bookrandom Chapter 414 Old Objects
Chapter 414 Old Objects
In a one-on-one fight, the wolf pack was no match for the black bear, but the relentless attacks of more than a dozen wolves, coupled with the occasional flying stones, ignited the wolf pack's anger and gradually put the black bear on the defensive.
At this moment, the corpses of three wolves lay on the snow, but the black bear was also in bad shape, its body covered in blood.
At this point, both sides are clearly really fighting.
With the wolf king's methodical command, the wolves cooperated with each other and became increasingly in sync.
After fighting for so long, the black bear was exhausted and no longer as fierce as before.
Although its paws are still powerful, they wouldn't break bones and incapacitate it if it were hit.
The wolf king, adept at seizing opportunities, would certainly not let go of such a desperate opportunity to attack. He immediately led the pack to hold the wolf back head-on, creating an opportunity for his companions to launch a sneak attack.
With the wolf king leading the charge, the black bear naturally dared not slack off. While it focused most of its attention on the wolf king, the two wolves quietly broke away from the pack and attacked from behind, biting the black bear's hind legs.
The black bear, in pain, turned around abruptly, only to have its forelimbs bitten by a wolf on the other side.
"Awooo—" Taking advantage of the opportunity, the alpha wolf leaped up and bit the black bear's neck hard.
The black bear roared in pain, then used its front paws to fling the alpha wolf away, sending it crashing heavily onto the snow.
But as soon as it turned around, three more wolves pounced on it, tearing at its fur.
"Haha." Wang Ergou watched excitedly and whispered, "Looks like we're going to reap the benefits without lifting a finger."
Faced with Wang Ergou's optimism, Li Xiangyang shook his head: "Let's not think about profiting from this. We have to leave now, or we won't be able to escape. We've been ambushing the wolf pack for so long; they're actually more ruthless towards us. Once they're free, they'll definitely come after us. Let's go."
After Li Xiangyang finished speaking, he tried his best not to make any noise and carefully walked out of the cave.
Although Wang Ergou was somewhat regretful, he understood that this was the only chance for the two of them to escape, so he immediately followed Li Xiangyang quietly.
The two bent over, lowered their bodies, and slipped out of the hole quietly.
Outside, the wolves and the black bear were locked in a fierce battle. Several wolves had been killed or seriously injured, and the black bear's fur was covered with several more deep, bone-revealing wounds, its blood staining the white snow.
Li Xiangyang gestured for Wang Ergou to follow closely, and the two of them moved cautiously along the mountainside, moving away from the battlefield.
The sound of footsteps on the snow was drowned out by the sounds of fighting and went unnoticed.
After walking a short distance, Li Xiangyang suddenly stopped and pointed to a ridge not far away: "Look there!"
Following his finger, Wang Ergou could vaguely see a faint light on the ridge.
"what is that?"
"It could be a hunter's camp, or a woodcutter's. In any case, it's people," Li Xiangyang said in a low voice. "We need to get there quickly and find a way out before dawn."
The two quickened their pace and headed towards the ridge.
Behind them, the sounds of wolves and black bears fighting gradually faded into the distance, but the cold wind was still biting, and the snow was deep and soft, requiring a great deal of effort to take each step.
After walking for about half an hour, Li Xiangyang and Wang Ergou finally approached the light.
As they got closer, they could see that it was a simple wooden house with wisps of smoke rising from the chimney and warm light shining through the windows.
"It's the hunter's hut!" Wang Ergou exclaimed excitedly. "We're saved!"
Li Xiangyang, however, did not immediately lower his guard: "Don't be too happy yet, we don't know who's inside."
The two cautiously approached the cabin, and Li Xiangyang gently knocked on the door: "Is anyone home? We are lost hunters and would like to ask for lodging for the night."
There was a rustling sound inside, followed by an old voice: "Who is it?"
“Li Xiangyang and Wang Ergou, hunters from Xiaoliang Village,” Li Xiangyang replied. “We got lost in the mountains and saw your house; we'd like to ask to stay the night.”
There was a moment of silence inside the door, followed by the sound of the latch being pulled.
The door slowly opened, and an elderly man with gray hair appeared behind it, holding an oil lamp in his hand, warily scrutinizing the two of them.
"What are you doing in the mountains in the middle of the night?" the old man asked, frowning.
Li Xiangyang briefly explained their experience of being trapped in the cave while hunting. The old man's expression gradually softened, and he finally stepped aside to make way for him: "Come in, it's too cold outside."
The two gratefully stepped into the cabin, where the warm air immediately enveloped their frozen bodies.
The room was simply furnished with a wooden bed, a table, a few chairs, and a simple stove in the corner with a pot of soup simmering on it, filling the room with its aroma.
“You’re lucky,” the old man said, closing the door and sitting back down by the stove. “The black bears and wolves around here are not to be trifled with. You’re lucky to have found this place alive.”
Li Xiangyang took off his coat, which was soaked with snowmelt, and hung it behind the door. He said gratefully, "Thank you so much for taking me in, sir. May I ask how I should address you?"
The old man waved his hand: "Just an old hunter, call me Lao Guo." He gestured towards the pot on the stove, "Hungry? Have some pheasant soup to warm you up."
Wang Ergou couldn't wait to step forward, and Lao Guo served each of them a bowl of steaming hot pheasant soup.
The two held their bowls and sipped the warm soup, which immediately made them feel much more comfortable as it flowed into their stomachs.
"Old Guo, do you live alone in these mountains?" Li Xiangyang asked curiously.
Old Guo nodded: "Yes, you get used to it after a while. Hunting and gathering herbs, it's quite comfortable."
He scrutinized Li Xiangyang, narrowing his eyes: "Young man, you have discerning eyes. You must be a skilled hunter?"
Li Xiangyang smiled modestly: "I know a little bit."
Old Guo laughed, revealing a few yellowed teeth: "Don't be modest. Anyone who can survive wolves and black bears in these deep mountains is no ordinary person."
He turned and took a cloth bag from the wall, opening it to reveal several pieces of dried meat: "Try my venison jerky; I guarantee you've never tasted anything so delicious."
Li Xiangyang took a piece and took a bite. It did indeed have a unique flavor; the meat was tender but not fishy, and had a special aroma.
"Delicious!" Wang Ergou was already wolfing it down. "Old Guo, how is this jerky made? Is there a secret recipe?"
Old Guo smiled mysteriously: "You've got it right, kid. It's a family heirloom. First, it's salted, then smoked with over a dozen kinds of mountain herbs, and finally air-dried under the eaves. Want some? I'll pass it on to you next time we meet."
After a casual chat, Li Xiangyang's tense nerves completely relaxed. Then, his gaze swept across the room and he noticed a gun hanging in the corner. It was an old-fashioned gun, but it was well-maintained.
“Old Guo, your gun is quite special.” Li Xiangyang pointed to the corner of the wall.
Old Guo's eyes flickered for a moment: "Yes, it was captured after killing an officer on the battlefield back then. It's an old item, it's been with me for most of my life."