By the time Li Long and the others reached the rocky slope, the wolf was long gone.
"There. That bear was right over there." Talihaal suddenly pointed in a direction.
Li Long and Jade Mountain River looked over. The rocks were more densely packed there. Li Long clicked off his rifle's safety and edged toward them.
Behind several concealing clumps of brush was a fairly large cave entrance. Many of the branches at its mouth were broken. Li Long examined them closely; the breaks were old.
There probably hadn't been anything in this cave lately.
Li Long glanced back. He could clearly sense that Talihaal was still very nervous.
Was he afraid there was still a bear inside?
Jade Mountain River said with a smile,
"There definitely won't be anything inside. Brown bears aren't stupid. Once the weather warms up, they head deep into the mountains. There's plenty to eat in there, and nobody bothers them."
Talihaal said nothing, his lips pressed tightly together.
"Come on, let's take a look inside." Li Long listened carefully. There wasn't a sound inside, not even breathing, so he plucked up his courage and spoke.
He had considerable confidence in his hearing.
Talihaal didn't move. Li Long continued forward, and Jade Mountain River said,
"Talihaal, give me your rifle. Li Long and I can go in front, and you can follow behind?"
Talihaal hesitated, then shook his head and strode after Li Long, rifle in hand.
Li Long glanced at Talihaal beside him and said with a smile,
"There shouldn't be anything in here. Even if there is, it'll be bear droppings at most."
"I saw that bear right here back then, with several wolves on the rocks above. When the bear came out of the cave with its mouth wide open, it looked