Ji Xun and Mo Ah’s plan to move sparked a flurry of activity, and Jian Mo decided to help them as a friend.
When Qing Kuo heard about it, he offered to join as well.
“It’s better to lend a hand now while they’re settling in,” Qing Kuo said. “That way, we start off on good terms as neighbors. If we wait until they’re settled and then offer to help, it might come off as insincere.”
Ye Luo added, “Ji Xun is carrying a cub. Moving is probably not easy for them. We should definitely help.”
Ji Xun and Mo Ah were determined to move before the cub grew larger, as it would become increasingly difficult later. With autumn’s clear weather and everything prepared, now was the perfect time.
The move itself wasn’t complicated—the real challenge lay in building their house.
Even though it didn’t need to be large for just the two of them, constructing a stone house was no simple task.
When Jian Mo and his group arrived to help, they asked, “Have you prepared all the materials?”
Ji Xun replied, “We’ve got most of the stone and wood ready, but nothing beyond that.”
Qing Kuo grinned. “If you have stone and wood, you’re already in good shape. There’s not much else to prepare.”
Ji Xun agreed. “That’s what I thought too.”
Qing Kuo offered, “We’ve got some leftover lime and cement in our tribe. Would you like to trade for it?”
Ji Xun was overjoyed. “Yes! I’d been meaning to ask, but I wasn’t sure how to bring it up.”
Qing Kuo reassured him, “There’s no need to hesitate. People from other tribes sometimes come to trade for lime and cement too.”
After getting approval from the He’an Tribe, Ji Xun traded some animal hides and honey chunks for lime and cement.
In the past, houses were built using mud as an adhesive, with the weight of the stones keeping the walls stable. While this method was simple and accessible, it often led to collapses. Many had been injured this way, including Ah Hu.
With lime and cement, the new house would be much sturdier, ensuring Ji Xun and Mo Ah’s safety.
Word quickly spread throughout the He’an Tribe that Ji Xun and Mo Ah were building a house. Hearing this, beastmen used their free time to lend a hand.
Soon, members of the Bing Jiang Tribe and Yi Gu Tribe, who had heard about the move from their cubs, also pitched in.
Not wanting to be left out, other tribes followed suit, and everyone joined the effort.
Ji Xun and Mo Ah hadn’t expected such overwhelming support. Their move turned out to be far easier and faster than they anticipated.
In just a few days, their house was fully constructed, complete with a plot of cultivated land around it.
Grateful for the help, Ji Xun and Mo Ah invited everyone to a celebratory meal.
During the gathering, Mo Ah approached the He’an Tribe. “I’ve traveled to many places and learned some unique hunting techniques. If your classes need it, I can help as an instructor.”
The He’an Tribe had been looking for skilled teachers, so they eagerly agreed after hearing Mo Ah’s demonstration.
To show their appreciation, they prepared a compensation package. Unlike other teachers who taught because their own tribe’s cubs attended, Mo Ah’s unique status warranted proper payment.
To everyone’s surprise, Mo Ah declined the reward. “I don’t need compensation,” he said firmly. “I only have so much to teach. Once I’m done, there won’t be anything more, so it’s unnecessary.”
Mo Ah also shared some thoughts about the classroom structure.
“The cubs don’t really enjoy sitting still for long lessons,” he said. “They’re naturally active. Forcing them to sit makes it harder for them to learn and more uncomfortable overall.”
Wu Jiong asked, “What’s your suggestion?”
“I think we should take them outdoors. Teach while letting them engage physically. With enough adults to supervise, it won’t be dangerous,” Mo Ah proposed.
Wu Jiong pondered the idea and said they’d need to hold a meeting to discuss the feasibility.
Mo Ah agreed, and the idea gained significant support—especially from cubs eavesdropping nearby.
Even before Mo Ah officially started teaching, the cubs were already calling out, “Teacher Mo Ah!” excitedly as they followed him around.
During the meeting, Mo Ah elaborated, “We can start with low-difficulty outdoor lessons and gradually move to higher-difficulty ones. If it doesn’t work, we can stop anytime.”
Wu Jiong agreed. “Let’s give it a try.”
Mo Ah added, “If we’re holding lessons outdoors, we’ll need to adjust the schedule. Lessons should begin in the afternoon instead of late in the day to avoid potential dangers.”
