All Heavens Strategy Game

The hoofprints on the snow were messy yet clear, stretching all the way towards the mountain pass.

Su Ming and his three companions silenced all noise, communicating only with their eyes and gestures, and quickly and cautiously followed the trail.

After chasing for about three or four miles, we crossed the mountain pass and entered a more open, sunny, gently sloping forest.

Su Shunfa suddenly stopped, squatted down, and carefully examined the tracks in the snow. His face lit up with barely suppressed joy, and he lowered his voice to say:

"The hoofprints are messy, they're slow! And... there are signs of stopping!"

Su Ming saw it too.

The dense hoof prints became scattered here, with many footprints of people trampling and lingering in place, and even a few fresh droppings.

He looked up and saw through the sparse trees that a brownish-yellow figure was moving restlessly on the distant slope, stopping from time to time and craning its neck to look in the direction he came from.

It was that herd of frightened deer that had fled!

The number was indeed around twenty.

Instead of rushing back to the distant northern forests, just as Su Ming had predicted, the lead, robust doe slowed down after escaping the "dangerous situation" and anxiously waited for and called to her lost companions.

"Amazing! Sanlang, you were right!" Su Dalu was so excited that his face turned red, and he almost shouted it out, but Su Laonian covered his mouth.

Su Shunfa's eyes gleamed as he quickly surveyed the terrain. He pointed to a slightly elevated slope covered with rocks and dead trees to the side: "Over there! We'll sneak over there, against the wind, so they won't easily smell us."

"Once they're within range, Sanlang, you shoot the leader or the strongest one first! Dalv, Lao Nian, and I will follow up with arrows! Remember, quick! Ruthless! Don't give them another chance to swarm!"

Like stalking lynxes, the four of them used the terrain for cover, held their breath, and slowly moved toward the high slope behind the deer herd.

The cold air filled my lungs, and my heart pounded powerfully in my chest.

Su Ming's fingers rested steadily on the bowstring, the heavy weight of the black horn bow bringing a sense of inexplicable peace of mind.

He identified the largest and seemingly most anxious lead doe in the herd.

The distance shortened silently...

One hundred and twenty steps

One hundred steps

Eighty steps...

The deer seemed to be getting impatient while waiting, but they were unaware that a deadly danger was quietly approaching from their side and rear.

Seventy steps!

They had entered a range that Su Ming was confident of hitting, and for Su Shunfa and his hunting bows, this was a distance where they could fight back with all their might.

This is the moment!

Su Ming suddenly straightened up from behind a rock, and the black horn bow was instantly drawn to its full length, the bowstring emitting a deep and powerful vibrating sound!

The arrow left the bowstring like a black lightning bolt, tearing through the air and heading straight for the neck of the lead doe!

Almost at the same instant, Su Shunfa, Su Dalu, and Su Laonian also emerged from their hiding places, their bowstrings twanging in quick succession!

"Yo—!"

A mournful cry shattered the silence of the forest.

Su Ming's arrow pierced the side of the lead doe's neck with pinpoint accuracy, and blood gushed out instantly.

Su Shunfa's arrow struck the hind leg of another strong stag.

Although Su Dalu and Su Laonian's arrows were slightly less accurate, they still grazed and frightened the deer nearby, respectively.

The deer herd was startled again, but this time, because their leader was seriously injured, they were thrown into disarray and scattered in all directions in a panic, instead of running wildly in one direction in an organized manner.

"Chase the wounded one!" Su Shunfa shouted, his experience giving him a sharp look. He took the lead in chasing after the stag that had been shot in the hind leg and was staggering away.

Su Dalv and Su Laonian, their eyes also red, moved to surround the other two deer that seemed to have difficulty moving.

Su Ming did not immediately give chase.

He nocked another arrow and calmly aimed at another rather plump doe that was trying to escape with the herd.

"Whoosh!" Another arrow pierced the air and struck him squarely in the buttocks.

The doe, in pain, slowed down and stumbled into a thicket.

The next half hour or so was spent in pursuit and encirclement.

The deer herd scattered completely, fleeing into the vast mountains and forests.

