inadvertently became distracted and stole a glance at Cao Shi. An involuntary chill crept into my heart. Wasn't the old man being a bit excessive in this matter? Although Cao Shi was merely a subordinate who relied on him for a living, he was a very genuine and loyal person. The place known as Fatai Temple was filled with malevolence, and two groups had already encountered misfortune there. No one could guarantee safe passage in and out. Sending Cao Shi there, in a sense, was akin to sending him into danger. I usually got along well with Cao Shi, and the more I thought about it, the more uncomfortable I felt.

That night while camping, he shared a tent with his younger uncle. In the middle of the night, Xue Long was startled awake by a rustling sound, which resembled the wind and had a strong rhythmic quality. Feeling somewhat uneasy, he crawled out of the tent to investigate. Strangely, as soon as he exited the tent, the sound vanished, and everything at the campsite appeared normal, with two night watchmen smoking and chatting.

abnormal, quite abnormal

On a deep night in mid-August, I had just washed the old man's feet and was about to arrange for him to sleep when a servant on duty in the front yard hurried over to report that Cao Shi had returned

After much contemplation, I decided to seek out Cao Shi to discuss matters.

My curiosity was immediately piqued, and with a playful smile, I ran to the old man's study to discuss with him whether I could join the team when they set off, to broaden my horizons

I suddenly felt a bit dizzy. Could it be that the old man has truly lost his mind? He actually reached out to the Fa Tai Temple.

The old man has significant influence in Jiangbei. Theoretically, there should be no business he cannot handle. However, the involvement of so many strangers in this operation seems to indicate one issue: the business is too large for the old man to manage alone

In 1997, the leader of another underground force near Jiangbei, Xue Longtou, personally led a group from the mainland to Fatai Temple. As for the purpose of their visit, he did not disclose it, and no one knew. After the team arrived at their destination, they set up a temporary campsite. By the time the camp was established, it was almost dark. Xue Longtou, accompanied by two trusted aides, casually surveyed the area within a few kilometers around Fatai Temple before returning to the campsite

Eighth Master is not confused; he instructed us to go to the Fatai Temple to find something

I am unclear about the source of this message, and the extent to which it contains inaccuracies and unknown factors remains a mystery. However, one thing is certain: those individuals have indeed disappeared, as confirmed by official reports.

It was precisely the month when summer had just begun, and the old man was preparing to gather people for a major undertaking. At first, I thought it was just an ordinary big business, but gradually I began to sense something unusual. An increasing number of unfamiliar equipment was being collected and organized for use, and more and more unfamiliar faces started to frequently interact with us

I believe that the complexity and peculiarity of this matter have far exceeded the imagination of the vast majority of people

I remained persistent, pressing Cao Shi for answers. He was left with no choice but to say: "Young Master Tian, you are well aware of the rules set by Master Ba. Moreover, I do not know much. I can only tell you that this item, in the hands of someone in need, is worth its weight in gold. Master Ba himself said that even with his current wealth, he might not be able to afford it."

Sometimes, being unable to discern the truth of a matter can be quite tormenting, yet knowing all the truths may prove even more unbearable. For these truths can only be buried deep within the heart, never to be revealed to anyone, not even a hint. This creates a strange and solitary feeling that I have been enduring.