Chapter 3: The Hidden Valley

The two clearly did not expect Zhao Wuji's speed to be so fast. In the blink of an eye, the opponent had already collapsed to the ground like a pile of mud, the gun in their hand now pointed at Zhao Wuji. At that moment, Fengzi and the other person noticed that Zhao Wuji was also carrying two guns on his back

Zhao Wuji took out a handful of wild grass from his pocket, some of which the soldiers recognized. Special forces soldiers are familiar with certain skills for survival and self-rescue in the wild. However, Captain Zhang Peng was still suffering from a high fever, and coupled with their escape, there were no conditions to address the situation, leaving them with no time and no courage to handle it.

Although Zhang Peng found his current situation very strange, and was even more puzzled about who the young man dressed as a hunter was, reason and calmness told him that this was not the time to ask questions. His trustworthy brother was preparing to tend to his wounds. He cast a questioning glance at Zhao Wuji, nodded, and said nothing.

There was no one around anymore. Zhao Wuji did not even glance at the corpse on the ground. Noticing Fengzi and Gangzi approaching, he walked over and handed all the guns to the two of them, saying: "I don't know how to use these things, you take them. There are a few more over there, you decide what to do. I will go save your captain"

Seeing Zhao Wuji casually walking not far away, with that large bow on his back that had once terrified him, he gazed at this enigmatic youth and thought of the other's extraordinary skills, unable to help but sigh at his good fortune, filled with hope for life

Feng Zi understood, took the herbs, gently kneaded them into a large ball, and forcefully stuffed it into Zhang Peng's mouth, assisting him in swallowing it down

The gunshot wound was manageable, but Captain Zhang Peng, who was suffering from a high fever, was already in a state of delirium. Zhao Wuji signaled to Fengzi, and the two of them grasped Zhang Peng's injured leg. With great skill, they used a dagger to cut open his pants and carefully drained the pus and blood. Dark blood flowed down naturally, and at that moment, Zhang Peng surprisingly regained consciousness

Just about one hundred meters away, another gunshot rang out. Thinking of the possible danger to Zhao Wuji, the two sprang up and dashed forward like cheetahs. In the distance, they saw a person lurking in a patch of grass, suddenly springing up like a giant python emerging from its den, rushing towards the person who had quietly approached, who was none other than Zhao Wuji

After conversing for a while, Fengzi and the other two became concerned about the situation at hand and said, "The enemy is outside, and it is certainly not a good situation for us to be down here. Do you have any way to leave this place?"

Fengzi exchanged glances with the other two, and Binzi said from the side: "I understand now, you have a good grandfather. 'Stinky old nine' was a distorted term used to refer to intellectuals in the past, but it is no longer in use. Intellectuals have been vindicated, and those who can be called 'stinky old nine' are all truly capable individuals"

Before Gangzi could run over, Zhao Wuji had already wrapped one arm tightly around the giant python, while drawing a dagger with the other hand, and fiercely plunged it in. His movements were indeed ruthless and fierce

One minute passed, and Zhao Wuji remained still. Five minutes passed, and Zhao Wuji still did not move. Ten minutes, twenty minutes passed, and the curious Fengzi wanted to go over and take a look, but was also afraid that the captain, who lay unconscious on the ground, might encounter some trouble. This place was somewhat eerie, and there were surely many poisonous little creatures; one must not be careless.

Zhao Wuji wiped the sweat from his forehead, also letting out a sigh of relief. He sat down heavily and said, "It should be fine now." Suddenly, he stood up and ran to the side to vomit violently

In fact, there is nothing much. I have never left this mountain area. I want to venture outside, and I hope you can take me with you. If possible, please take care of me, this little brother of yours said Zhao Wuji

Fengzi will stay to take care of the captain. This place, apart from the enemies, also harbors many unknown dangers. One must not be careless; those who underestimate nature will pay a bloody price.

