Chapter 06: Fishing

Everyone, just follow along. Hu Meng instructed, since Long Ge wants to play fish-catching, let's cooperate a bit. Being 'caressed' by the cold wind is certainly better than being 'caressed' by a fist

Then, that kind of "undulating" sound rang out again, and Long Chen caught nine fish of varying sizes before he considered it finished. Hu Han grilled four of them, while the other five were taken back. It is estimated that there won't be many fish left in this stream for a short period of time. If Liu Dezong comes back to catch fish, he might return empty-handed, as there are only so many fish in a given water area.

Borrowing the moonlight and the faint reflection of fish scales, Long Chen quickly struck, the sharp spear swiftly plunging into the water. Due to the refraction of light in the water, one cannot directly stab where the fish is seen, but should instead aim slightly to the side based on the angle. When spearing fish, it is best to target the head or body; hitting the edges is utterly ineffective. Those seasoned fishermen have developed this rule through their rich experience, but it is quite difficult for the average person. The phenomenon of light refraction is not something that ancient people could easily comprehend, yet Long Chen was an exception. With the first thrust, Long Chen sensed he had struck a fish, and then quickly swung the spear, repositioning it, and forcefully stabbed down with the other sharp end aimed at the target.

The downstream is also unwilling to be outdone: "Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!" The sound is urgent and high-pitched, with a very intense rhythm, truly resembling a scene of "galloping on the battlefield"

Although the process of spear fishing is brief, it involves a person's reflexes, arm strength, observational skills, and calculation abilities. Therefore, spear fishing is truly a skilled activity that is difficult to master. Under the rudimentary conditions without a fishing net, how much sweat is condensed behind Liu Dezhong's pot of stewed fish

"Apart from sending a sword, does the general have anything else?"

"Hehe, it was given by the general." The short knife was not only sharp, but even the scabbard was exquisitely crafted. Seeing Niu Er's envious expression, Long Chen directly tossed the short knife to Niu Er.

Long Chen smiled and whistled, "Set up the fire, grill the fish"

Upon hearing this, Hu Meng gently set aside the grilling tools in his hand, then stood up and kicked a few of his subordinates.

Long Chen understood that Hu Meng was pledging his loyalty to him, seeking to become his trusted aide. After all, a chief officer has five subordinates and resources under his command. If Hu Meng could gain Long Chen's trust, he would be able to surpass the other four subordinates in status.

Both sides were ready, all eyes fixed on Long Chen. Long Chen calmed his mind, tightly grasping the sharp stick in his hand, and then tapped the stick in the air, signaling that it could begin

"It's a bit fast. By the way, do you know about General Ran?" Long Chen casually asked.

Long Chen gently helped Hu Meng up, saying, "From now on, we are all brothers, so there is no need to say such things."

"What did you just say? Is it a gift from the general?" Hu Meng instinctively asked again.

"Brother Long, where did you get that short knife? It's truly beautiful." On that day, Niu Er had naturally been dealt with by Long Chen, so now, upon meeting, he was exceedingly respectful. However, upon seeing the knife that Long Chen had just taken out, he immediately felt a surge of excitement.

The few soldiers also came to their senses, realizing that from now on, he would be our superior. They hurriedly knelt down behind Hu Meng, saying, "I am willing to follow your lead, my lord."

Hu Meng understood that this was Long Chen acknowledging him, and he did not decline. He stood up and continued to grill the fish. Niu Er also cautiously returned the short knife to Long Chen

"Sir, you have really risen through the ranks quickly." Hu Meng felt a bit uncomfortable, as the other party had only recently been a soldier he had carried back from the river to prepare for conscription, yet in just a few days had become his superior. However, upon reflecting on the other person's skills and abilities, he felt reassured; after all, the individual had ascended through merit, so there was no reason for him to feel resentful.

Special forces like Long Chen are often deployed to the border for missions or to strike directly outside the country, but this can only be considered minor skirmishes. The scene of thousands of troops galloping across the fields, which is yearned for by those passionate young men, can only be reminisced in dreams

However, things are different now; this tumultuous era, destined for ups and downs, is precisely the grand stage for men to assert themselves

"I have made a general flag," Long Chen said calmly. A general officer indeed did not hold much significance in his eyes; in fact, he believed that even the position currently held by Mao Youjun could also be his. The late Ming Dynasty was a time of chaos, but it was also an era rich with opportunities, a good time for a man of ambition to achieve great deeds. In later generations, the republic enjoyed relative peace, with no wars for decades, leading soldiers to feel somewhat lost regarding their value. This is the helplessness of warriors born in a time of peace

Hehe, I just want to replace President Ran's position and the books. I never expected that I would actually oust my former boss.

Six big men eating two fish is naturally insufficient, but it doesn't matter, as there is a small stream nearby, and of course, there is the formidable General Qizhong. After finishing the fish, everyone eagerly stole glances at Long Chen. Long Chen nodded, considering this his first time treating his subordinates to a meal. After all, it is important to ensure they are well-fed, isn't it

Under the torment of two extraordinarily powerful sounds, Long Chen momentarily fell into a daze before quickly entering a state of meditation, awaiting the arrival of the fish

You few go upstream to scare the fish over here, and Hu Meng, you two go downstream to drive the fish up here

Thank you, Brother Long, I will return it to you right away after I take a look at it. Niu Er was quite pleased as he began to play with the short knife.

The fish was grilled to perfection. Hu Meng took out a small stack of oil paper from his pocket, which contained some salt, and sprinkled a bit onto the sizzling fish, enhancing its aroma even further

Upon hearing this, Hu Meng and the others were taken aback: My goodness, they really did catch a fish!

I, Hu Meng, shall serve under your command in the future. If you instruct me to go west, I will never go east. In all matters to come, I will only follow your lead!" Hu Meng knelt on one knee, his demeanor exceedingly sincere

The upstream immediately transmitted: "Ah... Oh... Er... Yi... Ah... Oh... Er... Yi." Each syllable was drawn out long, high, and lingering, causing even Long Chen to involuntarily get goosebumps, let alone these fish

The group sought a sheltered spot behind a rock wall, gathered some dry branches, and started a fire. They also found two relatively thick branches, which Long Chen sharpened into points with a short knife, using them as skewers for the fish. Naturally, such tasks did not require Long Chen to do it himself; Hu Meng took on the responsibility of roasting the fish, carrying two skewers by himself.

Long Chen also had a somewhat awkward expression on his face, perhaps due to being the "Prison Overlord" for too long, he didn't even remember who his previous commander was

Hmm. Long Chen nodded

"Ah, sir, I am just a small flag bearer under General Ruan, and General Ruan is my direct superior." Hu Meng secretly broke into a sweat, the hidden implication being that General Ruan was also your superior before Long Chen, and you actually did not know this

However, upon hearing this, Hu Meng nearly slipped off the stone he was sitting on. It wouldn't have mattered if he had fallen, but those two fish were almost directly shoved into the fire. Fortunately, this kid managed to pull them up a bit at the last moment; otherwise, everyone would have had to settle for charred fish.