Ren Zhining's Reminder

As Chen Jing and the hunters charged into the fray, the hounds barked wildly and lunged at the hind legs of the large Green-skinned Horned Pig, their fangs sinking deep into the gaps between the bristles and tearing away chunks of flesh.

The large Green-skinned Horned Pig thrashed its hind limbs in a frenzy, its massive hooves slamming into the ground and sending dust billowing into the air.

The surrounding hunters continuously thrust their long spears, striking the hide of the Green-skinned Horned Pig again and again.

Although each strike left only a shallow wound, the cumulative effect was like driving in iron nails, gradually slowing the giant beast's movements.

ROAR!!!

The roar of the large Green-skinned Horned Pig shook the leaves from the trees, and it twisted its massive body in a rage, nearly knocking two of the hunters off their feet.

At the very moment the beast swung its tail in a frenzy, Old Wu's eyes suddenly lit up: "Now!"

He gripped his long spear with both hands and lunged forward, taking advantage of the opening created by the Green-skinned Horned Pig's turn to deliver a vicious thrust.

SQUELCH!!!

The spear drove straight into the vital area beneath the beast's abdomen!

The Green-skinned Horned Pig shuddered in agony, its shrill cry nearly piercing their eardrums.

"That's it!!!"

Zhuang Huan let out a thunderous roar and charged forward with his blade, moving like an arrow released from a bow, meeting the giant beast head-on as his long blade flashed with a cold light.

THWACK!!!

The blade pierced through the lower jaw and into the windpipe, and blood sprayed like a fountain, splattering across Zhuang Huan's face and body.

The giant beast stumbled back two steps, its eyes blood-red, but it no longer had the strength to stand.

BOOM!!

The massive body hit the ground, the impact nearly causing the men to lose their footing.

The mountain forest fell silent, save for the hounds barking excitedly.

"We won! This Green-skinned Horned Pig is dead!"

Watching this scene, the veteran hunters laughed excitedly, repeating, "Haha! Looks like there's over a thousand catties of meat! This trip was worth it!"

Zhuang Huan wiped the blood from his forehead and face, his heavy breathing gradually steadying.

He first glanced at the fallen large Green-skinned Horned Pig, then looked over at the carcass of the small Green-skinned Horned Pig that Chen Jing had already gutted, unable to suppress a rare, satisfied smile.

"Xiao Jing, you were clean and efficient over there."

Zhuang Huan said, sounding somewhat surprised, "You didn't drag us down; instead, you gave us quite a shock."

Old Wu also nodded, "It's rare for someone to kill a Green-skinned Horned Pig on their first hunt."

The hunters nearby immediately chimed in.

"That's for sure! When I went on my first hunt, I turned and ran the moment I saw a Horned Pig!"

"Brother Chen, that move of yours was steady and ruthless. I'm not sure I would have dared to go for it!"

Chen Jing felt a bit embarrassed by the praise and could only shake his head, "If it weren't for you brothers pinning it down, I could never have killed it so smoothly."

"Haha, you're just being modest, kid!"

The group burst into hearty laughter, clearly accepting Chen Jing as one of their own.

Having stood side-by-side in the face of life and death, the simple trust of these hunters was direct and fervent.

As the sky grew dark, the hunters skillfully butchered the meat from the Green-skinned Horned Pig, discarding the bones, hide, and offal, and taking only the most valuable cuts.

Before long, the packs of all ten men were stuffed to the brim.

Zhuang Huan looked up at the sky, "Alright, let's get back to last night's campsite before it gets dark. We'll head back to the city first thing tomorrow morning!"

Knowing full well that the carcasses of exotic beasts would attract predators in the mountains, they sprinkled Beast-Repelling Spice on their packs and set off along the path they had come.

Because of the heavy load, it took them two full days to reach the gates of Red Rock County.

"Phew... finally here!"

"My shoulders are numb from carrying this the whole way!"

