Distribution

Zhang Ze sat on the ground, panting heavily, still shaken.

Gu Erniu extended his right hand and pulled him up, his tone laced with reproach.

"Aze, I told you last time that this kind of behavior is dangerous, but you still didn't listen. When we hunt, we aim for sustainability. If it weren't for Sheng's unexpected archery skills today, just me alone, you probably would have died here!"

His archery skills were extraordinary. Although he was usually kind, his words carried weight with the other hunters.

Strength brought respect; that was a law followed everywhere.

Zhang Ze looked ashamed, muttering a few words. In the end, he didn't argue, as he knew he had just brushed past death.

He looked at Gu Sheng beside him, his eyes filled with surprise.

The last time he and Gu Erniu went to invite Gu Sheng into the mountains, he had seen Gu Sheng shoot an arrow, and his skill was nowhere near what it was now.

In just half a month, his progress had been so rapid, reaching a level close to Gu Erniu's.

It was terrifying!

He remembered Gu Erniu saying last time that Gu Sheng had only been learning archery for ten days. At the time, he had been skeptical, thinking Gu Erniu was exaggerating, but now it seemed highly likely it was true!

At this thought, his shock deepened.

"Sheng, thank you and Erniu for this time."

Zhang Ze said gratefully.

Gu Erniu patted Zhang Ze's shoulder.

"We came out to hunt together, so we should return to the village together. Remember not to be greedy for merit next time."

Gu Sheng nodded with a smile, sensing the change in Zhang Ze's attitude.

His first time in the mountains, he had encountered this incident with Zhang Ze.

It served as a wake-up call.

From now on, he had to be extremely cautious when hunting in the mountains.

Although his archery skills had reached minor accomplishment and his offensive capabilities were decent, he hadn't trained in martial arts. He was still just a mortal, unable to withstand the charge of wild beasts. A single mistake could lead to immediate death.

Zhang Ze thanked the two of them. After his gaze met Gu Youfu's, he let out a cold snort and said nothing.

Just now, when Zhang Ze was in mortal danger, Gu Youfu had chosen to protect himself and retreated immediately, which left Zhang Ze feeling very unhappy.

Gu Sheng watched this scene and shook his head inwardly.

Ultimately, this crisis was caused by Zhang Ze's own mistake. Gu Youfu's archery skills were inferior to Gu Sheng and the other two, and he lacked the confidence to kill the wild boar. His choice to retreat was understandable.

Otherwise, if he had angered the wild boar, and the boar had turned its attention to Gu Youfu, who was not as young and vigorous as Zhang Ze and lacked his agility, a single misstep could have meant instant death.

That would have been a true disaster for Gu Youfu's family, both old and young!

Gu Youfu's expression was a little awkward.

Gu Erniu gave him a reassuring look and didn't say anything more.

However, everyone understood tacitly that they probably wouldn't hunt with Gu Youfu anymore. While they understood his reasons, everyone hoped that their companions would stand by them and offer help when they were in a life-or-death situation.

After a short rest, the four began to process the wild boar.

The smell of blood began to spread. If they didn't descend the mountain promptly, attracting beasts like bears or tigers would make things difficult.

They pulled out the arrows. Those that could still be used were cleaned and returned to the quiver.

The ones that were beyond repair had their iron arrowheads collected, to be used later to craft new arrows with wooden shafts.

The four looked at the wild boar with joy in their eyes.

This wild boar was estimated to be nearly three hundred jin, a substantial weight!

"According to the usual practice, Gu Sheng and I will each get twenty-five percent. Aze, as the one who found the tracks, will get an extra ten percent, making it thirty percent. Uncle Youfu will get twenty percent."

Gu Erniu began to distribute the spoils of the hunt.

This distribution was generally reasonable.

The main force in this hunt was still Gu Sheng and Gu Erniu. Although Zhang Ze's shot was crucial, he had almost lost his life because of it. He didn't say much, and fortunately, he had the extra ten percent for discovering the tracks.

Generally, the distribution differences were not too significant, as everyone was cooperating.

"Erniu and I will carry the wild boar," Gu Youfu said. He still felt a bit guilty and voluntarily took on the task of carrying the prey.

Zhang Ze had sustained some minor injuries earlier, and Gu Sheng, despite his exceptional archery skills, was still young and not as physically strong as the others. This task fell to Gu Erniu and Gu Youfu.

Gu Erniu naturally wouldn't refuse.

Zhang Ze took the lead, familiar with the mountain paths, while Gu Sheng covered the rear.

The group advanced at a steady pace. Midway, they encountered a wild pheasant. Perhaps due to his unsettled state of mind, Zhang Ze's aim was off. His arrow failed to kill the pheasant, and instead, the bird disappeared into the depths of the jungle with the arrow still lodged in it.

This made Zhang Ze curse vehemently, having wasted an arrow.

Gu Sheng also felt a bit regretful. He had been too far behind, and after being startled by Zhang Ze, the pheasant had run away incredibly fast, quickly disappearing from sight. He couldn't give chase.

The four men remained on high alert, and the journey was uneventful.

Soon, they reached the outskirts of Cang Mountain. Once they were here, there were generally no more fierce beasts to worry about. This hunt had gone smoothly; they had found wild boar tracks not long after entering the mountain, and it was still only the afternoon.

"When we get home, we can cuddle with our wives and rest!"

The tension the group had been feeling finally eased. Zhang Ze let out a knowing chuckle, which immediately drew laughter from Gu Erniu and Gu Youfu.

"Almost forgot, we've still got a kid here."

The three exchanged knowing glances at Gu Sheng. Gu Sheng fell silent, finding the situation a little amusing. While he was indeed only fourteen now, the experiences he'd had in his previous life were far beyond what these men could imagine.

Zhang Ze, mistaking Gu Sheng's silence for shyness, said with a grin:

"When you turn another year older, I'll introduce you to some nice girls, brother Ze will pick out the best for you. Get married quickly, and once you've had a taste of meat, you'll know how wonderful it is!"

Zhang Ze's attitude towards Gu Sheng had changed dramatically, showing a clear desire for friendship.

Gu Sheng's talent in archery had shocked him. If he continued to improve, he might truly become a renowned master archer in these parts.

Gu Erniu laughed and cursed, "Get lost. What kind of people do you know? They aren't good enough for our Ah Sheng."

Gu Sheng just smiled shyly, watching the others tease him.

The group had a successful hunt and returned safely, their spirits high. Any minor unpleasantness during the hunt was temporarily forgotten.

The four weaved through the mountain, and they could already see the path leading down.

Suddenly.

Gu Sheng's gaze sharpened. He darted aside, taking cover behind a nearby tree.

Then, he quickly drew an arrow from his quiver, nocked it on his bow, and held it ready, pointing at the dense thicket ahead. He shouted in a deep voice:

"Who's there! Halt!"

Gu Sheng's Wood Chopping skill had reached the perfection stage, giving him a perception that subtly surpassed ordinary people. He was especially sensitive to the unique sound of footsteps and the rustling of branches.

He heard someone approaching, and not just one person.

This shout startled Gu Erniu and the others, but they reacted quickly.

The two men dropped the wild boar, rolled on the ground, and used the boar as cover to hide behind trees. Zhang Ze was half a beat slower but also dodged to the side.

The three nocked arrows, all of them looking intently towards the front.

Although this was the outskirts of Cang Mountain, where ambushes were rare, it was always wise to be cautious.