But the four hunters from Sishui Village had a clear objective: to relentlessly pursue the wounded deer.

With his exceptional speed and stamina, and in coordination with Su Shunfa's encirclement, Su Ming finally delivered a fatal blow to the lead doe with a machete.

Su Shunfa, Su Dalu, and Su Laonian worked together to capture the male deer with the injured leg and the female deer that had been shot in the rump by Su Ming and then tripped by Su Laonian's lasso.

When everything settled down, the four of them, panting, gathered around the three dead deer, their faces filled with unbelievable elation and the satisfaction that comes after exhaustion.

Three-headed deer!

Although it wasn't the huge harvest we had hoped for, it was still a miraculous achievement after experiencing such an unexpected turn of events and ridicule!

Especially these three deer, two females and one male, are all in their prime, plump and strong.

"Three! Haha! We really hunted three!" Su Dalu stroked the still-warm deer hide, his hands trembling with excitement.

Old Su grinned foolishly and nodded repeatedly.

Su Shunfa patted Su Ming's shoulder heavily, his words conveying everything, his eyes filled with admiration and lingering fear: "Thanks to you, Sanlang! If you hadn't insisted on chasing after us and made the right judgment, we would have truly 'lost more than we gained' today, and those bastards from Shanglin Village would have laughed their heads off!"

Su Ming wiped the sweat from his forehead, looked at the spoils on the ground, and breathed a sigh of relief.

He said, "Uncle Shunfa, the credit belongs to everyone. Let's deal with this quickly. The smell of blood is too strong and will easily attract other wild animals in the forest."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Su Shunfa snapped out of his daze and instructed, "Big Donkey, Old Nian, hurry up and bleed them, then process the internal organs. Be careful, the antlers, tendons, and blood are all good stuff, so take them carefully! Try to skin them as intact as possible!"

Su Shunfa and the others were all experienced, so Su Ming didn't need to do any work at all; they immediately got to work efficiently.

He collected some of the deer blood in a leather pouch he carried with him, carefully cut off the antlers, pulled out the tendons, kept the edible internal organs, and buried the rest.

Although the three deerskins were damaged by arrows, they were mostly intact and would still be excellent hides after tanning.

"How do we divide it?" Su Dalu rubbed his hands together, his eyes shining as he looked at the deer on the ground, then at Su Ming, his tone both pleading and ingratiating.

He was now completely convinced, knowing that Su Ming was largely responsible for the success.

Su Shunfa was in charge and an experienced hunter, so he knew the rules. He cleared his throat: "According to the old rules, the one who puts in the most effort gets the lion's share."

"Of these three deer, two were large, and the largest one belonged to Sanlang. It was his accurate judgment and ruthless archery that allowed him to shoot and kill the deer, thus set the tide of battle."

"The other one is bigger, so it's on me. At least I hit one."

"As for the smaller deer, Old Nian and Big Donkey, you two can split it equally, no objections?"

Su Laonian nodded honestly, "No objection! I'll listen to Brother Shunfa and Sanlang!" Getting half a deer was already an unexpected surprise.

Su Dalu nodded repeatedly, "Of course! Of course! Sanlang should take the lion's share!" He was now only glad that he had come along and listened to Su Ming's words.

Su Ming had no objection to this allocation.

He contributed the most, so he deserves the most reward. This is also the basis for maintaining fairness and motivation within the team.

Amidst their joy, the group began their descent from the mountain.

...

At the same moment, in the forest on the other side of Xiaochongshan.

Lin Laosi, the young man with the pointed mouth and monkey-like cheeks, whose real name was Lin Houer, and several other hunters from Shanglin Village were walking dejectedly through the snow-covered forest.

They followed the tracks of the four or five lost deer. At first, the tracks were clear, but after entering an area of ​​jagged rocks and dense bushes, the hoofprints became messy and discontinuous, and eventually disappeared completely.

They searched the area for nearly an hour without finding anything.

"Damn it! What bad luck!" Lin Hou'er kicked a rock away, cursing, "It's all your fault, Fourth Brother! Why were you in such a hurry? Couldn't you have waited until the deer herd got closer before shooting? You shot it all the way through, and got nothing!"