Wu Jiong nodded. “Understood. I’ll notify everyone.”
The idea of outdoor lessons was well-received by the tribes.
Yun Long commented with a smile, “This method combines learning with play. The cubs will love it.”
The elder Yan Dun nodded thoughtfully. “Just talking at them doesn’t work—they won’t remember much. But with this method, it’ll stick.”
Kang Ying chimed in, “Even if they don’t learn much, as long as they have fun, it’s worth it.”
Wu Jiong concluded, “Let’s start notifying everyone to send their cubs earlier in the day for classes.”
Everyone agreed to the new schedule, and the cubs were thrilled about the change.
As long as it involved playing outside, the cubs were always excited.
Wu Jiong asked Mo Ah, “What’s the plan for the first outdoor lesson?”
Mo Ah replied, “Let’s go fishing. There’s a group of longfin eels in the marshes at the base of the mountain. This is the season when they’re the fattest. Catching fish is safe, and I can teach the cubs about the fish and some plants at the same time. It’s perfect for the first lesson.”
After evaluating the idea, Wu Jiong agreed. “Alright. Tomorrow, we’ll carry the cubs there.”
Mo Ah suggested, “Get a few extra adults to help. The beastmen who bring the cubs can stay and carry them as well.”
Wu Jiong nodded. “Good idea.”
The next day, the cubs eagerly prepared for their outing, treating it like an autumn picnic.
Each carried a small hoe, wore a hat, and had excitement written all over their faces. Even the younger cubs who hadn’t started lessons begged to join, seeing how excited the older cubs were.
Mo Ah gave his consent.
When it was time to set out, the beastmen transformed into their animal forms, becoming living buses to ferry the cubs.
Being the first outdoor lesson, Wu Jiong was extra cautious. He transformed into a giant wolf, carrying Jian Mo, and followed the group.
Jian Mo brought along a medical kit, just in case.
In addition to Jian Mo, Wu Jiong’s back carried Blotchy, Bai Lu, Zhou Dao, and a few smaller cubs.
Mo Ah took the lead in his beast form, and it was then that Jian Mo realized something incredible—Mo Ah’s beast form looked remarkably like a giant panda!
His fur was long and black-and-white, with dark patches around his eyes, making him look incredibly adorable.
Jian Mo couldn’t help but wonder if Ji Xun might give birth to a baby panda cub.
Mo Ah’s beast form was unbelievably cute!
The other beastmen, including Wu Jiong, didn’t seem fazed, likely accustomed to seeing large feline, wolf, and fox forms. To them, all beast forms were equally majestic and beautiful.
Jian Mo, however, couldn’t stop thinking of Mo Ah as a living national treasure and kept sneaking glances.
Despite his cuteness, Mo Ah’s beast form was undeniably powerful. Likely part of the bear family, he ran swiftly, with great strength, leading the group with an imposing presence.
It was clear why he had survived as a wandering beastman. Without such strength, he wouldn’t have lasted in the wilderness.
Mo Ah led the group to the marshlands at the mountain’s base.
The marshes were shallow, with mud reaching about knee-deep when stepped on.
Once there, Mo Ah asked the adults to rest nearby while he formally started the lesson with the cubs.
First, he taught the cubs about the marsh, explaining which areas were dangerous and which were safe. He also demonstrated self-rescue and how to call for help if they fell into a dangerous marsh.
Next, he introduced the unique plants and insects of the marsh, teaching the cubs how to identify them and protect themselves.
Even the adults, listening from the sidelines, were captivated.
Mo Ah’s knowledge was vast, covering topics many of the locals had never heard before.
When he introduced the concept of parasites, Jian Mo barely restrained himself from applauding.
After the marsh basics, Mo Ah moved on to teaching how to catch longfin eels.
“They need air to breathe, so look for the air holes. Then dig at an angle, not straight down, or you might break the eel in half. It won’t taste as good if that happens,” Mo Ah explained.
The cubs responded in unison, “Got it!”
Mo Ah raised his hand. “Alright, let’s see who can dig up the first eel!”
The cubs cheered and scattered across the marsh, digging enthusiastically.
It didn’t take long before Xing Yuan, a cub from the Meng Shui Tribe, called out, “Teacher Mo Ah, is this it?”
Xing Yuan held up a black-backed, yellow-bellied longfin eel that wriggled helplessly in his firm grip.
