Chapter 19

To the west of Daliushu Village lies Wuyin Mountain, covered in dense forests with towering trees. It is said that wolves roam the area, making it too dangerous for most people to venture there. 

However, a few daring individuals occasionally go into the mountains to gather wild game or mushrooms to supplement their families’ needs. Over the years, nothing major had happened—until now.

That evening, two people went up the mountain, but only one returned, covered in blood. He claimed they had encountered a wolf pack and had to flee in different directions. The other person was nowhere to be found.

The missing individual was none other than Qin Xiaobao, the youngest grandson of Mrs. Qin. Upon hearing the news, Mrs. Qin was so distraught she nearly fainted. She begged Qin Laohan to organize a search party to find their grandson.

However, night had already fallen, and venturing into Wuyin Mountain at this hour was akin to walking into certain death. No one was willing to take the risk. Qin Laohan himself was already seventy years old and incapable of climbing the mountain. Qin Dashan, Qin Xiaobao’s father, and Qin Dabao, his elder brother, were both strong men, but sending the two of them alone into the treacherous terrain all but guaranteed disaster.

The Qin family was as anxious as ants on a hot pan. They understood the danger of going into the mountains at night, but if no one went, Qin Xiaobao would likely be devoured by wolves before dawn.

Qin Laohan went door to door, pleading with every household to send one strong man to join a search party. After visiting the entire village, only Zhang Laowu, the village head’s nephew, agreed to help.

Daniu, a boy who often played with Qin Xiaobao, begged his mother to let him join the search. 

Mrs. Xiong, unwilling to let her son take such a risk, initially refused. However, her close friendship with Mrs. Qin, coupled with the latter’s tearful pleas, softened her resolve. 

After Daniu’s persistent entreaties, she reluctantly allowed him to go, but not without repeatedly instructing him to stay behind the others and protect himself.

Daniu agreed and hurried off eagerly.

After her son left, Mrs. Xiong couldn’t sleep. She went to check on her daughter, only to discover that Pear Blossom had secretly followed Daniu out the door.

Fully awake now, Mrs. Xiong hurriedly dressed and ran to bring her children back. By the time she reached the Qin family’s home, however, the five-person team had already departed, fire torches in hand, and was halfway up the mountain.

With no other option, Mrs. Xiong could only pray to the heavens for her children’s safe return.

The search party, led by Qin Dashan and Qin Dabao, included Zhang Laowu, Daniu, and Pear Blossom. They followed the route described by Chen Siguo, the man who had returned from the mountain, as they ascended.

To ward off wolves, each person carried several spare torches and was armed with tools like machetes and butcher knives.

Qin Dashan glanced at Pear Blossom and said, “Pear Blossom, what’s a young girl like you doing up here? Most girls would be too scared to even move at the mention of wolves, but here you are, tagging along.”

Although everyone had been a bit fearful when they first set out, their courage grew as they climbed higher into the mountain. Spirits were high, and even Pear Blossom joined in the bravado. 

Without her—or rather, without the system embedded in her—it would have been nearly impossible for this group to find Qin Xiaobao in such a vast and treacherous mountain.

Of course, she kept this secret to herself. Smiling, she replied, “Uncle Qin, don’t underestimate me. 

My father taught both Daniu and me some martial arts before he left. I’ve been practicing horse stance every day. Tonight is the perfect opportunity to find a wolf and test my skills!”

Zhang Laowu chuckled upon hearing this. “That girl is different from the others. To be honest, having her around makes me feel less afraid.”
Qin Dashan sighed and said, “Out of hundreds in our village, only a handful of you stepped forward after my parents begged everyone from top to bottom. You’re true comrades. If we can make it home safely tonight, you will all have my eternal gratitude.”
Zhang Laowu, ever bold and hearty, laughed. “Enough with the gratitude talk! Not only will we all make it back in one piece, but we’ll also bring Xiaobao back whole and unharmed.”

Meanwhile, Pear Blossom, with the help of the system, quickly located Qin Xiaobao. The system informed her, “Qin Xiaobao was first injured by wolves and then fell off a cliff on the southern side. Luckily, he got caught on a tree growing from the cliff face and is temporarily safe, but several wolves are lingering at the edge and refusing to leave.”

Using her not-so-bright little mind, Pear Blossom pondered. She needed to figure out how to lead the group to the cliff edge where Xiaobao was, as well as how to either deal with or distract the wolves to create an opportunity to rescue him.

According to Chen Sigou, he and Qin Xiaobao were separated in a mountain hollow to the north. Both had fled in panic, but while Chen was fortunate enough to find a path down the mountain, Xiaobao had run southward instead.

Thus, they first needed to head to the spot where the two had parted ways, then slowly determine Xiaobao’s direction from there.

