Chapter 56 of 100

Chapter 56

11 min read2,668 words

Dazhuang led the group up the mountain through a secluded path, introducing the area as they walked, "These mountains are part of the Taihang Mountain range. Each household sets traps in the mountains, and people who don't know the way can easily get caught if they wander around carelessly."

After entering the mountains, Dazhuang's originally tense expression naturally relaxed, enjoying the mountain air.

Dazhuang was very familiar with the surrounding mountains, often coming up with his homemade bow and arrow. However, he rarely ventured deep into the mountain range, as his father always reminded him not to go beyond this area before each trip.

Wang Guoqiang was once the best hunter in the village. He had a deep understanding of the dangers in the depths of the mountain range, having almost met his end there when he was young and reckless.

Dazhuang often heard his father talk about this past, and heeded the advice, rarely venturing deep into the mountain range. He usually hunted small game in the outer areas. This time, with so many guests, it was even less likely that he would risk going deep into the mountains.

The group gradually moved further away, slowly disappearing into the forest. Dazhuang led them to a narrow path that only one person could pass through, a winding trail with no visible end.

Lin Xiao took a deep breath, feeling comfortable. Indeed, it had been a long time since his last adventure, and he hadn't experienced the fresh scent of the mountains in a while.

Each person had their own experience. Among them, Ye Ding was the most experienced. He often had the opportunity to hunt, holding a compound folding crossbow, smoking, and chatting with the boss and He Pingji as they walked, boasting about his hunting skills.

The three women, wearing flat shoes and sportswear, looked even more petite and delicate, but their beautiful appearances couldn't be hidden.

Lao Si followed Dazhuang curiously, always hovering behind him. The group was led by Dazhuang, followed by Lao Si, then the three women and Ye Ding, with Lin Xiao bringing up the rear.

Lin Xiao followed the group leisurely, his mental energy already released, covering a ten-meter radius. Over the past few months, Lin Xiao had been at the peak of the fourth level and hadn't made any further progress. He knew this might be a bottleneck, as the data showed that everyone would encounter one, sooner or later.

Breaking through the bottleneck required self-effort. If one couldn't break through, they would stay at the same level forever. Lin Xiao felt he was just one step away, like a thin veil that couldn't be pierced. It seemed he needed a catalyst.

*Whoosh*

Dazhuang drew his bow and shot an arrow directly into the grass. Everyone was startled, but Lin Xiao had already seen a wild rabbit eating grass. It seemed Dazhuang's eyesight was quite good.

The arrow pierced through the grass, directly through the body of the gray rabbit, which was still chewing on grass.

Lao Si, seeing this, ran over happily, picked up the rabbit, and walked back smugly. Those who didn't know the situation might have thought he had shot it, but he was just being showy.

The first prey appeared, and the group's spirits were lifted. They all began to pay attention to their surroundings.

Even the three women were eager, holding their lightweight crossbows and scanning the environment with their eyes.

Men's enthusiasm for this sport is very high; otherwise, ancient emperors wouldn't have gone hunting so often. Especially when they catch their own prey, the sense of satisfaction is indescribable.

For successful men in their careers, money no longer has much appeal; only some exciting activities might bring them satisfaction. Hunting is one of them, and car racing is another, though the latter is more popular among the young.

*Whoosh*

Dazhuang raised his hand and shot another arrow, which cut through the grass and aimed at a colorful pheasant. Unfortunately, the pheasant reacted in time, spreading its wings and flying away, avoiding the arrow.

*Whoosh* *Whoosh* *Whoosh*

Seeing Dazhuang miss, the rest of the group all raised their crossbows, aiming at the flying pheasant. All the arrows were shot at the pheasant.

The pheasant, flying in the air, couldn't escape its fate, hit by three arrows and falling to the ground.

Everyone excitedly gathered around. Although they didn't see the pheasant being shot, they were the ones who brought it down. No one knew whose arrow hit it, but that wasn't the point; the point was that this was their first prey of the day.

Luo Qingya, who had been excitedly aiming at the pheasant, now felt a bit sorry for it. Seeing the excited group, she hesitated and held back her words.

Lin Xiao, seeing her expression, guessed what she was thinking and comforted her, "Even if the pheasant hadn't been shot by us, it wouldn't have lived long in the mountains. It has too many natural enemies, and the mountains are a world of the strong preying on the weak."

"Thank you," Luo Qingya said, feeling a warm current in her heart when Lin Xiao noticed her and comforted her.

"Sure, don't think too much about it," Lin Xiao continued.

At this moment, Wu Zuoli secretly turned around, staring at Lin Xiao and Luo Qingya with an ambiguous expression, as if watching a drama unfold.

This chat didn't start and was defeated by Wu Zuoli's gaze. Luo Qingya stepped forward, holding Wu Zuoli's hand, and the two began to whisper to each other.

Lin Xiao shrugged, returned to the back of the group, and they started moving again. The prey was placed in a sack Dazhuang had brought, hanging from his body.

Before dinner, Dazhuang alone had caught three rabbits and two pheasants, more than everyone else. Of course, Lin Xiao hadn't participated, just watching everyone play happily, which was enough for him.

Seeing it was getting late, Dazhuang led the group to a small river and began setting up camp. After discussion, the three women insisted on sleeping in one tent, so the largest tent was given to them.

They chose a spot where the river curved, surrounded by water on three sides, requiring only one side to be guarded. The women's tent was in the center, with the other tents surrounding it.

Following Dazhuang's guidance and the instructions, they basically set up all the tents and nailed them to the ground. Then they started a fire to prepare dinner.

Among the group, only Lin Xiao, Dazhuang, and Ye Ding had spent the night in the mountains before; the others were mostly first-timers. Dinner was simple: Dazhuang used a traditional method to make the pheasants into clay-baked chickens and washed the rabbits in the river before roasting them.

For dinner, they ate four rabbits and three clay-baked chickens, and everyone was full. Wu Zuoli complained that they had eaten more today than in the past three days, and she would have to diet again, feeling quite miserable.

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