Hunting in the Forest

After successfully dealing with the Ironclad Boar, everyone caught their breath and rested briefly on the spot.

Liu Bai glanced at the sky, then looked around before saying slowly, "That Ironclad Boar looked like it had a nest. The treasure it was guarding must be nearby. Let's follow the direction it came from and take a look."

Everyone nodded, packed up their gear, rallied their spirits, and continued deeper into the forest.

The farther they went, the more mysterious the scenery became, while the medicinal fragrance in the air grew increasingly rich.

Liu Feng, Er Hu, and Liu San instantly grew interested. Like three lively fawns, they quickly scattered and carefully searched through the grass and cracks between the rocks.

Liu Feng bent low, his eyes wide as he refused to overlook a single corner.

Suddenly, a faint red light behind a huge boulder caught his attention.

He focused his gaze and nearly jumped up in excitement, shouting, "Come quickly! It's Dragon Blood Grass! It must be quite old!"

Liu Bai hurried over, squatted down, carefully pushed aside the surrounding weeds, and closely examined the herb.

After a moment, he raised his head, his eyes full of surprise, and clicked his tongue in amazement. "That's right, it really is Dragon Blood Grass.

Look at the ring patterns on its stem. Each ring represents two years. There are ten of them—this plant is at least twenty years old.

No wonder that Ironclad Boar guarded it so fiercely. It was protecting this treasure."

The corner of Liu Feng's mouth lifted into a bright smile. He rolled up his sleeves, squatted down, pulled a small shovel from his waist, and gently inserted it into the soil, moving as carefully as if he were tending to a priceless treasure.

After digging up the Dragon Blood Grass intact, he pulled off several broad leaves, wrapped it carefully, and only then gently placed it in the Medicine Basket.

Dragon Blood Grass was named for its blood-red color. It was an extremely precious medicinal herb that replenished blood and strengthened the body, with excellent nourishing effects for women weakened after childbirth and children still in their developmental years.

When Liu Bai had previously brewed Ginseng Chicken Soup, he would add Dragon Blood Grass as well. However, those had all been grown in his family's fields and were only one or two years old. This was also his first time seeing Dragon Blood Grass that was twenty years old.

At the Same Time, Er Hu and Liu San also found something in their respective areas.

Beneath a patch of damp Rotten Leaves, Er Hu discovered several Crystal Clear Jade Dew Grass plants. They were excellent ingredients for refining Spirit Calming Powder.

Under an ancient tree, Liu San dug up a Soul Returning Grass that gave off a strange fragrance. It was said to have remarkable effects on those suffering from lack of sleep.

The three of their Medicine Baskets gradually filled up, and their harvest was quite plentiful.

Before they knew it, the sun had quietly begun to set, dyeing the horizon a brilliant orange-red.

Night fell slowly like an enormous sheet of Black Silk. Darkness swiftly engulfed the forest, and the surroundings became eerily silent. From time to time, the low growls of unknown Soul Beasts drifted through the woods, sending chills down their spines.

"We've already gone deep into the heart of the forest. If we head back to the village now, the journey is too far, and traveling at night is far too dangerous."

Uncle Li frowned and said with a Grave Expression, "We'll set up Camp here tonight. Everyone will take turns keeping watch. We must ensure our safety."

Everyone nodded and began carrying out their respective tasks.

Drawing on his wealth of experience, Uncle Li chose an open clearing as their Camp. Several huge rocks around it stood like natural guards, firmly protecting the Camp.

Liu Qing and Uncle Li swiftly took tent poles and canvas from their Satchels. The two worked with Tacit Understanding, one building the frame while the other secured the canvas.

Liu Bai helped pass them tools from the side and occasionally offered a few suggestions.

Er Hu and Liu San busied themselves securing the tents to the ground with ropes. They found several large rocks and placed them on the ropes to ensure the tents would not be blown over by the wind at night.

Liu Feng was not idle either. Holding a short-handled Hoe, he carefully cleared away the weeds and twigs around the tents. Every swing was forceful and focused, and before long, the ground had become flat and clean.

Gulu and the other Hunting Dogs patrolled back and forth around the Camp. Their ears stood erect as they warily sniffed the scents in the Air. At the slightest Wind Blowing Grass Moving, they would let out low growls.

Before long, two simple tents had been set up.

The larger tent was for Liu Qing, Uncle Li, Er Hu, and Liu San, while the smaller one was for Liu Bai and Liu Feng.

