"What's strange?" Luo Zheng looked at Madela, surprised, then inquired as he carefully recalled what had just happened, ensuring not to overlook any detail. However, he found nothing unusual, which only piqued his curiosity further. He stared intently at Madela and asked, "Tell , what anomaly did you notice?"
"No anomaly, but sothing is very strange. It's not easy to acquire such top-quality diamonds, especially in such large quantities. Where did they find so many? Secondly, hasn't there been talk of unrest around here recently? We didn't encounter anything unusual on the way. Could it be they've already ended the conflict and looted other tribes' jewels, thus appearing so wealthy and agreeable?" Madela whispered quickly.
"These aren't important. Is there any unusual situation?" Luo Zheng pressed.
"It's quiet, too quiet. There's only one possibility: the conflict has ended, and it seems they were participants or maybe even the victors. The strange thing is, it's common knowledge that victors gain many captives as slaves, yet it's so calm here. Where are the captives?" Madela continued with suspicion.
"You an they have another base?" Ghost Hand asked in surprise.
"It's entirely possible. This might just be a single base. So many people gathered just now; according to the customs here, they only gather in such a manner for significant matters, likely for a major operation. There are too few clues for an assessnt, but one thing is for sure: the people we're looking for aren't here." Madela said.
"Huh? Why do you say that? What's your reasoning?" Luo Zheng quickly questioned, puzzled.
"I just observed that the people here live very peacefully, with no signs of outsiders residing. Also, they wouldn't openly expose the people I'm looking for. The ones you're looking for likely wouldn't be left unattended; they'd definitely be guarded. You saw earlier, did this place look like it has our people?" Madela explained.
Luo Zheng and Ghost Hand exchanged glances, then said, "Although your reasoning is a bit flimsy, it does make so sense. If the people we're searching for aren't here, where are they hiding? Also, did we pick the right location? If they aren't who we're looking for, this could beco a major issue." He looked at Madela.
"Don't worry, it's definitely them. The person negotiating with you is Hariri, nicknad Viper. He used to be a rcenary, a fierce character, experienced and knowledgeable. He returned and unified the tribe, fought several battles, and made a na for himself, eventually taking over the tribal leadership smoothly. I've dealt with him before. He's the one who led the ambush against us last ti — there's no mistake." As Madela continued, his expression turned grim, filled with pain and anger.
Luo Zheng understandingly patted Madela's shoulder and softly said, "As long as it's them, we can manage. If worse cos to worst, we can kidnap this Hariri guy to use as leverage."
"No, that won't work," Madela rushed to say. Seeing the surprised looks from Luo Zheng and Ghost Hand, he thought for a mont and then seriously explained: "First, Hariri the Viper is incredibly cunning, and there'd be no chance. Secondly, even if the kidnapping succeeds, their tribe will not hesitate to abandon Hariri for the sake of benefits. That's their survival code; everything is profit-driven. If necessary, the second-in-command of the tribe's forces would personally shoot Hariri to beco the new leader."
"That's ruthless, indeed they're madn," Ghost Hand said angrily.
"Every place has its survival rules. The rules here are unity and profit first. In the face of tribal interests, individual life is insignificant. They'd massacre other tribes for profit without a second thought. If soone threatens tribal interests, they'd kill, even if it ans abandoning Hariri as the leader; they'd still hunt us down until death," Madela said quickly.
"Interesting, much like a wolf pack," Luo Zheng pondered for a mont, then continued: "Can we scout the surroundings tonight? It's not easy to get here, and who knows what tomorrow's outco will be. If we're kicked out of the tribe, it'll be even harder to deal with."
"Better not. If we move tonight and are discovered, they'll chase us down without reasoning. That's how they operate. There's outside surveillance precisely to prevent us from scouting," Madela quickly replied.
"Forget it, let's go with the flow. We'll see the situation tomorrow. At least one thing is certain: this is the place we're looking for. As for the rescue, there'll always be a way," Luo Zheng said in a low, sowhat annoyed tone.
Just then, soone ca in from outside, so carrying a brazier, others a fully cleaned fat lamb, and others bringing various utensils and food. After placing their items, they left, so everyone had to start barbecuing on their own, discussing rescue thods in low voices. But with insufficient information, they had no leads. In the end, all they managed was to roast the lamb.
Everyone ate and drank their fill, rested for a while, and as night gradually fell and there was nothing else to do, they took turns sleeping. Two beds for three people ant one stood guard, unsure if these people might harbor ill intentions and make a midnight move. Around midnight, unable to sleep, Luo Zheng got up to relieve Madela and sat in the living room himself.
The moonlight was like water, pouring through the window and adding a touch of brightness to the dark room. Luo Zheng decided to open the door, letting the moonlight in, illuminating the room. He stepped to the doorway, took a deep breath, and looked up at the bright moon, his gaze sweeping over the guards in front, then fell into contemplation over the surrounding buildings.
If the dical team isn't here, where would they be detained? It's been three years; they can't possibly be held for that long without release. There must be a reason for capturing them. Could it be that the tribe abducted them to solve their own dical issues?
After mulling it over for a bit without reaching a conclusion, Luo Zheng's gaze fell on a guard and he called out, "Hey! That lamb gave a stomachache, got any painkillers? Is there a doctor who can help?"
The guard looked at Luo Zheng warily, snorted coldly in dissatisfaction, didn't move, and ignored him. Luo Zheng figured the guard didn't understand his words. Hearing soone approach, he turned and saw it was Ghost Hand. Ghost Hand whispered, "Give a hundred dollar bill, I'll give it a try."
"You figured out what I was up to?" Luo Zheng chuckled, seeing Ghost Hand nod. He quickly pulled a hundred-dollar bill from his pocket and handed it over, whispering, "Think you can handle this?"
"Don't worry, I'm good at bribing for information," Ghost Hand chuckled, taking the bill and walked over.
A guard ca to stop Ghost Hand, treating him as a serious threat. Others raised their guns to aim. Ghost Hand smiled and subtly handed the hundred-dollar bill to the approaching guard. The guard quickly pocketed it, checked the surroundings to ensure no one saw, and asked cautiously, "What do you want?"
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