Chapter 26｜The Life-or-Death Game Escalates: Pursuing the Elite Black Market Hunters

The air in the woods remained damp, with a thick layer of fallen leaves covering the ground, rustling softly beneathfoot.

Li Xing led the team along the back mountain trail, each step deliberate and cautious. The hunting dog paced ahead, its nose twitching lightly, tail held low, pausing occasionally to sniff the air.

Zhao Yun patrolled the left flank, Desert Eagle in hand, scanning the forest shadows on both sides. Li Yu followed closely along the central axis, Type 56 semi-automatic rifle gripped, eyes fixed alertly ahead.

Zhou Xiaoyu lay prone at an elevated vantage point, rifle at the ready, observing the forest's movements. Zhou Yan brought up the rear, moving in a low stance, hunting knife in hand, watching for footprints on the ground and securing the team's rear.

After previous ambushes and probing attacks, Li Xing concluded they must now take the offensive. Otherwise, the Black Market Hunters would continue to dictate the pace.

Decision to Pursue Proactively

Li Xing whispered to the team, “They're not far ahead. They're cautious but constantly watching us. We can't keep reacting to their tests. We need to find them proactively.”

Zhao Yun nodded. “Makes sense. Reconnaissance first, then close in.”

Li Yu gripped her rifle handle tightly: “Hold formation. No firing yet. Act only after confirming targets.”

Zhou Xiaoyu observed the terrain from an elevated vantage point: “The path ahead forks. The freshest footprints lead along one trail—likely an ambush site.”

Zhou Yan, positioned low at the rear, cautioned: “Advance along that route. Watch for ground traps.”

Li Xing nodded. “Split into two groups. The central axis follows me. The left flank will circle around for flank reconnaissance. The high ground continues observation. The rear guard provides constant warning.”

The team's roles were clearly defined.

Zhao Yun advanced along the left flank's forest edge, maintaining flank protection.

Li Xing and Li Yu moved slowly along the central axis, each step carefully placed on stable leaves to avoid making noise.

Zhou Xiaoyu observed from the high ground, signaling the team's movements with hand gestures.

Zhou Yan brought up the rear, moving in a low stance, occasionally crouching to check footprints and ensure rear security.

The hunting dogs continued sniffing ahead, maintaining vigilance.

Approaching the enemy position

After skirting a thicket, faintly swaying tree shadows appeared ahead.

Li Xing crouched, whispering, “Someone's watching us, but not making contact.”

Zhao Yun lowered his body: “Their movements are professional—not like amateur hunters.”

Li Yuzhong cautiously advanced along the central axis: “Stay calm. Approach slowly.”

Zhou Xiaoyu gestured: “About three hunters ahead, moving in unison.”

Zhou Yan whispered, “Hold formation. Prevent flanking.”

The team advanced cautiously, each step measured to avoid triggering an ambush.

First Proactive Approach

Li Xing signaled the group to slow, gradually closing on the enemy ambush point.

Zhao Yun moved left along the forest edge, rifle barrel trained on potential ambush positions.

Li Yuzhong followed Li Xing along the central axis, eyes scanning every movement in the woods.

Zhou Xiaoyu observed from an elevated position, signaling changes in enemy movements.

Zhou Yan brought up the rear, quietly alerting the team to watch their backs.

The enemies ahead detected the team's approach and showed slight reactions, but held their fire, maintaining concealment.

Li Xing whispered, “Keep moving closer. Stay calm.”

Zhao Yun echoed, “Observe first, then decide our next move.”

Minor Clash and Defense

The enemy moved cautiously, attempting to flank them, but the team adjusted their route to avoid being surrounded.

The hunting dog detected a slight depression beneath fallen leaves ahead and gave a low growl.

Li Xing whispered, “Watch your step. Don't trigger any traps.”

Zhao Yun lowered his body: They're cautious, familiar with the terrain."

Li Yu gripped his rifle: “Stay ready for any sudden developments.”

Zhou Xiaoyu signaled: “Keep low, advance along the slope edge.”

Zhou Yan added from the rear: “Watch every step.”

Steady Advancement

The squad moved steadily toward the enemy ambush zone. The foes shifted slightly but remained concealed, refraining from direct fire.

Li Xing led the central axis, Zhao Yun provided left flank cover, Li Yu assisted the center, Zhou Xiaoyu observed from high ground, and Zhou Yan brought up the rear.

The five moved in unison—steady, deliberate, and low-profile.

Each step was deliberate. The team advanced steadily, slowly closing in on the enemy while maintaining overall security.