Du Jianshan crouched down and slowly moved to the left, while Lao Zhou circled around him on the right, forming an encirclement.
The wild boar seemed to sense something was wrong. It suddenly looked up, a hint of panic flashing in its eyes, and charged at Old Zhou.
Old Zhou took two steps back, steadying his gun: "It's here!"
Du Jianshan quickly assessed the trajectory: "Seal off the left side, don't let it get out!"
As the wild boar charged, mud flew everywhere. Old Zhou aimed and pulled the trigger; the gunshot echoed through the fog. The wild boar crashed to the ground, the fog swirling in the air from the impact, releasing a damp, muddy smell.
Old Zhou let out a breath and wiped the sweat from his forehead: "That was close, I almost didn't react in time this time."
Du Jianshan walked over and patted Lao Zhou on the shoulder: "Stay calm, your movements are fine."
Old Zhou smiled wryly: "You're always so calm, I'm not as good as you."
Du Jianshan looked down at the wild boar, squatted down to inspect it, and said, "We can take this one back. First, we'll clean up the traps, then we'll deal with it back at the camp."
The two men carried away the traps they had set the day before along the mountain path. Du Jianshan reminded them, "Don't forget to tie the ropes tightly and leave as few marks as possible. The animals in the mountains are very clever."
Old Zhou asked casually, "In all your years of hunting, what was the most difficult time you've ever been?"
Du Jianshan smiled, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes: "That time we were almost trapped in the mountains by a flash flood. It rained for three days and three nights, and the wild boars, water buffaloes, and deer all scattered. In the end, we managed to get down by using our wit and patience."
Old Zhou exclaimed in surprise, "Three days and three nights? You're still alright?"
Du Jianshan nodded: "It's alright, but I'll teach you one thing—don't underestimate your enemy, and be prepared to react at any time."
The mountain breeze after the rain rustled through the leaves, as if providing accompaniment to their conversation. The two men carried their prey down the mountain, their steps careful and steady.
Back at camp, Old Zhou patted his shoulder: "Tonight's prey is enough to feed us for several days."
Du Jianshan laughed: "The prey is for people to use, so we can't waste it. Clean it up later, and we'll have a good meal tonight."
The two men busied themselves cleaning the game and hanging it on a rack to dry. Old Zhou looked at Du Jianshan with admiration in his eyes: "You're not only skilled, but also a great hunter. Thanks to you today."
Du Jianshan lowered his head, his eyes calm: "It's just a habit. What you learn in the mountains comes from your heart and experience."
As evening fell, by the campfire, Old Zhou cut open a piece of wild boar meat. The firelight reflected on their faces, revealing their determination and tacit understanding. Du Jianshan handed him a piece of meat: "Eat up, replenish your strength. We'll continue tomorrow."
Old Zhou took it, took a bite, and said, "Mmm, it tastes really good. What you taught me is really useful."
Du Jianshan looked up at the distant mountain peaks. The mist gradually dissipated, and the sky was tinged with gold: "There is no such thing as eternal peace in the mountains. Tomorrow may be even more difficult. We need to be prepared."
Old Zhou nodded: "With you leading the way, I feel at ease."
At dawn the next day, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, the mountains echoed with birdsong and the low growls of wild animals. Du Jianshan slung his hunting bag over his shoulder, gripped his rifle in his hand, and walked with light, steady steps, his footsteps making a soft "crunch" sound as he stepped on the damp fallen leaves.
Old Zhou rubbed his sleepy eyes: "You said last night that tomorrow might be even more difficult, and I'm a little nervous."
Du Jianshan glanced at him and smiled slightly: "It's normal to be nervous, but don't panic. The worst thing in the mountains is to panic. If you panic, you won't be able to walk steadily, and you won't be able to hold your gun steady either."
Old Zhou nodded: "Understood. So, what's our plan for today?"
Du Jianshan pointed to a mountain path ahead: "Follow this stream first. Wild boars often forage near water sources these days. Stay close to me and keep quiet."
Old Zhou squatted down and asked in a low voice, "I'm a little curious, how do you usually train yourself to be so steady?"
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