Tomb raiding live stream: Starting as the mute Zhang

The day of departure has arrived.

Before dawn, three modified off-road vehicles were already parked outside the Xie family's villa.

The car body is painted an inconspicuous gray-green, with a raised chassis and rugged tires.

It was loaded with all kinds of equipment and supplies.

Everyone boarded the bus one after another.

The atmosphere was more somber than when I last went to the Northwest.

The unknown in the southwest, the Wang family's relentless pressure, and Pan Zi's vague message.

They all weighed on my heart like stones.

Zhang Qiling and "Zhang Qiling" rode in the same car.

The short staff was wrapped in a thick, specially made cloth.

Then they put it into a titanium alloy box lined with lead plates.

Zhang Qiling personally carried it and placed it at his feet.

Wu Xie, Xie Yuchen, and Huo Xiuxiu were in the same car.

Wang Pangzi originally wanted to squeeze in, but Xie Yuchen glared at him and sent him to ride in the same car as Hei Xiazi, A Ning, and Jiang Xun Gu.

The car started.

Leaving the tranquility of West Lake, we merged into the morning traffic of the city.

Then it headed west, speeding towards the southwest.

The floating live streaming ball is now activated.

The scene switches between inside and outside several vehicles.

The comments started scrolling:

Let's go!

This time it's the old forests of Southwest China.

The atmosphere is very serious.

Did you bring your walking stick?

The Wang family must have set off as well.

Who is the acquaintance Panzi mentioned?

Wu Xie leaned against the car window, watching the scenery rushing past outside.

The city's high-rise buildings are gradually being replaced by low-rise factories and farmland.

Next came the rolling hills.

He held his phone in his hand, the screen still displaying Panzi's message.

"I've been watching it the whole way."

Xie Yuchen glanced at him.

"Did Pan Zi say anything else?"

Wu Xie shook his head:

"Just that one sentence. I replied, but he didn't reply again."

Huo Xiuxiu, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and said:

"Uncle Pan has acquaintances in the southwest."

"Back then, when my third uncle... Wu Sansheng was active over there, Uncle Pan followed him."

"I got to know some local bigwigs and artisans."

"The 'old grudges' he mentioned probably refer to the feud that started back then."

"As for 'acquaintances'..."

She paused.

"It could be an old friend, or it could be... an enemy."

Wu Xie's heart sank.

Uncle San's past is too complicated, involving too many people and events.

If the trip to the Southwest is indeed connected to Uncle Three's past actions.

That would be more complicated.

"Once we arrive, we'll act according to the circumstances."

Xie Yuchen patted Wu Xie on the shoulder.

"Since Pan Zi reminded me, he'll definitely show up. We'll see when we meet him."

The convoy traveled day and night.

Aside from necessary refueling and meals, they rarely stayed out of the room.

The further southwest you go, the higher the terrain becomes.

The air was becoming increasingly humid and stuffy.

The view outside the window changed from hills to rolling mountains.

The vegetation is lush and the clouds and mist are swirling.

On the afternoon of the third day, the convoy left the highway.

Enter the provincial highway.

Next are county-level roads.

Finally, there was a winding, rugged dirt road that could only accommodate one vehicle at a time.

The road conditions were extremely poor, and the ride was very bumpy.

Outside the window were bottomless valleys and steep cliffs.

We're almost there.

"That's what the driver said."

"Pingshan Town is just ahead, our designated accommodation."

Pingshan Town is the last decent settlement before entering the target mountainous area.

It is located on a small flat area in the mountains.

Most of them are old buildings with two or three stories.

The streets are narrow and there are few pedestrians and vehicles.

It exudes a sense of desolation from a remote mountain area.

The car stopped in the backyard of a hotel called "Shan Ke Lai" that looked fairly clean.

The hotel owner was a lean, dark-skinned man.

He doesn't talk much, but he's quick and efficient.

The room and hot water were prepared in advance.

Everyone got out of the car and stretched their stiff limbs.

The air in the mountains carries the earthy and grassy smell.

There was also a faint musty smell.

"We'll rest here tonight."

"We'll switch to local guides and mules to go into the mountains early tomorrow morning."

Xie Yuchen made the arrangements.

"Keep the equipment minimal, only bring the essentials. Leave the car here."

Just then, a commotion arose in the lobby of the inn.

It seems that other guests have arrived.

No one paid much attention.

Although the town is remote, there are occasionally a few tourists or herb gatherers.

