Join the Camp
Several armed men carrying guns emerged from behind a barricade made of sandbags and stopped in front of the RV. They swept their flashlights over it from top to bottom, even checking underneath, and issued a warning.
"Lockdown ahead. Tourists aren't allowed any closer. Stop and submit to an inspection."
They had clearly taken Li Bai's RV for tourists who had come from who knew where. They would send them right back where they came from.
The entire Tar Desert was practically under the Saint's Association's control. Why would they let unrelated outsiders in to cause trouble?
Li Bai lowered the driver's-side window and stuck his head out. "Can I scan my face?"
He also flashed his Saint's Association badge.
"Of course! Of course!"
The armed men's expressions relaxed as soon as they saw the badge. Their attitude changed completely; they were like different people from the ones they'd been moments before.
At least they could confirm these people weren't strangers who had wandered in by mistake. Until they verified their identities, there was no need to be so strict.
One of them took out his phone and pointed the camera at Li Bai.
A soft beep sounded.
The badge was verified, too, and proved to be genuine. The whole process took less than five seconds.
"Welcome, Mr. Li Bai, senior member."
The roadblock and gate in front of them were opened.
Facial recognition technology had long since become commonplace. The Saint's Association had kept up with the times. Though it was an ancient organization with a long history, it wasn't a hidebound relic; it was every bit as willing to embrace new developments as anyone else.
Li Bai nodded and drove on.
Wonderful Dharma Child, still anxiously perched in his seat, watched the armed men wave