The others also looked at Lin Laosi with dissatisfaction.

Lin Laosi is the village chief's son. He is usually arrogant because of his status, but his archery skills are not top-notch.

Lin Laosi, already seething with anger, became even more enraged by his companion's complaint. His face turned purple with embarrassment: "Bullshit! How can you blame me? If those plague-ridden Su fellows from Sishui Village hadn't been hiding there, startling the deer, would I have failed? Besides, are you all blind? Didn't you see clearly at the time?"

He forcefully shifted the blame, then, recalling Su Ming's calm face and peculiar black bow, added resentfully, "And those good-for-nothings from Sishui Village, they're incompetent themselves, bringing along a brat who hasn't even grown his beard yet to fill the ranks, carrying a broken bow and putting on airs! I bet they're empty-handed by now, probably already slinking back to their village in disgrace! At least we chased them for a while, we're better than them!"

These words gave the group some psychological comfort, and they all echoed each other, mocking the lack of people in Sishui Village and ridiculing Su Ming and his companions as "useless burdens."

It's as if the harsher the insults, the less embarrassing it is to leave empty-handed.

The group grumbled and cursed as they retraced their steps down the mountain, intending to return to their village.

Just as they reached a relatively open riverbank near the foot of the mountain, they bumped right into a group of people coming down another mountain path!

It was Su Ming and his three companions!

Both of them were stunned.

The eyes of the villagers from Shanglin Village widened instantly as they stared intently at what Su Ming and his companions were carrying on their shoulders and backs—it was clearly freshly slaughtered venison, still dripping with blood!

Not just one, but several!

The heavy harvest stood in stark and glaring contrast to their empty hands.

Su Shunfa and Su Dalu also saw Lin Laosi and the others' empty hands and their faces full of gloom. They were stunned for a moment, and then their faces showed an undisguised, triumphant smile.

Su Shunfa deliberately spoke loudly to Su Laonian, "Laonian, this venison is really heavy. You'll have to rest well when you get back. Unlike some people, who can climb mountains and go through forests all day and still have light shoulders, saving themselves a lot of effort!"

Su Dalu grinned and said, "Brother Shunfa, you don't understand. That's called 'patrolling the mountain,' it's good for your body, unlike our kind of strenuous hunting!"

Lin Laosi and the others' faces flushed red and then turned pale, extremely embarrassed.

They were just mocking each other as "trash" and "returning empty-handed," but in the blink of an eye, reality slapped them hard across the face.

Lin Hou'er was both surprised and jealous, and blurted out, "You...how did you hunt them? Impossible! Didn't the deer all run away in fright?!"

Seeing their expressions, Su Ming found it somewhat amusing and a mischievous thought crossed his mind. He calmly said, "Oh, the deer herd did run away, but a few scattered ones got lost and wandered around in the mountains. They're hard to find. We went after the larger herd that knew the way, and sure enough, they were waiting for their companions. We just happened to run into them."

A few words spoken lightly, yet they pierced the hearts of Lin Laosi and others like knives.

They chose a deer that was "wandering around aimlessly," and ended up losing track of it.

They chose a large herd of deer that "knew the way," and ended up returning with a full load.

This is not just luck, but a naked crushing of judgment and ability!

Lin Laosi was already filled with shame and indignation. Su Ming's words provoked him, especially when he saw Su Ming's calm face with a hint of mockery. His mind went blank, his blood rushed to his head, and his long-standing spoiled and arrogant temper completely erupted.

He abruptly pulled the hunting bow from his back, nocked an arrow, and aimed it at Su Ming, cursing, "You little brat! What are you so smug about?! I'll kill you!"

This sudden turn of events!

No one expected that Lin Laosi would dare to use a bow and arrow against people from another village in broad daylight!

This goes far beyond hunting conflicts and verbal disputes!

"Fourth Brother! Are you crazy?!" Even his companions were startled and rushed to pull him away.

Su Shunfa and his two companions were filled with shock and anger!

Su Dalu cursed loudly, "Lin Laosi! You son of a bitch, you dare to use an arrow?!"

