Leaving the soft warmth of the nest without regret, the group boarded an aerial vehicle and flew to the magnificent, continuous base beneath the Tanggula Mountains. After nearly two years of construction, the Tanggula Range, along with the Bayan Har Mountains, Kunlun Mountains to its north, the Altyn Tagh, Qilian Mountains, and Tianshan Mountains further north, and the Hengduan Mountains and Himalayas to the south, were all interconnected underground. Because the Tanggula Mountains lie at the division between two military regions, it was designated as the underground command post for both. However, the T Desert—that massive base beneath the Taklamakan Desert in the Great Dragon Country—was not connected to this subterranean network.

This decision was primarily for safety and secrecy; the advanced facilities there were not yet ready for public knowledge. Although the authority over both military regions was entirely in the hands of the Tri-Service Corps, it was still wise to be cautious when many people were involved. After all, Little Raindrop’s identity was a colossal secret to the outside world, just like the Dragon Girl sitting beside me now; if outsiders knew one came from six thousand years in the past and the other from ten million years in the future, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Following careful deliberation in a family meeting, the entourage for this trip was increased to include the contingent of wives. This arrangement served two purposes: first, it allowed me to work outside with peace of mind; second, each of them possessed extraordinary capabilities and should prove to be my most capable assistants. After all, matters concerning national borders required utmost seriousness, and the Chairman placed absolute trust in me, handing all affairs over to my sole discretion. I absolutely could not afford to let him down.

The western expeditionary force consisted of the Dragon Girl, Hua Qingqing, and He Yuqing, plus one cat. The Dragon Girl was universally recognized as the divine eldest sister figure, embodying the virtues of all the women. Having her by my side was tantamount to having all the wives with me. Moreover, the Dragon Girl’s current abilities were extraordinary; how could six millennia of ‘cultivation’ be ordinary? Besides, she was the only one at home who understood Hindi.

Hua Qingqing was coming west because she needed to conduct experiments at the base beneath the T Desert. The laboratory facilities there surpassed any others in the world; Professor Chen could lock himself inside for a year and never emerge. However, up to this point, he hadn't produced any significant results, arguing glibly that genetic research required centuries. I was speechless; who knew if I’d even be around by then.

But the project Hua Qingqing intended to research was directly related to life itself. She had already grasped the core secret held by Xiao Xue and claimed she was working on an elixir of immortality. I always thought such things belonged only in ancient myths, never imagining that the old legends would one by one be verified.

If Xiao Xue, this Seed of All Things, could truly extend human lifespan substantially, even if it wasn't ten thousand years, living for a thousand or a couple of hundred would be excellent. After all, I cherished every single one of these wives; watching any of them age would cause the other party unbearable heartbreak. If we could stay together forever, even ten thousand years wouldn't feel long enough.

I had considered bringing Cai Jingjing along for this trip. This child had been avoiding me lately, and my time was too tight to figure out the true nature of her illness. This journey would be a good chance to take her out for some leisure and a change of pace. However, Cai Bao’er and her parents strongly opposed her joining me on a potential battlefield, insisting it wasn't child’s play and no one could bear responsibility if something went wrong. In truth, they were all worrying unnecessarily; with Xiao Xue present, what was there to fear?

He Yuqing had made quite a name for herself in the past six months with her South China Sea research. She and Elena had conducted extensive deep-sea explorations. Supported by supreme technology, even the deepest shipwrecks could be salvaged flawlessly, resulting in the emergence of countless peerless treasures. Although foreign salvage exploration teams were intensely jealous, they dared not cross the line due to the might of the Red Dragon. Even in certain areas of the high seas rumored to hold numerous ancient wrecks, they were covertly protected by the Red Dragon Fleet. As Elena put it, we didn't lack money or fame; we simply couldn't bear to see those treasures sink into the seabed, unseen by the light, nor could we allow them to be destroyed by reckless looters. They were precious cultural heritage belonging to humanity and should be held by those capable—capability here meaning the ability to salvage, excavate, preserve, and restore.

With He Yuqing’s current status, she absolutely didn't need to serve as my accompanying secretary anymore. Yet, she claimed she was getting tired of archaeology and wanted a change of environment for a while. It was convenient since I needed a helper capable of handling various matters. He Yuqing had served as my secretary for a considerable period before, making her the optimal choice. As for the work on the archaeological vessel, Elena and Curator Chen could certainly manage it.

It was He Yuqing’s first time entering the underground tunnel network, and she was greatly intrigued. “Director Zhao, is this… is this truly excavated by human hands? I seriously doubt it’s naturally formed. If human effort achieved construction of this magnitude, I suspect it would take centuries, perhaps millennia.”

The Dragon Girl replied, “Of course, it wasn’t dug by human power alone. We possess advanced excavation equipment that can shred rock as easily as drilling wood shavings.”

