C3

Sparse bushes began to appear outside the window, a sign that they were approaching the water source. The people inside the car started to look outside happily. Due to this, the yellow sand was full of vitality.

Kevin was still silent and quiet. To him, this desert gave him a feeling of homecoming, because this was where he had trained at the earliest times when he had joined the Mercenaries. Although they now had a large portion of their time employed by private and financial groups, and no longer needed to be on guard against enemy raids and desert threats, this was still the most important part of his memories. He sometimes even thought that if one day he was going to die, he hoped that God would let him die here.

"Hey, Kevin, I just saw a rabbit run over!" Jack was in high spirits again, one hand on Kevin's shoulder, face out the window.

Kevin turned to look at Jack. The corner of his mouth curled up slightly as he revealed a faint smile that was hard to detect. Eight years ago, Kevin had joined the ranks of mercenaries in order to earn medical fees for his seriously ill younger brother. Unfortunately, he was unable to save his brother's life even after risking his life. This was the biggest wound in Kevin's heart. If it wasn't for his younger brother's dying words of persuading him to live well, he probably would have given up his life to accompany his brother. Until three years ago, when a newly recruited soldier made him feel like his brother had returned to his side. It was Jack. Jack's personality was very much like his brother's, almost neurotic and cheerful, laughing and joking, almost exactly the same as his dead brother, except that Jack had a healthy body. And Jack's background was a mystery. There was nothing in his file that could be useful except for his age at the sex level. In fact, joining a mercenary was not as complicated as joining the regular army. If you dared to kill someone, you could become a mercenary without fear of being killed. Of course, this was only the lowest standard of a mercenary. Kevin did not care. In his opinion, this was a reunion that God had arranged for him and his brother. In private, he treated Jack far more than he treated the others, and in the training ground and 'work', he was exceptionally strict with Jack. Sometimes, being strict was also a form of protection.

"So this is Hammer Village?" Ben's exclamation brought Kevin back to the present.

A large village had appeared in front of him. Strictly speaking, it looked more like a town because it was so lively. There were camels everywhere, big men in Arab costumes, and Arab women with water jars and veils over their faces. Not far away, there were a few mud houses, a seemingly random tent, and a few trees. It gave people a feeling of returning to nature. If he could get rid of those cars not too far away.

The car stopped in front of a large earthen building that appeared to be the center of the town. This is the best and only hotel that can be found within a thousand miles, sir. The co-pilot, Philip, said with an apologetic smile.

Ben shrugged indifferently. "Then it's here. The guide I found also agreed to wait for me here." As he spoke, he opened the car door and got out.

When everyone had got out of the car, a burly, bearded man burst out of the door, laughed and opened his arms wide as he approached Sammer and Philly. He said in pure English, "Look who's here, my God, my two dear champions." He then gave the two a warm hug and kept slapping them on the back with his hands. Samir seemed to be a bit more reserved, and after hugging, he moved to the side. As he looked at Ferry and the big guy chatting, he explained to Ben, "There were two stage races in the middle of the match. This is the boss of this hotel."

At this moment, Fei Li also pulled the big boss over. "This is our …" Suddenly Philly didn't know what to call Ben.

"I'm their friend. My name is Ben." Ben's words were very timely, and he stretched out his hand as he introduced himself. The man looked at the two pilots, who seemed a bit embarrassed. He sized up Ben and hastily extended his hand. "My name is Kavazhi. Hello, Mister Ben. Welcome to Hammer." Obviously, this astute boss could tell that Ben had some background. Perhaps this could also be attributed to the merchant's intuition?

Kavazzi said hello to the others and, with his loud voice, told them to move their things into the best room they could get into.

There was another world inside the door. In the middle of the spacious hall was a pool, with a statue of a naked woman holding a water bottle standing in the middle. Clear water kept spraying out from the bottle. Behind the sink were two carpeted staircases that led to the upper floor, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the roof. He had not expected that the simple and crude houses outside would be so luxurious.

