Chapter 343 - 233: Act First, Report Later (Part 2)

Chapter 343: Chapter 233: Act First, Report Later (Part 2)

Before dawn, a harsh cold wind blew under the gloomy gray sky. Forty-nine men, shouldering various tools and weapons, marched in two neat columns. Dressed in full gear from their hats to their boots and carrying packed luggage, they formed a long, snaking line as they headed into the mountains.

Li Dawei remarked with a sigh, "Feels like I’m back in the army."

"We *are* an army—Dragon King Pond’s army!"

"Haha, you’re right, Brother Dong."

Zhao Wendong didn’t continue the banter, instead turning to shout at the whole group.

"On this trip into the mountains, there are a few rules you will follow to the letter!"

"First, no one acts alone, at any time. Even if you need to take a piss, you go with at least one other person. If you get separated from the group, stay put and fire a shot to alert the main party."

"Second, if you encounter a lone wolf, do not give chase. We’re not here to hunt ordinary wolves. Their leader is the White Wolf King, and he’s incredibly intelligent. He will likely use decoys to lure you into an ambush. I’ll say it again: we are not facing ordinary wolves. We are facing a Wolf King more cunning than a human!"

"Third, you only fight when I say fight. You retreat when I say retreat. And when I say charge, every last one of you will charge forward. Anyone who disobeys an order and puts our brothers at risk will have to answer to me!"

"Do you all understand?"

"Understood!"

The militiamen shouted in unison. Many of them cast aside their previous nonchalance. If Zhao Wendong was taking this so seriously, there had to be a good reason. His prestige in Dragon King Pond was at an all-time high, and following him into the mountains put everyone’s minds at ease.

Zhao Wendong took out three collars and fastened them around the necks of Dahuang, Dahei, and Erhei. He had asked Wang Defa to have them custom-made, and Wang Defa had brought the finished items to him during dinner the previous day.

Soon, the three dogs were sporting sturdy leather collars densely studded with sharp spikes. Zhao Wenwu clapped his hands happily. "They look awesome."

Zhao Ergou couldn’t help but nod in agreement. "Now we don’t have to worry about wolves biting their necks anymore."

Dahuang glanced at the armored collars on Dahei and Erhei, then pulled back his lips in a remarkably human-like grin.

’Now I don’t have to worry about wolves biting my neck.’

Zhao Wendong had traveled this path into the mountains many times recently, but this was his first time with such a large group. About halfway there, a figure appeared up ahead. A flicker of alarm crossed Zhao Wendong’s eyes, and his hand moved toward the Type 56 carbine slung over his back. He hesitated, then lowered his hand. ’Who would be crazy enough to start trouble with a militia force of forty-nine men?’

As they drew closer, he could see the figure standing by the roadside was slender. Before Zhao Wendong could get a clear look at the person’s face, Zhao Wenwu, who was carrying a large iron wok on his back, sprinted forward.

"Wife! What are you doing here?"

"I didn’t have anything to do at home, so I thought I’d come along."

Jin Xiuying was dressed for the mountains, with a Type 38 rifle on her back and a full set of luggage and supplies. Clearly, this was a premeditated decision, not a whim.

As the group caught up, Zhao Wendong shook his head with a wry smile. "Second Sister-in-law, what’s all this?"

"Third Brother, I was worried about your Second Brother. With so many people here, I’m afraid you won’t be able to watch him all the time, and he might cause trouble for you. It’s better if I stay by his side."

Seeing her determined expression and realizing she had decided to ask for forgiveness rather than permission, Zhao Wendong could only nod helplessly. ’What else can I do?’

"Alright, Second Sister-in-law. I’ll leave him to you, then. Take care of yourself and Second Brother."

"Of course. I’m no delicate little miss!"

Jin Xiuying flashed a triumphant smile and walked back into the column with Zhao Wenwu. As the group moved out again, Zhao Wenwu was overjoyed, holding his wife’s hand and refusing to let go. The militiamen nearby were green with envy.

That a big simpleton like Zhao Wenwu could marry such a beautiful, capable wife was one thing. But for her to sneak out alone just to wait for him and accompany him into the mountains out of concern for his safety... what incredible bravery, and what an enviable love! This was the heartfelt thought of many of the militiamen: ’To have a woman treat me that well... I could die a happy man.’

It wasn’t just the militiamen; even Li Dawei was a little envious. He shook his head, clucking his tongue. "Your second sister-in-law... she’s really something else."

"She is, but don’t you get any ideas," Zhao Wendong said. "If my second brother heard you, he’d beat you half to death."

Li Dawei chuckled and quickly shut his mouth. Getting beaten up by Zhao Wenwu would be a lost cause. Forgetting for a moment that Zhao Wenwu was simple-minded, just the fact that his younger brother was Zhao Wendong meant no one would dare to do anything about it anyway.

As the sky brightened, the group of fifty reached the foot of the mountain. Zhao Wendong had synthesized reports from several production teams to determine a central point of activity for the wolves. The location was in a different area from where he had previously encountered the Wolf Pack, leading him to suspect the White Wolf King was deliberately avoiding places he frequented.

The large party trekked through the mountains until it was almost noon. Zhao Wendong found a clearing sheltered from the wind, and after estimating their location, he gave the order.

"Rest here. Build fires, heat up your food, and get some water."

The militiamen heard the command and moved quickly. They shrugged off their packs and began to divide the labor. Some made preparations while others fanned out to gather firewood, and soon they had fires going and were taking a break.

Zhao Wendong released Xiaojin and showed the bird the drawing of the White Wolf. Xiaojin recognized the target easily, having seen it several times before. Zhao Wendong had barely stroked its head when Xiaojin impatiently spread its wings, soaring in a wide arc toward the heavens. It had been cooped up for far too long.