Wu Jiong, towering like a giant over the small children, made an imposing figure. The kids didn’t dare look directly at him, but they also knew they couldn’t ignore his question.
Before long, Jiang Xing and the others confessed how they had used spicy strips to coax children from other tribes into carrying them around.
Jiang Xing, still defiant, argued, “We told them beforehand, and they agreed to it. We didn’t bully anyone.”
Wu Jiong asked, “If the roles were reversed and they offered you something in exchange for carrying them, would you agree?”
Jiang Xing puffed out his chest. “Of course!”
The other children quickly echoed, “We would!”
Jiang Xing added, “It’s not even tiring to carry someone around. We do it all the time.”
The others murmured in agreement, “Yeah, it’s no big deal.”
Wu Jiong gave them a long look. “Alright then. Jiang Xing, carry Dan Shan. He Feng, you carry He Ming. Zhou Dao, you carry Bei Xia. All of you, in human form. And you’re not allowed to put them down for the rest of the day.”
Jiang Xing opened his mouth to protest but shut it upon seeing Wu Jiong’s expression. Reluctantly, they paired up and began carrying each other.
Jian Mo and Ye Luo stood aside, letting Wu Jiong handle the situation without interference.
When the children’s parents returned and saw what was happening, they asked for the details. Upon hearing the explanation, they chose not to intervene, instead encouraging their kids to follow through.
At first, the children shrugged it off, acting as though it was nothing. But as time passed and the weight on their backs grew heavier, their resolve started to waver. By dinnertime, Zhou Dao was the first to burst into tears, followed quickly by the others.
They sat sniffling on the open ground, not daring to put anyone down until Wu Jiong said otherwise.
Wu Jiong approached them. “Is carrying someone tiring?”
Tears streaming down his face, Jiang Xing wailed, “But they agreed to it! We’re being punished—it’s not the same!”
Wu Jiong asked calmly, “Did they carry you because they thought it was fun, or because they wanted spicy strips and felt they had no choice?”
Jiang Xing’s lips quivered, but he said nothing.
He Feng, still defiant, argued, “Even if they wanted spicy strips, they agreed! It was their choice.”
Wu Jiong countered, “And was carrying someone your choice?”
He Feng shot back, “Of course not! You’re punishing us!”
Wu Jiong leaned in slightly. “If I punish you and you comply, isn’t that your choice too?”
He Feng shouted at the top of his lungs, “That’s because we can’t beat you! Wahhh!”
Wu Jiong responded, “So, you’re saying you agreed because you couldn’t resist?”
He Feng sniffled, “You’re twisting things!”
Wu Jiong nodded. “Alright, let’s be clear. Not only can you not beat me, but your parents also told you to listen to me. That’s why you’re doing this, but in your hearts, you don’t agree with it.”
The children fell silent.
Wu Jiong continued, “There are many ways to make someone look like they’re agreeing. Your friends from the other tribes didn’t truly enjoy carrying you until they were drenched in sweat. They did it because they wanted spicy strips and felt they had no choice. In other words, you were bullying them.”
Jiang Xing raised his head and asked hesitantly, “Then, Chief, are you bullying us right now?”
Wu Jiong didn’t shy away. “Strictly speaking, yes. I’m teaching you a lesson.”
The children pouted, looking even more aggrieved.
Wu Jiong pressed on. “Because you’re too weak, you can’t fight back. If you were strong enough, you wouldn’t have to listen to me.”
The children clenched their fists at his words.
Wu Jiong added, “If you were strong enough, and I still wanted to teach you a lesson, we’d probably end up fighting. That’s why I wouldn’t pick a fight lightly.”
The children nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly!”
Wu Jiong continued, “If one side refuses to give in, it’s easy for fights to break out. If your friends from the other tribes felt the same way about you forcing them to carry you, it could have led to fights too. People could get hurt, or even killed.”
He Feng, always quick to respond, retorted, “Chief, that’s exaggerated. Even if we fought, no one would get seriously hurt, let alone die.”
Wu Jiong didn’t miss a beat. “For now, maybe. But what about when you’re older and stronger?”
…
Jian Mo, listening in from the side, found Wu Jiong’s teaching both practical and tailored to beastmen and sub-beastmen culture. His reasoning was clear and compelling.
Jian Mo had considered implementing moral education in the tribe, but seeing Wu Jiong’s approach, he realized this pragmatic, interest-based method suited their community far better.
Instead of teaching the children about morality in abstract terms, Wu Jiong’s approach emphasized the consequences of actions, explaining why certain behaviors shouldn’t be repeated. The children might be young, but they weren’t foolish—they could understand when reasoned with properly.
That night, Jian Mo wrapped his arms around Wu Jiong’s, speaking face-to-face. “I’ve noticed that while you don’t talk much normally, when you do, you’re surprisingly eloquent.”
Wu Jiong replied, “Talking is troublesome. If Qing Kuo were here, I’d have let him handle it.”
Jian Mo teased, “Why not let De Jiang do it?”
Wu Jiong frowned slightly. “De Jiang’s less talkative than I am. He’d probably just scold them and punish them so harshly they wouldn’t dare misbehave again.”
Jian Mo couldn’t help but laugh. “That does sound like him. And Qing Kuo?”
Wu Jiong nodded. “Qing Kuo would reason with them and explain everything properly.”
After a brief pause, he added, “Qing Kuo’s better at explaining things than I am. Honestly, so are you. I thought you’d speak up today.”
Jian Mo’s eyes sparkled as he smiled. “I was planning to, but then I realized you were doing such a great job that I didn’t want to interrupt.”