Seeing everyone's shocked expression, Kavazhi could not help but feel proud as he explained, "This is the most luxurious hotel in the area. Many chiefs and nobles like to visit here, and the scenery is not only good but there is also no sandstorm. It's simply heaven!" He then pointed at the Caucasians that walked past them from time to time. "These are all returning guests. Some of them have come to me for the fourth time."

Ben, who seemed not to be paying any attention, suddenly asked, "Mr. Kavazzi, what strange things have happened here lately?"

Kavazhi was stunned, "You mean armed conflict? "No, I have never done anything like that. The armed forces around here are on good terms with me, and this will never happen. Furthermore, we have our own weapons." As he spoke, he patted his chest confidently.

Ben smiled wryly. The big man didn't seem to understand what he was asking. Han Wenyi, who was behind him, looked at Zhao Zhiqiu. The latter didn't even glance at him, as if he didn't feel anything.

By this time, everyone's room was already divided, and Kavazhi enthusiastically arranged for everyone to enter one by one. Zhao Zhiqiu and Han Wenyue had one room each, while the rest of the group had one room each.

The waiter in Arab dress opened the door and Ben entered. The room was very tidy. There was a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, but it was much smaller than the one in the hall. After entering, Sammer and Ferry stood by the door and cautiously asked, "Mr. Omores, are you satisfied with the environment here?"

Ben laughed. "It's not the first time the two of you have accompanied me out. I can't exactly be considered a person who has lived like a prince, can I?" I slept in a tent with you in South America. "Also, call me Ben. You two have been my friends for a long time, haven't you?"

Samuel and Fei Li looked at each other, and their eyes were filled with surprise and joy. Ben said, "Let's do it like this. You guys go back to your rooms and take a shower. Take it easy. I'm going down to meet my guide. I really don't know how you guys got the championship with your current cautious demeanor."

Philip paid the waiter with a few dollars and closed the door. Ben walked over to the window and pulled the curtains open. The sun shone in the room, and with a frown, he pulled the curtain back up and found a clean set of underwear in his bag. He needed a good shower. Who would have thought that the bathroom was actually a large bath? Ben bitterly smiled. It seemed that in this desert, this place was truly a rare and enjoyable place.

At this time, Han Wenyue was already soaking in the bathtub, feeling the moisture in it while thinking about what Zhao Zhiqiu had said on the way. It seemed that it would be necessary to go to his room later to clarify his doubts.

Twenty minutes later, Han Wenyi arrived at Zhao Zhiqiu's door and knocked. Zhao Zhiqiu's emotionless voice came from within, "Please enter. The door is unlocked."

Han Wenyue couldn't help but be startled when she saw Zhao Zhiqiu's appearance. At this moment, Zhao Zhiqiu and the person in the car seemed to be two different people. The canvas clothes that were previously covered in dust had been replaced by a set of casual black clothing. The slightly long hair was combed into a middle style, as if it was not completely dry yet. It looked very pretty. Only the occasional cold and stubborn glint in his eyes confirmed that he was Zhao Zhiqiu himself.

Zhao Zhiqiu glanced at him and said, "Sit."

Han Wenyue smiled, "I'm sorry, I hope I didn't disturb your rest. I just have some questions I don't understand, and would like to ask you." He sat down in a nearby chair.

Zhao Zhiqiu did not respond. He took the cloth bag that was placed on the bed and slowly took it off, revealing a katana with a black sheath and black hilt. A clear and loud "cough" sound could be heard. The saber had already left its sheath, and the buzzing sound was still lingering in the air.

"Good saber!" Han Wenyi praised, then asked: "You're from Neon?"

"Z Nation." Zhao Zhiqiu answered while wiping the blade with a clean piece of white cloth. He then asked, "You came here for that sword?"

Han Wenyi nodded her head.

"Then our goals are not in conflict." Zhao Zhiqiu looked at him. "I know what you want to ask, but I'm telling the truth because it concerns my own life."