Fengzi and Gangzi can also be considered fierce and resolute soldiers in the army. Upon witnessing Zhao Wuji's reckless fighting style, they were completely astonished. So ferocious? Is this still the same sunny youth?

Binzi felt relieved when he saw the two return. His eyes lit up at the sight of the gun in Fengzi's hand. For these soldiers, having a gun in hand meant they had the world at their feet. Without a gun, or without bullets, they were like a tiger with its teeth pulled, significantly diminished in combat effectiveness

Indeed, in my heart, he is an insurmountable mountain. Zhao Wuji said, his eyes revealing genuine respect and emotion, and then continued, I do not know who he is; he himself claims to be a stinky old nine. What is a stinky old nine?

Everyone possesses rich outdoor survival skills and quickly divided the tasks. Binzi took his weapons to enforce martial law, seizing a considerable number of weapons and grenades from the enemy. As an explosives expert, Binzi could no longer resist setting up traps, while Gangzi was responsible for making fire and finding water.

The giant python writhed in pain, its upper body rising up, which undoubtedly facilitated Zhao Wuji's movements. Zhao Wuji thrust one hand forcefully into the body of the giant python, locking his legs to prevent himself from falling. With his other hand, he wielded a dagger, striking again and again, creating more than a dozen gashes at the python's vital spot.

"By the way, I know that this area is inhabited by ethnic minorities who do not speak Mandarin. Your Mandarin must have been taught to you by your grandfather, right? Your grandfather must be quite remarkable; who is he?" Fengzi asked.

Everything that needed to be done has been completed, and the three of them looked at Zhao Wuji with eyes full of curiosity, gratitude, and inquiry, but due to the fact that it was their first meeting, everyone felt hesitant to ask directly.

Young people together are unrestrained, especially soldiers, who prefer boldness and straightforwardness. Zhao Wuji's self-deprecating tone undoubtedly resonates well with the three of them. Led by Fengzi, they began to inquire, "Are you from Qingniu Village? Where is Qingniu Village? How did you find us? Why do you want to help us?"

Fengzi approached, glancing at the body lying not far away, and gave Gangzi a look. Gangzi understood and ran over. Fengzi closely followed behind Zhao Wuji, filled with questions, yet aware that it was not the right time to ask. He began to inspect the firearms, which included AK rifles and assault rifles, all high-quality foreign products.

Gangzi and Binzi nodded in understanding, acknowledging that everyone has their first experience of killing, a feeling that is quite unpleasant. They looked at Zhao Wuji with understanding, smiling, their eyes indeed filled with guilt. A young man like him, yet having to kill in order to save himself, this bond of friendship is truly profound.

At this moment, Binzi also approached and was taken aback upon seeing the giant python, his eyes filled with questions. Fengzi pointed to Zhao Wuji, and the admiration in his expression had not diminished in the slightest.

Everyone knows the benefits of snake gall. With such a large python, the snake gall is even more extraordinary. Gangzi was not polite and said, "Give it to Fengzi, he is a sniper and needs good eyesight."

Zhao Wuji said: "We need to take out the things inside, who among you is capable of doing this?"

Binzi calmly and swiftly operated the knife in his hand, making the wound slightly larger as he earnestly searched for the bullet inside. Zhao Wuji glanced at Zhang Peng, his brows tightly furrowed in pain, yet he did not utter a single sound, embodying the spirit of a tough man, which made Binzi feel a deep sense of admiration.

Suddenly, Fengzi noticed that Zhao Wuji seemed to pounce like a great eagle, quickly disappearing beneath a rock. Startled, he was about to call out to Gangzi, who was not far away, for assistance when he saw a giant python, as thick as a thigh, slithering out. Clinging tightly to the python was none other than Zhao Wuji, which filled him with great alarm, prompting him to quickly signal Gangzi for warning

Amid the astonishment of Fengzi and Gangzi, the enormous body of the python collapsed with a thunderous sound. Zhao Wuji leaped into the air like a monkey, gracefully landing on the ground. After wiping the blood from his face, he extended his tongue to taste his sweet lips, warm with sweetness. He sheathed his dagger, lifted the tail of the giant python, and walked towards Fengzi and the others.

