kingnovel Chapter 22 First Visit to Qishan
Chapter 22 First Visit to Qishan
At dinner time, Shi An helped Chu Ci process the rabbit meat they had hunted.
The two chatted while they worked, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
"My lady, did you encounter any danger on the mountain today?"
Chu Ci smiled and shook his head, "There's no danger, it's just that we haven't encountered many large prey lately, so I plan to go to a more distant place to take another look."
Shi An's heart tightened, and she immediately put down what she was doing, turning to look at her. "Are you... going to Qishan?"
"I have this plan."
"........"
The man was silent for a moment, then carefully asked, "Will my wife come back at night from now on?"
Chu Ci thought for a moment, "I will probably stay overnight on the mountain occasionally."
"Huh?" Shi An looked reluctant. "But I'll be scared if I'm alone at night."
Chu Ci clearly had anticipated this as well. "How about this, if I don't come back, I'll have Song He come over to keep you company. You two can chat and do some things you like."
Shi An was taken aback. "Is he willing?"
"Let me go ask."
Chu Ci took a step closer and patted Shi An's head.
"Don't worry, I only go a maximum of three times a month, and I'll be back in the evenings the rest of the time."
Shi An nodded obediently, not wanting to cause any more trouble for his wife, "Okay, I understand."
Because they were going to explore a distant place, Chu Ci had been busy buying tools for the past few days.
Tents, ropes, and herbs are all indispensable.
Finally, on the third day of June, Chu Ci packed her bags and prepared to head to Qishan.
Shi An got up early to see her off, constantly checking her package, afraid of forgetting anything.
"Alright, Shi An, don't worry, I'll be back the day after tomorrow."
Shi An hummed in agreement, his expression downcast. "My lady, please be careful."
"Don't worry," Chu Ci said, raising her hand to stroke Shi An's face and pinching his earlobe. "You need to be careful at home too. Don't open the door to strangers. Song He will come over to keep you company tonight."
Shi An's eyelashes trembled slightly as he was touched. "Um, I...I won't." He stepped forward and grabbed Chu Ci's sleeve, his tone slightly coquettish. "My lady, you...you have to come back soon~"
"Okay." Chu Ci took his hand off her sleeve and held it in her palm. "After I leave, don't eat carelessly. Don't make yourself suffer."
"Mm." Hearing this, Shi An's eyes stung a little, but he quickly composed himself and forced a smile. "I'll wait for you to come back."
Chu Ci smiled gently at Shi An, then turned and walked towards the door.
Shi An stood at the door, watching her walk further and further away, her heart filled with reluctance.
He prayed silently, hoping that his wife would return safely.
Of course, it would be best if they could come back soon.
Chu Ci carried his bag and walked into the mountains and forests. After crossing two mountain peaks, he arrived at Qishan.
Qishan is vast and teems with wild animals, but Chu Ci, with his rich experience, was not afraid.
She spent a day exploring all of Qishan, picking a lot of mushrooms, encountering many small animals, and even running into a few snakes.
Qishan has more animal species than the back mountain, but it is also more dangerous.
Throughout the journey, Chu Ci remained vigilant, constantly observing the surroundings.
In the evening, she found a flat spot, pitched her tent, and prepared to spend the night there.
After a hasty dinner, Chu Ci lay in the tent, listening to the wind and animal calls outside, and couldn't help but think of Shi An.
She took out the handkerchief Shi An had given her and gently stroked it, as if she could feel his warmth.
To be honest, she had never thought about anyone so quietly before, when she was all alone and filled with hatred.
Tonight, she inadvertently thought of Shi An, and she found the feeling quite wonderful.
Chu Ci has become increasingly accustomed to having another person in his life.
The next day, Chu Ci was awakened by birdsong. After a quick wash, he continued to venture deep into the mountains to search for prey.
As she walked, she suddenly spotted a huge wild boar in the bushes ahead.
Chu Ci was overjoyed; this was a rare and great prey.
She slowly approached the wild boar, preparing to attack.
Just then, the wild boar seemed to sense the danger and suddenly turned around and charged at her.
Chu Ci immediately jumped onto a nearby tree, dodging its attack.
At the same time, he drew his bow and aimed an arrow at the wild boar's eyes.
The next second, the wild boar collapsed to the ground, twitched twice, and then remained motionless.
After draining the pig's blood, Chu Ci dragged the wild boar back to the camp, preparing to cook some barbecue for lunch.
However, when she returned to the camp, she found a strange aura surrounding her.
Chu Ci became wary and carefully surveyed his surroundings with his weapon in hand.
Suddenly, she felt a chill coming from behind her. She quickly rolled to the side and dodged the attack.
At this moment, Chu Ci also saw clearly what was attacking her target: a black panther.
The black panther stared fiercely at her, its hind legs slightly bent, poised to attack.
Chu Ci was startled; she had never seen such a ferocious beast.
She gripped her weapon tightly, bracing herself for the black panther's attack.
Chu Ci and the black panther faced off. Before long, the black panther launched another attack. It opened its mouth, revealing sharp teeth, and pounced on Chu Ci.
Chu Ci dodged to the side, and his sword slashed out, slashing the black panther's leg.
But Chu Ci was also scratched on the arm by the black panther's claws, and blood immediately seeped out.
The black panther became even angrier after being injured, and it roared as it charged at Chu Ci again.
Chu Ci nimbly dodged its attacks while searching for an opportunity to counterattack.
Just as the black panther lunged at Chu Ci for the third time, Chu Ci leaped up and plunged the knife in his hand into the panther's abdomen, slicing open its belly.
The black panther let out a miserable cry and collapsed to the ground, barely alive.
Chu Ci shook the blood off his knife, walked over to the black panther, observed it for a while, and breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that it was dead.
This experience made Chu Ci realize that the dangers of Qishan were greater than she had imagined.
Of course, the gains are also greater.
After bandaging his wounds, Chu Ci roasted a pig's leg to fill his stomach, and then skinned the black leopard.
The glossy fur shone brightly in the sunlight, and Chu Ci was very satisfied. With this fur, her trip was worthwhile.
Chu Ci buried the black leopard's body nearby, then shouldered his pack and continued on his way.
She carefully navigated around the black panther's habitat, remaining constantly vigilant.
As evening fell, Chu Ci found a stream and decided to rest there for the night.
She skillfully set up the tent, lit a fire, and prepared to cook.
Chu Ci took out the remaining pork, cut it into small pieces, skewered it on tree branches, and roasted it over a fire.
Soon, the aroma of meat filled the air.
Chu Ci took a bite; the taste was incredibly fresh and tender, but it still wasn't as delicious as Shi An's.
After finishing his meal, Chu Ci lay in the tent, contemplating the rest of the journey.
She felt she couldn't risk going any further and decided to head home the next day.
As she pondered these thoughts, she gradually drifted off to sleep...