Chapter 2: Fierce Battle with the Savage Wolf


    Wild Kudzu Roots generally grow deep underground, with some extending over a yard in length. Typically, old Kudzu Roots have numerous insect holes and are prone to hollowness. However, the one Wang Hong was digging was exceptionally sturdy and robust, devoid of any insect holes.


    Initially, it was only the thickness of a wrist, but as he dug deeper, it grewrger. By now, he had dug down more than two feet, and it was already asrge as Er Gou Zi''s leg.


    Wang Hong became increasingly excited as he dug, his face turning a deep red, and the sweat on his chin dripping unnoticed. After two hours of relentless digging, the true form of this Kudzu Root was finally revealed. It was about a yard in length, the thickest part being as wide as Wang Hong''s waist, weighing around sixty to seventy catties.


    Carrying this Kudzu Root back would at least ensure that the two brothers could safely get through the winter without worrying about starving.


    However, Wang Hong suddenly tossed the Kudzu Root aside, his attention focused on an item in his hand. It was a fist-sized pearl he had just unearthed next to the Kudzu Root.


    The object was smooth as a mirror, meticulously polished, shining like jade with a green glow, adorned with blood-red patterns that sparkled brilliantly under the sun.


    Extraordinarily hard, the stone didn''t even leave a mark when identally struck with a hoe. Its smooth and warm texture in hand alleviated the fatigue from the strenuous work.


    "This should be a gemstone; it should fetch a good price," Wang Hong muttered to himself. Thoughcking sophistication, he had apanied his father to the county town before and had seen the various gemstones worn by wealthy young men anddies, feeling that none were as impressive as the one he now possessed.


    Thinking about how to sell the gemstone, Wang Hong pondered on the need for secrecy. It was imperative not to disclose this find to others, as the world was far from peaceful, with bandits and thieves often roaming.


    Two years ago, Zhang Tiezhu from Erlihe Vige found a Three Leaf Divine Mushroom on Misty Cloud Mountain. The news of his discovery led to the annihtion of his entire family that very night, all six members meeting a tragic end.


    Once the gemstone was sold, Wang Hong nned to buy somend. Like all farmers, he dreamed of owning a piece ofnd. Landownership was not only essential for survival but also for establishing a foundation for future generations.


    "If I havend, I can raise a few chickens. Every now and then, I can enjoy a fresh egg. Last night''s egg drop soup was delicious, even if I couldn''t quite discern the vor," Wang Hong thought, licking his lips.


    "And there''s white rice, big white steamed buns, and slow-cooked fatty meat." He couldn''t continue his thoughts, fearing he would drown in his own saliva.


    Daydreaming of a better life, Wang Hong continued to tidy up the Kudzu Root he had dug up. Suddenly, an inexplicable sense of rm swept over him, and he vigntly surveyed his surroundings.


    Simultaneously, he picked up the makeshift cudgel he had used to clear the way, swiftly sharpening its tip with a hunting knife and securing the knife at his waist.


    Gripping the cudgel with both hands, he scanned the surroundings rapidly, only to see the grass on his right side rapidly parting. Before he could get a clear look, a dark shadow quickly pounced towards him.


    Wang Hong''s body turned swiftly to the right, aiming the pointed end of the cudgel at the dark shadow and thrusting forcefully. Just before the strike, the shadow, in a swift maneuver, managed to dodge a few inches to the right. The attack only grazed the left side of the shadow.


    Apanying the strike was a tremendous impact that forced him to retreat several steps, almost sitting on the ground.


    It was only now that he had time to carefully examine the creature before himit was a wolf, its fur a mix of gray and white. It seemed to be an old wolf, as the cudgel had struck its left leg, causing blood to seep out.


    The wolf, with bared teeth and a strand of saliva hanging from its mouth, had its back fur standing on end. Its back slightly arched, it was preparing for the next attack.