Looking at the familiar city gate, the group let out a sigh of relief and dragged their exhausted bodies toward the Zhuang estate, their faces filled with excitement and satisfaction.

Back at the Zhuang estate, Zhuang Tao saw Chen Jing return and hurried over to greet him, "Junior Brother Chen, I didn't expect you to have such a huge harvest on your first hunt!"

Zhuang Huan, standing nearby, smiled and patted Chen Jing on the shoulder, "Don't let his modesty fool you, he solo-killed a small Horned Pig! Who knows, he might become the most formidable hunter in Red Rock County one day!"

"Uncle Huan, you flatter me."

Chen Jing waved his hand, "If it weren't for everyone's help, I'm afraid I would have been severely injured this time."

Just as they were discussing this, a servant ran in from outside and said hurriedly, "Young Master Chen Jing, there is someone at the door claiming to be Ren Zhining who wants to see you. Do you happen to know her?"

"Ren Zhining?"

Upon hearing this, a look of confusion appeared on Chen Jing's face.

Ren Zhining was indeed someone he knew, but why would she come looking for him?

Could it be that she had found out he was the one who killed Xie Chong?

With that thought, Chen Jing spoke up to ask, "I know her, what is it?"

The servant shook his head, indicating he didn't know either, "She only said she had an urgent matter to discuss and needed to see you in person. I have already arranged for her to wait in the parlor."

"I understand. Senior Brother Zhuang, Uncle Huan, I'll go see what this is about first."

Seeing the situation, Chen Jing spoke to Zhuang Tao and Zhuang Huan beside him.

"Go on, go on. We won't get in your way."

Hearing this, Zhuang Tao immediately wore a knowing expression and waved his hands hurriedly.

Chen Jing was left speechless by his look, but he didn't say anything more.

Led by the servant, Chen Jing soon met Ren Zhining in the parlor.

In the parlor, Ren Zhining stood up the moment she saw Chen Jing approach, "Chen..."

"Just call me Chen Jing. What is it you came to see me about?"

Chen Jing waved his hand to interrupt, getting straight to the point.

Ren Zhining nodded, her expression tense as she said, "Ever since Xie Chong died, Head Constable Zhao has been under pressure from Hu Duanzhuo to investigate the cause of his death."

"Two days ago, Head Constable Zhao came to our Spring Return Hall, but he didn't find any information there."

"Later, when he was questioning the old woman, one of them mentioned that Xie Chong had also taken a liking to your sister at the time..."

Hearing this, Chen Jing's brows furrowed instantly.

Ren Zhining continued, "Head Constable Zhao knows you are a martial artist, so he will likely shift the scope of his investigation to you."

"As for that old woman who spoke out of turn, I have already fired her. It is my fault for letting you get dragged into this."

Having said that, Ren Zhining bowed deeply to Chen Jing.

Seeing this, Chen Jing waved his hand again and asked in a deep voice, "Head Constable Zhao? Is he a martial artist too?"

Ren Zhining quickly replied, "Yes, and it is precisely because he is a First Blood Martial Artist that he is able to serve as the head constable of our Red Rock County."

Chen Jing nodded, "Thank you for the warning. I'll keep it in mind."

The fact that Ren Zhining had rushed over to notify him immediately was a great act of kindness.

Besides, it was that loose-lipped old woman who had leaked the information, not Ren Zhining.

Chen Jing was still capable of distinguishing right from wrong!

Ren Zhining continued, "If there is anything you need help with in the future, just say the word."

"Consider it compensation from our Spring Return Hall."

Chen Jing waved his hand, saying dismissively, "We'll see when the time comes."

Afterward, Ren Zhining said a few more words and then took her leave.

Watching Ren Zhining's departing figure, Chen Jing pondered in his mind.

That Head Constable Zhao... in coming to investigate him this time, had he truly found a lead?

Or was he simply looking for someone to pin the crime on?