Chapter 121: Toad Hunt Plan |
Wang Jun observed carefully for a while before raising a question. "This location is decent, the depth is about six or seven meters, but for something of that size, it's not too deep. If it jumps into the pit bottom, jumping back out shouldn't be too difficult."
"There probably aren't any deeper gullies or ravines along this route." Qin Ziwen recalled, thinking back from the mountain foot all the way to the vicinity of the cave. He indeed hadn't seen any pit that deep.
"However, there are two other places with similar terrain."
The group then went up the mountain. After inspecting the other two locations and discussing among themselves, they ultimately rejected both.
One was relatively gentle. Calling it a pit was a stretch; it was more like a gentle slope.
The area around the other was too open, lacking cover, making an ambush very difficult to execute.
Qin Ziwen pointed towards the deepest part. "Lastly, there's inside the cave. Its dwelling is at the very back. There's water there, though not deep, but I'm concerned it might still have some impact on the Molotov cocktail tactic."
The others arrived at the cave entrance, first casting a wary glance at the bat colony overhead.
Then, following the flashlight beam, they proceeded deep inside.
The journey up hadn't seemed to take much time, but that was only because they had a guide and didn't take any detours.
Otherwise, on this pathless mountain, they might have wandered for half a month and still not necessarily found this cave located on the mountainside. This was because a flat area and a patch of woods in front of the cave blocked the surrounding view.
A gray card floated above the altar.
[Building Card] Level 1 Field.
Wang Jun exclaimed in surprise, "It's actually this card? Can anyone even use it?"
Seeing the others look over, he explained, "Our altar back at our place also refreshed a Level 1 Field card before. This card requires a land area of four hundred square meters. That requirement is simply outrageous."
Deng Guang chimed in, "There's a type of card called an Expansion Card. It can expand the Home's area."
Wang Jun nodded. "I know. It's the Blank Expansion Card, right? But one Blank Expansion Card only expands by 100 square meters. You'd need four."
Qin Ziwen cleared his throat lightly and added, "You're probably referring to the Micro Blank Expansion Card. A Small Blank Expansion Card can expand by four hundred square meters in one go."
Deng Guang, standing to the side, understood in his heart. Brother Qin must have already opened up a field within his Home.
The ditch at his place had special effects, so this field definitely did too—either boosting yield or shortening the growth cycle.
Looking at it this way, the value of those seeds and seedlings in the residential complex might not be lower in the future.
Their value wasn't high before because there was nowhere to plant them. Once everyone could plant them in the future, the value of these seeds would have already been driven up.
Wang Jun murmured, "So that's how it is." He looked at Qin Ziwen. "Captain, how do you upgrade Building Cards?"
Qin Ziwen explained, "Two Building Cards of the same level, used together, can be upgraded to a higher-level building."
Deng Guang raised a question. "Does it have to be cards? What if they've already been used and turned into completed buildings?"
Qin Wen clarified, "Using them directly on the completed building works too. It's the same."
Wang Jun said, "Oh, okay. Captain, you take this card then. Even if we got it, we couldn't use it. Who knows when we'll be able to upgrade our buildings."
The other members had no objections either.
Qin Ziwen didn't decline. "Alright."
Wang Jun moved closer, lowering his voice. "Captain Qin, I have an extra Level 1 Field card at my place. Do you want it?"
"I do, but I don't have a suitable card to trade with you right now."
Wang Jun gave a carefree smile. "No rush. You can give it to me later when you have something suitable. It's just sitting idle at my place anyway."
Qin Ziwen's heart stirred. If he added Wang Jun's Level 1 Field card to his own, the field in his Home could be upgraded to Level 3!
The field would become the first building to possess Level 3 characteristics.
He wondered to what extent the growth cycle of crops would be shortened when planted in a Level 3 Field.
Even with the current Level 2 Field, he already felt the crops grew incredibly fast, especially the vegetables planted in it.
Vegetables already had short growth cycles. Under the combined effects of the Level 2 Growth Acceleration and Level 2 Fertility boosts, their leaves seemed to grow almost visibly before his eyes.
"There's another cave inside here?" Wang Jun noticed another cave opening about twenty-some meters past the altar.
Qin Ziwen said, "Yes. That's probably where the Giant Toad hibernates."
Wang Jun had a sudden realization. "No wonder..."
He nodded, some of his previous confusion clearing up.
"I was wondering before. With a body that large, if it hibernated out in the open, it would easily be gnawed on by insects, small animals, or have parasites burrow into it."
"If it buried itself underground, its body is too big. Digging a pit large enough to accommodate it would be very difficult."
"This kind of cave makes more sense. The temperature inside is low, with basically no insect or animal activity. Plus, the location is hidden, easy to conceal."
Yang Cunshen approached the cave entrance, observing the environment inside and looking at the rock wall near the opening, which was scratched and worn from friction. "I think this place is also suitable for an ambush."
Li Yue pointed to the adjacent pool. "Here? But there's water right next to it."
Wang Jun examined it, confirming the deepest part of the nearby water was only a bit over a meter, with shallower parts less than a meter. He pondered, "As long as it's not a large expanse of water like a river surface, it shouldn't be a big problem. Gasoline is lighter than water; it can burn on the water's surface. Adding some thickening agents, it can completely float and burn continuously on the water."
"The main thing is the space is narrow. Place plenty of flammable materials. Once thick smoke billows and the fire ignites, the inside becomes a furnace. I think there's potential. Also, the cave is narrow. Once its eyes are smoked, the Giant Toad, in a panic, might not necessarily find the exit."
Qin Ziwu stroked his chin. "I think both sides have a point. Big brother, what do you think?"
"I want both. Set up ambushes at both places. The first is Plan A, the second is Plan B." Qin Ziwen felt both locations were good.
Wang Jun looked somewhat troubled. "That's possible, but I don't have enough gasoline prepared."
Qin Ziwen said, "If there's not enough gasoline, we go back and gather it now. There are so many cars in the residential complex; we won't lack gasoline. Let's go back and prepare, then come directly tomorrow morning to set things up."
Returning to the residential complex, everyone began gathering various materials according to the plan discussed on the way back.
Some went to trade for gasoline, others prepared glass bottles.
Everyone took on their respective tasks and got busy.
Wang Jun also gave Qin Ziwen the Level 1 Field card he had previously obtained and kept stored away. At the same time, he consulted Qian Muzhen. "Doctor Qian, my wife's coughing and phlegm production today are much less than yesterday. She's just more drowsy. Is this normal?"
Qin Ziwen took some of the lean meat portions from the previously hunted black deer and gave them to Wang Jun. "Take this back for Sister-in-law to eat first. Deer meat is considered more 'yang' or warming. Once Sister-in-law's health improves, you can work with more peace of mind."
Qian Muzhen added from the side, "Deer meat falls under 'warm tonification'. Her constitution leans cold, so eating this is fine. But remember, it should be stewed plainly, without heavy seasoning."
Wang Jun gratefully accepted the deer meat. "Alright, I'll head back first then."
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