Hunting in the Mountains

"Meng Qingshan!"

Before he could finish, Gao Zhankui cut him off with a wave of his hand. He abruptly looked up, his ferocious face filled with disappointment and anger. "That man surnamed Zhuang was a bandit to begin with. That last escort job was clearly a scheme between Fuwei Escort Agency and that Zhuang fellow to cheat us. Qingzhu is a woman and does not know the truth, but you were involved yourself. How can you be so muddleheaded as well?"

Meng Qingshan immediately understood. So Gao Zhankui had ignored him and treated him coldly because he was angry that Meng Qingshan had agreed to compensate them.

He then smiled in relief and said sincerely, "Uncle Kui, please rest assured. Though Qingshan is no genius, I can still see through such a scheme. You need only wait and watch. I guarantee that in three months, not only will we not spend a single coin, but I will make that old Zhuang bastard kneel before Uncle's grave and kowtow in apology!"

Hearing Meng Qingshan's confident words, Gao Zhankui froze. His brows furrowed slightly, as though he doubted what Meng Qingshan had said.

However, in his impression, Meng Qingshan might be young, but he was by no means reckless. Though doubts remained in his heart, he chose to trust him.

After a moment of silence, Gao Zhankui finally nodded slowly. "In that case, pack your things and come into the mountains with me!"

Seeing Gao Zhankui's attitude soften, Meng Qingshan was delighted. He quickly found a hunting bow in the storeroom, took a short knife, prepared some dried provisions and water, then followed Gao Zhankui out of Jade Mountain City.

West of Jade Mountain City stood a mountain called Great Green Mountain.

After the two crossed a ridge, their view suddenly opened up, revealing a lush and dense forest before them.

Gao Zhankui stopped and turned to Meng Qingshan. "From here onward, we enter the Inner Mountains. Stay close to me, and do not get separated."

Meng Qingshan nodded, then took a deep breath, unable to hide the excitement in his eyes.

At last, the Grinding Monsters for Leveling Up he knew so well was about to begin.

From this day on, Great Green Mountain would be Meng Qingshan's first dungeon in this game!

Following closely behind Gao Zhankui, Meng Qingshan carefully stepped into the dense forest.

The woods were thick with vegetation. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, scattering mottled patches of light across the ground.

From time to time, a breeze rustled through the leaves, as though nature were whispering, or perhaps echoing Meng Qingshan's restless emotions.

Meng Qingshan followed Uncle Kui's footsteps along the winding mountain path.

Ancient trees towered on both sides of the trail, their branches and leaves thick and luxuriant, as though holding up a green canopy for travelers.

The air was filled with the scent of earth and a faint fragrance of pine, refreshing both body and mind.

Along the way, Meng Qingshan learned much about hunting from Uncle Kui.

Uncle Kui was not only an expert archer, but also a seasoned master of the hunt.

He knew the habits of the mountain beasts like the back of his hand and could keenly use the smallest clues to discern their tracks and haunts.

Meng Qingshan was listening with great interest when Uncle Kui suddenly stopped and crouched down to examine the ground carefully.

Pointing at a footprint in the soil, he said, "The ground here is soft and damp, and there is little water pooled in this track. It must have been left by a beast that passed through only recently. Judging by its depth and shape, it should be a wild boar nearby."

As he spoke, Uncle Kui measured the print with his hand and continued, "It is four fingers wide and two fingers deep. This wild boar must weigh no less than two hundred jin."

Meng Qingshan leaned closer and indeed saw a clear footprint.

Uncle Kui continued, "Wild boars prefer cool, damp places, so they are often covered in insects and lice. When they itch, they rub against nearby pine trees to scratch themselves. There is a pine grove not far ahead. That beast must be there."

After hearing this, Meng Qingshan had complete faith in the old hunter's words.

Thus, the two quickened their pace and headed toward the pine grove.

The scenery along the way grew ever more beautiful. A mountain stream babbled through the hills, while birds chirped from the branches, adding a touch of life to the tranquil forest.

After walking only a li or two along the mountain path, they arrived before the pine grove.

The grove was lush and verdant, a sea of green.

Meng Qingshan could not help taking a deep breath, immediately feeling a burst of fresh air fill his lungs.

The two entered the grove. Relying on his abundant experience, Uncle Kui moved calmly and freely among the pines in search of the wild boar's tracks, while Meng Qingshan cautiously looked around.

Suddenly, a deep and powerful grunt reached their ears.

Meng Qingshan's heart tightened, and he quickly looked toward the sound.

Under a pine tree not far away, a wild boar lay leisurely on the ground, its body covered in mud and pine needles.

Its eyes were half-open and half-closed, as though it were enjoying the sunlight.

Uncle Kui had clearly spotted his prey long ago. He raised a hand to signal Meng Qingshan not to make a sound, then steadily drew his bow to its fullest.

With a whoosh, the arrow streaked through the air like lightning, shooting straight for the wild boar's head.

The wild boar let out a miserable squeal and began to thrash and run wildly.