Uncle Shen the Second's earthen house had its main door slightly ajar.
A faint light drifted out from the gap in the door, tinting the white snow with a soft orange glow.
Shanwa walked over before Shen Qing, pushing the door open and calling, "Grandfather, Brother Qingzi is here."
Immediately, there was the sound of a chair scraping the floor and someone getting up inside the house.
Shen Qing followed closely behind Shanwa and stepped inside.
When he entered the room, he saw that it wasn't only Uncle Shen the Second who was present.
Several elders from the Shen Family in Hongshan Village, Tian Xiaohu of the Tian Family, Zhang Baqing of the Zhang Family, and other renowned hunters from the village were all there.
As they saw Shen Qing enter, they all turned their eyes towards the door, focusing their gaze on Shen Qing, and stood up.
Faced with these people, Shen Qing showed no sign of pressure. He met their gaze and walked in without changing his expression.
Shen the Second looked at him with a complicated expression and said, "Qingzi, you've come?"
"Mm," Shen Qing stepped forward curiously and asked, "Today's matters are almost concluded. I wonder what my uncle wants with me?"
"There are some things everyone feels still need discussing. Please, have a seat."
Tian Xiaohu, with keen awareness, pulled out a chair and placed it at the head of the table.
This detail didn't escape Shen the Second's notice, causing a complex mix of emotions in his heart.
Shen Qing, without any hesitation, sat openly at the head of the table.
Seeing him seated, the others followed suit, subtly indicating his leadership.
No one found this incongruous.
Today, they had clearly seen everything Shen Qing did.
His fierce demeanor still lingered in their minds with unease.
It was precisely this ferocity that transformed Shen Qing from a humble hunter in the village yesterday to a significant figure today, surpassing everyone else.
The wick of the oil lamp flickered with the disturbance of the breeze, casting blurry shadows.
The shadows of the people around, illuminated by the lamp, swayed gently.
Once the shadows in the room steadied, Shen the Second began, "Now that Qingzi is here, let's get straight to the point."
After sweeping his gaze across everyone, he settled it on Shen Qing and said, "The main matter today is the new leader for Hongshan Village. Everyone wants to hear your opinion, Qingzi."
"The new leader for Hongshan Village?" Shen Qing furrowed his brows.
The so-called hunting leader was the head of all hunters in the village.
This position wasn't of utmost importance, yet it was indispensable.
The mountains of this world weren't safe, and the mountain drivers faced various dangers from time to time.
Every hunting village selected a leader to guide them, increasing their survival rate.
Don't be fooled by Chen Youguang, who exploited villagers in Hongshan Village; in his youth, he was actually quite a renowned hunter.
He had discovered many safe hunting areas for the villagers and led them to avoid numerous risks.
A middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and large eyes looked at Shen Qing earnestly and said, "Chen Youguang used to be the hunting leader of Hongshan Village, and now that he's dead, this position is naturally vacant. There are many small and large conflicts in this village, so we need someone to take over to prevent major slip-ups."
Hearing this, Shen Qing looked over.
He remembered this person.
It was Zhang Baqing from the Zhang Family.
His hunting skills were excellent, often standing up for the Zhang Family, and he was a respected hunter in Hongshan Village.
The Zhang Family had largely avoided being targeted by Chen Youguang and others, thanks to his contributions.
Shen Qing pondered for a moment and then asked, "Does anyone have a suitable candidate in mind?"
In a few exchanges, from everyone's reactions, he roughly gauged their intentions.
The massacre of the Chen Family today was instigated by him.
The power he displayed during the process truly shocked them and made them wary.
Otherwise, with his experience and standing in the village, the matter of the hunting leader wouldn't even be discussed with him.
Additionally, after slaying the Chen Family, these families had gained some benefits, whether much or little.
So, they felt not only fearful but held a certain "respect" for him.
That's why everyone was sitting at the same table so harmoniously.
Zhang Baqing showed a friendly smile and said sincerely, "I believe, Qingzi, you are strong enough to take on the position of hunting leader."
"What do you all think?" Shen Qing shifted his gaze from Zhang Baqing to the others.
"Baoqing makes a good point. Qingzi, I am convinced; I support you as the hunting leader."
"I support it too."
"..."
Others, including Tian Xiaohu, also voiced their support.
Shen Qing smiled and refused, "I'm still young and don't have much reputation in the village. It might be hard for me to convince others."
Uncle Shen the Second was surprised by Shen Qing's decision and advised, "Age isn't an issue. As long as you are willing, I think everyone will surely support you."
"To be honest, while I consider myself strong and capable of killing, I lack the experience to handle village affairs. I wouldn't know how to manage as the hunting leader."
Shen Qing sat in the chair, gently shaking his head, his mind in motion.
He needed to practice archery, hunt, and learn to read. Additionally, he planned to enter the city to train in martial arts.
These endeavors were already enough to keep him occupied.
He didn't have the energy to take on the role of hunting leader.
Moreover, the position, as he saw it, wasn't worth the effort.
Apart from some gains in hunting and a bit of prestige in the village, it offered no substantial benefit.
Instead of fussing over village matters, it was better to find a way to earn money, go to the county to learn martial arts, and rise above others.
Why waste time, lingering in this mountain hollow, hindered by trivial gains?
With a smile on his face, Shen Qing observed for a moment and then said, "Does anyone else have another suitable candidate?"
As he spoke, his gaze slowly fell on Zhang Baqing.
Having lived two lifetimes, he possessed sharp instincts for interpersonal dynamics.
He faintly felt that Zhang Baqing was quite interested in the hunting leader position.
Since he didn't want it, he might as well extend a favor in exchange for something he needed at the moment.
The people at the table looked at each other, surprised.
Shen Qing's refusal disrupted their original plans, leaving them unsure of how to respond.
Seeing that none of those present spoke, Shen Qing looked at Zhang Baqing meaningfully and said, "I think Uncle Zhang is very suitable. What do you all think?"
Sure enough, upon Shen Qing's suggestion, a look of joy emerged beneath Zhang Baqing's calm facade.
Even though he believed he was hiding it well, Shen Qing caught it.
Shen Qing knew his own matter was now almost certainly settled.