Chapter 172: Awesome

Hiss… My hand!

Qin Li stood by the valley, holding a wooden stick in his hand. With a swift motion, he threw it down. His gaze followed the trajectory of the stick, his hand, the ground, the wood he stepped on, and the wisps of smoke. However, there was no rising flame, only a small black indentation.

In an instant, a sense of frustration welled up within him.

Creating fire by rubbing wood together was the fundamental lesson of wilderness survival.

Ye Sanshi gathered two cola bottles and led the group to collect dry grass for tinder. Then, he guided everyone to gather branches.

At this moment, each person had a wooden board beneath their feet and a small wooden stick to rub between their hands.

Intermittently throughout the valley, the sight of people attempting to produce smoke could be seen.

However, his initial attempt at igniting the fire ended in failure.

Don’t fret, try again with more persistence!”

Stay steady. Your hand movements should be consistent, akin to running five kilometers. Avoid sudden stops.”

Class leaders from each group offered guidance to all.

Their words were enlightening, yet they abstained from performing the task themselves.

Naturally, they didn’t engage in this activity frequently.

Though acquainted with the technique, they lacked the certainty of succeeding in a single endeavor.

Thus, theoretical instruction sufficed.

Ah!” A sudden exclamation echoed from the side.

Wang Ye s hand, which had been in motion, nearly lost its grip.

He swiftly glanced at the source.

Liang Fan, in tossing away his rod, had leaned back entirely.

Why the outburst? Patience is key.” Ye Sanshi’s expression was as stern as stone.

Liang Fan remained prone, gazing helplessly at Ye Sanshi. “Class monitor, I had just managed to generate some smoke. Yet, in my excitement, a bead of sweat happened to fall into the small pit of wood.

Extinguishing the spark!

“Pffti”

At this instance, someone couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

Even Ye Sanshi struggled to suppress his laughter.

What a streak of bad luck for that lad.

Keeping his demeanor composed. Ye Sanshi adopted a serious tone. “Couldn’t you have been more careful?

Fine, just give it another shot. If you managed to produce smoke once, you can do it again. Worst case, we’ll switch the base!”

In reality, at this juncture, beads of sweat had also formed on Wang Ye’s forehead. However, he had taken precautions to ensure that even if the sweat accumulated and dripped from his chin, it landed on rhe ground rather than in the pit.

As the wooden stick rotated, a thin wisp of smoke appeared.

Wang Ye hesitated to draw a deep breath, concentrating solely on maintaining a consistent rotation of the wooden stick.

Truthfully, at this point, Wang Ye felt a debt of gratitude towards Ouyang Mingyue.

Thanks to the bandages on the one hand, Wang Ye found his hand feeling notably better as he worked the wooden stick.

In contrast, his other hand smarted and burned as he rubbed his palm.

Keep going, rhe smoke is increasing. Don’t stop now!”

Ye Sanshi’s attention was captivated by the smoke emanating from Wang Ye’s side.

He swiftly approached.

Indeed, at this juncture, Liang Fan, Qin Li, and the two other recruits from the fifth squad who had momentarily halted their efforts all gathered around.

Even participants from other classes gazed over after their own attempts fell short.

Would he be the first to ignite the fire?

Brother Fan, let me help you wipe off your sweat!”

Liang Fan rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward.

Don’t move!’1 Ye Sanshi cautioned, preventing him. “Ensure you don’t obstruct your line of sight. That’s all!”

Time and again, after 20 or 30 seconds, Liang Fan sensed his progress nearly matching Wang Ye’s.

He flung the wooden stick away.

Frustration surged; he was done with the rubbing.

Swiftly, he swept sweat from his face using his sleeve, mindful to prevent sweat from later dripping onto the materials.

Subsequently, Wang Ye extended his hand, one palm securing the base while the other held the tinder underneath.

With meticulous care, he raised the assembly, emptying the smoldering tinder from the pit onto the groove carved into rhe side.

“Exhale and inhale, but don’t use your lung’s breath,” Ye Sanshi advised, his voice tinged with nervousness.

