In the wind-sheltered valley, halfway up the slope there is a cliff face, and beneath the cliff, a natural crevice forms a triangular cave.
There is not much snow accumulated near the cave entrance. Someone has cleared it, built a simple earthen stove with stones, and collected pine needles and dry branches to start a campfire.
Above the campfire, a rack made of branches is set up, with two freshly cleaned Flying Dragons hanging on it.
Flying Dragon is a northeastern term, scientifically known as hazel grouse.
It is a delicacy, occasionally available in past markets, but later listed as a protected species, prohibiting hunting.
But here in Maoluo Country, for emergency survival purposes, hunting two Flying Dragons to fill the stomach should be fine, right?
Zeng Hongye and Xiaosi followed the direction of the rising smoke, crossing two hills, through a valley, and climbing halfway up the slope to witness this scene.
