Chapter 38: Go up the mountain to save people

Wuyin Mountain.

Zhang Chunshan stumbled down the mountain, his face deathly pale. His clothes were torn as if by some wild beast, and there was a claw mark on his calf.

He was trembling all over, looking as if he had seen a ghost. The villagers working in the fields had never seen him in such a state and froze in shock.

“Chunshan, what’s wrong?”

“Wolves—wolves—wolves—they’ve eaten someone!” he stammered, stumbling as he ran toward the end of the village, shouting desperately, “Dagen, help—wolves—they’ve taken my son—save him!”

The villagers immediately understood what was happening upon hearing him shout about wolves. “Chunshan went up Wuyin Mountain and ran into wolves!”

“Didn’t Dagen warn everyone last time? There are wild beasts up there.Why didn’t he listen?”

“They were probably jealous of Dagen catching that wild boar and thought he was just trying to keep the mountain for himself.”

“See? This is what happens when you ignore warnings.”

Zhang Chunshan couldn’t care less about the villagers’ gossip. He staggered toward Dagen’s house, desperate. At the edge of the village, Dagen and a few others were busy building walls.

Near Wuli Pavilion, there was a neighboring village with a wealthy family who specialized in making and selling bricks and tiles. Dagen and Xiong Laoda (Boss Xiong) had recently purchased materials from them.

Over the past few days, bricks and tiles had been delivered continuously. While Zhang Laowu’s brothers and the father-son duo Dashan and Qin Dabao continued chopping wood in the mountains, everyone else was mixing mortar and laying bricks at the construction site, working tirelessly.

Hearing someone shouting for help from a distance, a few of them straightened up, curious, and looked down the road. Zhang Chunshan finally reached the construction site, barely holding on.

He collapsed to his knees in front of Dagen, grabbing his pant leg like it was his last hope. “Dagen! Please save my son! Save him!” Dagen quickly put down his tools and helped Zhang Chunshan up. “What happened? Take your time and tell me.” Zhang Chunshan’s body was shaking like a leaf, and he could barely speak.

He struggled to calm himself enough to explain, “Me, Hanzi, the Zhou brothers, and Xiang Daliang—we went up Wuyin Mountain early this morning. We were surrounded by a pack of wolves. Hanzi’s leg is probably ruined; the Zhou brothers and Xiang Dalang are injured too, and they’re hiding in a tree right now.

I was the only one who managed to escape.”His lips trembled as he spoke, his despair evident. His son Hanzi’s leg had been torn to shreds. Even if they managed to save him, he would be crippled for life. But at the moment, they weren’t even sure if they could save him at all.

Dagen was shocked. “You went up Wuyin Mountain to hunt? Didn’t I tell the village chief to warn everyone not to go up there? It’s not just wolves; there are other wild beasts too. Why didn’t you listen?” “Dagen, I was wrong! I shouldn’t have doubted your good intentions.

I shouldn’t have—but right now, their lives are at stake! If we delay any longer, Hanzi will bleed out! I’m begging you, save him—I only have one son!” Zhang Chunshan was filled with regret and despair. Dagen was just as anxious. “How am I supposed to save them? I’ve never faced wolves before! What are we going to do now?” Zhang Chunshan was on the verge of breaking down.

“But you went with the group that caught the wild boar last time—yes, Pear Blossom! Didn’t they say Pear Blossom can attract wolves? Bring her with you up the mountain!”At that moment, Village Chief Zhang Sanye arrived with a crowd of people.

“Dagen, the situation is urgent, we need to quickly come up with a plan!” Dagen, too, was anxious. Although these people were constantly pushing his family, how could there be deep hatred within a village? Everyone was just forced onto the mountain by life’s circumstances, and he certainly couldn’t stand by and watch them die.

The problem was, he had never faced off against wolves before. The only interaction he’d had with them was through his daughter, Pear Blossom. Although, even Pear Blossom hadn’t truly fought with these beasts.

If he were asked to send his daughter up the mountain, he wouldn’t be willing, even if it cost him his life.

He couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief that Pear Blossom had gone to the city early this morning with the wife of the big mountain, or else she would surely be forced into this situation by these people.

But he also couldn’t stand by and watch the villagers get hurt. After all, he’d been a soldier before. Now, everyone was looking to him, so of course, he had to shoulder this responsibility.

“Third Master, gather all the young and strong men in the village. We’ll go up the mountain together to save them!” Dagen said, turning to start preparing the tools and weapons needed for the rescue. Upon hearing they were heading up the mountain, the villagers showed hesitant expressions.Those were wolves—at least ten or so.

