The following day, the crowing of a rooster heralded the dawn, its sound piercing the thin morning mist. Chen Lei awoke early, a warm, yielding softness nestled in his arms. Qinglian, her cheeks still flushed the color of peach blossoms, slept soundly, clinging to his arm so tightly it left faint marks.
In this feudal world, a woman alone, frail and unprotected, was but a plaything to be bartered—her lack of security was understandable. With great care, Chen Lei extricated his arm. Having claimed her, the weight of responsibility settled more firmly upon his shoulders. It baffled him how the original owner, faced with such a treasure—so slender yet so bountifully curved—had been so blind. In his previous life, such a woman would have commanded a dowry of millions.
Moving quietly, he rose, took the bow from the wall, and stepped into the clearing outside their dwelling. A deep, steadying breath calmed his racing thoughts. Focusing on a crooked willow tree, he began his practice in earnest.
After a night's—or rather, half a night's—rest, his strength and spirit had largely returned. His aim, too, had improved; within twenty paces, he hit his mark roughly half the time. To minimize wear, he practiced with a single arrow, yet even so, by morning it was noticeably battered.
Inside, Qinglian watched through the paper window as Chen Lei, drenched in sweat, practiced with fierce determination. A strange sense of peace washed over her. He is serious... He truly means to hunt, to build a life with me.A pang of felt heart ache followed swiftly. After last night's exertions, and rising so early to practice... he mustn't overwork himself.Leaning against the wall, she limped to the hearth to prepare the morning meal.
"Success!"
With the release of another arrow, Chen Lei let out a long, satisfied sigh.
[Skill: Archery (Initiated)]
[Progress: (0/200)]
[Effect: Capable of drawing a six-strength bow; infallible accuracy within forty paces.]
In that very moment, a surge of power seemed to infuse his body. Not only did his physical strength increase markedly, but his archery ascended to an entirely new level.
Initiated!
Chen Lei examined the changes on the panel. A 'strength' equaled twelve jin; a six-strength bow thus required seventy-two jinof draw weight. To his knowledge, even the city garrison's archers used six-strength bows. This meant he had reached the standard of a common bowman—and in ancient armies, bowmen were considered elite troops.
The latter part—'infallible within forty paces'—was equally significant. One pace in the Great Sheng Dynasty, a full stride, measured about 1.4 meters. Forty paces was over fifty meters. This was no trivial distance. While massed volleys by common archers could reach over a hundred paces, that was a high-angle barrage, not aimed, flat shooting. Standard military tests demanded accuracy at forty or fifty paces. Even in modern archery competitions he recalled, targets were typically around seventy meters distant. His new ability guaranteed a bullseye within forty paces; beyond that, hits were still likely, though pinpoint accuracy couldn't be assured.
In short, according to the panel, he was now qualified to be a military archer.
Eager to test this, Chen Lei nocked an arrow again. His movements flowed with the proficiency of a seasoned veteran. The four-strength bow that had felt heavy just hours before now drew with startling ease, almost without effort. His physical stamina had also improved dramatically with the skill's advancement.
Controlling his excitement, he loosed several arrows. His accuracy had indeed multiplied. Within forty paces, every shot found its mark. Even targets at sixty paces were struck with reliable frequency.
Excellent!At this level, he would not return empty-handed from the hunt.
The most thrilling thought was that this was merely the Initiatedstage. He dared not imagine the prowess that Adeptor Masterymight bring.
"Brother Lei, the meal is ready." A voice, soft as melting snow, called from within.
Chen pack up the bow, returned inside. It seemed but a single night had passed, yet Qinglian appeared transformed, bearing an indescribable, newfound charm that, paired with her almond eyes, was particularly striking.
On the table sat two bowls. One held rice with a cornbread bun; the other, only half a bowl of watery porridge. The grain bought with their meager funds would not last. Clearly, Qinglian still could not bring herself to eat her fill.
Chen felt no false pride. His practice had consumed much energy, and he needed sustenance for the hunt ahead. He gave half his bun to Qinglian and finished the rest heartily.
Thus fortified, he shouldered his bow and departed.
"Be careful, Brother Lei. Even if you find no game, do not venture too deep. Gathering some wild greens or firewood will suffice." Qinglian held little hope that her man, having just taken up the bow, could bring home meat. Safety was paramount. If they could but weather this crisis, she was willing to toil relentlessly, even if he chose to return to his studies.
By the time Chen stepped outside, daylight fully bathed the village. Neighbors were beginning their daily labors. Many eyed the bow on his back with curiosity.
"Well! Brother Lei intends to hunt?"
"Think he's up to it?"
"See? I always said he wasn't cut out for books!"
"Quiet, you! At least he can hunt. What can you do?"
"Little Stone, need your Uncle Zhao to show you the ropes for a couple of days?"
"Take care. Your family depends on you now."
Though some voiced skepticism, thanks to his late father's good repute, most were well-meaning. Chen acknowledged them with nods, quickening his pace toward Tigerhead Mountain.
With archery initiated and his strength increased, capable of drawing a six-strength bow, his overall constitution had improved. The journey to the mountain's base, which once took two shichen, was completed today in less than one and a half.
Following a winding, man-made path, he reached the mountainside and began his search for prey. Yet, after wandering for some time, he found nothing but insects and sparrows. A proper hunter required hounds, traps, and other tools, but in his poverty, the bow was his sole possession.
This won't do. I must bring something back, or our meager stores will vanish.Closing his eyes, Chen dredged up every lesson his father had imparted in childhood: identifying nearby game by its droppings; recognizing the preferred habitats of different animals; understanding their behaviors; moving through the woods without alarming one's quarry.
[Tracking & Stalking (Uninitiated)]
[Progress: 3/100]
[Effect: None]
?
Chen stared at the newly appeared lines of text, momentarily stunned. "This works too? Does any skilled endeavor allow for such... grinding? Excellent! It seems hunting is truly my destined path!"
Suppressing his joy at discovering another facet of his ability, he redoubled his efforts, searching for signs with meticulous care. This search consumed half the day. By the time Chen sat to rest, his proficiency had already climbed.
[Tracking & Stalking (Initiated)]
[Progress: 0/200]
[Effect: Keen Observation, Lightfooted]
His senses sharpened. He could now pinpoint the direction of birdsong with ease, discern the minute movements of insects and ants upon the ground—a feeling of heightened awareness, of being attuned to the forest's pulse.
Rising, he resumed his search. This time, he soon discovered animal droppings near a thicket—small, black, pellet-like. Nearby, in the soft earth, were oval-shaped prints.
A hare!
"The droppings are fresh. It can't be far!"
Following the trail, moving with barely a sound under the effect of his new skill, he entered a grove. There, in the distance, a plump, grey wild rabbit lay contentedly nibbling grass, utterly unaware.
What a fat rabbit!
Eyes narrowing like a hawk's, Chen drew his bow. Three fingers secured the string, the recurve bow bending like a wolf poised to spring.
Swish—
The arrow sang through the air.
Within forty paces, infallible!
In a blink, the sharp projectile pierced clean through the hare.
A hit!
His first quarry in this life.