After the initial scare, the team progressed smoothly, without encountering any more poisonous snakes or insects.
By noon, they came across a mountain stream, and Ling Chengyan ordered the team to find an open area to rest and eat.
Cooking was still done by squad units, each gathering firewood to start a fire.
Proper cooking was impossible; the main task was to boil water and replenish hot drinks.
To Ling Chengyan's surprise, during the march, the three squads managed to dig up some bamboo shoots and pick some wild vegetables. By adding two cans of portable meat, they made a decent soup. With hot soup, the compressed biscuits and dry food tasted much better.
Ling Chengyan had the good fortune to taste three different kinds of soup, which turned out to be quite palatable.
Cooking and eating also allowed for rest, and an hour later, the team continued to advance.