Su Ming's heart skipped a beat. Although he reacted very quickly and dodged behind a rock the moment Lin Laosi raised his bow, a chill still swept down his spine.

He hadn't expected the other party to be so arrogant and reckless.

"Whoosh!" In his rage, Lin Laosi released the arrow, but it was completely inaccurate. It grazed the tree trunk behind where Su Ming had just been standing and embedded itself deeply in the snow.

"Bastard!" Su Shunfa's eyes turned red. Hunters value rules the most. Conflicts in the mountains can involve cursing and fighting, but using bows and arrows to launch a sneak attack is a major taboo!

Without saying a word, he also drew his bow and nocked an arrow, aiming at Lin Laosi!

Su Laonian and Su Dalv were equally enraged and raised their weapons.

The other villagers in Shanglin Village were terrified. Knowing that Lin Laosi had gotten himself into serious trouble, they quickly and tightly embraced the still struggling and cursing Lin Laosi, while anxiously waving their hands at Su Shunfa and the others: "Misunderstanding! Misunderstanding! Laosi was confused! He slipped! He slipped! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry everyone!"

Lin Hou'er quickly tried to smooth things over with a smile: "Brother Shunfa, calm down! Fourth Brother is just blinded by anger, he definitely didn't mean it! We're leaving now! We're leaving now!"

They dragged the still-persistent Lin Laosi away in a panic, not daring to look back, for fear that the other side would actually shoot an arrow at them.

Watching their disheveled retreat, Su Shunfa slowly lowered his bow, his anger still simmering: "The Lin family of Shanglin Village, what a bunch of scoundrels! Especially that fourth Lin, just like his father, so domineering and tyrannical!"

Su Dalu cursed incessantly. Su Laonian, still shaken, looked at Su Ming: "Sanlang, are you alright? Were you frightened?"

Su Ming emerged from behind the rock, brushed the snow off his body, and his face had returned to calm, but a cold glint flashed deep in his eyes.

He shook his head: "It's nothing."

This feud is now officially established.

Lin Laosi? The son of the village chief of Shanglin Village? He silently repeated the name in his mind, remembering the grudge caused by that arrow.

If he hadn't dodged quickly, he might have lost his life here!

This commotion dampened their initial joy at returning home with a full load, casting a shadow over their hearts. They cautiously observed their surroundings and quickened their pace back to the village.

When we returned to Sishui Village, it was nearly dusk.

When they carried the flesh and hide of three deer into the village, the commotion they caused was even greater than the one caused by the wild boar!

Deer!

Still three heads!

The whole village was in an uproar.

Su Dashun rushed over upon hearing the news. Looking at the bountiful harvest and listening to Su Shunfa's embellished account, especially highlighting Su Ming's crucial judgment and the thrilling story of almost being shot by an arrow, he was both excited and terrified. He cursed in the direction of Shanglin Village for a long time.

The process of dividing the meat, selling the hides, and handling the deer antlers and tendons naturally created another lively atmosphere.

Su Ming sold some of the less important parts at a 20% discount, but kept the best part of the venison and gave it to Liu Shi. He couldn't bear to sell the antlers and blood.

—The family was short of money, and they couldn't finish all that meat in a short time. Liu Shi couldn't bear to eat meat every day, as it was too extravagant. Selling most of the meat for money was the right choice. Su Shunfa and the other hunters did the same.

After the crowd dispersed, Su Shunfa quietly stayed behind and pulled Su Ming to a secluded spot behind his house.

"Sanlang," Su Shunfa took out a neatly folded, badly worn yellow paper from his pocket and solemnly handed it to Su Ming, "Keep this safe."

Su Ming took it, unfolded it, and saw a recipe recorded in crooked handwriting and some pictures. The main ingredients were "century-old Ganoderma lucidum" and "fresh deer blood", supplemented with several medicinal herbs to brew wine.

"This is..." Su Ming looked up.

"Deer blood wine." Su Shunfa lowered his voice, his face showing a hint of reluctance, but more so, a resolute determination.

"This recipe was passed down in my family. My ancestors were old military households. This recipe was left by my great-grandfather. It is said that during a battle when the city was breached, he and his superior officer extorted it from a nobleman's son who had suffered a disaster..."

