The Sweet Little Fulang

Chapter 127

At noon, with the cicadas chirping incessantly, the sun cast its rays into the dense forest through the leafy canopy. Shen Xuanqing ascended a tall tree with utmost care, holding his breath as he moved, making scarcely a sound.

His longbow and quiver rested on his back, while his long knife and hemp rope were carefully concealed amidst a pile of branches and grass. He climbed high, his form obscured by the foliage. Finding a sturdy branch to shelter behind, he sat motionless, blending into the surroundings, visible only when the wind stirred his clothing.

Despite the midday sun shining brightly, the wild boar remained concealed within the dense forest. He and his dog had searched for it tirelessly for two days, only discovering its trail today in the southeast.

To the south lay the path leading down the mountain towards home. He was certain that this was the same wild boar slain by the old hunter long ago.

As the leaves rustled softly, Shen Xuanqing gently parted them to gaze at a low bush in the distance where the male wild boar lay sleeping.

Accompanied by his lead dog, Big Grey, only it moved during the hunt, while the other two dogs waited patiently for their chance to act. They now crouched silently behind cover, waiting for the opportune moment.

The young boy proved adept, having quickly adapted to the task after two days of training. However, unlike the composed demeanor of the lead dog, he showed signs of nervousness. While Shen Xuanqing surveyed the scene from above, he spotted the boy's tail flickering amidst the forest gaps.

With the wild boar's location confirmed, there was no time to set traps nearby. Small traps would not suffice for such a large animal, and the boar possessed a keen sense of smell. Even Shi Lian's dog, smeared with grass juice to mask its scent, could only circle cautiously, keeping a safe distance downwind.

Suddenly, a shrill whistle pierced the tranquil forest, resembling the cry of a bird of prey. Birds scattered from the treetops in alarm as the hound sprang into action.

Simultaneously, a massive dark shape burst forth from beneath the bushes.

Observing from his concealed perch, Shen Xuanqing noted the considerable size of the male wild boar, its thick, elongated tusks protruding menacingly. It was evident that in a few years, it could easily become the king of the boars. His apprehension grew; had Lu Gu not managed to flee that day, the outcome might have been fatal.

With swift precision, Shen Xuanqing retrieved his longbow, swiftly nocking an arrow and drawing the bowstring taut. The startled wild boar charged recklessly, fixated on the young boy.

Even three hounds combined would struggle to subdue it; its thick, tough hide offered formidable protection. Yet Shen Xuanqing remained calm, his gaze unwavering, tracking the wild boar's movements. Only with precise aim could he hope to hit his mark.

The wild boar's sole vulnerability lay in the center of its forehead. Despite the coordinated efforts of the three dogs, dodging and biting, and the boar's constant movement, releasing the arrow proved challenging.

The usually docile boy now bared his teeth and growled fiercely, resembling a vicious dog. Despite its lean frame, the boar displayed intelligence and ferocity, its eyes ablaze with aggression, heedless of its owner. Thin yet cunning and fierce.

The three dogs worked together, encircling the boar from three directions. Led by the lead dog, Da Hui, they herded the male wild boar inexorably towards Shen Xuanqing.

The young boy, pursued by the charging boar, felt its powerful impact and quick pace. Desperately, he led it forward, attempting to draw it closer.

And then, the moment arrived.