As she spoke, the aerial vehicle passed through several checkpoints and flew deep into the base’s interior, where Yao Guangrong and Qin Yicheng awaited us on the landing platform.

“Commander, we’ve finally waited for you! The Niuguo side has already urged us four times. If we don't reply soon, I fear they’ll slam the table,” Yao Guangrong saluted me. Although my outward identity for this mission was Deputy Commander of the Chengdu Military Region, the commanders of both regions were ordered to follow my directives. This wasn't just due to considerations from the Tri-Service Corps; the Chairman had also issued a secret order allowing personnel from both regions to be dispatched under my command.

I returned the salute. “It’s rare for Niuguo to show such sincerity this time. Inform them that we will commence the first round of talks this afternoon. The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can attend to other matters.”

Qin Yicheng addressed me, “Dare they lack sincerity? With the pressure along the coast eased, our eastern armies, aided by the Arhat transport planes, completed their westward redeployment in 24 hours. Heavy troops are now massed along the Sino-Indian border. The Niuguo government fears we will strike first, so they are naturally eager to probe our bottom line.”

I patted the peach insignia on my shoulder and sneered, “Heh heh, we’ll simply keep our cards hidden and see what Niuguo’s bottom line is. Regardless, we are determined to secure Zangnan this time.”

Yao Guangrong added, “Since the Sikkim regime was re-established, Niuguo has made considerable concessions in public opinion regarding the Zangnan issue, but they still cling to the ‘McMahon Line.’ Actual progress in past negotiations has been minimal. With our Taiwan issue resolved, the Niuguo government fears we might focus entirely on them, compelling them to re-emphasize this matter. Only by resolving the border dispute with the Great Dragon Country can they free up military forces to deal with Pakistan.”

I stated, “The Sino-Indian border issue has reached a point where it must be resolved. This territory of ninety thousand square kilometers is simply too vast, and the sixty-year deadline is approaching; we must hurry. Niuguo has settled over seven million civilians in Zangnan, which is a major complication. Someone must take the blame for this, and I am that ruffian unafraid of the world’s censure.”

In 1962, the Great Dragon Country’s army fought a border defensive counterattack war, recovering territory north of the traditional Sino-Indian border. Subsequently, without any commitment from Niuguo, the Dragon Country unilaterally retreated twenty kilometers north of the ‘McMahon Line,’ returning weapons and prisoners of war, demonstrating that the Dragon Country’s army was a benevolent force and a leader among the Third World nations, signaling the Dragon Country government’s sincerity in resolving the border. However, hopes proved futile; the ‘A-sān’ forces did not feel moved and returned within two years, reoccupying areas south of the ‘McMahon Line.’ In 1986, Niuguo established a ‘Central Administrative Region’ south of the ‘McMahon Line’ and began large-scale immigration. In 1987, the Niuguo Parliament approved the establishment of ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ on this Dragon Country territory.

Originally, the people had little hope of recovering Zangnan, but the swift unification of Taiwan rekindled their hopes. As the Great Dragon Country’s military strength rapidly grew, the Niuguo government feared that the Red Dragon garrison in West Sikkim might unite with the Great Dragon Country to pose a fatal threat, thus urgently requiring the Great Dragon Country government to resolve the Zangnan issue peacefully. To demonstrate the Niuguo government’s sincerity and resolve, they abandoned the old habit of negotiating across conference tables in the capital. The two sides established a negotiation table along the central line of actual control, engaging in direct and effective consultation on-site.

Although the Tanggula Mountain underground base was far from the negotiation site, it was only a matter of minutes for our transportation vehicles. After a general overview of the progress of previous negotiations, the five of us headed to the negotiation site after lunch—a small village nestled at the foot of a hill called Position 107.

Besides me, the other four were the Dragon Girl, He Yuqing, and Commanders Yao Guangrong and Qin Yicheng. Since the negotiations had not yielded substantial progress, the other staff members were temporarily unnecessary. The Dragon Girl and He Yuqing served as translator and secretary, respectively. Hua Qingqing had already gone to the laboratory in the T Desert and would rush back to the military region’s underground base that evening to meet us.

The delegation sent by Niuguo comprised six individuals: Deputy Minister of Defense Ranjit Ge, Deputy Commander of the Eastern Military Region Mohisinte, Cabinet Member Dilon Aya, Deputy Minister of Justice Patel Khan, Secretary Charup Ailan, and Chinese translator Shijia Dar. This six-person negotiating team was billeted at the Bingbu Camp, less than five kilometers south of Position 107.

The small village at the foot of the hill was currently a neutral zone, neither side claiming jurisdiction, but it would become the frontline battlefield should the two nations go to war. The negotiating team rented a relatively sturdy civilian house. After introductions by the respective translators, pleasantries were exchanged, and everyone took their seats.