"If it's inconvenient, then forget it. Just pretend that I didn't ask." Han Wenyue saw that Zhao Zhiqiu seemed to have something hard to say and stood up to leave.

Zhao Zhiqiu shook his head and stared at the shiny saber body. "There are some things that I don't understand right now. Tell me, how do I know about this pagoda?"

"Two years ago, in order to find clues about my missing father, I went alone to Likao to find Master Xuanzhen."

"Is the Mystical Xuan that you're talking about really the one who's called a living Buddha by the Buddhist Sangha?" Han Wenyue asked. Zhao Zhiqiu nodded. Han Wenyue was aghast. Someone once said that Mysterious Black was the number one monk in the Buddhist Sect and was aware of the past and future, but his personal identity was extremely mysterious. He only knew that he once hosted a small temple in Wutai Mountain in Z Country. Legend of him first appeared in 18XX, it is hard to imagine how old he is. It is said that he only lives by destiny. If you try to force him, no matter how much manpower or resources you spend, it will all be in vain. Everything he said was accurate. It was said to include some of the biggest events of the modern era.

"Master Xuanzhen is actually in the Rainbow Nation?" Han Wenyi exclaimed.

"It was a fortuitous opportunity, so I received news about Grandmaster Xuan Zhen." Zhao Zhiqiu slowly put the saber back into its scabbard, paused for a moment and then said, "I suddenly realized that perhaps only Master Xuanzhen can answer my question regarding the strange things that have happened to me."

"Then what is your question?" Han Wenyue blurted out. After she finished speaking, she was a bit regretful. It was too rude to pry into the other party's privacy like this.

Zhao Zhiqiu glanced at him. "To be honest, I don't really understand it myself."

Han Wenyi's face turned slightly red: "Sorry, I'm a bit more curious."

Zhao Zhiqiu shook his head and said, "It took me a while. I saw Master Xuanzhen in Liao Ye." Then, the expression on his face changed into a very complicated one. It seemed as if he was happy, but also hesitant.

Han Wenyue stared blankly for a moment. Even though she hadn't known Zhao Zhiqiu for long, this youngster's expression was always the same. Right now, she was caught off guard.

He then continued, "I met Master Xuan Zhen in a small temple. He told me that if I wanted to find the answer, on the 19th of May this year, in the Tower of Sleep, I will meet the one that has a lot to do with my background … Person. "Because I didn't have the money to hire a car, so I had to walk and left early. Who would've thought that there would be an accident along the way and the spare water would've spilled. I lasted for eight days and then I met you guys."

Han Wenyue stared blankly. He had never experienced a lack of water in the desert, but he had some common sense about how long a normal person could live without water. What Zhao Zhiqiu said didn't sound like he was saying it at all. This made him feel as if he had been played.

Zhao Zhiqiu seemed to know what he was thinking and slowly said, "I know what I'm saying is not easy to believe. If my doubts can be solved, then I will naturally tell you about all of this when the time comes."

Han Wenyue's anger was greatly assuaged by his explanation. After all, it was very impolite to ask about the privacy of others. Han Wenyue felt a bit embarrassed and blamed herself for being too narrow-minded. The smile returned to his face. "I shouldn't have asked you these things you don't want to remember. Please forgive me. I think that I will be leaving for the Tower of Deep Sleep tomorrow. You should rest early, your body has not fully recovered yet. " He then got up, bid Zhao Zhiqiu good night and walked out of the room.

Zhao Zhiqiu nodded and returned to his usual calmness. He responded indifferently and ended this awkward conversation.

Not long after Han Wenyi entered the room, Ben walked out to find Kevin standing outside the door like a nail. He smiled bitterly and helplessly walked towards the bar with his unshakeable tail.