Several ventilation Pores had been deliberately left in the tent canvas. They ensured Airflow while keeping mosquitoes and insects from flying inside.

After the tents were erected, no one relaxed. They immediately began arranging defensive measures.

Liu Qing and Uncle Li dug a shallow pit in front of the tents and prepared to start a fire.

They took out Flint and dry firewood, skillfully struck the Flint, and sent sparks flying everywhere. Before long, the dry wood blazed into flame.

The roaring fire not only brought warmth and light, but also drove away the nearby insects and small Wild Beasts.

The firelight flickered and danced in the darkness, illuminating their tired yet resolute Faces.

"A campfire can drive away some Wild Beasts, but we can't rely on it completely."

Liu Qing Stood Up, dusted off his hands, and said sternly, "We need to set up some other defenses too."

Uncle Li nodded in agreement. He took a roll of wire from his Satchel, then cut down several small trees nearby and sharpened them into pointed Wooden Stakes.

About ten meters from the tents, he buried a Wooden Stake every two or three meters, then tightly linked them together with wire to form a simple fence.

He also tied sharp branches to the wire, like Hidden Weapons lying in wait. Any Wild Beast that tried to break through the fence would be cut, serving as an effective deterrent.

To ensure nothing went wrong, Liu Qing began assigning night watch duties. They divided the night into three shifts, with two people on each shift.

Liu Qing and Er Hu were responsible for the first shift, Uncle Li and Liu San for the second, while Liu Bai and Liu Feng took the final shift.

The watchmen had to remain highly alert at all times. If they noticed anything unusual, they were to immediately sound the alarm and wake everyone else.

"You cannot afford even the slightest carelessness while keeping watch. Everyone's lives are in your hands." Liu Qing looked at the two on watch and spoke earnestly.

Gulu and the other Hunting Dogs also took on an important responsibility.

They were well trained, with exceptionally keen senses of smell and hearing, and could detect the traces of Wild Beasts in the darkness.

Liu Qing fastened a collar with a bell around each Hunting Dog's neck. As soon as they sensed danger and began running patrols, the bells would promptly alert the people inside the tents.

"Gulu and these Hunting Dogs are all our capable helpers. They're very skilled." Uncle Li Squat Down and gently patted Gulu's head, his eyes full of trust.

The campfire burned brightly, and a warm presence spread through the Camp.

Everyone ate some Dry Rations, pickled vegetables, and jerky inside the tents. They heated some water over the campfire, and after filling their stomachs, they each went to rest.

Those on watch kept watch, while those meant to sleep slept. The Camp gradually fell quiet, leaving only the crackling of the fire and the occasional barking of dogs.

After an unknown amount of time, Liu San quietly entered Liu Feng and Liu Bai's tent, gently patted Liu Feng on the shoulder, and whispered, "Xiao Feng, it's your turn to keep watch."

Liu Feng jolted awake, immediately opened his eyes, quickly got up, picked up the Wooden Spear beside him, and followed Liu San out of the tent.

Liu Feng and Liu Bai came to the campfire. By then, its flames had already weakened considerably.

Liu Bai picked up a piece of dry firewood, gently stirred the Charcoal Fire, and added some fresh wood. Before long, the flames blazed again.

Liu Bai sat by the campfire with a fire poker in hand, his eyes fixed on the surroundings as he refused to overlook any corner.

Liu Feng sat beside him, wrapped in a blanket and holding the Wooden Spear in his arms, staring unblinkingly into the distance.

The dark forest was bottomless and silent enough to be frightening. Strange sounds occasionally came from within, making their hair stand on end.

"Xiao Feng, don't be nervous. Grandpa is here." Liu Bai noticed Liu Feng's tension and softly comforted him.

"I know, Grandpa." Liu Feng took a deep breath and tried to calm himself, determination shining in his eyes.

The two sat by the campfire, occasionally speaking quietly to ease the tense atmosphere.

Liu Bai told Liu Feng about the history of their family, the years they had struggled on the Douluo Continent, and his own adventures in this forest when he was young.

Liu Feng listened, completely engrossed, and his admiration for Grandpa grew even deeper.

Time Quietly Passed amid their conversation, and before they knew it, the third watch was about to end.

Liu Bai and Liu Feng Stood Up, stretched their somewhat stiff bodies, and prepared to wake the others.

"Everyone, get up. Dawn is almost here." Liu Bai raised his voice. It carried a trace of fatigue, yet remained firm.

Everyone emerged from their tents, quickly packed their Satchels, and prepared to set out on a new journey.