Niuguo Deputy Minister of Defense Ranjit Ge paid closer attention to the Dragon Girl than the other five. Although Secretary He Yuqing was also beautiful, she couldn't draw much attention under the Dragon Girl’s brilliance.

“Your Great Dragon Country is a very strange nation. Why entrust negotiations to a Deputy Commander, with the two full Commanders acting as escorts?” Niuguo Eastern Military Region Deputy Commander Mohisinte spoke first.

The Dragon Girl replied directly to Mohisinte, “Since your side consists only of deputies, would it be over-valuing you if the Great Dragon Country sent a principal officer?”

Mohisinte was not angered; instead, he said, “You are very beautiful, the most stunning woman I have ever seen.”

The Dragon Girl leaned closer to me. “My boyfriend and I thank you for the compliment, but this has nothing to do with the negotiations.”

Ranjit Ge’s face showed unutterable disappointment. “Let us return to the main topic. We hope your side can quickly reply to the border proposal we submitted. Our President wishes to resolve the historical border dispute between our two nations through peaceful negotiations; Sino-Indian friendship is the foundation of this talk.”

I had reviewed Niuguo’s border proposal. They relinquished some occupied land but still claimed the majority of Zangnan for themselves. They seemed to be attempting to mollify the Great Dragon Country with small gestures.

I tapped the proposal on the table and said to Ranjit Ge, “Please inform your President that my country does not wish to leave any lingering trouble regarding the Zangnan territory. Since the decision has been made to resolve it, it must be resolved completely and decisively in one go. The proposal you presented seems a bit too simple. I think it necessary to draft a new one.”

Ranjit Ge responded, “We don't know what your country’s requirements are. We can discuss everything frankly and openly, which will help me report back to the President.”

I tapped the table with my finger. “How about this: Before coming here, I looked at your country’s maps. In the east, your continuous encroachment has formed a somewhat irregular triangle, connected to your original territory by only a narrow corridor. Managing this is very troublesome for you. Why not return this small triangle, including our original territory, to us? This would serve as repayment, with interest, for the grace shown when we defeated you and returned your weapons intact. Secondly, we plan to purchase land from Bangladesh or Myanmar to extend our territory directly to the Indian Ocean, avoiding having to look at the M Country’s face every time we pass through the Strait of Malacca.”

Deputy Minister of Defense Ranjit Ge slammed the table in anger: “Nonsense! Utter nonsense! In the eastern region, along the Brahmaputra River, we have nearly ten provinces. You expect us to give them to you? You might as well ask for the entire Tibet!”

I said calmly, “Fine. If you can take it, send troops to garrison Tibet. Actually, I’m not being too greedy; otherwise, I would have asked for Calcutta as well, saving us the trouble of buying land from Bangladesh or Myanmar.”

Ranjit Ge shot up from his seat. “Let’s go, no more talks! I thought this Major General was a rising star in the Great Dragon Country, but it turns out he’s just an incompetent fool. Ask your government to send someone sensible to talk later. If this continues, we will withdraw from all border talks with your country, and you will bear all consequences.”

I remained seated. “That would be best. I despise endless haggling. Why don’t we just fight a war? Whoever loses dictates the territorial division based on the loser’s capital city. By that calculation, you would still gain a massive advantage, as the area south of our capital is much larger than yours. Rest assured, while we are not afraid of your nuclear missiles, we certainly will not use nuclear weapons first to bully a smaller nation.”

“Nonsense!” Eastern Military Region Deputy Commander Mohisinte also slammed the table in anger. “Don't think we are afraid of you. You immature brat, if a real war breaks out, who knows where you’ll hide? If you can take it, then deploy troops along the Brahmaputra River!”

I immediately stood up. “OK, it’s settled then. Whoever wants which land, send troops to occupy it. Both sides have detailed records of today’s meeting; no one can go back on their word later. As for the two insults you hurled at me, I have temporarily noted them down and will certainly collect the interest later.”

Saying that, I ignored the astonishment of the Niuguo representatives and led the four out of the negotiation room, then boarded a helicopter to reach the nearest base to Position 107 to switch to an aerial vehicle.

On the way, He Yuqing asked me worriedly, “Director Zhao, are you really planning to go to war with Niuguo? Isn’t that a bit too frivolous? Perhaps you should discuss it with the Chairman.”

I replied, “Frivolous? I don’t think so. They look down on us. I need to let them taste some bitterness before we return to negotiation. The Chairman said that whether we talk or fight is entirely up to me to decide.”

He Yuqing pressed, “But the territory we are demanding from them is quite large; they certainly won’t agree.”

