Chapter 91: Chapter 70: Returning with a Bountiful Harvest
Translator: 549690339
“Does my Da Yue still harbor such barbaric tribes?”
After listening to his student’s narration, Sun Siwen wore a face of astonishment, his whole worldview shattered.
Always having lived under the imperial laws, he found it hard to imagine that such a bloodthirsty and cruel barbarian tribe of Shengmiao even existed under imperial rule.
This is not because he was overly naive.
If one were to argue that the Shengmiao are naturally free-spirited, unwilling to be restricted or exploited by the courts, and therefore often rebelled, Sun Siwen could understand.
But the practices of human sacrifice and breeding insects in the human body are too sensational.
Seeing his teacher seemingly alarmed, Gu Songyun hurried to comfort him, “Sir, there’s really no need to worry about Shengmiao. They mostly live in the depths of the mountains, rarely venturing out. Even the local mountain people barely see them. We only hunt on the outskirts of the mountains, there is no need to worry about encountering them.”
“Hmm.” Sun Siwen nodded, his complexion improving somewhat.
Seizing the opportunity, Lu Yuan curiously asked, “Song Yun, you mentioned that the Shengmiao are proficient in insect techniques. Is it only them? What about the Shumuiao? And what exactly can these insect techniques do? Do you know?”
Gu Songyun was taken aback, not expecting that their teacher’s friend would be intrigued by this. Reflecting on his hunter identity and the possible frequent trips to the mountains, Gu Songyun understood his desire to be better informed and vigilant about the legends of Shengmiao.
After pondering, he replied, “I have heard that in Shumuiao’s villages, some women cast love insects on their lovers. If the lover is unfaithful, the insect would activate, causing the lover to die from heart-devouring insects. But these are only rumors. I’ve also heard tales of men who fell in love with Shumuiao women but later had a change of heart. Yet I have never heard of them actually being killed by these love insects.
However, the Shengmiao’s practice of cultivating insects in human bodies may breed some toxic insects. This may not necessarily be an insect technique. There are some deadly insects in the mountains. Being bitten can quickly result in death if no antidote is available. Therefore, the matter of insect techniques should only be baseless rumors that the Miao people use to scare away outsiders.”
After reflecting, Gu Songyun shared what he believed to be the most reasonable judgment.
“A rumor?”
Lu Yuan furrowed his brows, he did not agree with this viewpoint.
There is no smoke without fire.
If the Miao people have been able to pass down stories about insect techniques for hundreds of years, then there must be some factual basis, at the very least a prototype.
So, who can say with certainty that insect techniques do not exist?
Even considering otherwise, martial arts and immortals have appeared. The addition of mere insect techniques is not surprising at all.
However, these thoughts were merely in Lu Yuan’s mind and he did not voice them out loud.
Brother Sun and Gu Songyun were ordinary people with their understanding and regular cognition instilled within the range of a commoner’s life.
Things beyond their knowledge should not be mentioned to them.
The more you know about certain things, the more dangerous it can be.
Like insect techniques.
Suppose one of them, having heard about it from Lu Yuan, became interested and decided to inquire about it from the Shengmiao. What if they got killed by an insect technique? The consequences would be severe.
“Alright, Brother Lu, I know you are always intrigued by peculiar and exotic matters, but today we are hunting, so don’t dwell too much on these things.” Seeing Lu Yuan’s pensive look, Sun Siwen couldn’t help but pat his forehead in annoyance.
“Master, look, there’s a rabbit.” At this moment, Gu Songyun’s low voice and pointed finger directed their attention towards a grazing rabbit hiding in a bush nearby.
“Rabbit…”
Lu Yuan snapped out of his thoughts, looking at the direction indicated, he instantly saw a gray figure and his hunter instincts awakened.
He pulled his bowstring and released an arrow. With a swift “Swoosh!”, the arrow flew out.
In the blink of an eye, the distant wriggling silhouette of a gray rabbit was pinned into the underbrush.
Even though he had left Dayu Mountain, true to his title as “Bunny Destroyer”, his skill in arrowing rabbits remained unchallenged—one arrow, one rabbit.
“That was supposed to be mine.”
Sun Siwen, who had already taken aim, had intended to bag the first hunt of the day, but he was irked when someone swooped in and stole his prey.
“Brother Sun, I shot only because I was afraid you would scare away the prey. I was only trying to help.” Lu Yuan chuckled, ignoring his friend’s disgruntled glare. Swiftly, he stepped forward and picked up the prey.
Coming to terms with his mediocre archery skills, Sun Siwen grumbled a bit and then let it go.
The main purpose of today’s hunting trip was to make amends to Lu Yuan. So long as his friend was happy, nothing else mattered.
The first successful shot took down a gray rabbit, as if opening up a good fortune.
In the hours that followed, under the guidance of Gu Songyun, they traversed several mountains and visited various places abundant with game. In the end, thanks to Lu Yuan’s divine archery skills, they secured a hefty haul.
While crossing mountains and ridges, Lu Yuan also took the opportunity to learn about the landscaDe from Gu Songvun.
He asked about everything from the terrain of the mountain ranges, the venomous insects and fierce beasts in the mountains, the dangerous places, and so on.
Since they had taken Sun Siwen hunting today, Lu Yuan, in consideration of his friend, didn’t aim to hunt fierce beasts like tigers or leopards.
Therefore, he noted down the activity areas of the game for future solo hunting trips in the mountains.
The satisfying hunting expedition concluded quite quickly.
As evening drew near, the three of them retraced their path and returned from the mountains.
When they had set out, their hands held only weapons, entering the fray light as a feather. But upon returning, they were loaded down with their spoils, absolutely laden with bounty.
A mountain goat, three wild chickens, five grey rabbits; this was their haul from the hunting trip.
Even though Lu Yuan deserved most of the credit,
Sun Siwen too, under his friend’s guidance, successfully shot a rabbit. Thus, everyone had a great time.
By the time they returned from the mountain, it was getting dark. They were too lazy to go back to the city and decided to stay in the academy at the foot of the mountain.
The academy also possessed a canteen equipped with plenty of condiments. At Sun Siwen’s command, who functioned as a Teaching Assistant, all these items were readily supplied. Even the cook on duty was temporarily recruited, and a barbecue party was held in the academy’s garden.
Two scholars who stayed in the academy heard that the Teaching Assistant had returned from a hunt and had obtained a generous haul, so they joined the fun.
When they saw the plentiful catch, they immediately lent a hand in preparing the ingredients.
Who says gentlemen stay away from the kitchen?
When it comes to good food, delightful smell and taste can literally make the most refined gourmet cook for you.
Otherwise, how do you think Dongpo Pork came into existence?
Lu Yuan’s culinary skills, honed over the years, had reached major success level on his attribute panel.
This level, although not perfect, is comparable to the renowned chefs of famous buildings.
At this point, he was preparing the wild game, deft and effortless.
The skewers of well-prepared ingredients, under his grilling, were aroma-filled; the oil dripping off them gave them a delicious extent, utterly seductive.
Those waiting to eat by the side were salivating at the sight.
As each person savored the juicy delicacies, predictably, Lu Yuan earned heaps of praise, and then attracted a swarm of foodie fans..