Ethan Foster was the calmest and most analytical observer among the three. Very quickly, an awkward, bitter smile appeared on his face as he said, “Guys, it seems this young brother is killing for the first time and isn’t used to it.”

Jack Carter and Brian Clark nodded in understanding. Everyone has their first experience with killing, and it’s not a pleasant feeling. They looked at Andrew Adams with understanding and smiled, their eyes filled with genuine guilt. Such a young man, yet he killed to save them—this was a heavy bond.

After vomiting for a while, Andrew Adams soon regained his composure, hurriedly swallowed a few herbs, and said with a wry smile, “Brothers, forgive me for making a fool of myself. Who would have thought that the number one warrior of Qingniu Village would end up like this? My lifelong reputation is ruined.” He laughed as he spoke.

The three of Ethan Foster also laughed, amused by Andrew Adams’s self-deprecating humor. It was clear that this person wasn’t unsociable, even though he had been sparing with words along the way. On the contrary, he even had a sense of humor.

Young people together are never reserved, especially soldiers, who like to be bold and straightforward. Andrew Adams’s self-mocking tone was just to the three men’s liking. Led by Ethan Foster, they began to ask, “Little brother, are you from Qingniu Village? Where is Qingniu Village? How did you find us? Why did you help us?”

“So many questions?” Andrew Adams smiled and said, “Qingniu Village is a settlement on the edge of the primeval forest, very hard for outsiders to find. My grandfather and I were sunbathing on a cliff when your gunfire woke us up. As for helping you, it’s not a big deal—we’re all descendants of Huaxia, after all. But I do have a condition.”

“A condition? Let’s hear it. If it’s within our power, we won’t hesitate.” Jack Carter asked curiously. To risk one’s life for another is a heavy bond, enough for these men of loyalty to repay with their own lives.

“It’s nothing much, really. I’ve never left these mountains and want to go out and see the world. I hope you can take me with you, and if possible, look after your little brother here.” Andrew Adams said.

When everyone heard this, they couldn’t help but respond, “That’s no problem! From now on, we’re brothers—bonded by life and death, say no more.”

“By the way, I know this area is full of ethnic minorities who don’t speak Mandarin. Did your grandfather teach you Mandarin? He must be an extraordinary man. Who is he?” Ethan Foster asked.

“Yes, in my heart, he’s like an insurmountable mountain.” As Andrew Adams spoke, his eyes showed genuine respect and affection. He continued, “I don’t really know who he is. He calls himself a ‘stinky old nine.’ What does that mean?”

The three of Ethan Foster exchanged glances. Brian Clark explained from the side, “I see. You have a good grandfather. ‘Stinky old nine’ was a twisted term used in the past for intellectuals. It’s not used anymore, and intellectuals have been rehabilitated. Anyone called a ‘stinky old nine’ must be truly capable.”

“Oh, so that’s what it means.” It was the first time Andrew Adams had heard this explanation, and he smiled.

After chatting for a while, the three of Ethan Foster turned their attention to the current situation. “The enemy is outside, and we can’t stay down here forever. Do you have any way to get out of here?”

“It’s getting dark, and your captain can’t be moved easily right now. I suggest we spend the night here and leave early tomorrow morning,” Andrew Adams said. “As for the people outside, I don’t think they dare come down. Here’s what we’ll do: you prepare things for a fire tonight, and I’ll go find something to eat.”

Everyone had strong wilderness survival skills and quickly divided up the tasks. Brian Clark took weapons to stand guard, having seized quite a few weapons and grenades from the enemy. As a demolition expert, Brian Clark couldn’t wait to set up some traps. Jack Carter was in charge of making a fire and finding water.

Ethan Foster stayed behind to look after the captain. Besides the enemy, there were many other unknown dangers in this place. Carelessness was not an option—those who underestimate nature always pay a bloody price.

Watching Andrew Adams casually walk off into the distance, with that terrifyingly large bow on his back, Ethan Foster looked at this enigmatic youth and, thinking of his incredible skills, couldn’t help but feel lucky and hopeful for survival.

As he was pondering, he saw Andrew Adams nimbly climb a tree like a monkey, pick a fruit from above, and, in a few quick steps, run to a large rock nearby. He placed the fruit on the ground and then lay down a short distance away.

A minute passed—Andrew Adams didn’t move. Five minutes passed—still no movement. Ten minutes, twenty minutes went by. Curious, Ethan Foster wanted to go over and take a look, but was worried that the unconscious captain lying on the ground might run into trouble. This place was a bit eerie, and there were surely plenty of poisonous creatures around—he couldn’t afford to be careless.

Suddenly, Ethan Foster saw Andrew Adams pounce like a great eagle, quickly disappearing beneath the rock. Startled, he was about to call Jack Carter over to help when a giant python as thick as a man’s thigh shot out. Clinging tightly to the python was none other than Andrew Adams. Shocked, Ethan Foster hurriedly signaled Jack Carter.

Before Jack Carter could run over, he saw Andrew Adams holding the python tightly with one arm while drawing a dagger with the other, stabbing it in with ruthless, ferocious precision.