Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Wild Boar

Sheng Wanqiu muttered complaints while firing stones, yet as wild goats, sika deer, and foxes appeared, there was still no sign of a wild boar. Was it really so difficult to get some sweet and sour pork ribs?

Thinking of Manager Jiang at the Crane Restaurant in Sishui Town, Sheng Wanqiu rolled up her sleeves. Since the animals refused to leave when given the chance, she would have to take matters into her own hands. She aimed her hands at the creatures below and unleashed a bolt of lightning, striking down a large group instantly.

Hopping down from the tree, she took stock: two sheep, one sika deer, five rabbits, and three pheasants. No foxes—those creatures were far too nimble and escaped before she could catch them. She deposited the carcasses into her spatial storage, which kept them fresh for her trip to town the following day.

Suddenly, a thunderous tiger roar echoed through the forest, sending her scrambling back up the tree. So, the rumors about tigers in these mountains were true! Holding her breath, she watched as a massive, powerful tiger sauntered over. Having heard the roar, the smaller animals had long since fled.

This tiger was at least three meters long and incredibly sturdy—nothing like the animals in a zoo; it was in an entirely different league. It lowered its head to drink the spirit spring water from a basin, its tail swishing back and forth, looking for all the world like a giant house cat. Sheng Wanqiu waited patiently for the beast to finish and leave. It wasn’t that she couldn't take it down, but she wouldn't be able to explain how. Catching sheep and pigs was one thing—people might believe it since her predecessor had learned a few tricks from an old one-eyed hunter—but catching a tiger? That was simply too unbelievable. In everyone’s eyes, even she and the old hunter combined wouldn't be enough to fill this tiger's stomach.

Just as she was reaching her breaking point, the beast finished every last drop of water and sauntered off. Before departing, it glanced up at her hiding spot. Sheng Wanqiu broke into a cold sweat; the tiger’s gaze had seemed almost human—clever yet gentle. Had it discovered her?

She climbed down, retrieved the basin, and decided to settle for braised pheasant since the ribs were out of reach. But she had only gone a few steps when she bumped into a family of five wild boars.

One pair of wide eyes met five pairs of smaller ones. The wide eyes ran first, nimbly scurrying back up the tree. The two adult boars began to ram the tree violently, leaves raining down as Sheng Wanqiu clung to the branches for dear life.

"Fine," she hissed. "If you're looking for death, I'll grant it." With a flash of lightning, she sent the pig couple to the afterlife. The piglets squealed in terror and scattered into the brush.

Sheng Wanqiu jumped down and kicked the carcasses. Since they had wandered into her path, they might as well end up in her stomach. She decided to let the piglets grow a bit fatter before harvesting them later. The male boar, weighing over three hundred pounds, went into her storage; the female, slightly smaller, followed suit.

Thanks to her supernatural abilities and the spirit water, her strength and physical condition were exceptional. She hoisted the boar onto her back with ease. Approaching the village, she drew her dagger and stabbed the boar several times to create wounds, ensuring the scene looked authentic. She then ruffled her hair, smeared some of the blood on her face, and marched into the village.

"My goodness! Wanqiu has caught a wild boar!" the villagers exclaimed, rushing over. Some were simply curious, but others were genuinely concerned.

"Wanqiu, child, are you alright? Are you hurt?" asked Grandma Song, trembling with worry.

"I’m fine, Auntie. I’m just heading home; it’s quite heavy," Sheng Wanqiu replied. "Tell Uncle to come by my house for some meat later!"

"Go home now, you're covered in such a mess, it’s frightening!" Grandma Song urged.

Sheng Wanqiu pushed through the crowd and headed home. Behind her, the villagers whispered with envy, hearing that she had invited the village head's family for meat.

"Grandma! Get the knife ready!" Sheng Wanqiu kicked open her fence and dropped the boar, dust billowing into the air.

"You reckless child, are you hurt?" Grandma Song rushed out, ignoring the boar to fuss over her granddaughter.

"It’s just pig blood, Grandma. I’m fine! Now hurry, I’m waiting for those ribs!" Sheng Wanqiu laughed. She cherished this warmth; unlike the cold, indifferent world of the apocalypse, this place felt like home.

Grandma Song glared at her, though she headed to the kitchen for a knife. She knew her granddaughter had secrets—the wounds on the boar were not enough to kill such a beast. But as long as the child was safe, she didn't need to pry.