Chapter 68: The Wild Herd

A single buffalo isn't frightening, but when a herd of wild buffaloes charges forward, kicking up dust with their horns, it's a terrifying sight that makes the heart skip a beat.

Yet facing such a formidable herd, Ye Xi was unphased and daringly charged straight at them!

From above, looking down, Ye Xi's figure seemed incredibly tiny compared to the massive buffalo herd. His approach looked as futile as an ant shaking a tree, an image that was startling.

Diao watched in shock as Ye Xi got closer and closer to the buffalo herd.

Originally running beside Ye Xi, Diao was quickly left behind due to Ye Xi's blistering speed.

Diao had never expected Ye Xi to attack the buffalo herd head-on. His plan had been to flank the herd with Ye Xi and look for an opportunity to hunt one of them.

"Ye Xi, be careful!" Diao shouted, hoping Ye Xi would avoid a direct confrontation.

But Ye Xi, as if deaf to the warning, continued charging forward like an arrow released from its bow.

To Diao's amazement and worry, just as Ye Xi was about to collide with the herd, he suddenly leapt onto the back of one of the buffaloes.

Feeling the weight on its back, the buffalo tried to buck Ye Xi off by wildly tossing its body around.

Ye Xi clamped his legs around the buffalo to stabilize himself, grabbed one of its horns, and swiftly plunged his dagger into the buffalo's head.

The buffalo bellowed in agony and collapsed on its knees.

As the rest of the herd threatened to trample the fallen buffalo, Ye Xi quickly jumped to another buffalo, grabbing its horn.

The second buffalo shook its head trying to throw Ye Xi off, but he clung to the horn with a grip as tight as a vice, refusing to be dislodged.

The infuriated buffalo, unable to shake Ye Xi off, started charging erratically and eventually broke away from the herd.

Ye Xi held on to the buffalo's horn and attempted to climb onto its back, but the animal's violent movements made it difficult. Luckily, Ye Xi's extraordinary arm strength kept him from falling.

As Ye Xi was about to swing his leg over the buffalo's back, it swung its head violently to the side.

Ye Xi felt a sharp pain in his back as if he had hit something hard.

His grip loosened, and he fell from the buffalo's back.

The buffalo, its eyes red with rage, charged at Ye Xi.

Ignoring the pain in his back, Ye Xi quickly got to his feet.

It was too close to avoid; as the buffalo's sharp horns neared, Ye Xi swung his arm in a flash.

A slice of his blade shimmered, and a horn fell to the ground.

The buffalo, stunned by the sudden loss, bumped into Ye Xi.

Because it hadn't gained full speed, the impact was not severe. Ye Xi barely felt a shock and brushed off his chest as if nothing had happened.

The buffalo paused, looking at its fallen horn, then glanced up at Ye Xi holding his dagger, ready to strike.

The buffalo hesitated, then turned and fled in terror.

Ye Xi watched, slightly amused, as the buffalo ran off—was it really spooked by his dagger?

He decided not to chase after it, putting away his dagger and returning to where he started.

The buffalo he had stabbed in the head earlier was now dead, its body trampled and dusty from the stampede.

The other four hunters had managed to kill two more buffaloes. They sat by the carcasses, laughing and proud of their achievement.

"Who says we can't hunt?" one of them laughed. "We'll have meat for several meals from these buffaloes."

"They'll be shocked when they get back and see what we've done—won't underestimate us anymore!"

The young hunters, successful in their first hunt, were thrilled and couldn't wait to surprise the rest of the hunting team.

Caught up in the joyful mood, Ye Xi couldn't help but smile. They dragged the buffalo carcasses under a tree to wait for the others.

As dark clouds gathered in the sky, the hunting team finally returned.

They were drenched in sweat and dirt, covered in minor cuts and bruises but each carried their prey with pride.

Pu Tai, with a lion's carcass slung over his shoulder, frowned when he saw the three buffalo carcasses under the tree. Instead of being pleased, he asked sternly, "Did you go hunting by yourselves?"

The hunters, expecting praise, were taken aback.

Hu Lu, trying to keep the mood light, explained, "No, we didn't hunt these ourselves. A group of buffaloes ran towards us, and we defended ourselves."

Pu Tai looked at Ye Xi, who nodded in agreement.

Satisfied with their response, Pu Tai's expression softened. "Alright, it looks like it's going to rain soon; let's get out of here," he said, and led the way out.

The sky grew darker as they prepared to leave. The young hunters followed, carrying their prizes, eager to share their success and prove their worth.

In the jungle, the smell of blood drew the attention of predators, but the sheer number of hunters kept them at bay—for now. As they moved quickly to avoid the gathering storm, the real test of their courage and skill was just beginning.

(End of Chapter)