allonlinenovel Chapter 267 Wild Boar
Chapter 267 Wild Boar
Chapter 267 Wild Boar
The wild boar, struck by three arrows, let out a painful howl that echoed like thunder through the silent forest, startling flocks of birds perched on the branches.
The wild boar was in so much pain that it almost lost its mind. Its body trembled uncontrollably, and its four thick legs frantically pawed at the ground. Then, like a runaway bull, it rampaged through the forest. Wherever its massive body went, trees were knocked over, branches and leaves fell, as if a small disaster was raging through the woods.
At that moment, the wild boar's heart-wrenching scream clearly reached Su Nuannuan and the others' ears. Su Nuannuan was startled, her face instantly turning deathly pale. Granny Song and Zhixiang were also startled by the scream; they knew that if this crazed boar charged, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Granny Song reacted swiftly, grabbing Su Nuannuan's arm. Zhixiang also rushed forward, and the two of them lifted Su Nuannuan up, their toes lightly touching the branches, and they flew like graceful swallows towards another large tree. They nimbly weaved among the branches, constantly retreating. They dared not run on the ground, as it would be easy for wild boars to spot and catch them; only by using the trees for cover could they ensure their safety.
They were like three nimble squirrels, leaping among the branches of the trees. Each leap carried a hint of tension and fear. The branches creaked and groaned under their weight, as if they might snap at any moment. Sweat soaked their clothes, but they dared not stop for a moment, only desperately retreating.
They didn't know how much time had passed—perhaps a brief yet seemingly endless moment, or perhaps enough time had elapsed for the sun to move a small distance across the sky—before they finally reached a place they considered safe. Their steps were hurried and frantic, as if countless eyes were watching them intently, each step a testament to their pounding hearts.
The view was expansive, with a relatively open meadow all around, and distant mountains and trees clearly visible. This environment allowed them to spot the wild boar's movements quickly. Only then did Granny Song and Zhixiang slowly put Su Nuannuan down, all three of them panting heavily. Granny Song, hands on her knees, gasped for breath, her hair trembling slightly with her rapid breathing; Zhixiang, bent over, repeatedly patted her chest, trying to calm her wildly beating heart; Su Nuannuan leaned against the tree trunk, her heart still pounding, as if it might leap out of her throat at any moment. Her hands gripped the tree trunk tightly, her knuckles white from the force, as if only in this way could she find a sliver of peace.
Time ticked by in the tense wait, each second feeling like a dull knife slowly cutting into their nerves. About half an hour passed, and Zhixiang, her eyes wide, searched the mountain path for any familiar figure. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, as if she had seen a glimmer of light in the darkness.
She saw Jinse and the others appear on the mountain path. At first, they were just blurry black dots, moving slowly along the winding mountain road.
Jinse and the others were struggling to drag two enormous wild boars. The boars were huge, with rough and tough fur and strong, powerful limbs. Even in death, they still exuded a powerful sense of oppression. Jinse, Tingfeng, and Tingyu held tightly to the vines tied to the boars. Their faces were covered in sweat, and their clothes were soaked through and clung to their bodies.
Zhi Xiang's face flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling like two bright stars. Pointing to Jinse and the others on the mountain path, she exclaimed with delight, "Your Majesty, Jinse and the others are back!" Her voice trembled with excitement, as if announcing a victory.
Su Nuannuan's tense nerves instantly relaxed. She felt as if all her strength had been drained away, and she leaned limply against the tree trunk. She let out a long breath, as if all the fear and worry in her heart were being expelled with it. A trace of relief and joy flashed in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a tired but reassuring smile.
With Zhi Xiang's help, Su Nuannuan climbed down from the tree. When her feet finally touched the ground, an unprecedented sense of security washed over her. She felt as if she had woken from a nightmare and been reborn. This feeling of solid ground was so real and wonderful that she couldn't help but take a deep breath of fresh air, savoring the breath of the earth.
Before Jinse and her group could even arrive, Yaoqin, Tingxue, and Muge, like agile forest sprites, each carrying a child steadily, leaped lightly back among the thick branches.
"Your Highness, I just heard the sound of wild boars in the woods over there." It was Tingxue who spoke, her voice tinged with alarm as she carefully set Canglan Jingcheng down from her arms.
"It's all alright now." Su Nuannuan spoke calmly, her fair face showing no sign of panic. Her voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable certainty, as if everything was under her control. "Jinse and her men have already hunted down the wild boar. You should hurry and meet them at the mountain path." A hint of concern appeared in her eyes as she continued, "Jinse and her men must have had a lot of effort to successfully hunt it. Wild boars have thick hides and are ferocious by nature, rampaging through the forests. They're not easy to deal with. Jinse and her men must have gone through a fierce battle, and they might even be injured. Go and help bring the wild boar back. Tonight, we can have a good meal of wild boar meat and let everyone taste it. Wild boar meat is a rare delicacy, extremely nutritious, and good for your health."
Upon hearing this, Yaoqin, Tingxue, and Muge's eyes lit up, their initial nervousness instantly replaced by delight. Their bright eyes were filled with anticipation, as if they could already see the fragrant wild boar meat laid out before them. "Yes, Your Majesty!" the three replied in unison, their voices clear and resonant, brimming with enthusiasm. Then, they turned and hurried quickly towards the mountain path.