But these footprints look like small plum blossoms, not like the two-lobed hoof prints of wild boars, but more like the footprints of a puppy.
There could not possibly be such a small dog on Mengbaling. Although the wolf's footprints are similar, they are larger than these footprints.
The answer is obvious: it's a jackal.
Thinking of this, Wang Tianxiao followed the footprints for a while. Although the jackals were already very cunning, they tried to avoid leaving too much scent and traces, so they tried to pass under the oak trees. Ordinary animals might not be able to find their tracks.
It was only because Wang Tianxiao was meticulous and had a specific purpose that he didn't miss it.
However, after walking for a while, he saw nothing.
The footprints seemed to have disappeared in place.
Looking ahead, there's a patch of low bushes; they've probably passed over those bushes.
Wang Tianxiao stood in the bushes and looked into the distance. He estimated that the bushes were more than a hundred meters wide, with thorns intertwined, making it difficult for humans to move an inch inside.
Only jackals or mustelids can crawl under the bushes.
Forget it, I won't look for it for now.
This environment is not conducive to his continued progress; let's wait for Cui Wanshan to arrive before making any decisions.
Since the baby wild boar is here, it proves that the wild boar herd must be not far from here, or at least passed through the vicinity.
Sure enough, after returning and thoroughly examining the oak grove, they found traces of wild boar activity.
Wang Tianxiao's deduction was correct; judging from the last disappearing hoofprints, they were indeed heading west.
He waved to the golden eagle circling low overhead, and the eagle swooped down to carry his message to Cui Wanshan.
He himself went to the little wild boar to observe the creature up close.
When the little wild boar saw Wang Tianxiao, a human, approaching, it panicked. It had probably never seen a human before, and was terrified to suddenly see such a creature that could walk upright.
However, it was probably because it had been bleeding for too long and no longer had the energy to resist. Its howls at Wang Tianxiao had also become much quieter, probably because it had resigned itself to its fate.
Wang Tianxiao squatted down beside it and carefully examined the injury on its leg. Sure enough, he saw very small teeth marks on the bone, which proved that it was bitten and left here, rather than being injured by a fall or having a congenital disability.
The fact that the surrounding area was not messy suggests that this was not the primary crime scene; it was likely injured and ran here.
Regardless, the wild boar had no chance of survival.
Its only fate is death.
Wang Tianxiao put down his backpack, took out a rope he had prepared, made a loop, put it around the little wild boar's neck, and dragged it down the mountain pass he had agreed upon with Cui Wanshan.
We have this little wild boar tonight; it'll be an extra meal.
Twenty minutes later, he arrived at the agreed location and saw that Cui Wanshan had also arrived.
I was very surprised to see the little wild boar he was with.
Wang Tianxiao then explained the whole story.
"It seems things aren't simple. I suspect this wild boar cub is just bait," Cui Wanshan said after thinking for a moment.
"bait?"
Wang Tianxiao instantly realized, "You mean, this wild boar is trying to lure its parents over?"
"That's possible. Otherwise, given the evidence of jackal activity around, why would they let it live? It would have been eaten. I think the reason they're still hesitant is because they have bigger goals."
Wang Tianxiao nodded, "What you say makes sense to me. Putting everything else aside, just look at the jackals. It could really be like that. Last time we encountered that pack of jackals..."
Wang Tianxiao suddenly stopped talking.
I wondered why this routine seemed so familiar.
Isn't this exactly the same tactic used by that little jackal last time?
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