Chapter 32 They're coming over!
As soon as the words were spoken, Chen Fan sprang from the grass – left hand drawing the bow, right hand nocking an arrow, pulling the string to full draw in one fluid motion. His movements flowed with the practiced ease of someone who'd repeated them ten thousand times.
Before anyone could process what was happening, a thunderous crack split the air as the arrow launched.
Eighty meters away, a prairie wolf gorged itself on fresh kill. The spinning arrowhead pierced through its lower back before erupting from its soft underbelly, pinning the beast to the bloodied grass with a sickening thud.
The dying wolf's shriek brought heads snapping up across the pack. A few sharper specimens had noticed Chen Fan's emergence, but recognition came too late.
"Thwip! Thwip! Thwip!"
Three more arrows sang through the air in rapid succession.
"Thunk!"
The clean impacts left three wolves twitching in crimson pools. At this range, even steel armor would offer no more protection than parchment – let alone flesh and bone.
"Bloody hell!" Gao Yang blurted, eyes bulging. The rest of the group stood frozen, struggling to comprehend the sudden carnage.
Even the wolf pack seemed stunned into momentary inaction, low growls rumbling as they regarded their fallen comrades.
Chen Fan stood trembling, sweat cascading down his face. His bow arm shook violently, muscles screaming from the strain of four consecutive shots with an eighty-pound draw weight. Yet he had no choice – this was his strategy, and failure wasn't an option.
The battle wasn't over.
[40 EXP Acquired]
With mental command, 8 experience points vanished. Warmth flooded his veins, easing fatigue as his heartbeat steadied. His enhanced body demanded more – another 16 points dissolved, bringing deeper revitalization and newfound tautness to every muscle.
No time to check [Tai Chi Form] upgrades or [Basic Archery] progress. Another arrow found its mark between the eyes of a retreating wolf before it could flee.
The pack finally stirred, baleful eyes locking on the isolated archer.
"They're charging!" Chen Guodong shouted, springing up as seven armed men erupted from concealment. Spearpoints glittered in the sunlight, giving the remaining wolves pause.
Their imagined question hung in the air: When had these humans crept so close?
"Thwip!"
Another arrow found its mark. Of the original eleven wolves, only five remained. After a silent exchange, the survivors turned tail.
The tense hunters gaped. "What in blazes?" someone muttered, white-knuckled grip relaxing on unused spears.
Chen Fan's right arm hung limp, exhaustion coursing through him. Yet the fresh 36 EXP meant he could still boost [Tai Chi Form] if needed. Not that it mattered now – the wolves' flight proved even beasts understood self-preservation.
Baldie turned with marionette-like stiffness. "Xiao Fan... this is your 'maximum four kills'?"
"Even a dropout like me can count to six," Gao Yang grumbled, tension melting into rueful humor.
The others chimed in: "You butchered half the pack alone! Why bother luring them away first?"
Chen Fan wiped sweat, smiling tiredly. "At close range, I'd only down two before melee. Too risky."
The group shuddered at the implication.
"Fine successor you've raised, Guodong," Baldie said, unable to hide his envy. Chen's father remained silent, pride shining through his usual stoicism.
"Enough chatter!" Chen Guodong barked. "Secure the game. That bison carcass might still have usable meat."
In this harsh world, no one questioned meat bearing wolf bites. The team moved quickly – blood scent attracted more than just canines.
"Need carrying, son?" Chen Guodong asked when they regrouped.
Chen chuckled weakly. "Just need to catch my breath."
His father took two steps, paused, then turned with uncharacteristic softness. "You did well." The quick retreat couldn't hide his flush of paternal pride.
Chen smiled. Praise from this reserved man meant more than any trophy. His thoughts turned to upgraded skills as he checked his status panel...