Until a somewhat familiar loud voice rang out:

"Boss! Do you have any rooms left? Clean ones! And a good meal too, I'm starving!"

Wu Xie's body jolted, and he abruptly turned his head.

In front of the counter, several travel-worn men stood.

The leader was tall, dark-skinned, and had a fierce look on his face.

Wearing a faded old coat, he was banging on the counter and shouting.

Who else could it be but Pan Zi?

"Pan Zi!"

Wu Xie was both surprised and delighted, and shouted it out.

Pan Zi turned around upon hearing the sound.

Upon seeing Wu Xie and his group, he was taken aback at first, then grinned.

His teeth, slightly yellowed from smoking, were exposed.

"Young Master San! Hey, we actually ran into him!"

He strode over.

He first gave Wu Xie a tight hug and patted his back.

Then he greeted Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu.

When you see Zhang Qiling and "Zhang Qiling" in the background.

His gaze became noticeably more serious, and he nodded.

"Brother Zhang, this is... Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Qiling nodded slightly.

Zhang Qiling nodded as well.

"What are you doing here? What a coincidence!"

Wu Xie pulled Pan Zi aside and asked.

Pan Zi took out a cigarette, lit it, took a puff, and lowered his voice:

"It's not a coincidence. I rushed over here as soon as I received your letter."

"Knowing you were coming to Pingshan Town, I waited for you here."

Some things have to be said face to face.

He glanced at the other people coming in and out of the hotel and gestured for them to come inside.

The group entered the room that Panzi and his friends had booked.

The other three people Panzi brought were all unfamiliar faces.

But his eyes are sharp, so he looks like a skilled fighter.

They consciously stood guard outside the door.

To make a long story short...

Pan Zi closed the door, his expression turning serious.

"Young Master, Master Jie, Miss Huo."

"The Old Bear Ridge you're about to enter is not going to be peaceful."

"It's not just what you're looking for that's evil."

"There are other people involved, and other grudges."

"The Wang family?"

Xie Yuchen asked.

"The Wang family is in cahoots."

Pan Zi nodded.

"They acted quickly and are already inside."

"The ones leading the way were Yang Biao's gang, nicknamed 'Ghost Face'."

"They're all local bullies from these mountains, ruthless and vicious."

"Familiar with the mountain roads and the old tunnels inside."

"The leader of the Wang family this time is a man named Wang Luan."

"He's Wang Cen's cousin, even more cunning than his brother."

"And I heard he brought some 'special' guys, so you'd better be careful."

"Who is the other group?"

Huo Xiuxiu asked astutely.

Pan Zi exhaled a puff of smoke, his eyes filled with complex emotions:

"The other group... might be related to something Third Master did in the Southwest back then."

"Third Master looked for something here back then."

"I don't know the specifics."

"But it involves a long-standing local family surnamed Luo."

"The Luo family has been in these mountains for many years, their lineage is both righteous and wicked."

"It is said that our ancestors made a pact with certain 'things' in these mountains to keep some secrets."

"Third Master may have used some less-than-honorable methods back then."

"I got some clues from the Luo family, which led to a feud."

Wu Xie's heart skipped a beat.

Another trap left by Uncle Three.

"The head of the Luo family now is a woman named Luo Sangu."

"Shrewd in methods, petty-minded, and extremely vengeful."

"She somehow got wind of it."

"We know that the Wang family and we might all be going into the mountains to look for something."

"It's already been stated."

"No one can take a single blade of grass or tree from the mountains right under her nose."

"Especially those related to 'old things'."

Pan Zi's face turned ugly.

"I reckon her people have already gone into the mountains."

"Moreover, they will definitely try to trip us up, and do it to the death."

Silence fell over the room for a moment.

Ahead lies a strange "source species" related object with an unclear target.

The well-equipped Wang family was hot on their heels.

Now, there's another local tyrant, the Luo family, who are familiar with the terrain, harbor old grudges, and are ruthless.

This mess is even muddier than expected.

"Panzi, you've come here to...?"

Wu Xie looked at Pan Zi.

Pan Zi stubbed out his cigarette and said seriously:

"Third Master was kind to me. Now that he's gone, your affairs are my affairs."

"I know this mountain well. I've been to many places with Third Master back in the day."

"I know some elderly people and have some connections."

"I've come to guide you and protect you from disaster."

"I have some connections with Aunt Luo."