This bar was located on the west side of the hotel and was about half the size of the hotel. The doors, windows, tables and chairs inside were all arranged in an Arabian style, while the bar in the middle was ingeniously built in an elliptical European style. The second floor was divided into two halls, to the west into a totally European style, with daily fashion shows and bloody Western pipe dances, and to the east the mysterious and seductive belly dances of the Arab world. The two halls were almost full overnight. The wealthy Arab sheikh and the Western rich were loyal customers, and it was said that quite a few celebrities had come here to support the event, secretly engaging in physical transactions. Of course, this was an inside story that only a few insiders knew about, or at least did not know about such a place. Unfortunately, in contrast, the bar on the ground floor was filled with bleak shadows.

Apparently, our Mister Ben had no interest in belly dancing. Hearing the faint, heart-stirring music coming from upstairs, he frowned slightly and looked around. He saw Kavazzi's tall body at one side of the bar. Kavazzi was now whispering something to a small Arab, and as the dim light and music from the bar disturbed Ben's hearing, he followed Kevin's lead. It wasn't until they were about five meters apart that he realized that the small Arab was the guide he had agreed upon a few days earlier.

Kavazzi, however, did not seem to notice that someone was approaching, and his characteristic voice was now forced to whisper curses to the cowering Arab in front of him. "My God, why didn't Allah strike down a bolt of lightning and kill you, you bastard? You owe me another 19 bottles of wine! The stripped clean of noble Arab blood in you! You savage! Don't you know that wine is bought with money?! "

The little Arab was between fifty and sixty years old. His face was etched with the wrinkles that marked the hardships of his life, and now he was pressed together like a dried walnut. He begged Kavazzi in a piteous tone: "Mr. Kavazzi, I will pay you back soon, and I swear in the name of God."

"Return the money?!" Kavazhi was clearly very angry, and his voice rose. "I've waited a full 257 days for you to pay me back the debt you owe me. What are you going to pay me back this time?" Take your camel, smaller than a donkey? Heavens! It doesn't sell for enough money to buy a bottle of wine for me! "

"But, the pot I brought you a few times is very valuable ah. You said then that I could owe you money. "

Kavazzi slapped his own forehead. "Oh my God, look how he slandered an honest and kind Muslim. I only sold you seven dollars for that piece of junk you gave me last time, damn you! What do you think 7 dollars is going to get from me?! " In fact, Kowalski knew perfectly well that the pot was worth at least enough to tear down and rebuild the hotel.

"But …"

"No buts! I'll give you three days, or the next time I see you I'll put you in the camel's anus and see if it'll grow fat! Arimohan, you scoundrel! The scum of the Arab world! Get out of here right now! " Kava roared furiously. Evidently, his shout had alarmed the few customers in the bar, and they were all looking over in astonishment.

Ben had already understood the whole process. Although the two of them were conversing in Arabic, it was necessary to learn Arabic as the heir to a large corporation like Ben. Kevin remained expressionless, as though he did not notice anything. He only paid close attention to his surroundings.

Stepping behind Kavazzi, Ben signaled to the bewildered Ali Mohan not to be nervous, then beckoned to Kavazzi in Arabic. "Mr. Kavazzi," he said.

"What are you doing?!" Kowalski whirled around with a snarl, startling Ben with his fierce expression. Kavazzi, seeing that it was Ben, was startled and immediately put on a smile. "Oh, my dear Monsieur Ben, welcome to the show. Or shall I find you a charming girl? I apologize for my rudeness. "

"Nothing." Ben smiled indifferently and waved his hand towards Ali Mohan. "This sir is a guest that I have invited over, I have some matters to ask of him. I think you won't ask him to leave, right? Oh, of course, I'll pay for him. "

Kavazhi was startled again. He had not expected his instincts to speak fluent Arabic, let alone the fact that Ali Mohan was a poor man who could help him out to such an extent. But regardless of what he thought, he still said, "Of course, since you said that it's my honor, let's forget about it. If there's anything you need, you have to tell me." After saying good night again, he left in large strides. After walking a few steps, he even turned his head to look at Ali Mohan with surprise, seeming to be unwilling to accept this.

