"Joke! I've killed people now too. You two boasting in front of me? That's asking for death!" With this outburst, the brazen couple immediately ceased their mockery. I could hear the sound of their hurried footsteps trampling over dried leaves.

"Thinking of running? No way!" I had been holding back a surge of anger and now sprinted after them.

Though the duo was fast, it was clear I had a slight advantage. Growing up as a wild kid in the mountains gave me better stamina than these city-dwellers. Their unfamiliarity with the forest terrain also worked to my advantage.

In no time, I closed in on them. I raised my hand and fired a shot. I had aimed for the man's thigh, but my marksmanship was off. The bullet veered, hitting him in the waist. He let out a painful scream, blood splattering, and collapsed onto the ground.

Upon seeing this, I was momentarily stunned. I had intended only to injure his leg, but with this shot, it seemed like I'd shattered his kidney. This injury might not be lethal in normal circumstances, but on this desolate island with virtually no medical resources, it was deadly. However, my momentary hesitation passed quickly; these people had stolen our food, leaving us to starve. Their intent was clear, and now one of them paid the price for it.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Soon, I reached the fallen man. He was writhing in pain, unconscious. As I flipped him over to inspect the damage, I was taken aback. I recognized this guy—it was Li Xulong, the lackey who used to accompany Hu Yijian. After Hu Yijian and Qianyi got together, he had warned me on Hu Yijian's behalf, threatening me to stay away from Qianyi. Now everything made sense.

After catching up to him and checking his pulse during this inspection, I realized he was still alive. However, the gunshot wound was severe, and without treatment, he'd likely succumb. Momentarily conflicted, I decided against extracting the bullet or attempting any makeshift medical care. These people had stolen from us, and this was the consequence.

I swiftly caught up to Li Xulong, turning him over for examination. The woman, terrified, didn't look back and fled like a mad dog. I refrained from pursuing her; the dense jungle terrain made it unlikely, and I had my military coat, the freshly hunted foolish bird, and other belongings in Li Xulong's possession. There was no urgent need to chase the woman.

Feeling his neck for a pulse, I found Li Xulong was still alive. The gunshot wound, however, bled profusely. Without immediate attention, he'd remain unconscious and eventually die. I hesitated for a moment but decided not to extract the bullet or provide any first aid. The reality was, I couldn't save him even if I wanted to. Besides, with so much blood spilled, the nearby wolf pack, rulers of these woods, might have detected the scent. It wouldn't be long before they arrived.

Instead, I poured a canteen of water over him to rouse him. The effect was immediate, and Li Xulong regained consciousness.