He leaned closer. “You explained things clearly enough for the kids to understand and accept. I think you did better than I could have.”
Wu Jiong seemed a little embarrassed but leaned in to kiss Jian Mo. “You would’ve done just as well.”
The He’an Tribe’s children, after bullying those from other tribes, were made to apologize. The incident also inspired the introduction of related topics in their lessons.
Lacking formal educational theories, the tribe relied on innate empathy and collective discussions to navigate ethical dilemmas. These classroom discussions often touched on deeper philosophical topics.
Jian Mo couldn’t help but document these conversations, finding their raw wisdom to be a testament to the tribe’s emerging culture. One day, he thought, these records might become an invaluable part of history.
As the children’s lessons grew richer, Jian Mo noticed visible progress—not just among the children but also among the adults. The classroom’s influence was greater than he had anticipated. Encouraged, Jian Mo began drafting a proper textbook at home. Though he wasn’t particularly skilled in writing such materials, he figured it was worth a try.
While Jian Mo was busy with this, Ji Xun arrived at the He’an Tribe, accompanied by a tall, unfamiliar beastman.
When Jian Mo saw Ji Xun, he sighed in relief. “If you hadn’t come soon, I was about to visit you myself.”
Ji Xun replied calmly, “I planned to come. If I couldn’t, I’d have sent word.”
Jian Mo glanced at the beastman beside Ji Xun, then turned back to him with concern. “How have you been? Is it convenient for a private check-up?”
Ji Xun smiled faintly. “Sorry to trouble you.”
Jian Mo shook his head. “Not at all. Let’s head to the clinic.”
As Jian Mo began examining Ji Xun, he asked casually about the beastman. “Who’s that?”
Ji Xun replied with composure, “The father of the cub I’m carrying.”
Jian Mo raised an eyebrow. “Which tribe is he from? I don’t recall seeing him before.”
Ji Xun explained, “He’s a wandering beastman, from outside.”
Jian Mo nodded in understanding. “That makes sense. Lie down; I’ll check on the cub.”
During the examination, Jian Mo could hear the distinct second heartbeat of the cub. “The cub’s heart sounds strong, and it seems to be developing well.”
A hint of a smile appeared on Ji Xun’s face.
Jian Mo asked gently, “Have you decided? Will you keep the cub?”
Ji Xun nodded firmly. “I’ve decided to keep it.”
Jian Mo inquired further, “What’s your plan? Will you continue living in the mountains, or will you move closer to the tribe? Will he stay with you?”
Ji Xun answered, “He’s agreed to stay with me. We’re not used to tribal life, so we’d prefer to remain in the mountains.”
Jian Mo hesitated. “That might not be ideal for the cub’s development.”
Social interaction with a community was crucial for a cub’s mental and emotional growth. Living in isolation, even with two caring parents, could still hinder the cub’s overall development.
Ji Xun gently touched his belly. “I know. I’ve been thinking about moving closer, somewhere near other people.”
Jian Mo nodded. “Where are you planning to move?”
Ji Xun replied, “To the northern edge of Lin Yan Tribe territory. Mo Ah has already spoken to their tribe, and they’re fine with it. They said we’re welcome to settle there.”
Looking at Jian Mo, Ji Xun continued, “You’ve started letting cubs from other places attend your classes. If we move near Lin Yan Tribe, closer to you, would it be possible for our cub to join your lessons when it’s old enough?”
Jian Mo hadn’t expected this solution. “That sounds reasonable. What about your current home?”
Ji Xun said, “We’ll leave it as it is for now. We might move back in the future. If you’re okay with it, we’ll bring the honey sparrows with us, build a new home in the mountains, and start fresh—farming and raising the sparrows.”
Jian Mo thought for a moment. “Letting your cub attend our classes is no problem; I can approve that myself. As for moving near the He’an Tribe’s borders, it’s technically not under our jurisdiction. Still, I’d recommend asking Wu Jiong for his approval. I’m sure he’ll agree.”
Ji Xun’s smile widened slightly. “Thank you. We’ll ask him later.”
Jian Mo softened his tone. “Congratulations. You’re about to start a new chapter in your life.”
Ji Xun chuckled lightly. “Thank you. I struggled for a long time, debating whether to accept Mo Ah and whether to keep this cub. But life’s long, and staying the same forever can get dull. Trying something new might not be so bad. Cubs grow up quickly—just a few decades. Once they’re grown, we can go back to living alone.”
Jian Mo could tell Ji Xun was still convincing himself, but his reasoning was sound. “You’re right. If it doesn’t work out, you can always change course. Life isn’t as rigid as we sometimes imagine.”
Ji Xun’s smile grew warmer. “I knew you’d understand.”
Jian Mo returned the smile. “I’ve seen so many different paths people take. Yours makes perfect sense.”
Ji Xun remarked, “Your side seems really free. When I decided to move out of my tribe, it took a lot of effort.”
Jian Mo nodded. “It is quite free here. Back where I come from, things are more developed.”
Ji Xun commented, “Sounds like a good place.”
Jian Mo replied earnestly, “Every place has its drawbacks. This place has its own charm, and I genuinely like it here.”
Ji Xun murmured softly, “That’s lucky, then.”
As Jian Mo looked at Ji Xun, he couldn’t help reflecting inwardly.
If Ji Xun and the beastman named Mo Ah truly became a pair and moved to the remote mountains to live together, it would mark the emergence of a fully independent, privately governed household—a family unit completely detached from any tribe.
It felt like the beginning of a new era.
