Chapter 24｜Taking the Offensive: Confronting the Elite Hunters of the Black Market Head-On

In the early morning forest, sunlight filtered through dense foliage, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow.

Li Xing led his squad along the back mountain trail, their steps steady and cautious. The hunting dogs paced ahead, sniffing the ground low to the earth, glancing back every few strides to check on the group.

Zhao Yun moved along the left flank, his eyes constantly scanning the shadows between the trees, his Desert Eagle pistol at the ready.

Li Yu followed along the central axis, gripping his Type 56 semi-automatic rifle as his gaze darted rapidly ahead and to both sides.

Zhou Xiaoyu lay prone at an elevated vantage point, rifle resting beside her, intently observing the distant forest for any movement.

Zhou Yan brought up the rear, moving in a low profile, hunting knife in hand. He occasionally crouched to examine footprints, ensuring the team's rear remained secure.

The group had penetrated deeper into the back mountains. The forest atmosphere grew steadily quieter, devoid of sudden disturbances. Yet Li Xing knew the black market hunters were observing them from nearby.

The Decision to Strike First

Li Xing halted and whispered to the team, “They're lying in wait ahead, monitoring our route. We can't afford to wait passively for them to probe us.”

Zhao Yun nodded. “Be proactive. Locate their position before deciding how to respond.”

Li Yu agreed. “Maintain formation. Don't fire indiscriminately.”

From an elevated vantage point, Zhou Xiaoyu whispered, “I see a narrow path ahead. Footprints vanish along it. That could be the ambush site.”

Zhou Yan murmured a warning. “Watch the ground. Don't step on their traps.”

Li Xing nodded. “We'll split into two groups. One advances along the central axis, the other conducts flank reconnaissance. Keep low profiles to avoid premature conflict.”

The team split up.

Zhao Yun moved along the left flank, advancing along the forest edge to ensure no enemies lurked on the sides.

Li Xing and Li Yu moved slowly along the central axis, carefully stepping only on areas where the fallen leaves were evenly thick to avoid making noise.

Zhou Xiaoyu maintained her elevated observation post, periodically signaling potential movements ahead.

Zhou Yan brought up the rear, occasionally crouching to clear fallen leaves or inspect footprints, preventing the enemy from pinpointing their position.

The hunting dog remained at the very front, sniffing cautiously with its tail tucked low.

Ambush Point Approaching

After skirting a patch of low shrubs, Li Xing noticed faint depressions in the ground ahead, interspersed with footprints.

“Someone's been laying tracks up ahead,” Li Xing whispered.

Zhao Yun crouched to examine them. “Could be a decoy, trying to lure us into a trap.”

Li Yu gripped her rifle stock. “We'll go around.”

Zhou Xiaoyu scanned the high ground: “They're likely concealed behind bushes or trees. Move cautiously.”

Zhou Yan lowered his stance: “Watch for ditches and rocks. Don't give away our position through impatience.”

First Direct Confrontation

Li Xing signaled the group to halt, then gave a subtle wave: “Approach slowly. Prepare to respond.”

The team advanced steadily, unhurried and unified in their movements.

Zhao Yun patrolled the left flank, constantly scanning for signs of movement. Li Yu followed Li Xing along the central axis, fingers poised on the trigger. Zhou Xiaoyu maintained her vantage point, signaling potential enemy positions with hand signals. Zhou Yan brought up the rear, vigilant.

A faint rustle stirred in the bushes ahead. A figure flashed by, but no shots were fired.

Li Xing whispered, “They're probing. Stay calm, no rash moves.”

Zhao Yun nodded. “Wait for a clear picture before acting.”

Li Yu scanned the central axis. “Prepare for any contingencies.”

Zhou Xiaoyu murmured, “I see three figures. Their movements are synchronized, and they're fully equipped.”

Zhou Yan murmured, “Professional hunters. Their movements are steady—not like amateur adventurers.”

Team Response & Minor Skirmish

Li Xing signaled the team to spread out, gradually closing in on the enemy ambush position.

Zhao Yun and Li Yu moved cautiously ahead along the central axis, keeping their steps light and gun barrels pointed toward potential hiding spots.

Zhou Xiaoyu observed from an elevated vantage point, ready to signal adjustments with hand gestures if trouble arose.

Zhou Yan brought up the rear, ensuring the flank remained secure while watching for sudden movements.

The enemies ahead seemed to detect their approach, quietly retreating slightly from their ambush point while maintaining vigilance.

Li Xing murmured, “Prepare for contact. If they don't move, we'll advance cautiously.”

Natural Advancement

The team moved slowly through the woods, each step placed carefully on solid ground, maintaining distance and formation.

The hound continued sniffing ahead, giving low barks to signal potential hidden objects or small obstacles.

The forest remained quiet—no sudden gunfire, no obvious threats, only the faint presence of the enemy.

Zhao Yun murmured, “They're still observing, but closing in on us.”

Li Yu echoed, “Stay vigilant. Don't let impatience expose us.”

Zhou Xiaoyu signaled, “Keep circling. Mind every step.”

Zhou Yan whispered, “Hold formation. Stay calm.”

Li Xing nodded and led the team forward steadily.