Zhang Ze sat on the ground, panting heavily, still somewhat shaken.
Gu Erniu extended his right hand, pulled him up, and said with a reproachful tone:
"Ah Ze, I told you last time that such behavior is very dangerous, but you didn't listen. When we hunt, we focus on patience and sustainability. If not for Asheng's unexpectedly excellent archery today, with only me here, you might have been done for!"
His archery skills were exceptional, and although he was usually very amiable, his words carried weight among the other hunters.
Strength commands respect—this is a law that holds true anywhere.
Zhang Ze's face showed some shame. He stammered a little but ultimately didn't retort, knowing full well that he had narrowly escaped death this time.
He glanced at Gu Sheng, standing nearby, with a look of astonishment.
The first time he and Gu Erniu invited Gu Sheng to enter the mountains, he had seen Gu Sheng shoot arrows. Back then, his skills were nowhere near today's level.
Yet now, in just half a month, his progress had been outrageously rapid, nearly reaching Gu Erniu's level.
It was downright terrifying!
He recalled Gu Erniu mentioning last time that Gu Sheng had only been practicing archery for ten days. At the time, Zhang Ze was skeptical, thinking Gu Erniu was intentionally exaggerating. But now, it seemed highly likely to be true!
At this thought, Zhang Ze was even more shocked.
"Asheng, thank you and Erniu this time."
Zhang Ze expressed his gratitude aloud.
Gu Erniu patted Zhang Ze on the shoulder and said:
"When we go hunting together, we naturally aim to come back to the village together as a whole. Next time, remember not to take unnecessary risks in pursuit of glory."
Gu Sheng simply smiled and nodded; he could sense Zhang Ze's shift in attitude.
This was the first time he had entered the mountains, and immediately he was met with such an ordeal involving Zhang Ze.
A silent alarm bell rang in his heart.
In future mountain hunts, he would need to exercise even greater caution.
Though his archery had reached a level of Small Success with decent offensive capabilities,
he had not yet trained in martial arts. His body was still that of an ordinary mortal, incapable of withstanding the impact of wild beasts. Even the slightest mistake could lead to death on the spot.
Zhang Ze thanked the two of them again, but when his gaze met Gu Youfu's, he gave a cold snort and said nothing.
Earlier, when Zhang Ze was facing a life-or-death crisis, Gu Youfu chose to prioritize self-preservation and retreated at the first opportunity. This left Zhang Ze feeling deeply displeased.
Gu Sheng observed this scene and inwardly shook his head.
When all was said and done, this crisis was caused by Zhang Ze's own recklessness. Gu Youfu's archery was not on par with Gu Sheng and Gu Erniu; without confidence in killing the wild boar, retreating was only natural.
Otherwise, if the wild boar were provoked and turned its attention to Gu Youfu,
Gu Youfu, lacking Zhang Ze's youthful strength and agility, might misstep just once, resulting in an immediate death.
For Gu Youfu's family, that would be a true catastrophe!
Gu Youfu's expression was somewhat embarrassed.
Gu Erniu gave him a reassuring look but didn't say much.
However, the mutual understanding was clear: henceforth, it was unlikely they would hunt alongside Gu Youfu. Though understandable, everyone hopes that when they fall into dire straits, their companions will step forward and offer help.
After a brief rest, the four began to process the wild boar.
The scent of blood began to spread, and if they didn't descend the mountain promptly, attracting predators like bears or tigers of this level would spell big trouble.
The usable arrows were pulled out, wiped clean, and returned to the quiver.
Broken ones had their iron arrowheads salvaged to attach to new wooden shafts later.
The group looked at the wild boar with eyes full of joy.
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