Chapter 63

The newly captured five-step snake, after completing its scientific research mission, was released back into the mountains by Steve. The release site was very close to where it was caught.

"When releasing the snake, be careful not to get bitten," Steve warned.

Steve also told Feng Yi and the others about a time when he almost got bitten while releasing a snake.

"Snake bites during release happen every year, regardless of whether the snake is venomous or not. You must be cautious. I won't go into the venomous ones, but even non-venomous snakes, like the king rat snake, can take a chunk out of you if you're not careful!"

In addition to measuring the snake's physical characteristics and various data, they also had to test the water temperature and quality. They took water samples from ditches and streams where silver-ringed snakes and five-step snakes were found, and soil samples as well.

Throughout the journey, whether they found snakes or not, they had to take samples in many places. Areas where reptiles were found were sampled more intensively.

"Many tourists used to come here. There were hotels along the edge of the reserve for summer retreats, and other seasons for sightseeing in the forest," Professor Zhou said, looking at the map in his hand.

Professor Zhou had studied historical records and was familiar with the Nanchong Nature Reserve.

"However, most of the Nanchong Reserve is uninhabited. Even in the past, only a small part was open to tourists. Even when it was open, tourists didn't dare to enter, especially during the abnormal climate period when there were even more snakes here."

Many snakes in the mountains are skilled at hiding and ambushing; they are natural hunting machines.

Professor Zhou emphasized many times that finding snakes during the research required a lot of patience. As the days passed, the team members truly felt the frustration of not finding their targets.

After entering the mountains, not only did they face the frustration of not finding their targets, but they also had to confront the power of nature.

The complex terrain and mountain climate often led to different weather changes in this area.

The chaotic winds in the mountains could suddenly blow off someone's hat.

The unpredictable weather caught people off guard, even those with decades of experience as forest rangers in the reserve couldn't predict it.

Walking in the mountains, one might experience the alternating impact of heavy rain and scorching heat within a few hours.

Sometimes what seemed like insignificant moisture would condense into raindrops, and sometimes what seemed like an impending rain would quickly dissipate, bringing scorching heat.

Nature is indeed mysterious.

After experiencing this mystery, Feng Yi found himself becoming increasingly sensitive to changes in moisture.

From being completely baffled at first to being able to sense the changes and make relatively accurate predictions, it took him two weeks.

After two weeks of wind, sun, and rain, everyone had become several shades darker, except for Feng Yi.

Some people not only look good, but they also don't tan!

Isn't that frustrating!?

Cheng Si touched his face.

After two weeks in the mountains, his face had become noticeably rougher.

As someone who often appears on camera, even though he is an outdoor broadcaster, to attract more female fans, he still needed to take care of his face. Even if his appearance wasn't outstanding, at least it wasn't rough. A suitable haircut and personal charm could still attract many female fans.

If everyone in the team was like this, it wouldn't matter. After all, when he decided to join the research team, he was prepared for the hardships, knowing it would be more challenging than his usual outdoor broadcasts. He was ready to sacrifice his face and planned to do some repairs after the research was over.

But!

Cheng Si looked at Feng Yi beside him.

He looked the same as when he entered the mountains... no, to be precise, Feng Yi looked even better now, radiant and energetic!

He was completely unaffected by the humid and hot environment!

Just by appearance, Feng Yi looked like a popular young actor in the entertainment industry.

But!

Who in the team still considered him a weak, pale-faced guy?

This guy's efficiency in catching snakes was even higher than Steve's!

While Steve was aiming at a bamboo pit viper basking on a rock, Feng Yi had already caught another one sleeping on a tree!

It wasn't until Feng Yi caught the snake that everyone realized there was a bamboo pit viper in the tree.

Compared to Feng Yi, Cheng Si felt like he was blind.

This guy not only had good eyesight but also ate a lot and had great strength!

Every time they reached a supply point, Feng Yi would stuff his bag with compressed cookies. At first, everyone was worried he would waste them, as carrying too much would increase the load and delay the journey.

But it didn't happen!

He carried a large bag of compressed cookies and walked faster than anyone else!

"Do you not sweat?" Cheng Si wiped the sweat from his face and looked at Feng Yi, full of confusion.

He was sweating profusely just carrying his own equipment, and the humid and hot air in the mountains was unbearable.

But Feng Yi, carrying a large bag, only had a thin layer of sweat on his face, looking nothing like the disheveled Cheng Si.

"I do sweat, but not much. It's just a difference in constitution," Feng Yi said calmly, as if he was talking about something very ordinary.