Unspoken though it was, this stood as a competition.

Whoever succeeded in lighting the fire first would undoubtedly claim the spotlight.

Of course, Wang Ye required no reminder of this aspect.

The air that passed through his lungs exited from his stomach. Carbon dioxide abounded. What if the tinder extinguished due to his breath?

He inhaled and then exhaled.

Swiftly, the smoke emanating from Wang Ye s hand grew denser.

Puff!

Abruptly, a fireball took shape within Wang Ye’s hand.

Excellent!

Ye Sanshi cheered with a grin.

Yet, he refrained from reveling in his own success. He focused on Wang Ye and promptly urged, “Quickly, start the fire!”

Nearby, everyone had prepared a small pile of firewood.

Simultaneously, Wang Ye held his breath and adeptly maintained the fire. He leaned over, positioning the ignited tinder beneath the wood pile with a purposeful gap.

Flames caught rapidly.

The stack of wood limited.

“Haha! Wang Ye, you truly live up to your role as the vice-class monitor of Class 5. Exceptional job!”

Only after this did Ye Sanshi give Wang Ye’s shoulder a hearty pat, his laughter ringing out.

Yet, his mood swiftly shifted to one of irritation.

With a raised hand, he smacked the head of a fellow who had been inching towards him, wooden stick in hand.

Back off. If you want fire, you’ll have to make it yourself!”

Upon witnessing the fire’s success, Qin Li couldn’t resist the temptation of taking a shortcut. He reached for a wooden stick, aiming to borrow a bit of fire.

Such actions, however, were strictly prohibited.

This was training, not a mere gathering where individuals fought for survival.

Each person had to earn their fire the hard way.

“All right, Wang Ye, add more firewood, then proceed in the direction we recently came from. Take your small yellow basin with you.

When you return, I’ll teach you how to craft a basic water purification device.

He hadn’t instructed them to locate the water source independently.

In fact, this location had been set up well in advance, undergoing over a year of training.

Every aspect of the route had been meticulously planned long ago.

After incorporating several larger logs into the fire, Wang Ye turned around, retrieving the small yellow basin from his backpack.

You’re only allowed to fetch water. No aimless wandering, and you must return in five minutes.”

Wu Jianfeng gazed at Wang Ye, the small yellow basin in his grasp, and spoke with a grin.

Yes, sir!

Wang Ye returned the gesture with a smile and a salute, then set off with the basin.

The water source wasn’t far at all. After a brief run, the sound of water reached Wang Ye’s ears.

He hurried forward.

However, upon arrival, Wang Ye was slightly taken aback.

Why did the wilderness forest resemble the Yellow River?

The water wasn’t merely turbid; it teemed with leaves, branches, and floating debris.

How ruthless!

Wang Ye held the small yellow basin, feeling baffled as he approached the water’s edge.

Some of the leaves and weeds were even deliberately bunched up. It was evident that someone had intentionally thrown them into the water.

Needless to say, it must have been done by the seasoned soldiers who had followed him along the way.

Glancing upstream, he didn’t see anyone.

Wang Ye shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. Taking the small yellow basin in hand, he prepared to crouch down and draw water. It was a necessary step, considering he intended to purify the water upon his return.

He hoped fervently that these experienced soldiers hadn’t chosen to relieve themselves upstream…

Wang Ye’s thoughts ran wild.

Hey… Young man!

Just as he was about to dip the basin into the water, a voice suddenly echoed from the opposite direction, startling him.

Who’s there?

Wang Ye turned his gaze in the direction of the sound.

Before long, it dawned on Wang Ye that the system had become visible within the realm.

Or more accurately, the other party had willingly revealed their presence.

A figure emerged from a tangle of weeds.

Judging by his appearance, he was at least in his fifties or sixties, garbed in a ghillie suit.

Hehe, young man, don’t be alarmed. I’m a well-intentioned supplier!

Wang Ye regarded him with a speechless expression.

In all honesty, when Wang Ye had ventured over earlier, he hadn’t detected anyone’s presence at all.