For them to go up there was like walking to their death.However, the three generations of the Qin family were the first to step forward. When Qin Xiaobao had been trapped on the mountain, they couldn’t find anyone to rescue him, and they knew the despair of that feeling.

Now, encountering a similar situation, they had to go. Zhang Sanye said, “Isn’t anyone from the Xiang family going? Xiang Dalang is trapped on the mountain. With so many men in the Xiang family, at least a few should go to bolster their courage.”

No one responded. People with sharp eyes noticed Xiang Laoer was crouched behind the crowd, trying to hide, and they didn’t know whether to laugh or cry—one might think it wasn’t his own son trapped on the mountain.

Xiang Youcai, on the other hand, acted like it had nothing to do with him. Xiang Laosan shrugged, “I’m lame. Don’t count on me. My son is only seventeen and has already gone to serve in the military. Our third house can only send the women.”

Zhang Laowu couldn’t help but show a look of contempt. He was always bold and passionate. Since the Qin family was going, how could he shrink back? Together with Zhang Laosi and the Xiong family brothers, they joined in.

Seeing that even outsiders had joined, the villagers couldn’t back down anymore, no matter how scared they were. A few young men, full of youthful energy, stepped forward and shouted to save the people.

In this way, over twenty young and strong men organized themselves and set off toward the mountain in a grand procession. Zhang Chunshan led the way. The group crossed a small hill and entered the Wuyin Mountain. Just as they were about to reach the incident site, Dagen hurriedly signaled for everyone to stop.

Everyone held their breath and crouched to hide. Looking ahead, they saw the unconscious Hanzi and the bloodied Zhou brothers, as well as the wolves circling beneath the tree. No one dared to make a sound.

At that moment, the previously quiet forest suddenly echoed with a low, menacing wolf howl. Immediately, five or six wolves, their eyes glowing with eerie green light, leapt out from the surrounding trees and bushes, positioning themselves in a standoff against the group.

Their numbers far exceeded what Dagen and the others had expected. “Everyone be careful! If we can’t fight, quickly climb the trees—” Seeing that escape was impossible, Dagen shouted loudly, trying to remind everyone to prepare.

But what no one expected was that, before they could fully react, the wolf pack launched the first attack. Dagen was the first target. The lead wolf lunged at him immediately. He turned swiftly to dodge, and the wolf skimmed past him, its body nearly brushing against his.

It was a close call. After landing, the wolf pounced again from behind. Dagen swung his axe to block it, but the force of the attack nearly made him lose his balance. Around them, the young and strong men were also engaged in fierce battles. They tried to use torches and axes to drive the wolves away, but it was daylight, and these beasts weren’t afraid of fire or sharp blades. Instead, they grew even more frenzied.

In the jungle, the battle between the wolves and the people raged on, with wolf howls and human screams and roars echoing through the air. As time passed, Dagen and the others began to feel exhausted. Their strength was rapidly depleting, while the wolves seemed to grow more determined. Some people had already been injured, and the scent of blood in the air only fueled the wolves’ wild instincts. “Everyone, retreat! We’re no match for them!”

Dagen shouted loudly. The only option now was to flee—every man for himself, or they might all die here. Hearing Dagen’s cry, everyone began to retreat, fighting as they backed away, trying to escape the wolves’ pursuit.

However, the wolves seemed relentless, chasing them without giving up. Just as Dagen and the others were cornered, a familiar figure appeared, running swiftly through the forest and arriving behind the wolf pack. It was Pear Blossom. Her slender form was agile and quick, and as she passed, the wind picked up, sending leaves flying into the air.

Pear Blossom didn’t say much. She tightly gripped a sturdy wooden stick in her hand and launched a fierce attack on the wolf pack from behind, drawing their attention.

Then, she ran in the opposite direction, trying to lead the wolves away from the villagers. At first, the wolves didn’t take her seriously. But Pear Blossom used stones to throw at the wolves that weren’t yet distracted, angering them time and again.

Finally, the wolves’ patience wore thin. Their fury was completely provoked by her, and with a thunderous howl, they turned and charged toward her.

Taking the opportunity, Pear Blossom shouted at Dagen, “Dad, quickly take the people down the mountain!”

Then, she turned and ran deeper into the forest. Dagen was frantic. He didn’t want to save the villagers only to lose his own daughter.

Zhang Laowu quickly shouted, “Dagen, don’t hesitate. Hurry and get the people down the mountain. Pear Blossom runs fast, the wolves can’t catch her!” Gritting his teeth, Dagen led a few people forward to rescue Hanzi and the others, carrying them and moving swiftly down the mountain.

After a frantic escape, the group finally reached the foot of the mountain, breathless but all feeling an immense sense of relief, glad to have survived.

Dagen didn’t pay attention to the injury on his arm as he kept turning around, looking back toward the mountain.”

