Halfway, they encountered an old tiger.
Both sides watched each other across a small stream.
Both the humans and the tiger were somewhat nervous.
The tiger roared at the three of them.
Tu Jun drew his bow and shot an arrow.
It hit one of its forelegs, piercing it through.
Panicked, it ran off.
The wilderness was overwhelming.
Thorns, insects on the ground, and prowling beasts made one easily fatigued.
The beautiful scenery lifted the spirits, while the harsh environment was exhausting.
Once, the three of them were chased up a tree by a group of wild boars.
They furiously rammed the tree, forcing them to kill two boars, after which the rest ran away.
They couldn't consume so much meat, nor was it convenient to carry. So they made one boar into smoked meat and carried it separately.
Day and night, they were bothered by mosquitoes and insects.
Ma Lin kept setting fires along the way.
A fierce fire was needed to improve passage through treacherous areas.
