Perhaps it was instinct, or maybe it was just their nature.
When a Black Bear is cornered, it doesn't matter how many dogs are nipping at its heels. If it spots a human in the distance, that person immediately becomes its primary target.
Now, as the Black Bear and Li Erchen locked eyes—one inside the tree hollow, one out—a murderous intent was already boiling up from deep within the beast.
But just as the Black Bear poked its head out, Minister Li suddenly shoved the wooden poles, jamming the Bear Head in the opening of the tree hollow.
A seasoned hunter would know that the instant the Black Bear is trapped is the best time to strike.
A Black Bear, suddenly trapped, would be dazed for a moment. That gives you time to land one axe blow, and before it can fully recover, land another.
This way, you get two chances to strike.