"Use century-old Ganoderma lucidum with fresh deer blood, along with several kinds of mountain herbs, to make wine."

"Drinking it can strengthen muscles and bones, and increase strength, especially beneficial for people like us who run in the mountains all year round and need endurance! It makes your breath long and you can hold your breath much better!"

He patted his chest and said in a low voice, "To be honest, the reason I became the top hunter in the village, besides my experience, is also largely due to this deer blood wine! If I can get some deer blood every year, I can make a small jar and drink it slowly. By the end of the winter, I feel much healthier."

He stared intently into Su Ming's eyes: "This formula seems to be exclusively for martial artists, a blood-refining secret formula of martial arts families. I've never given it to anyone, not even my son. Today, I'm giving it to you."

Su Ming was startled.

A strong physique?

Increase lung capacity?

This gift is far too generous.

This is not just a favor involving a few deer hides and a few pounds of meat; it is a family secret recipe, one of the foundations of one's livelihood.

These days, he has learned that the Great Zhou has "martial arts". There are some martial arts masters and martial arts families in this world. They are all real nobles. They do not allow commoners to practice martial arts and use their martial arts strength to bully others. Ordinary people are no match for them at all.

This deer blood wine recipe actually came from a fallen martial arts family?

"Uncle Shunfa, this is too precious, I..." Su Ming tried to decline.

Su Shunfa pressed his hand down, his tone sincere: "Sanlang, listen to me."

"Uncle may be a rough man, but he's not blind."

"You are no ordinary person; this small village of Sishui cannot confine you."

"You are destined for great things!"

"The small amount of money and rice that Uncle receives each month, though called an allowance, is really just icing on the cake, not a real lifesaver."

"Once you've truly achieved great success, what will those little favors amount to?"

He paused, his voice lower, and said frankly, "Investment requires a significant investment! You can't rely on just words and a little money."

"This deer blood wine recipe is the most I, Su Shunfa, can offer—the greatest investment I can make!"

"I'm giving this to you today not expecting immediate repayment, but only hoping that if you ever rise to great heights in the future, you'll remember Uncle Shunfa from Sishui Village, who gave you this piece of paper."

Under the moonlight, the old hunter's rough face showed a frank expression with a hint of shrewdness.

He knows what he's doing; it's a longer-term, more deliberate investment.

Su Ming looked at the yellow paper in his hand, then at Su Shunfa's sincere eyes, slowly folded the paper, and solemnly put it into his pocket.

He nodded earnestly to Su Shunfa: "Uncle Shunfa, I accept the prescription. I, Su Ming, will remember this kindness."

There were no flowery vows, but the phrase "I will remember it" put a great weight off Su Shunfa's heart, and a satisfied and expectant smile appeared on his face.

He knew he had made the right move.

"Good! Good!" Su Shunfa nodded repeatedly, patted Su Ming on the shoulder, "Go back quickly, your mother must be getting impatient."

"The deer blood must be processed while it's fresh. We'll then search for some century-old Ganoderma lucidum and gather the other medicinal herbs to see if we can make a jar of wine. This deer blood wine will definitely not disappoint you..."

Su Ming thanked him again and turned to leave.

The yellow paper in his arms seemed to carry warmth.

Moonlight spilled onto the snow, illuminating the boy's composed departing figure.

Su Shunfa stood behind his house, watching that retreating figure, smacking his lips with satisfaction, thinking to himself, "Deer blood wine, oh deer blood wine... It's a little price to pay, but it's worth it!"

"Ming-ge'er is a loyal, capable, and insightful man... This deal is a steal! My huge investment was well worth it!"

Even as Su Ming walked away, a slight ripple stirred within him.

Deer blood wine...

Strengthen your physique and increase your lung capacity.

This may have a remarkable effect on him in consolidating his martial arts foundation, especially in making up for the potential deficiencies in endurance and explosiveness of his young body.

This hunt yielded more than just three deer; it also brought something far more valuable—a substantial investment of trust and a shortcut that could potentially accelerate his growth.