Some truths are understood by both humans and animals.
Take military reconnaissance, for example—it's suitable to be carried out by small units, and the most in-depth operations inevitably involve solitary operatives.
One would not mass-mobilize to scout out the enemy; that would not be reconnaissance, that would be a declaration of war.
Even three-tailed foxes understand such actions.
The forest sea is a marshy area that is highly suitable for three-tailed foxes to inhabit, especially since it contains their favorite food, squirrels, as well as their strong prey, pine birds, and lacks natural predators. Therefore, many three-tailed fox dens are located within the forest sea.
As Tang Xian collected Biphasic Orchids, he chose a location while explaining to Dong Ran:
"It's like how ancient people's buildings were divided into different districts, each with its own boundaries. You can't just let another district's supermarket open up in your own, or their cars park in your district's parking spots. Such acts would be aggression."
"There's also a safe distance between the dens of the three-tailed foxes, and if a new den appears within this distance, they will send a scout to investigate."
Tang Xian believed that by this point, Dong Ran surely understood. Now, all they needed was to find a suitable spot for an ambush.
Dong Ran indeed got it and suddenly said with a realization:
"Wow, I get it now! So, you're saying we don't actually need to worry about where a three-tailed fox den might be? We just need to create a fake three-tailed fox den, and the nearby foxes will send a scout over?"
"A teachable student indeed."
"Then why did you tell me earlier that you could find their dens when I asked?" pouted Dong Ran.
"That was the truth though, I certainly can find them. But whether or not to look for them is another matter."
Tang Xian realized that the sight of a woman puffing her cheeks in annoyance was indeed... worth describing with a tone fit for elaboration.
But he was not in the mood for that now.
"A fox's sense of smell may not be as good as a dog's, but it's still quite keen. They can also judge and filter complex scents. So, to make a fox den, though not complex, would be troublesome and would require collecting quite a bit of Biphasic Orchid. Plus, some meat with a gamey smell."
As they moved on, Tang Xian found a low-lying area with dense grass on both sides and large trees overhead. He nodded to himself, thinking the spot was quite good.
He started by laying out some pieces of unprocessed Cerberus meat, then began setting up the collected Biphasic Orchids. The process was indeed not complex, just time-consuming.
The Biphasic Orchids had to be evenly spread around the edges, and the meat, which had not spoiled yet, had to be placed in a well-ventilated area.
Dong Ran helped too.
No longer caring whether it was clean or not, her movements became more unfettered, and she worked much more efficiently.
Tang Xian glanced her way on purpose and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
He felt that the girl was finally not so foolish.
Survival is a matter that does not easily accommodate elegance.
If you want to live with elegance, you need a good father.
In that moment, Dong Ran also admired Tang Xian, finally understanding why he had kept some of the dog meat without processing it.
This Cerberus meat, once drained of blood, is left with only a gamey smell, especially the meat from the belly area which has a stronger odor. The utility bag could prevent the meat from rotting, so had Tang Xian actually... planned everything for today while they were dealing with the Cerberus?
Considering that this was the Yellow Zone of the forest sea, where they could encounter terrifying creatures, Dong Ran still felt a bit nervous.
Seeing her nervousness, Tang Xian said:
"There's no need to be afraid. In the shallow areas of the forest sea, although the strongest creatures are not three-tailed foxes, none would confront them. After all, a solitary creature, no matter how strong, fears being surrounded. Later on, we can even wash off the smell of Red Line Grass from our bodies."
"Why?"
"The scent of the Biphasic Orchid separated from its roots and of the dog meat after the blood has been let—it's a mix that bears a seventy percent resemblance to the den of a three-tailed fox. To other creatures, it's indistinguishable from a fox's den. That's why no other creatures will come near," Tang Xian explained.
Dong Ran silently committed Tang's words to memory.
Pointing to the tall grass above, Tang Xian said, "Once the nest is prepared, we'll stay hidden there today, waiting for the prey to appear."
"How long will we wait?"
Though somewhat relaxed, the thought of a man and a woman lying in the bush doing nothing, especially considering the crawling insects and ants, made Dong Ran feel uncomfortable.
All girls are afraid of insects, and there are so many of them in the mine.
Tang remarked, "It's hard to say, anything from one to ten hours is possible. If you want to eat fox meat, you must be willing to invest some effort. If you had the ability to charge into a fox den and cause mayhem, that would be another story."
Dong Ran admitted she did not possess such a talent. Hunters who did either became legends or secrets.
Thinking about the time, Dong Ran felt a bit weak and could only pray for the three-tailed fox to appear soon.
But then Dong Ran asked,
"Tang, how will you know when the three-tailed fox is approaching? They're very fast!"
"Many things are hard to explain, so please develop a good habit: control your breathing and stay as quiet as possible starting now."
Instead of lying prone, Tang Xian chose to lie on his back for comfort.
As for Dong Ran's question, Tang Xian wasn't about to tell her that he had slain a hellhound and, as a result, his sense of smell had been enhanced.
In fact, Tang Xian was already sensing the den of a particular three-tailed fox through his nose.
It was just a faint sense of direction, still a long way off, but following it would likely lead them to a three-tailed fox den.
Thinking that the fox might also catch a vague scent, he felt somewhat reassured.
One hour later.
Dong Ran's hands didn't feel sore, but catching sight of a praying mantis larger than her hand almost made her scream out loud.
At that moment, Tang said, "That's a female mantis, and soon there should be a male. You're not as protein-rich as her husband, especially with the smell of Red Line Grass still on you. She won't bite you, but if you open your mouth wide, she might just fly in."
Dong Ran shut her mouth.
Two hours later.
The fox still had not come, and Dong Ran found herself watching two praying mantises up close.
Dong Ran didn't consider herself a dirty-minded girl.
But maybe because Tang Xian was lying right beside her, she inexplicably blushed.
"You're blushing."
"Ah! How can that be! I'm not, I didn't!"
"It's quite normal, really. In a wild place like the mining area, seeing insects driven by instinct, there's nothing to be concerned about. But to get excited over insects... that's a new low."
"Tang Xian, you're so annoying!" Dong Ran tried to keep her voice down. This man was too vexing—she definitely did not feel that way!
Tang Xian didn't tease Dong Ran any further.
He moved his nose slightly and said, "The prey is coming, about ten minutes away. Get ready. Listen, don't make a move until I say so."