Actually, he was not calm inside.

If he hadn't joined the research team, he wouldn't have known how much his constitution had changed! Not only had his strength increased and some strange reflexes developed, but he also sweated less and didn't tan easily.

Back in college, during the military training, he quickly turned from a "pale scholar" to a "bronzed handsome guy."

However, after two weeks in the mountains with the research team, even though they often worked under the scorching sun, Feng Yi had only tanned slightly, not noticeably.

"Everyone's constitution is different. But, Feng Yi, if you continue to sweat less, you should be cautious. If you feel any discomfort, you must speak up."

Professor Zhou looked at him with concern: "Also, if you really don't tan, you should be careful. It might mean you have less melanin, making you more susceptible to sun damage. When we take samples, you should rest in the shade and wear your hat properly."

They all wore hats when entering the mountains, which not only blocked the sun but also served as a barrier. Otherwise, if something like a bug or a snake suddenly appeared on a tree, it could attack their heads.

A little while later.

When Professor Zhou and the others went to take samples, Feng Yi discovered another bamboo pit viper sleeping on a tree. This one was slightly larger than the two they had found earlier.

"There are quite a few bamboo pit vipers here," Professor Lei said, holding the camera.

The bamboo pit viper seemed to be stretching its mouth muscles or yawning. Feng Yi assumed it was yawning, as its two large fangs moved independently and inconsistently.

Feng Yi waited for it to finish yawning before catching it from the tree.

"Another bamboo pit viper?" Cheng Si was a bit disappointed. "Are there really no pythons in this area?"

To be honest, Cheng Si didn't like these venomous snakes, especially those that are highly hidden and difficult to spot but extremely toxic.

However, pythons are of great interest to many people. For example, in zoos, many people who are usually afraid of snakes would still go to see the pythons, looking at those snakes that weigh more than an adult with a mix of fear and curiosity.

When Professor Zhou, who had just returned from taking samples, heard Cheng Si's words, he glanced at the new signal distribution map sent to the base and replied, "There are no pythons with tracking chips, but as for native pythons, you have to look carefully. Whether you can find them depends on your luck.

"Many years ago, there were definitely pythons in this reserve. News reports from thirty or forty years ago often mentioned them, even in cities. When they were caught, they were usually released back here."

Cheng Si was curious: "I've only seen small pythons in the wild, and I don't remember them well. The large pythons in zoos seem quite docile. Are wild large pythons more aggressive?"

Professor Zhou smiled and said, "The pythons in zoos are usually fed dead small animals, like rats or chickens, which are placed right in front of them.

"If they were fed live prey, they might struggle a lot, become agitated, and become aggressive, which would be dangerous for the staff.

"So, many large pythons in zoos cannot be released into the wild; they would die. First, their size makes it difficult for them to find a safe place to live; second, their competitiveness in the wild has weakened, and they are used to being fed. Their environment is too clean and comfortable, and some even have people helping them shed their skin. If they were placed in the wild, they couldn't adapt.

"Animals that are truly intended for release are raised differently from a young age, with different living environments. They are released into the wild at the right time, and their survival rate is higher.

"Take snakes, for example. People who truly understand snakes can see the difference in their demeanor and eyes between wild and captive snakes."

Steve, who had a deep understanding of this, added, "Snakes don't have the expressive faces of cats and dogs. To many people, their eyes are all cold and indifferent. But if you really encounter them, you can feel the difference. Captive snakes, especially docile ones, show more affection towards humans and are not too afraid. Wild snakes are more alert and have higher survival instincts. There is a clear difference between pets and wild animals."

Feng Yi suddenly said, "So, the wild nature of animals is also a survival instinct?"

Professor Zhou smiled and replied, "Of course. We're not talking about the philosophical concept of wild nature, but the survival wisdom passed down through genes. For wild animals, it is a survival wisdom. For example, hunters hiding their scent, or migratory birds flying to new places, can be seen as a form of wild nature. If migratory birds are kept in captivity for a long time and forget to migrate, once their caretakers let them go, their survival is uncertain.

"So, snakes that are confiscated due to illegal breeding cannot be released. They are either observed and trained for a period or sent to zoos or other centralized breeding places."

Feng Yi asked, "What about wild nature in humans?"

Professor Zhou shook his head, "That's a philosophical question, not within my expertise."

Feng Yi: "…"

Alright, I'll figure it out myself!

Strong people figure out life on their own!

Maybe I'll have an epiphany at some point!

Brain, give me some strength!