Ben gestured to Arimohan, then sat down on a chair by the bar, with Kevin standing behind him like a nail.

"What do you want to drink?" Ben asked.

"Might..." "Whisky." Ali Mohan answered carefully.

After a while, he had drunk less than half a cup of wine, and Ali Mohan had consumed two cups. From the looks of it, he had drank quite a bit before. His black, skinny face turned blood-red, and his originally curled up body seemed to straighten out a little.

"I'm sorry I didn't arrive by the appointed time." Ben was fiddling with his pipe again. "If I could ride in a helicopter, I don't think that would happen. Now, Mr. Arimohan, can you tell me why? "

Ali Mohan reluctantly put down his wine cup, bowed towards Ben, and respectfully replied, "I am extremely grateful to you for being willing to abide by our agreement. Please believe me, Sir, the holy land of our Red Scorpion tribe does not allow any mechanical means of transportation to come near there. I swear in the name of God."

Ben shrugged. His first encounter with the elderly guide had been in a city called Wadi Halfa, on the border between Egypt and the Sudan, where Ben had attended a colloquium co-sponsored by archaeologists from both Egypt and the Sudan. After the meeting, Ben, who was strolling around the local ghost market, happened to see a thin old Arab man selling a clay pot in a corner. The carving and pattern on the pot were not like those of the Arab world, or rather, it seemed to be Arab in shape, but the carvings and patterns were clearly influenced by European culture. Ben bought it at four times the asking price of the old man when he discovered the new world, and when he asked the old man about the origins of the antique, the old man's answer made him excited for a long time. The location mentioned was the location of the Tower of Sleeping that Ben had recently learned about from his own satellite!

To his surprise, the old man spoke fluent English, and Ben offered to hire him as a guide, which would give him a handsome reward for the old man's services. However, the old man's reaction was completely out of Ben's expectations. He pondered for a long time before hesitating, suggesting that he might reject the reward. However, Ben had to agree to two conditions (He could already be considered begging at that time). The first condition was that he would rescue his sickly son; the second condition was that he would arrive at the village of Hammer, not far from the Tower of Sleep, at the appointed time.

Because the pictures taken by the satellite were blurry, it was a computer analysis of the image. Even Ben wasn't sure if the place existed, and besides, the satellite had never had such an image there before. After listening to the old man's conditions, Ben agreed almost without thinking. Take the bus, and at least once again enjoy the beautiful scenery of the desert. As for saving someone, it was a good thing. Why not?

Now that he thought about it, this old man by the name of Ali Mohan probably knew something similar to what Han Wenyue and Zhao Zhiqiu had mentioned. Perhaps there really was some supernatural power.

Ben straightened his body: "When can we go?"

"Tomorrow, sir, tomorrow morning we will be on our way. But shouldn't you leave the car here? " Arimohan had just picked up his glass when he put it down again.

Ben frowned. It might delay time again, but since they both said so, there had to be a reason. Therefore, he nodded and turned to Kevin and said, "Captain Kevin, please inform everyone to depart at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning." And a few camels. "

Kevin replied, "Yes." But he didn't leave. Instead, he stood behind Ben and took out a walkie-talkie from his pocket. He said a few words, but the walkie-talkie was filled with music.

Kevin frowned. Just as he was about to say something, Jack's voice came from the stairs beside them. He turned around and saw Jack and a few other soldiers walking down the stairs laughing. Each of them was hugging an Arab woman whose belly was covered by a veil. However, Jack's other hand was still holding onto a walkie-talkie.

Kevin's expression turned increasingly grim. Just as he was about to lose his temper, Ben said with a laugh, "Captain Kevin, I think you should dispense with your reprimand. Everyone has worked hard on the way here."

Kevin gulped and nodded helplessly. He said to Jack and the others, "We'll leave at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning. Jack, you have to get up 1 hour earlier to prepare a few camels. Dismissed! "