Du Jianshan looked up at him and said, "There are no shortcuts in the mountains. It all comes down to observation and experience. The more you see and the more you practice, the more steady your mind will become."
The two walked quietly along the stream, the damp air carrying the scent of earth and grass. Du Jianshan stopped, squatted down, and pointed to the footprints: "Look, there are three wild boar tracks here, the smallest one is about the same size as yesterday."
Old Zhou leaned closer to look: "So where should we start?"
Du Jianshan whispered, "Go around to the left, I'll go to the right. They're used to staying near water sources, so let's attack from both sides and not give them a way to escape."
The two carefully separated and slowly approached. The fog had not yet dissipated, and the wild boar was sniffing the ground not far away.
Old Zhou asked nervously in a low voice, "Do you think we can catch it in one go?"
Du Jianshan shook his head: "Not necessarily, it depends on their reaction. Wild boars are very alert and need to move quickly."
Just then, a wild boar suddenly became alert and charged towards Lao Zhou. Lao Zhou took a few steps back and steadied his gun: "It's coming for me!"
Du Jianshan quickly moved to block the other path: "Don't let it disappear into the depths of the woods!"
The wild boar roared and crashed to the ground, sending dirt flying. Old Zhou pulled the trigger, and the gunshot echoed through the valley. The wild boar fell to the ground, dust billowing in the wind.
Old Zhou breathed a sigh of relief: "That was close, I almost didn't react in time."
Du Jianshan walked over and patted him on the shoulder: "Stay calm, your movements are fine. It's okay if the first one isn't steady, the important thing is the next one."
Looking at the fallen wild boar, Old Zhou's eyes gleamed with excitement: "Hey, after all these years of hunting, what was the most exciting time you've ever been?"
Du Jianshan laughed: "Once, during a rainy day, a flash flood occurred, and I was trapped halfway up the mountain for three days. Wild boars, deer, and goats all scattered. In the end, I managed to get down using my wisdom and patience."
Old Zhou was surprised: "Three days? You're still alright?"
Du Jianshan nodded: "The mountains taught me one thing—never underestimate your enemy, and always be prepared to adapt to any situation."
The mountain breeze after the rain rustled the leaves, like a accompaniment to their conversation.
The two carried their prey and continued up the mountain. Du Jianshan reminded them, "The path is slippery, watch your step."
Old Zhou carefully moved forward: "With you leading the way, I feel much more at ease."
The woods ahead grew denser, and Du Jianshan stopped, crouched down, and pointed to a patch of mud: "There are fresh wild boar tracks here, even fresher than the ones we saw this morning. Be careful, they might be nearby."
Old Zhou held his breath: "Tell me, how many can we catch tonight?"
Du Jianshan said in a low voice, "It depends on the situation. If we're lucky, we might catch two, but safety and stability are more important."
The two followed the footprints when a wild boar suddenly poked its head out from the bushes, sniffing the ground.
Du Jianshan crouched down and whispered, "Don't rush, lean in slowly, and keep your breathing steady."
Old Zhou gripped the gun barrel tightly: "Understood."
Du Jianshan went around to the left, and Lao Zhou went to the right, forming an encirclement.
The wild boar sensed something was wrong and charged at Lao Zhou. Lao Zhou steadied his gun and shouted, "It's coming for me!"
Du Jianshan quickly assessed the trajectory: "Block the left side, don't let it escape!"
As the wild boar charged, dirt flew everywhere. Old Zhou pulled the trigger, the gun rang out, and the wild boar crashed to the ground.
Old Zhou breathed a sigh of relief: "That was close, I almost didn't react in time this time."
Du Jianshan walked over and patted him on the shoulder: "Your movements are fine, just stay calm."
Old Zhou smiled wryly: "You're always so calm, I'm not as good as you."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
