Chapter 23 The Expedition Team

Dr. Li, I couldn't tell whether she sensed someone watching her or if it was merely a coincidence, but she turned and met my gaze for a brief moment. Almost immediately, she looked away and resumed her conversation with the others. That fleeting glance left me with an odd feeling—she seemed strangely familiar, though I was certain I had never met her before. The sensation was peculiar.

I didn't dare to keep staring at her. Professor Wang Bowen, being of higher rank, sat in the front row, while I found a seat somewhere toward the back. Yet, my eyes would wander to Dr. Li again and again—never because she was attractive, but because I simply couldn’t shake the sense that I knew her from somewhere. I had no idea where such a feeling came from.

The seminar started formally soon after. Dr. Li took her place at the foremost table, revealing herself as the organizer. The subject was ancient cultures, which honestly held little interest for me; I was close to nodding off, though the rest of the audience was thoroughly engaged.

Nearly three hours passed before the seminar concluded. I snapped myself awake and followed the crowd out. Suddenly, Wang Bowen appeared from nowhere, pulled me aside, and said, "I just spoke to Dr. Li about you. She’s quite interested and wants to meet you to discuss your research."

I was startled and quickly asked, "Uncle Wang, you didn’t tell her about my situation, did you?"

Wang Bowen smiled and reassured me he hadn’t. He’d merely mentioned I had deep research into the ancient Li culture. Relieved, I followed him to a small parlor behind the conference room. Wang Bowen was remarkably respectful, showing none of the airs of a deputy director. I wondered what it was about this woman that earned such admiration from him.

"Dr. Li, this is Gao Ziyun, one of my students. He’s also conducted extensive research on the ancient Li culture," Wang Bowen introduced.

Dr. Li glanced at me, visibly delighted. Smiling, she shook my hand and said, "How rare! The ancient Li culture is obscure even among obscure topics. Very few know about it, and almost none research it. To my knowledge, Wang Professor is the only one. I never expected you, young as you are, to choose such an unfrequented field over more popular ones. It’s quite surprising."

Though Dr. Li wasn't old, her words carried the gravity of a seasoned scholar. I smiled and nodded, maintaining a humble demeanor. The three of us began to converse. Thanks to my recent review of my father's notes and some personal experiences, I found myself discussing comfortably with them, even surprising Dr. Li Ling on several points. Wang Bowen wasn’t as astonished, since he knew my background, but Dr. Li was taken aback, repeatedly remarking on the depth of my research.

We started chatting just before noon, and the conversation flowed so effortlessly that we forgot about lunch, continuing well into the afternoon. Only at three o’clock did Wang Bowen suggest we pause and get something to eat. He offered to host, and the three of us found a nearby hotpot restaurant, enjoying authentic old Beijing lamb hotpot. The meal was lively and pleasant.

I was surprised to find Dr. Li entirely devoid of the arrogance often seen in those with overseas education and high degrees. She was affable and perceptive, and conversations with her seemed to follow her train of thought naturally. Toward the end of the meal, Dr. Li suddenly remarked, "I had another plan for this trip. I didn’t expect much, but yesterday I received official approval, and today, after hearing your insights, I feel even more confident about understanding the ancient Li culture."

She then explained that recently, she had received word of a newly discovered site in the Taklamakan Desert where ancient Li script had been found. Dr. Li Ling, deeply interested in the culture, sent an inquiry about the site. It turned out the discoverers were foreign explorers studying ancient Chinese cultures of the western regions. They stumbled upon the site, marked its location, but couldn’t conduct thorough investigation due to supply issues. Dr. Li found the news on an academic forum abroad and contacted them. Foreign explorers were generous, passing all information and data they had to her.

To conduct a formal archaeological project, official approval is needed, unlike simple exploration. Dr. Li wanted a comprehensive investigation, so she sought and received authorization. Not being very familiar with local personnel, she planned to delay assembling a team. But after today’s discussion, her interest was rekindled, and she invited us to join the project, announcing her intention to formally organize an archaeological team.

I had originally planned to travel to Miaojiang, though my purpose there was vague. Miaojiang is vast, and research into the mysterious arts is rare nowadays, so I didn’t expect much. Hearing Dr. Li Ling’s proposal, my curiosity was piqued. Before I could voice my doubts, Wang Bowen spoke up for me.

"According to records, the ancient Li kingdom was east of Shangdang, in Shanxi. How could it be in the Taklamakan Desert? Isn’t that too far? Could there be some mistake?"

Dr. Li Ling smiled and explained that, by her reasoning, it was likely a branch of the ancient Li kingdom. She boldly speculated that the location might represent a significant migration, a time when the kingdom underwent dramatic changes, possibly ending up there.

I too was puzzled. The tomb guardians were left to protect the ancient Li king’s tomb during the last reign, which had no connection to the desert. But I dared not speculate directly, since that tomb contained no king—only an altar. What I couldn’t fathom was why the ancient king would have people guard that altar.

Regardless, I resolved to go—not for anything else, but for the mere glimmer of hope. I agreed to Dr. Li Ling’s request without hesitation. Wang Bowen, however, shook his head, saying his health wouldn’t allow it. I had to admit, the desert is no place for the elderly. Dr. Li didn’t press further, though Wang Bowen promised to wait at the desert’s edge, ready to rush to the site if anything was found, acting as logistical support. Dr. Li gladly accepted.

Thus, the departure was set for the following week. Dr. Li Ling and Wang Bowen began recruiting personnel and preparing equipment. Wang Bowen, being more experienced, readily agreed to help.

I had little to prepare and simply promised to join them when it was time. I returned home, excited at the prospect of joining the expedition into the desert. I drafted a list of supplies I would need, even though the team would provide gear, wanting my own items as well.

The next morning, I went out to shop, focusing on equipment suitable for exploration. I consulted magazines on desert expeditions and stuffed my new backpack until I was satisfied.

When I met Dr. Li Ling last time, I hadn’t shown her the ancient Li script I knew—not out of distrust, but out of a faint uncertainty. This time, I brought the script with me, intending to consult her when the chance arose.

The days flew by. I spent my time either practicing martial arts or relaxing with friends, cherishing these moments, for I felt increasingly distant from them. The more I experienced, the more I sensed we had become two different kinds of people—a feeling that weighed heavily on me.

Before setting out, I called Lin Ziqing. We talked for a long time, and finally, I told her about my destination and purpose. Lin Ziqing wished me well and urged me to stay safe, asking me to contact her if possible once I arrived.

At the rendezvous, I saw nearly twenty people gathered—mostly young students, presumably from the archaeological academy. Dr. Li Ling came over and introduced me, "Gao, you’re here. Let me introduce you—these are students from the archaeology academy, these four are seasoned explorers recommended by a friend, and the others are experienced field workers who often join archaeological projects. Their expertise is considerable."

I wasn’t the last to arrive. After waiting a little, everyone gathered. The so-called explorers formed a team of four, there were eleven academy students—five women, six men—three field workers introduced by Wang Bowen, a golden-haired foreign girl as Dr. Li Ling’s assistant, plus Dr. Li Ling and myself, making twenty-one in total.

Once everyone was present, Dr. Li Ling announced the formal establishment of the Ancient Western Region Expedition Team.