Pear Blossom—Pear Blossom—” He couldn’t help but shout toward the direction of Wuyin Mountain.

If this girl didn’t come back, his wife might just take his life. Zhang Laowu then leaned over and said, “Don’t worry. Pear Blossom’s a tough girl. Those wolves can’t do anything to her.”

Dagen couldn’t help but worry when he couldn’t see his daughter. Mrs. Xiong, along with several children, hurried over.

Upon seeing the injury on Dagen’s arm, her face turned pale.

“Why didn’t Pear Blossom come down with you?” She had just heard from someone else that Pear Blossom had gone up the mountain too.

Dagen couldn’t bear to look her in the eye. Qin Dashan, standing nearby, said, “Pear Blossom went up the mountain to draw the wolves away, that’s how everyone else managed to escape.”

Mrs. Xiong’s head spun again. First, when saving Qin Xiaobao, it was like this; then when hunting wild boar, it was the same; now again, her daughter always knew how to make her worry. Unable to hold back, she scolded Dagen, “You went down the mountain, leaving your daughter up there. Is this how a father acts?” Dagen remained silent, his grip tightening on the axe, turning to head back up the mountain.

Dashan quickly stopped him, reassuring Mrs. Xiong, “Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Pear Blossom isn’t an ordinary girl. She can run, she’ll definitely make it out.”

Just as he finished speaking, someone in the crowd pointed to the hilltop and shouted, “Look—Is that Pear Blossom?” Everyone turned to look. In the forest, a figure was running swiftly down the mountain like a rabbit. Who else could it be but Pear Blossom? The worries of the crowd turned to joy. “It really is Pear Blossom. She managed to shake off the wolves.” “Wow, this girl runs so fast.” “Earlier, Laowu said she could run. I didn’t believe it, but now I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”

“Dagen, you can finally relax now.” Dagen’s tense expression finally softened….The wolf crisis on Wuyin Mountain was finally resolved.

Zhang Sanye was busy arranging for the next steps, sending those with severe injuries to the town for treatment while those with minor injuries stayed home and had the village barefoot doctor tend to their wounds.

Zhang Chunshan’s son was unfortunate enough to be seriously injured and disabled in his right leg. Other villagers also sustained varying degrees of injury, but fortunately, everyone survived.

Unlike last time when she had exhausted herself, this time Pear Blossom, with the help of her 20 points of physical attribute bonus, not only ran faster but was able to recover quickly after a brief rest once she reached the bottom of the mountain.

She couldn’t avoid a scolding from her mother, but she was also showered with gratitude from the villagers. Everyone with sense knew that if it weren’t for Pear Blossom, the group that had gone up the mountain would probably have been wiped out.

Those who had previously criticized Dagen for trying to monopolize the mountain’s game were now too embarrassed to speak.

The villagers gathered together, discussing the dangerous moments on the mountain, with bursts of astonishment coming from the crowd.

The elderly mother of the Zhou brothers, shaking, approached Pear Blossom, and as her knees buckled, she was about to kneel.

Pear Blossom quickly sidestepped, and Mrs. Xiong hurried to help the elderly woman up, saying, “Granny, what are you doing? Pear Blossom is so young, she doesn’t deserve such a gesture.

She just ran a little faster. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it. If anyone should be thanked, it’s the whole village. Everyone went up the mountain together to help.”

Mrs. Zhou shook her head, “If it weren’t for Pear Blossom, my two useless sons wouldn’t have come back.

Pear Blossom not only saved them, but she also saved our entire Zhou family.”This wasn’t an exaggeration. The Zhou brothers, with elderly parents and young children, were the only laborers in the family. If they had died on the mountain, the Zhou family would have been finished.

Not just the Zhou family, everyone who went up the mountain returned alive, all thanks to Pear Blossom. Mrs. Xiong felt mixed emotions. She was happy that her daughter had earned the villagers’ recognition but also worried that Pear Blossom’s brilliance might bring more trouble in the future.

However, she had no time to dwell on it now, as villagers kept coming to express their gratitude, and she found herself overwhelmed. For the first time, she experienced what it was like to be treated equally, which left her somewhat unsure of how to handle it.

Meanwhile, Dagen, clutching his injured shoulder, sulkily returned home.

Pear Blossom didn’t mind too much. She turned to her mother and said, “I rushed up the mountain so quickly that I left the things I bought at the village entrance. I still need to go back and get them.”

Mrs. Qin smiled, “No need to go back. Xiaobao and his mother already brought them back for you.”It turned out that Pear Blossom had gone to the city with Mrs. Miao today, and when they arrived at the village entrance, they heard that her father had gone up the mountain to rescue people.

