"Alright, come pick me up early tomorrow morning. I only need a few pieces of fine jade as gifts. If you can find them for me, I'll give you the map!" Chen Nan said nonchalantly.
Han Daliu chuckled, "I understand, I understand!"
"You're probably thinking of giving it to a beloved woman, aren't you?"
"Indeed, jade you've mined yourself is more meaningful than purchased."
"It also better reflects your feelings!"
"Then I'll see you tomorrow!"
Chen Nan nodded, "See you tomorrow!"
Han Daliu raised an eyebrow, "Do you need me to arrange a couple of girls for you, Brother Chen?"
"That won't be necessary!"
Han Daliu, being perceptive, led his men away.
Once in the car, he couldn't help but voice his concern to his subordinate, "Arrange for two people to keep an eye on Chen Nan's every move here. If he tries to escape, or has any other ideas, inform me immediately!"
"Yes!"
Han Daliu had initially intended to cripple Chen Nan on the spot and seize the map. Now, it seemed he could only wait until they reached Kunlun Mountain to find an opportunity to deal with him. Yes, Kunlun Mountain had a complex terrain, and his men were familiar with the environment. They could eliminate Chen Nan without a trace, even if he was a master. In the face of nature, he would be but an ant.
After Han Daliu left, Chen Nan took out the map drawn by Zhabu Yongcuo. This map only covered one-third of the Kunlun Mountain range, detailing eight jade mines. The furthest jade mine from the outside was three hundred kilometers away. Three hundred kilometers wasn't that far, taking only a little over three hours by car. However, in the treacherous environment and harsh climate of Kunlun Mountain, it was a significant challenge for ordinary people to traverse that distance. He didn't know why Zhabu Yongcuo had ventured so far to find jade mines back then, but it was evident that he must have paid a considerable price.
"If nothing goes wrong, that jade mine should be in the deepest part, which is jade mine number eight on the map."
------
The next day.
Nine o'clock.
In inland cities, the sun would already be high in the sky. But it was different here. Day was just breaking. This was a western city of Daxia, and there was a time difference.
Han Daliu knocked on Chen Nan's door and said softly, "Brother Chen, are you awake? Why don't we head into the mountains while the wind is light?"
"Creak!"
Chen Nan opened the door. He had already washed up and eaten breakfast.
Han Daliu grinned, "It seems Brother Chen is more eager than I am! In that case, let's get going."
Chen Nan asked curiously, "Boss Han, are you going too?" As he spoke, he put on his large backpack, which contained some daily necessities. He had to put on a show, after all.
Han Daliu smiled, "I was a jade miner in my younger days. Going into the mountains to look for jade is as common as eating for us!"
"Let's go!"
Chen Nan followed him out of the hotel and got into his off-road vehicle, heading north. Han Daliu had brought twenty men. They were all wearing thick fur coats, hats, and goggles, making them look rather clumsy as they walked. According to him, these were all skilled jade miners under his command, each with over twenty years of experience.
However, when they got into the car earlier, he had used his Qi-observing technique and noticed that, apart from a young man of slender build, the others had taken lives. Moreover, each of them had taken several lives! It was clear that these were not to be trifled with.
After about two more hours of driving, the majestic Kunlun Mountains loomed close. Not far from the entrance to Kunlun Mountain, there was a cluster of buildings. As Han Daliu, Chen Nan, and their group alighted, a middle-aged man in a black cotton coat walked up with a smile.
"Boss Han, the items you requested are all prepared. There are fifty sled dogs and ten sleds. The supplies are sufficient for your group of twenty for three months."
Mining jade was difficult, often taking one or two months.
"Then let's set off! You few, go drive the sleds." He gave a signal to a few of his subordinates and followed behind the sled dogs, trudging towards Kunlun Mountain. The mountain path was arduous, with thick snow everywhere. Fortunately, with the sled dogs leading the way, there was no fear of stepping into an abyss.
After passing a large mountain hollow, the howling wind sounded like ghosts crying and wolves roaring. The biting cold wind was difficult to withstand even with thick cotton clothes.
"Brother Chen, what kind of jade are you looking for? You can tell me now!" Han Daliu shouted.
Chen Nan replied, "Zhabu Yongcuo's map marks eight jade mines. I suspect the seven mines outside won't have much good stuff left. Let's head straight for jade mine number eight."
"En, jade mine number eight is located near Mount Gne."
Han Daliu's expression changed, "Good heavens, if I remember correctly, Mount Gne should be three hundred kilometers away?"
Chen Nan said, "Mr. Han, if you find it too far, you can turn back."
"Once the arrow is loosed, it cannot be recalled. Since we are here, let's make the best of it!" A killing intent arose in Han Daliu's heart, but they were still very close to the outside, and he couldn't kill Chen Nan with his current men. Therefore, he had to endure and find a suitable location and time. Only then could he kill Chen Nan.
"Mr. Chen, you should go back quickly. These people intend to harm you!" Amidst the ice and snow, a slender figure appeared beside Chen Nan.
Chen Nan casually asked, "What's your name?"
"My name is Tu Ba."
Chen Nan nodded slightly, "Why are you entering the mountains with them?" He had noticed Tu Ba earlier. This fellow looked to be in his early twenties. Most importantly, he hadn't taken any lives.
Tu Ba said, "My father is seriously ill. I need money to pay for his medical treatment."
Chen Nan patted his shoulder and smiled, "When we come out, I'll cover your father's medical expenses."
Tu Ba looked extremely nervous, glanced at the group ahead forging through the wind and snow, and whispered, "Mr. Chen, I'm not lying. They really want to harm you."
Chen Nan smiled, "Do you think I don't know they want to harm me?"
Tu Ba was stunned, "Then... then why are you still walking into the tiger's den knowingly?"
"Because I don't even consider them a threat!" Chen Nan laughed heartily, "Don't worry, these ants can't hurt me."
Tu Ba sighed. He had said what he could. As for the rest, it was up to fate. He hoped Chen Nan wouldn't suffer too tragic a death!
By three o'clock in the afternoon, the group stopped in a sheltered mountain hollow to eat. Their main food was dried meat, which was easy to carry and kept hunger at bay.
"Brother Chen, we've entered Kunlun Mountain now. Why don't you take out that map and let everyone have a look?" Han Daliu said, a mocking smile on his face.
Chen Nan chewed on the dried meat and casually asked, "If I take it out, will you kill me directly?"
Han Daliu dropped all pretense, revealing an icy smile, "Since you've guessed our intentions, why did you still follow us into the mountains?"