Chapter 921 920: Leaving
This also indicated that the alien in front of them was a powerful presence.
As for the problems he was currently facing, they had no solution either.
Jiang Cheng was originally an optimistic and open-minded person, never underestimating various challenges, but also not letting them disturb him. Since he couldn't leave now, he decided to stay for a few days and see if he could find a solution later.
When it was time to sleep, they arranged a hammock for Jiang Cheng. Seeing this hammock, Jiang Cheng couldn't help but comment that although it wasn't as exquisite, made from sturdy tree bark, it was extraordinarily comfortable to sleep in.
After translating Jiang Cheng's words of praise about the hammock to an elder, the elder couldn't help but say it was extremely ordinary. If he had the right tools, he would make more and better things.
Yanran's hammock was far from theirs.
As night deepened, everyone started to rest.
The next morning, Jiang Cheng accompanied Yanran to hunt. The young girl was clearly very happy to have a companion to talk with along the way. As the hunting distance was quite far, it was no longer lonely for her.
The hunting trip was not peaceful. Not long after leaving, a creature resembling a dog—but much larger and with sharp teeth—suddenly lunged at them.
Initially, Jiang Cheng intended to handle it himself, but Yanran pushed him behind, perhaps to protect him or because she thought he wasn't a match for the fierce beast.
Yanran's archery skills and agility left Jiang Cheng full of admiration.
When the creature suddenly appeared before them, growling and preparing to pounce, Yanran had already fired her arrow. Her quick reaction and action impressed Jiang Cheng greatly.
Her aim was truly precise, hitting the target every time.
In a flash, two roughly made arrows had shot into the creature's eyes, and as it opened its mouth in a miserable howl, a third arrow flew into its mouth, piercing through the back of its head.
The creature lay motionless on the ground.
The young girl didn't feel proud at all. She stepped forward and pulled the arrows from the creature's body, once again showcasing her exquisite skills to Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng encountered a girl named Yanran from an alien race on the Nameless Planet. From her companions, he learned about the planet's past. Since he couldn't leave the planet in the short term, he decided to stay for the time being.
During the hunt with Yanran, Jiang Cheng discovered the girl's astonishing archery skills.
When going to retrieve the arrows lodged in the creature's head, Jiang Cheng found that the strength used for the two arrows into the creature's eyes was just right—just enough to blind it. The arrow shot into its mouth was immensely powerful, a fatal blow.
In the sudden situation, Yanran could quickly react and make accurate judgments based on the circumstances. She swiftly drew her bow and shot arrows with perfect strength. Truly deserving of her title as the interstellar archery champion.
If she had better quality arrows, she might've been able to take down the creature with a single shot.
The two laughed and chatted as they continued forward.
Nearing the place where they found the little bird yesterday, Yanran, after carefully observing and confirming that the big bird wasn't around, quietly approached the little bird with Jiang Cheng.
To be honest, the creatures on this planet were all quite ugly, but the little bird before them was indeed beautiful and adorable. Although its mother was fierce and terrifying, there's no exaggeration in calling it beautiful.
The little bird before them had evidently inherited its mother's beautiful genes. Though just a bird, its plumage was a dazzling red, with a few feathers standing on its head and lively little eyes blinking—no wonder Jiang Cheng was reluctant to disturb it.
Certainly, such a beautiful creature was almost nonexistent on this planet.
Yanran told Jiang Cheng that since discovering the little bird, she had visited it every time she passed by. If its ill-tempered mother wasn't there, she would even play with it, stroke its soft feathers, and hold the little bird affectionately in her arms.
Jiang Cheng understood her well. Being surrounded by elderly men and without any peers, living in the harsh environment of the Zhou District, she found this adorable little creature, and understandably, she cherished it dearly.
After watching Yanran play with the little creature for a while, Jiang Cheng reminded her about the importance of hunting, and she reluctantly departed.
She told Jiang Cheng that if the little creature grew up and attacked her, she would be upset.
Jiang Cheng wasn't skilled with words and had no experience comforting girls. He just silently listened, as perhaps Yanran merely needed a listener.
The day's hunt was successful. They killed an animal resembling a young deer. In the past, Yanran could only take the best parts, but now with Jiang Cheng's help, they could bring the entire catch back.
With the task completed, they headed home.
Yanran went to the little bird again. Its mother was still out, likely looking for food. Yanran cut meat from the hunted animal's leg and separated it into strips, feeding the little bird. Fresh, bloody meat was indeed the bird's favorite. Despite its small size, its appetite was substantial. Only when it was satisfied and chirping did Yanran reluctantly leave.
Approaching their campsite, Jiang Cheng sensed something was off. His keen sense detected an unpleasant odor, leading them to the entrance of a cave.
The body of an elder lay at the cave's entrance. Yanran screamed and rushed forward. The elder had likely died recently. Setting aside the corpse, Yanran re-entered the cave, shocked by the scene before them.
Bodies lay everywhere. The elders had evidently been killed by the same monster. Jiang Cheng inspected and found no intact bodies; the heads were all shattered, and some bodies were incomplete. Witnessing these broken remains, Jiang Cheng guessed which creature attacked them—the Four-headed Serpent Monster from which he had severed a head.
Jiang Cheng didn't know that this creature harbored a strong desire for revenge. After being severely wounded by him, it had followed him, finally tracking him to the campsite by his scent. Despite not finding its enemy, it attacked the elders. How could they stand against such a fierce creature? Despite their efforts, they died from the monster's venom and tail. After swallowing several bodies, the creature left satisfied.
Yanran was heartbroken, and Jiang Cheng felt equally bad. The monster had attacked as soon as he arrived at their place—it seemed more than coincidence, yet Jiang Cheng instinctively felt it was inextricably linked to him.