Everyone responded in unison, fully understanding that this period of rest had come to an end. However, none of them felt any fear about heading into the mountains to hunt.

After the lively discussion, everyone dispersed to go home and prepare their weapons and tools. Only Jason Clark and the three youngsters remained on the field.

Thomas Miller said respectfully, “Village chief, William and I agreed to compete in eight skills. My strength isn’t as good as his, so now we should compare the others.”

Jason Clark laughed heartily and said, “Thomas Miller, you’ve been tricked.”

Thomas Miller was taken aback, a hint of suspicion appearing on his capable face.

“William started learning internal martial arts last year, and just a few days ago, he managed to cultivate a trace of true qi, greatly improving his physique. If you compete with him now, you’re bound to lose.” Jason Clark said with a chuckle.

Thomas Miller suddenly understood, glaring angrily at William Clark, but soon a trace of envy appeared in his eyes.

Jason Clark patted him on the shoulder and said, “You’ve also been learning internal martial arts for a month now, and your progress is just as fast. If all goes well, you’ll be able to cultivate a trace of true qi by next year at the latest. Don’t lose heart—keep working hard.”

Thomas Miller responded firmly. He waved his fist at William Clark, making a gesture of challenge.

William Clark made a funny face at him, grinning smugly.

Watching the silent exchange between the two youngsters, Jason Clark shook his head with a smile, recalling the friendship he had with Thomas Miller’s uncle when they were young.

The two of them were the only hunters in Dalin Village, and it was precisely because of their presence that, although Dalin Village had a sparse population, it enjoyed considerable prestige among all the nearby villages. Even large villages like Wanjia Village, one of the biggest in the area, didn’t dare to target them excessively.

“You two should go get ready as well.” Jason Clark thought for a moment and said, “Tomorrow, I’ll take you into the mountains.”

William Clark and Thomas Miller both shouted excitedly. Although they weren’t that young anymore, they hadn’t had many real opportunities to enter the mountains. Especially for Thomas Miller, it was his first time being recognized by the village chief and allowed to join the hunt.

Hunting in the mountains and playing in the mountains were two entirely different things, and what Jason Clark had agreed to was, of course, the former.

The two of them happily went off to prepare. For them, hunting in the mountains was no small matter, and there was a lot to get ready.

Jason Clark turned around and happened to see the envy and longing in David Wright’s eyes.

He chuckled and said, “David, don’t envy them. When you turn fourteen, even if you don’t want to go hunting in the mountains, you won’t have a choice.”

David Wright withdrew his gaze and said, “Village chief, Thomas Miller is only thirteen, but you allowed him to go.”

Jason Clark shook his head and said seriously, “Although Thomas Miller isn’t yet fourteen, he’s already mastered lightness skills, and he’s got unique abilities in tracking, camouflage, and traps. Besides, his archery isn’t weak either. He’s already reached the standard of a quasi-hunter, which is why I’m allowing him to come along.”

David Wright thought about it seriously and finally nodded in agreement.

In these areas, Thomas Miller was indeed very talented.

Jason Clark rubbed his head and said, “Come with me, I have something to say to your father.”

David Wright’s house was one of the rare all-wooden structures in the village. Charles Wright was a renowned carpenter within a hundred miles, and everything in his home was designed and built by himself.

In Dalin Village, Charles Wright wasn’t a hunter, but he was far more popular and respected than any hunter.

His craftsmanship also brought him a generous income. The furniture he made was famous for miles around, and even the wealthy in Pianxi City were willing to pay high prices to acquire it.

If he hadn’t grown up in Dalin Village and been reluctant to leave his hometown, he probably would have moved to the city long ago.

With a nervous heart, David Wright followed Jason Clark home. His father, Charles Wright, was busy preparing lunch, and the aroma of meat porridge wafted from the kitchen, making David Wright’s eyes light up instinctively.

“Charles, it’s been so many years since your wife passed. You really should find someone new—this house still needs a woman.” Jason Clark said, shaking his head as he watched his friend come out of the kitchen.

Charles Wright curled his lips slightly and said, “It’s been so many years, I’m used to it.” He nodded toward his son and said, “The food’s ready, go help yourself.”

David Wright answered and walked into the kitchen.

Jason Clark smiled and said, “Charles, David is a strong kid. If you don’t object, I plan to start teaching him martial arts tomorrow.”

Chapter Five: “A Father’s Shortcomings in Raising a Son”

Charles Wright was stunned for a moment and said, “His strength is just average. How could he compare to William?”

Jason Clark chuckled and said, “You’re too careless as a father. Today on the field, David lifted a hundred-pound stone block over his head in one go. When William was his age, he was nowhere near that strong.”

Charles Wright opened his mouth, too surprised to speak.

If Jason Clark hadn’t said it himself, he would have thought it was a joke. Glancing toward the kitchen, he hesitated and said, “Village chief, are you sure you didn’t see it wrong? He’s only ten years old.”