"It would be best if we could talk to each other, but if we can't..."

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"Then let's rely on our own abilities."

Wu Xie felt a surge of warmth in his heart and patted Pan Zi's arm:

"Thanks, Panzi."

"We're family, let's not talk about this."

Pan Zi waved his hand.

When are you planning to go into the mountains?

"First thing tomorrow morning."

Jie Yuchen said.

"Okay, I'll get ready."

"Find two more reliable local guys who are familiar with the mountain roads and the weather."

Pan Zi stood up.

"You should get some rest too. Once you're in the mountains, you won't get such a comfortable night's sleep."

After Pan Zi left, the atmosphere in the room became even more tense.

"The Luo family..."

Huo Xiuxiu pondered.

"I think I've heard my grandmother mention it before."

"There is indeed a rather secretive family in the Southwest."

"It has an ancient history and is said to have some connection with ancient witchcraft."

"They act discreetly, but should not be underestimated."

"I never expected I had an old grudge against my third uncle."

"When soldiers come, generals will meet them."

Xie Yuchen spoke calmly, but his eyes were sharp.

"Our goal is to figure out things related to the 'source species'."

"Avoid unnecessary conflicts as much as possible."

"But if the Luo or Wang family provokes us, we don't need to be polite."

The black bear, who had been silent all along, suddenly smiled:

"Ghost Face Yang Biao? I've heard of him."

"A master at digging up graves, but also greedy and unscrupulous."

"The Wang family probably thinks they're too old to live if they ask them to lead the way."

"I've never had any dealings with Aunt Luo before."

"But he sounds like a troublesome person."

"This trip is going to be interesting."

Fatty Wang smacked his lips:

"Well, it's rice dumplings and traps again."

"Now we also have to guard against people shooting at us from the shadows."

"I'm afraid my fat body isn't enough for me."

Zhang Qiling and "Zhang Qiling" did not speak from beginning to end.

But almost simultaneously, the two looked up at the vast mountains outside the window.

His eyes were calm, but a sharp glint flashed deep within.

Night falls.

Pingshan Town fell silent early on.

There were only the occasional bark of a dog and the mournful sound of the mountain wind blowing through the valley.

In the hotel room, everyone was organizing their gear.

The atmosphere was tense as they inspected the firearms and knives.

Wu Xie took the sketches Pan Zi had given him, which showed the terrain of Old Bear Ridge and several known hidden paths.

I looked at it carefully again and again, and memorized it.

Xie Yuchen whispered to Huo Xiuxiu, confirming the reliability of the electronic equipment in the mountainous area.

Black Bear pulled out a small wine flask from somewhere.

She took a sip and wiped his dagger.

Aning and Jiang Xungu were in the next room.

They were also making their final preparations before departure.

Zhang Qiling placed the short staff, wrapped in thick cloth, in a lead box.

Pack it in a specially made waterproof backpack.

The tightness of the bindings was carefully checked.

Then place it quietly on the bedside table.

Zhang Qiling stood by the window.

Gazing at the dark, looming outline of the distant mountains, which resembled a giant, crouching beast.

His fingers unconsciously stroked the hilt of the short knife at his waist.

The levitating live-streaming ball hovered in the corner of the room.

It records the calm before the storm.

The comments scrolled rapidly:

Panzi is here! He's reliable!

The Luo family? A rising force?

The Wang family + local bullies + local clans, what a lineup...

It feels even more troublesome than Jingjue.

The two young men seemed to care a lot about the mountains.

The atmosphere is very tense.

I'm going into the mountains tomorrow, may I be safe.

Late at night.

The mountain wind is exceptionally strong.

The wind made the old wooden windows of the inn creak.

It sounded like something was banging on it.

Deep in the distant mountains.

A few long and mournful howls could be faintly heard.

It was impossible to tell whether it was a wild animal or something else.

Pan Zi stood at the window of his room.

He also gazed towards the deep mountains, his brows furrowed.

He muttered a curse under his breath:

"Damn it, it seems like my 'old friend' in the mountains really can't sleep soundly."

He took out his phone.

The screen displays an encrypted message containing only a few words from another number:

"They've made a move; beware of the 'earth immortals'."

Pan Zi stared at the words "Earth Immortal".

His eyes narrowed suddenly, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Damn it...when it rains, it pours."

He put his phone away.

Look towards the direction of Wu Xie and the others' room.

His gaze was complex, containing both worry and unwavering determination.