Chapter 249: The Veterans are Very Bad
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Cobra. Wang Ye was actually a little afraid when he heard this term.
This creature might not be the most venomous snake, but it was certainly infamous.
Confronting such a venomous serpent, it would be dishonest for Wang Ye to claim he felt no fear of its bite.
Nevertheless, he summoned his courage and spoke up.
“Hmm?”
Qiao Xuan turned to gaze at Wang Ye.
In that moment, Wang Ye’s eyes were locked onto him as well.
After inhaling deeply, Wang Ye shifted his attention to the snake still writhing within its burrow and declared, “The primary reason is that 1 wish to receive training!”
After a brief pause, Wang Ye met Qiao Xuan’s gaze once more and continued, “I understand that there are many snakes in Xi Guang, and we may need to conduct training outdoors frequently in the future. I can’t simply remain in your shadow all the time!”
Qiao Xuan hesitated momentarily as he examined Wang Ye, then approached with a smile. “Certainly, but patience is key. You must exercise caution. I’ll keep a close watch on you.”
Normally, when a recruit attempted snake-catching for the first time, regardless of whether they were afraid or not, they would typically begin with a non-poisonous or less venomous snake, avoiding direct contact with a poisonous one.
However, Cobra’s was a borderline case.
This serpent was poisonous, and the medics in the team had the anitvenom serum with them today.
Naturally, Wang Ye was unaware of this fact.
Now that he had received permission, Wang Ye tightly grasped the wooden rod in his hand and took cautious steps forward.
Qiao Xuan, by his side, scrutinized the situation closely. “Focus on the head and maintain the proper distance. First, coax it out, then secure the head before handling it!”
Having said this, he fell silent.
Wang Ye simply nodded. His gaze remained fixed on the snake deep in the burrow as he replied. He didn’t even glance at Qiao Xuan. He was fully absorbed in watching the snake within the cave.
Advancing carefully, Wang Ye used the rod to gently prod into the hole.
With only a stick and no other tools, coaxing the snake out of its hideout proved somewhat challenging.
However, the snake had likely been in hibernation until recently, roused by the disturbance of its lair. Consequently, its movements were currently sluggish.
Wang Ye used the rod to pull it out. Once its body was extracted, it sought to retreat.
Determined, Wang Ye applied the rod to the snake’s body at the cave entrance. Then, he bent down and grasped its exposed tail.
“Be cautious not to pull too forcefully. If you do, the snake may turn and strike!” Qiao Xuan’s nerves were also on edge.
To be honest, if the other two private soldiers in the class had made this request, Qiao Xuan might have given them a withering glare and told them to leave.
However, Wang Ye’s physical fitness and reaction time were quite impressive, so Qiao Xuan consented.
Wang Ye didn’t utter a word. This marked his inaugural attempt at snake-catching in his two lifetimes, and it happened to be a cobra, stretching at least two meters.
Wang Ye’s adrenaline surged.
As he painstakingly drew the snake out inch by inch, the rod in his right hand remained firmly pressed on the snake’s body.
His rudimentary snake-catching skills, his unfamiliarity with the task, and his racing heart – all these factors encapsulated Wang Ye’s present state.
Fortunately, the cobra had likely just awakened. Although the snake’s body, which Wang Ye had clutched, squirmed and wriggled, and despite its vigorous attempts to slip back into the hole, no matter how strong it was, it could not rival Wang Ye’s strength.
A minute or two later, quite suddenly, the snake, whose tail Wang Ye was about to pull out, abruptly contorted its body.
The pressure from the stick that had been holding down the snake’s body at the cave entrance lessened.
Rather than advancing further, the snake abruptly shot out of the hole, twisting around to strike at Wang Ye.
“Fuck!”
Wang Ye instinctively cursed as he released the snake’s tail, leaping back two meters with the rod still in hand.
Qiao Xuan had been observing from the sidelines. When he witnessed this turn of events, his heart skipped a beat. Simultaneously, as he saw Wang Ye dodge, he quickly grabbed his rod, ready to pin the snake down.
“Brother Qiao, let me handle it!”
Wang Ye hurriedly spoke once more.
His dodge was a result of disgust and fear toward the creature.
However, following his reflexive reaction, Wang Ye pushed down the fear inside him and prepared to make another attempt when he saw the serpent, which had raised its head and was extending its forked tongue towards him.
“Next time, there will be another chance. 1’11 get it this time!” Qiao Xuan looked at Wang Ye and responded.
“Brother Qiao, let me give it another shot. If it doesn’t work, I’ll let you take over!”
Qiao Xuan, clutching a rod and preparing to provoke the snake before subduing it, cast a glance at Wang Ye and then silently stepped back a few paces. “Very well, but exercise caution. After this ordeal, not only has the snake clearly fully awakened, but its aggression has also been thoroughly provoked!”
“Understood!”
Wang Ye nodded, recognizing the situation.
He locked eyes with the cobra, which was fixated on him.
“Hiss!”
At this moment, the snake also fixed its gaze on Wang Ye.
It flicked its forked tongue and emitted a hiss. Its entire body coiled, and its head arched backward, poised for attack at any moment.
Naturally, Wang Ye remained unshaken. He gripped the rod and cautiously approached.
The cobra swiftly extended its head along the rod, attempting to strike at Wang Ye’s hand.
However, it was destined to fail.
Wang Ye retreated skillfully, his rapid reflexes fully engaged. As soon as it finished its assault and retracted its head, Wang Ye suddenly advanced and swiftly pressed the rod in his hand onto the snake’s elevated head.
“Good!” Qiao Xuan exclaimed from the sidelines.
“Keep it pinned down. Ensure it’s secure before using the bayonet to dispatch it!” he instructed.
Wang Ye, without the luxury of time to acknowledge Qiao Xuan, exerted force on the rod, simultaneously withdrawing his 95 bayonet from his left hip.
With slow and deliberate movements, he squatted down and inched closer. Holding the bayonet in his left hand, he thrust it toward the snake’s head, which was restrained by the rod..