Wuyin Mountain consisted of a series of interconnected peaks. The group was still on the second mountain, not yet deep into the range, but after passing the halfway point, they entered a dense forest. The firelight startled the forest creatures, causing birds to suddenly take flight, their flapping wings startling everyone.

Adding to the tension, the occasional wolf howls from deeper within the forest soon enveloped the group in fear. Everyone was on edge, terrified that a wild beast or monster might leap out from the darkness and attack them.

Trembling with apprehension, the group finally reached the hollow described by Chen Sigou. The area was a mess, with traces of blood splattered here and there—a clear sign of the fight between Xiaobao and the wolves.

Seeing the blood, Qin Dashan’s eyes reddened instantly.

The others busied themselves investigating the terrain and tracks, trying to determine the direction Xiaobao had fled. 

However, it was the dead of night, and the poor visibility, combined with the dense undergrowth, made tracking extremely difficult. None of them were skilled hunters, so they could only strain their eyes to spot trampled grass or broken branches.

Pear Blossom, unfazed, declared, “Uncle Qin, I have a good nose and can smell the wolves’ scent. Let me lead the way.”

The others, desperate for a solution, quickly agreed. “Alright, girl, you lead, and we’ll follow close behind to protect you.”

Pear Blossom, carrying a torch, led the way, following the system’s guidance. She sniffed around dramatically, heading toward the northern cliff. While the others had their doubts, Pear Blossom’s confident demeanor left them with no choice but to clutch their machetes and follow her closely.

Soon, nearing the cliff, Pear Blossom raised her hand, signaling the group to halt. In a hushed voice, she said, “Uncle Qin, Uncle Zhang, there’s movement near the cliff. I smell a strong wolf scent. There’s likely a pack of wolves up ahead.”

Zhang Laowu’s expression darkened. “Girl, are you sure we’re not on the wrong path? Should we avoid them?”

Pear Blossom shook her head. “Wolves wouldn’t make their den near a cliff. They’re guarding something there. Xiaobao might be nearby.”

Hearing this, Qin Dashan grew anxious. He crouched, ready to defend himself.

Meanwhile, on the cliff face, Qin Xiaobao, weak and disoriented, saw the distant firelight. Summoning his strength, he shouted, “Is anyone there? Help me—!”

His cry pierced the silence of the forest, alerting Qin Dashan and the others but also drawing the attention of the wolves at the cliff.

Unable to hold back, Qin Dashan shouted, “Xiaobao, hang on! I’m coming to get you!”

Hearing his father’s voice, Xiaobao was overwhelmed with joy and relief, sobbing uncontrollably.

However, the wolves, now aware of the group, began howling and charging toward the firelight and voices.

The group descended into chaos, shouting, “They’re coming! They’re coming!”

Lacking combat experience, Qin Dashan and Daniu trembled in fear, holding their machetes defensively in front of them.

Guided by the system, Pear Blossom yelled, “Everyone climb a tree! Wolves can’t climb. Get to safety first!”

She scrambled up the nearest tree, and the others followed suit.

Soon, four large wolves reached the trees, circling and snarling at the group. They repeatedly rammed their heads against the tree trunks, causing them to shudder with each impact.

Perched in the branches, the group exchanged nervous glances. Qin Dashan turned to Pear Blossom. “Pear Blossom, are we just going to stay up here? I’m worried Xiaobao won’t hold out much longer—he’s stuck on that cliff!”

Unbeknownst to him, Qin Dashan had subconsciously started treating Pear Blossom as the team’s leader after her earlier decisiveness. Without thinking, he sought her opinion.

Pear Blossom thought for a moment before replying, “We can’t fight them head-on. There’s only one way. I’ll go down and distract the wolves while you rescue Xiaobao.”

Zhang Laowu immediately protested, “No way! You’re just a girl. We can’t let you take that risk!” He glanced at the others and, seeing he was the sturdiest among them, gritted his teeth. “If it has to be someone, I’ll do it. I can run a good distance.”

Pear Blossom countered, “Have you forgotten? Last month when my grandma tried to sell me, I escaped and outran those traffickers. If they couldn’t catch me, these wolves won’t either. Let me go.”

Zhang Laowu wanted to argue, but Pear Blossom interrupted, turning to Daniu. “Daniu, stay close to Uncle Qin and Uncle Zhang. I’ll lure the wolves away. Don’t bother coming back for me—I’ll make my way down the mountain on my own.”

Daniu had witnessed the speed of Sister A, but in this desolate wilderness, he still couldn’t feel at ease. Just as he was about to say something, Pear Blossom had already raised a torch in one hand and used the other to climb a nearby tree branch, swinging to the other side. She quickly jumped down from the tree.

She called out, “You all put out the torches first. Wait until I’ve run far enough before lighting them again.”

With that, she started running in the opposite direction.

Seeing someone descend from the tree, the seven wolves, led by the large wolf, immediately changed direction and quickly chased after her.