Solving Middle Age Crisis by Intelligence System

Chapter 789 506: Beast-Shaped Tank

Yao Yuzhong walked out of the main gate of the first prison in L Province with slow steps.The warden, surnamed Wang, personally escorted him out, earnestly patting Yao Yuzhong on the shoulder: "Old Yao, now that you're out, live your life well and don't make the mistake of coming back in."

Warden Wang sighed, "Director Qi fought for your early release. It's a rare opportunity, cherish it. You're not young anymore, can't afford any more trouble."

Yao Yuzhong slightly hunched his back, his face expressionless; he only nodded, "Thank you, Warden Wang. Over the years... I've troubled you."

"It's no trouble, just part of the job." Warden Wang shook his head, handed over a bag that still had its tag on, "Inside are your personal belongings. Remember my words, stay settled."

Yao Yuzhong took the bag, nodded again, and turned to walk towards the black car parked not far from the prison gate.

The car was arranged by Qin Sizhi, and the driver was Jin Bao.

Yao Yuzhong opened the car door and got in. Jin Bao glanced at him in the rearview mirror, called "Shishu" (Uncle Master), and started the car.

The car left the prison area and merged onto the highway.

Yao Yuzhong gazed out the window at the rapidly retreating scenery, his eyes somewhat dazed.

He was finally free, yet now had grown old, his face full of wrinkles.

"Shishu, do you need to rest first?" Jin Bao turned to ask.

"No need." Yao Yuzhong withdrew his gaze, "Go straight to Rongcheng."

....

Rongcheng, a hotel in the downtown area.

Qin Sizhi and Yao Yuzhong arrived one after the other.

Nobody was quite sure what was in that Jiufeng Mountain, so Qi Yun once again called these two to assist.

First, to help analyze the entrance location of the buried treasure, and secondly, to have extra brains in case of sudden situations.

"Old Yao, you look quite well." Qi Yun greeted with a smile.

Yao Yuzhong solemnly bowed: "Thank you, Director Qi, for granting me freedom. Should you need this old man's help, please command."

"Haha, come, have a seat."

Qi Yun invited them to sit and continued, "This time, I'd like you to accompany me to Jiufeng Mountain. I won't let you go for nothing; the pay is two hundred each, more if the situation requires."

Upon hearing this, Yao Yuzhong quickly shook his head to refuse: "You getting me out early is a great favor; I, Old Yao, will remember it."

"No need to pay me, consider it a repayment to you."

Qin Sizhi also chimed in: "Yes, yes, last time Director Qi already gave us quite a lot, for this small matter, how could we possibly take more?"

Qi Yun smiled and waved his hand, "This is settled; last time's matter has been concluded, you owe me nothing. This trip is separate; the due pay will not be less."

Not giving them a chance to refuse further, he nodded toward Brother Quan, "Brother Quan, please invite the two professors over."

Brother Quan nodded, turned, and left the room.

Shortly after, Hua Weiguo and Ignacio came in with laptops and some printed materials.

Qi Yun motioned for them to sit as well, and after a brief introduction, said earnestly: "Everyone's here, let's not waste time."

"Director Hua, Professors, please elaborate on the specific situation of Jiufeng Mountain to Master Qin and Old Yao."

Hua Weiguo immediately opened his laptop, pointed to a mysterious pattern and the satellite map of Jiufeng Mountain, and began to explain.

"According to our analysis, this pattern decoded from the bronze mask is likely a form of information transmission of the Ancient Shu Kingdom, depicting a terrain, most likely of the nearby Jiufeng Mountain."

"Look at these lines, they connect the nine peaks like strands, finally converging at the central area; this center point corresponds to the northeast side of Jiufeng Mountain's main peak 'Crown Prince City' on the satellite map, a U-shaped valley surrounded by mountains on three sides."

"I speculate the place we ultimately seek may very likely be somewhere within this gorge...."

.....

The next day, a team of more than ten people gathered at the foot of Jiufeng Mountain.

In addition to those who went to Qinling last time, Hua Weiguo and Ignacio were added this time.

Jiufeng Mountain, like Qinling, has a small portion open to tourists, but its large core area, including the main peak, is an undeveloped primeval forest forbidden to visitors.

Qi Yun and their team's objective was right within this restricted zone.

The team was to first reach the main peak 'Crown Prince City,' observe the surrounding terrain firsthand, and then make a final judgment.

Led by a local guide with rich experience, the team ascended from the west, first following the open route, and after reaching the first peak 'Flame Peak,' they would enter the primeval forest.

The ascent was uneventful; the route was not difficult to climb, they even took a car for part of the way, which even Old Yao managed with ease.

By noon, the team reached the ridge of Flame Peak.

Brother Quan attempted to fly a drone, hoping to get an aerial view to save effort.

But due to the poor signal here, the drone lost contact with the control terminal after less than five kilometers.

Qi Yun was mentally prepared for this; many undeveloped primeval areas have signal blind spots or interference.

"It's okay, stick to the original plan, head to Crown Prince City first."

The team took a short break on Flame Peak's ridge, having a simple lunch.

From this vantage point, Jiufeng Mountain's main range lay like a giant emerald dragon, enveloped in mist, the outlines of the peaks ahead appearing and disappearing, mysterious and imposing.

The later mountain paths became increasingly treacherous, dense canopies blocking the sky, and the light grew dim.