Fearing that something might happen, she dropped her things by the road and rushed up the mountain. Mrs. Miao saw this and helped carry her things back to the foot of East Mountain.

Pear Blossom smiled and thanked them, then linked arms with her mother, heading home amidst the villagers’ continuing thanks. Dagen’s injury wasn’t serious. He treated it simply at home and then went back to work.

The men discussed the events on the mountain as they built a wall, all with excited expressions.

Mrs. Xiong returned home and didn’t allow Pear Blossom to go anywhere. She was about to cook something to calm her daughter’s nerves, but just then, Dong Yun arrived with Fubao, carrying a small basket with seven or eight eggs inside.

Pear Blossom, seeing her, happily approached, “Sister Dong, what brings you here?” Dong Yun handed her the basket, smiling, “Fubao said that Pear Blossom led the wolves away and saved everyone’s life.

He wanted to cook some eggs as a reward for you.”One of Pear Blossom’s hens had been laying eggs, but due to the stress of moving, it had stopped laying. Even if Mrs. Xiong wanted to cook eggs for the children, she had none.

Now that Dong Yun had brought eggs, Mrs. Xiong was incredibly grateful.

She still hesitated, saying, “This egg could be sold for one penny in the city, let’s keep it for Fubao to eat.”

Fubao pointed at Pear Blossom and said, “Fubao doesn’t want it, give it to Pear Blossom.”The innocent words, in a child’s tender voice, were endearing.

Dong Yun said, “There are more at home, and Pear Blossom runs so fast, she should be replenished.” Mrs. Xiong wanted to say something else, but Pear Blossom had already taken the small basket, happily saying, “Thank you, Sister Dong! Did you see me running down the mountain just now?”

Dong Yun smiled, her beautiful eyes looking at her. “I was down at the foot of the mountain with Fubao just now. We saw you running down.

There probably isn’t anyone faster than you in this world.” Fubao clapped her little hands, saying, “Pear Blossom is so fast—so fast!” Pear Blossom was flattered by the praise from the big and small, and even saw her own sparkling reflection in Dong Yun’s dark eyes. Her heart pounded with excitement.

Not long after Dong Yun and her daughter left, Mrs. Xiong had finished boiling the eggs and handed both of them to Pear Blossom, completely forgetting about her husband’s injury. Pear Blossom looked at her younger siblings, who were staring at the eggs in her hands.

After peeling one, she handed it to Xinghua, saying, “You and Erniu can share this.”

Xinghua shook her head, “This is for Fubao to replenish her strength, we can’t eat it.”Saying that, she took Erniu and walked away.

Pear Blossom smiled, shaking her head, about to swallow a bite when she suddenly heard a rapid clucking sound from behind the shed, high-pitched and loud.

The unexpected noise startled her so much that she almost choked on the egg in her throat. Mrs. Xiong, who was tidying up the stove, heard the old hen’s call and muttered, “What’s wrong with the old yellow hen these days? It keeps clucking non-stop around noon, but not laying any eggs.

Looks like I’ll have to slaughter it soon. If we keep it any longer, it’ll be too old, and the meat won’t be tasty.”

Pear Blossom suddenly remembered what she had fed the old yellow hen the other day.

Her heart stirred, and she stood up and ran outside. Mrs. Xiong saw her daughter rushing and muttered, “This child always gets so startled.” After the recent rainfall, Daniu had built a simple chicken nest under a tree near the shed.

For the past few days, the three hens had been resting there at night, and the clucking of the old yellow hen just now came from there. Pear Blossom tiptoed to the chicken nest door, just in time to see the old yellow hen walking out.

Unlike usual, the hen today seemed especially lively, walking proudly with its head held high. But upon seeing Pear Blossom, it seemed to remember the medicine it had been given the other morning. With a cluck, it flapped its wings and walked away to hide near the shed.

Pear Blossom then reached her hand into the chicken shed and immediately felt something round. She pulled out six big, round eggs, three of which were still warm. The system’s products were indeed top quality! It only took two nights for it to start laying eggs.

Other hens usually lay one or two eggs a day, but this one laid six at once.

Pear Blossom excitedly held up the six eggs and presented them to her mother. Mrs. Xiong was surprised, “Laid eggs? Did both of them lay together?” Pear Blossom shook her head, “The old yellow hen laid them, so we can’t kill it now.”

“It laid six at once?” Mrs. Xiong was amazed.”It should be three today, I didn’t notice the ones from yesterday.”Upon hearing this, Mrs. Xiong smiled widely, “Then why would we kill it? I’ve never seen a hen lay three eggs in one day!

This old yellow hen should be well taken care of. Even if it doesn’t hatch chicks, we can still use it to replenish our health.”