Chapter 23｜The True Life-or-Death Standoff: Pursuit and Ambush

The team pressed forward along the back mountain trail. Light grew dimmer through the trees, and thick layers of fallen leaves crunched softly beneath their feet.

Li walked the center axis, scanning ahead and to both sides, carefully placing each step on solid ground. Zhao Yun held the left flank, alert to any movement in the woods, Desert Eagle at the ready. Li Yu followed the center axis, eyes darting between every tree shadow. Zhou Xiaoyu lay prone on high ground, rifle at the ready, surveying the entire scene. Zhou Yan brought up the rear, hunting knife in hand, occasionally crouching to examine footprints, ensuring the team's rear security.

The Pursuit Begins

Suddenly, the hound halted. It gave a low growl, its nose twitching, tail pressed low.

Li Xing crouched, signaling the team to stop. “We're being followed.”

Zhao Yun whispered, “How many?”

Li Xing shook his head. “Can't make them out clearly, but their movements are steady—like trained hunters.”

Zhou Xiaoyu crouched at the vantage point, shifting position slightly. Her binoculars scanned the forest glades. “I see footprints. They match our route, but the steps are light—not like ordinary hunters.”

Zhou Yan murmured, “That means they're experienced. They know when to show themselves and when to hide.”

Li Xing nodded. “Maintain formation. Circumvent slowly. No rash moves.”

The Art of Ambush

As the group skirted a pile of rocks, branches ahead rustled faintly. Zhao Yun instantly crouched, Desert Eagle in hand, aiming toward the sound.

Li Xing signaled not to fire, merely waving gently for everyone to advance.

Zhou Xiaoyu observed from higher ground: “They're testing our reactions.”

Li Yu murmured, “Their movements are synchronized. It's as if someone predicted our route.”

Zhou Yan brought up the rear, maintaining vigilance while occasionally crouching to clear fallen leaves and potential traces.

The team advanced slowly, each step taken with extreme caution, fearful of triggering traps or revealing their position prematurely.

The First Tense Confrontation

As they crossed a gully, a faint rustling suddenly stirred among the fallen leaves.

The hunting dog froze instantly, growling softly. Li Xing crouched immediately, signaling everyone to lie low.

Zhao Yun whispered, “Someone's ahead.”

Li Xing scanned the shadows ahead: “Stay patient. They're observing us.”

Zhou Xiaoyu murmured, “Either way, we're being watched now.”

Zhou Yan nodded: “Watch your step and keep an eye behind.”

The entire team halted, holding their breath. Ahead, faint rustling of branches indicated the enemy was adjusting positions, but no attack was imminent.

Li Xing whispered commands: “Move slowly, bypass obstacles, maintain formation.”

Team Response

The team stabilized their formation and advanced cautiously, minimizing footfall.

Zhao Yun patrolled the left flank, scanning the forest: “They're following, but their movements are steady—no rash actions.”

Li Yu monitored the central axis: “Stay alert, don't panic.”

Zhou Xiaoyu adjusted her sight from an elevated position: “About thirty meters away. Probably two or three people.”

Zhou Yan, bringing up the rear, added: “They won't expose themselves easily, but they're also confirming our route.”

Li Xing nodded: “Hold steady. Keep moving forward.”

Ambush Response

A patch of low shrubs appeared ahead. Li Xing signaled the group to flank around the right slope. Zhao Yun crouched low, advancing cautiously along the forest edge.

Zhou Xiaoyu continued observation from the high ground, occasionally signaling updates: “They're slightly elevated to our right front, holding position.”

Li Yu maintained slow progress along the central axis, eyes constantly scanning both sides.

Zhou Yan murmured from the rear: “Watch for ravines and rocks. Don't let them distract you.”

The entire squad moved in unison, maintaining low profiles without haste as they cautiously bypassed the potential ambush zone.

System Alert

Midway through the flanking maneuver, a brief notification flashed before Li Xing's eyes:

[Encounter: High-Level Black Market Hunter]

[Threat Assessment: High]

【Team Action: Stable】

【Hunting Ground Control: 0%】

No additional prompts or reward information appeared.

Li Xing understood this was merely the first probe.

Natural Advancement

After bypassing the thicket, the team continued along the back mountain trail. The forest light dimmed, but the ground remained solid as they carefully navigated ravines and boulders.

The five maintained clear roles:

Li Xing led the center, observing ahead

Zhao Yun held the left flank, guarding against flanks

Li Yu assisted surveillance from the center

Zhou Xiaoyu observed distant terrain from high ground

Zhou Yan brought up the rear, clearing the ground and ensuring safety

Their pace was steady and synchronized, each member watching each other's back. No unexpected incidents occurred, nor was there any heightened or exaggerated tension—only a faint hint of the enemy's presence.

Summary

The team slowly advanced deeper into the rear mountains, each step cautious and deliberate. The enemy lurked ahead, observing, but had not yet made direct contact. Through division of labor and careful progression, the team maintained a steady rhythm, step by step exploring the unknown territory.