To put it more accurately, if the figure hadn’t risen to their feet, Wang Ye might have had to expend considerable effort locating them despite any noise they might make.

This elderly individual…

Alright, don’t dawdle. Are you in need of water?

Clean bottled water and beverages!”

Sir, this is… training,” Wang Ye interjected with a perplexed countenance.

Admittedly, the allure was undeniable.

However, as Wang Ye indicated, they were currently engaged in a training exercise.

Furthermore, he didn’t have any money on him.

Or more accurately, the funds were stashed away within the System, making retrieval a bit complicated.

Hehe, I wasn’t aware of your training.

No worries. If an actual war were to break out, ordinary citizens would still be tasked with supplying provisions. What’s more, it’ll be complimentary at that juncture.

So fret not. You can purchase my water now and enjoy it after the training concludes.”

Without allowing Wang Ye an opportunity to respond, the supplier continued, “You’re training to produce fire through wood friction and clean water, aren’t you?

I’m more knowledgeable than you in this realm. You merely need to comply with orders, but you don’t need to drink the water during training.

Allow me to impart some insight – those rascals upstream might have tampered with the water.

Even if you purify it, would you dare to drink it?

Once again, Wang Ye found himself rendered speechless in the presence of the elderly man.

In reality, it wasn’t just Wang Ye who was rendered speechless. Perched on a tree some twenty to thirty meters away, another seasoned soldier who had concealed himself expertly was also feeling a sharp pang in his teeth.

Imagine, being called a bunch of rascals right to their faces!

But he dared not provoke them.

These were the folks behind their logistical support.

The small depots set up behind every training exercise.

Provoking the bigwigs wasn’t a wise move. If he dared to mouth off and stir trouble, he might find himself expertly hidden during the next exercise, only to suddenly discover himself surrounded by adversaries…

Well… This elderly man likely sold his location coordinates to the other side.

Don’t assume he lacks the capacity.

In fact, he hadn’t even realized when this old man had snuck into this place.

Elusive was the term that best described these elder treats.

Sir, i haven’t brought any money!

Wang Ye voiced his concern.

He couldn’t surreptitiously stash away rhe purchased water. Returning with it would be a challenge.

No worries. You can pay me later, or if you don’t have money with you, you can settle the payment at the convenience store.”

During this exchange, the elderly man reached behind and untied a backpack.

I’ve got 20 bottles of water and two bottles of cola here. No need for further discussion, I carried them through mountains and hills. I’ll let them go for a hundred bucks.

Of course, if that’s too much, you can take half the stock or even fifty yuan’s worth.

I won’t be collecting money later, so today I’m only making this offer to a few.

Pausing briefly, he continued, “Regarding your concern about transporting the water back, just say it was a gift from a fellow villager. Your company commander wouldn’t dare question that.”

As he spoke, the elderly man exuded confidence.

Observing him, Wang Ye found himself convinced.

Of course, there would likely be seasoned soldiers patrolling the surroundings.

And this operation itself was a military maneuver. How could an ordinary individual possess such detailed knowledge of everyone’s routes and even bring water and beverages for sale?

Alright, Sir. I’ll take the whole lot. I’ll settle the payment through the convenience store upon my return.’1 Wang Ye’s hesitation had vanished.

Although 20 bottles might seem excessive, it was a reasonable quantity for the whole class.

Hehe, excellent. You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that.

Would you like a cigarette?

I’ve still got a few packs!”

Sir, I’ll pass on that offer!

Wang Ye quickly declined. He was confident he could manage to transport the water without issue.

But the cigarettes… no way! If he bought a few packs and they were discovered, he’d have to pay the price.

Heh heh, understood. I’ll provide you with the water and drinks then!

The elderly man was clearly well-prepared. He was carrying a backpack, but the contents water and drinks were organized in a smaller bag.

Now, he pulled out the small bag.

Handing it to Wang Ye, he turned to leave. He didn’t even ask Wang Ye’s name, confident that Wang Ye would honor his word.

And Wang Ye certainly wasn’t about to break his promise.

Backing out now could lead to Wu Jianfeng chasing him down for the money.