Chapter 22: Raiding the Fluffy Creature's Den

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Zhang Yang felt mentally exhausted. Lately, he had been constantly chased for explanations. He didn’t want to waste time explaining every little thing. Since doubts had arisen among them, this was precisely a test of the team’s obedience.

“Hunting in the mountains is never easy. I understand all your concerns. If anyone feels uncomfortable using a spear, you can quit now!” Zhang Yang said sternly, carrying his rifle on his back.

Some hesitated, seemingly ready to put down their spears.

Zhang Yang deliberately turned his back, refusing to look at them, letting them make their own choices.

Sure enough, as soon as he turned away, two men dropped their spears and bolted home.

Zhao Dong grumbled, “Cowards!”

“Dongzi, don’t insult them,” Zhang Yang stopped him. “You have to respect everyone’s choice. Those who want to leave will never be held back.”

Their conversation was low enough that no one else seemed to overhear.

But Shen Yiming, standing nearby, caught every word Zhang Yang said, as well as the underlying tone that sifted and tested the group.

He lowered his head again, looking at the spear in his hand.

Suddenly, he turned to the others still hesitating and said, “Before guns existed, didn’t we rely on these simple weapons to fend off enemies?”

“If we can master the spear now, just imagine how victorious we’ll be once we have guns!”

“If you lack courage without a gun, then maybe you really aren’t fit to go up the mountain.”

Zhao Dong chuckled, “You’re the smart one!”

Zhang Yang’s impression of Shen Yiming grew stronger.

This man was truly intelligent and quick-witted.

If he could confirm Shen Yiming’s loyalty in the upcoming tests, he would be willing to cultivate such a strategist by his side.

“Are you all decided? If you want to leave, come with me.”

Zhang Yang led the way toward Jiazi Ditch.

The night was calm with little wind, making the surroundings even quieter.

Without any lighting tools, the militia squad could only rely on the cold moonlight, proceeding cautiously through the darkness.

After walking for an unknown length of time, Zhao Dong suddenly froze, as if recognizing something.

“It’s here…”

Shen Yiming caught up with him, nearly colliding in their pause.

Shen Yiming steadied Zhao Dong, “What is it?”

“Look over there!” Zhao Dong pointed deep into the woods. “See that? There’s a wolf’s head hanging there!”

Shen Yiming looked in the direction indicated and after some time realized there really was a suspended head hanging in the forest.

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“How… how is it floating?!” Shen Yiming tried to hide his fear.

Seeing someone more frightened than himself, Zhao Dong laughed.

“It’s not floating. Look closely—there’s a branch holding it up! Brother Yang is good with a gun, not some sorcerer!”

Shen Yiming smiled sheepishly.

Their light-hearted banter eased the tension among the team somewhat.

Just as everyone relaxed, Zhang Yang suddenly snapped, “Something’s here!”

The seven following him froze on the spot.

“Where?”

“Yangzi, did you see clearly? What is it?!”

“Could it be wolves again?!”

At the mention of wolves, the temporary team members instinctively huddled closer.

“Wolves wouldn’t make such little noise. I bet it’s a field mouse or a rabbit. Those with spears, go chase it!” Zhang Yang ordered.

But no one moved for a while.

Zhang Yang grew impatient, “Are you here for mountain patrol or what?!”

The team muttered quietly among themselves: We don’t know this terrain well and didn’t see clearly what it was. If you saw it first, lead the way and we’ll follow.

Zhao Dong shouted, “If you won’t chase it, I will!”

Clutching his crossbow, he ran forward, shouting, “Whether it’s a rabbit or a field mouse, whoever I catch belongs to me—don’t even try to grab it from me!”

His words had some effect.

Those who hesitated behind suddenly found their legs moving faster.

Among them, Shen Yiming reacted quickest.

He ran with his spear slung behind him.

When he saw the small dark shape ahead, he immediately thrust his spear downward.

He had strength, but his aim was off.

The spear missed.

The startled creature darted faster and quickly disappeared into a nearby burrow.

“Did you see it clearly?” others caught up and asked.

Zhao Dong pushed aside the people blocking his line of sight. “Don’t block me! Watch me shoot it dead.”

In a flash, the crossbow fired with a sharp “thwack.”

A muffled sound came from the burrow.

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“Looks like you hit it!”

Everyone cheered. Someone reached in to grab whatever was inside the hole.

“Wait!” Zhang Yang stopped them. “Wild animals are fierce! If there’s more than one rabbit and one is killed, the rest will panic and bite whoever’s nearby! Getting bitten by wild animals could have terrible consequences!”

The hand quickly withdrew.

Zhang Yang called Zhao Dong over, “Let’s use our machetes to widen the entrance from both sides. Whatever’s inside, it’ll panic and run out.”

He instructed the others following behind, “Keep your eyes peeled. As soon as something rushes out, you stab it immediately!”

“Yes, sir!”

Zhang Yang swung his machete down, cracking the frozen earth instantly.

Zhao Dong followed with a chopping blow.

After a few strikes, the burrow had turned into a large pit.

On the edge lay a dark brown furry bundle with long ears.

“A rabbit! It really is a rabbit!”

“Dinner’s served!”

Zhao Dong grabbed the wild rabbit, showing the arrow stuck in its back.

“I told you all, whoever kills it owns it! This one’s mine—it’s mine!”

The man who had dreamed of eating rabbit meat felt dejected.

But he didn’t give up, immediately digging through the dirt pit. “There might be more in here! If I find any, they’re mine!”

Just as he spoke, he uncovered another pair of ears!

The second rabbit seemed stunned, likely from being buried under the collapsing soil.

Now, being held by the ears, it began to kick wildly with its hind legs.

“I’ve got a rabbit too!”

He shouted excitedly, making the other two empty-handed temporary members feel bitter.

“Let’s see if there are any more!”

Shen Yiming also began digging, his eyes showing a faint glimmer of desperate hope.

Unfortunately, after much digging, he only uncovered a pile of soil mixed with grass fragments.

Disheartened, Shen Yiming sat down with a heavy sigh.

Zhang Yang patted his shoulder, “Victory is within reach—why give up now?”