I responded, “It’s called asking for the moon to settle for the earth. We start with a high price, which gives us more room to bargain later, allowing us to gain more advantage in the end.”

He Yuqing laughed, “You’re suited for business, truly a cunning merchant.”

Yao Guangrong and Qin Yicheng raised no objection to my decision. The three of us returned to the base to examine the topographical maps and decided to advance fifty kilometers south along Position 107 first to test Niuguo’s reaction. This war must be fought cautiously; after all, Niuguo’s strength is not Taiwan’s, and furthermore, this involves Niuguo and the Great Dragon Country directly. If it involved Niuguo and the Red Dragon, I could push the border line directly to the furthest historical point without hesitation.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the briefing room of the nearest infantry battalion to Position 107 in Niuguo was also full of clamor. Cabinet Member Dilon Aya exclaimed, “What is the Great Dragon Country’s intention, sending a lunatic to negotiate? We must lodge a strong protest with their government! This is a severe contempt toward us!”

Deputy Minister of Justice Patel Khan stated, “This person has recently been very influential in the Great Dragon Country; his opinions can sway the decisions of the BJ government. We had best report his parting words to the President, lest we are caught unprepared if the other side actually takes military action.”

Deputy Minister of Defense Ranjit Ge countered, “How do we report it? Are we to say that after mutual consultation, it was decided to use force to determine the size of each country’s territory? Then what use is our negotiating team? The two nations might as well just go to war.”

Eastern Military Region Deputy Commander Mohisinte said, “Going to war with the Great Dragon Country is a last resort. Even M Country now admits that they possess thermonuclear weapons, with an unknown quantity, and they also have over four thousand nuclear missiles—this is a nation our Niuguo cannot afford to provoke.”

Ranjit Ge argued, “We don't need to fear four thousand nuclear missiles; that is merely deterrence by quantity. Destroying the entire Earth doesn't require that many. What we truly need to worry about is the Black Hole Bomb. According to our intelligence analysis, this weapon definitely exists. If negotiations truly fail and force is needed, it’s manageable if both sides exercise restraint. Otherwise, our nation stands to suffer a great loss.”

Patel Khan observed, “I don’t think we need to worry about this point. The Great Dragon Country government has historically emphasized never using nuclear weapons first, and when announcing possession of the Black Hole Bomb, they also stated they would never use that weapon first. As long as we do not use nuclear weapons, they likely won’t either. Besides, these matters are outside our scope; our mission is to secure as much land for Niuguo as possible.”

Suddenly, a communications soldier burst in with a report: “Dragon Country border troops are mobilizing. The vanguard has crossed the demarcation line. They issued a warning stating they are moving to garrison the county seat of Gyantse, fifty kilometers from here. If we do not clear the passage for them, they will use force to eliminate resistance!”

“What? Without reason, this is impossible!” Ranjit Ge crushed the disposable paper cup in his hand, splashing hot water down his trousers, entirely unaware. “They are unilaterally starting a war!”

Patel Khan exclaimed, “That young man is too insane. Media claimed he started the war in the T Sea battle; who knew he would now try to instigate a Sino-Indian war!”

Eastern Military Region Deputy Commander Mohisinte urged, “Then quickly report this to the Cabinet Council! We cannot make the decision on this matter.”

Ranjit Ge quickly assigned tasks. Councilor Dilon Aya rushed to report the matter to the Cabinet Council. Mohisinte immediately contacted the Dragon Country border guards, hoping to confirm it was merely a misunderstanding. Ranjit Ge himself headed for the camp’s observation post to survey the situation. The two armies were extremely close; one could observe the other’s movements even without binoculars.

However, before he reached the observation post, a messenger stopped him. “Dragon Country border troops have deployed over fifty armored tanks and charged into our camp. They are destroying our barracks, Minister. Please decide immediately whether to open fire in self-defense.”

“They have gone too far! Too far! This is naked provocation!” Ranjit Ge shouted.

At that moment, Mohisinte also ran out of the communications room. “Minister, the Dragon Country side stated they are carrying out the decision made in this afternoon’s meeting. If we are dissatisfied, we are welcome to send troops to garrison Tibet.”

“What! They took it seriously? Everyone knew that was just an offhand remark made in jest!” Ranjit Ge exclaimed.

Mohisinte retorted, “But the other side does not consider it a joke. They demanded our army retreat fifty kilometers to clear the road, or we bear all consequences.”

Dilon Aya rushed over after receiving the council’s reply, shouting, “Counterattack! Counterattack! The council has approved necessary retaliation against the Dragon Country border guards!”

Ranjit Ge turned to the infantry battalion commander waiting nearby. “I don’t need to say more; you know what to do, right?”

The commander snapped a salute and ran off. Their infantry battalion was equipped with anti-tank rocket launchers that were no laughing matter.