At this moment, Gangzi came over with several guns on his back, his face filled with excitement, indicating that he had made quite a haul. Upon seeing Captain Zhang Peng on the ground and the ointment on his feet, he understood the situation, quickly glanced at Zhao Wuji, and said nothing.

There are quite a few questions, aren't there? Zhao Wuji smiled and said: "Qingniu Village is a settlement on the edge of a primeval forest, difficult for outsiders to discover. My grandfather and I were sunbathing on a cliff when we were awakened by your gunfire. As for helping you, that is not the case; we are all descendants of Huaxia, after all. However, I do have conditions, you know?"

Binzi took the dagger and said, "I'll do it, boss, just bear with it."

Fengzi is the calmest and most adept at analysis and observation among the three. Soon, an unnatural bitter smile appeared on his face as he said, "Brothers, it seems that this young man is killing for the first time and is somewhat unaccustomed to it"

Oh, so that's how it is. Zhao Wuji smiled for the first time upon hearing such a statement

The crisp gunfire once again echoed through the misty canyon. Inside the canyon, Fengzi exchanged a glance with the other two, leaving Binzi to watch over the captain, while the two moved forward, relying on a stranger to shield them from bullets; this was something no one could bring themselves to do.

Soldiers are not unskilled in expressing emotions; rather, they are accustomed to concealing their feelings within their hearts and repaying with their lives

Upon hearing this, everyone could not help but instruct, saying: "What difficulty is there in this? From now on, you will be brothers, with a bond of life and death, no words needed."

Fengzi took the snake gall without hesitation and swallowed it in one gulp. At this moment, everyone had completely regarded Zhao Wuji as a brother in life and death, and there was no need for courtesy among brothers. Good eyesight is not only for oneself but also serves to enhance the combat effectiveness of the team and protect everyone's lives

The three of them exchanged surprised glances, none of them understanding what was happening

"The sky is getting dark, and your captain is not easy to move right now. I suggest we stay here for the night and leave early tomorrow morning," Zhao Wuji said. "As for the people outside, I don't think they dare to come down. So, you all prepare the things for tonight's fire, and I will go find something to eat."

At this moment, Fengzi and Gangzi looked at Zhao Wuji with eyes full of admiration, a kind of respect that a strong person has for an even stronger one. Soldiers only admire those who are stronger than themselves

Gangzi quietly recounted what had just happened to Binzi while tending to the fire. Zhao Wuji wielded a dagger, making a swift cut to eviscerate the giant python, and said: "Snake gall clears the vision; I have consumed this many times. Who among you would like to try it?"

For soldiers, the act of loading bullets is as commonplace as eating. Binzi quickly loaded the bullets and looked at Zhao Wuji, who pressed the herbal ointment he had prepared earlier onto the wound, saying: "It's done, don't move yet"

Zhao Wuji selected several herbs from a large pile and said: "For internal use"

The three of them, Fengzi included, all laughed heartily, amused by Zhao Wuji's self-deprecating humor. It was evident that this person before them did not dislike speaking; although he had been sparing with words throughout the journey, on the contrary, he possessed a sense of humor.

"Conditions? Please tell me, we will never be ambiguous about what we can do." Gangzi asked curiously. The willingness to risk one's life for this bond is profound, enough to compel these deeply loyal individuals to stake their lives in return.

Just as I was pondering, I saw Zhao Wuji swiftly climb a tree like a monkey, pluck a fruit from above, and then, holding the fruit, run a few steps to a large rock nearby, placing the fruit on the ground while he himself lay down not far away

Zhao Wuji regained consciousness shortly after vomiting for a while, quickly swallowed a few herbal pills, and said with a bitter smile: "My three elder brothers, please do not laugh at me. I never expected that the first warrior of Qingniu Village would actually have his lifetime reputation tarnished." As he spoke, he laughed.