    Wang Hong felt his heart pounding like a drum, his hands and feet trembling uncontrobly. He tightened his grip on the wooden stick.


    In fear, Wang Hong thought, "Facing such arge wolf, almost as big as me, it seems unlikely that I''ll survive today."


    "Am I, Wang Hong, going to die here? I''m only twelve years old. What will happen to my little brother if I die? I still want to buynd and have a good life. I don''t want to die!"


    The intense will to survive calmed him down. He carefully assessed the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. In terms of strength, the wolf surpassed him, and in speed, he was no match. In terms ofbat skills, these beasts had been through countless battles and emerged victorious. His advantagey in having a knife and a long cudgel; the wolf could only harm him with its ws and teeth, primarily thetter.


    Wang Hong quickly formted a n. The next step was to engage with the wolf using the long cudgel, avoiding close-quarterbat as much as possible to maintain a distance advantage.


    If the wolf managed to get up close, he would prioritize defending vital areas. With inferior speed, he would use the knife to exchange wounds, seeing who could endure and perish first.


    In life-threatening situations, the mind bes exceptionally active. Wang Hong processed these thoughts in a mere instant.


    "Beast, today we''ll see if you feast on me or if I feast on you. Come on!" Once Wang Hong had a n, he hardened his resolve and shouted at the wild wolf.


    "Come on!"


    "Bite me!"


    First, he feigned a thrust at the wolf. Seeing an opportunity, the wolf lunged straight at him. Wang Hong still thrust the cudgel into its chest, but the blunt wooden stick only pierced the skin before sliding aside. The wolf managed to bite a small piece out of his leg, but Wang Hong also inflicted a cut on the wolf''s chest, further fueling its aggression. Wang Hong quickly stepped back.


    The wolf pounced from the side again, aiming for his legs. As Wang Hong retreated, he swung the cudgel diagonally with force. The cudgel struck the wolf''s back with a "snap," breaking it into two pieces.


    The wolf, now snarling, lunged towards his abdomen. As Wang Hong retreated, he used the remaining half of the cudgel to shield his stomach, drawing his knife with his right hand.


    The wolf bit into his left arm. Ignoring the pain, Wang Hong raised the knife and struck down, hitting the wolf''s neck near its ear. Blood sprayed out. Wang Hong had heard from an old hunter that striking this spot could instantly kill both humans and animals, and it proved to be true.


    Now, the wolfy on the ground, emitting a resentful whimper. Wang Hong sat on the ground, gasping for air. After the intense battle, he feltpletely drained, unable to summon any strength.


    His left arm throbbed with intense pain, and several areas stung fiercely, likely from scratches by the wolf''s ws.


    "That was close! I almost died. Luckily, it''s just a chunk of flesh missing from my left arm."


    "Fortune and misfortune truly coexist. Just when I found a treasure, I almost died."


    Surviving the perilous encounter, Wang Hong''s first thought was about the gemstone. He quickly took it out from his pocket and examined it, finally easing his mind.


    While looking at the gemstone in his hand, Wang Hong noticed something peculiar. The blood flowing from his wounds was being absorbed as soon as it touched the gemstone.


    Upon closer inspection, he observed that the blood automatically flowed into the red patterns on the gemstone. Changing positions, he saw the blood being absorbed again, and the luster of the gemstone seemed even brighter, emitting a slight warmth.


    This sight astonished Wang Hong; he had never heard of a gemstone that could absorb blood. Hesitating for a moment, he pressed the gemstone onto the wound on his left arm. The blood quickly rushed towards the gemstone, growing faster and faster. The gemstone became scalding hot.


    Just as he was about to remove it from the wound, a sh of multicolored light urred. It prated the wound and disappeared. Then, he felt a rush of heat ascending through his arm, passing through his shoulder, neck, and rushing towards his head. The speed was astonishing.


    Wang Hong panicked, unable to stop it. The surge of heat entered his brain, and with a resounding "boom," his entire consciousness plunged into darkness.


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