Mo Ah approached, lifting Xing Yuan’s hand for everyone to see. “That’s right! Xing Yuan caught the first eel. Now let’s see who can catch the most!”
The other cubs, inspired, dove into their task with renewed vigor.
Jian Mo whispered to Wu Jiong, “Mo Ah’s teaching method is impressive. He really gets the cubs engaged.”
Wu Jiong nodded. “His approach is clear and methodical, unlike most people who just ramble.”
Jian Mo added, “And he’s so gentle, with a steady yet approachable demeanor. Plus, he’s so knowledgeable.”
As he continued to compliment Mo Ah, Jian Mo noticed Wu Jiong looking at him. Smiling, Jian Mo redirected the praise. “He and Ji Xun are such a good match.”
Wu Jiong agreed, “They are.”
Jian Mo leaned his head against Wu Jiong’s shoulder and murmured, “Where I come from, knowledgeable people are common, but brave ones are rare. I like your type the best.”
Wu Jiong’s voice remained steady, though tinged with emotion. “I only like you.”
Meanwhile, the cubs were turning into little mud creatures, digging furiously for eels.
Blotchy resembled a mud-covered kitten.
Neither the cubs nor the adults minded the mud.
The adults chatted while keeping an eye on the cubs, all agreeing this was an excellent educational method.
Tasks like digging for longfin eels allowed every cub to succeed, boosting their confidence and ensuring everyone had fun.
After a productive afternoon, Mo Ah called for a break. He praised Xing Yuan for finding the first eel and He Feng for catching the most. He then shared tips on digging efficiently and minimizing effort.
After spending a laborious half-afternoon digging for eels, the cubs were noticeably more attentive during the follow-up lesson. Each one wore a serious expression, fully focused and without distractions.
Mo Ah finished his explanation and instructed the cubs to dig again. Renewed with boundless energy, the cubs enthusiastically swung their hoes with vigor.
Before they could tire themselves out, Mo Ah called a halt and began teaching them how to process the longfin eels. This included tips on avoiding injuries during handling, removing any unpleasant odors, and methods for preserving the eels.
The cubs were thrilled and listened intently, eager to learn.
After the eels were processed, Mo Ah taught them how to weave grass into ropes to string the eels together for easy transport. He also shared two or three simple cooking methods.
The cubs loudly declared they had remembered everything.
Satisfied, Mo Ah announced the end of the lesson and instructed the beastmen to take the cubs back to their respective tribes.
The beastmen shifted into their massive animal forms, letting the cubs climb onto their backs before heading home beneath the setting sun.
The Riverside Tribe’s beastman, Jiu Yin, transformed into his beast form to carry their cubs.
From a distance, Jian Mo watched the heartwarming scene unfold.
Even as they rode the beastmen’s backs, the cubs remained lively, chattering away excitedly.
It was clear that today’s lesson, along with the knowledge they gained, would leave a lasting impression on them for a long time.
Once the cubs had been sent off, Jian Mo and Wu Jiong approached Mo Ah.
Mo Ah asked, “Does this teaching method work?”
Wu Jiong replied, “The teachers chosen by each tribe should come to you for lessons.”
This was high praise, and Mo Ah’s warm brown eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Thank you.”
Jian Mo couldn’t help but chime in, “How did you come up with this teaching method? It’s brilliant!”
Mo Ah answered earnestly, “It’s nothing special. Just don’t hold back. Don’t treat the cubs as children—see them as adults. Stand in their shoes, teach them sincerely, admit what you know, and don’t pretend to know things you don’t.”
Jian Mo was awestruck. “That’s such a rare perspective, and you’re so patient. Most people can’t do what you’re doing.”
Mo Ah seemed slightly embarrassed. “It’s nothing. When I was wandering alone, I often felt lonely. I guess it made me more patient when interacting with others.”
Jian Mo had previously doubted whether Ji Xun and Mo Ah could make their relationship work. But now, seeing Mo Ah’s sincerity and charm, he felt reassured. Their cub would likely have a happy upbringing.
Mo Ah glanced at the sky and said, “It’s getting late. I should head back. I don’t feel comfortable leaving Ji Xun home alone. See you next time.”
As a part-time teacher, Mo Ah only needed to teach the cubs once every ten days, so it didn’t disrupt his life too much.
Jian Mo nodded repeatedly. “Alright, go ahead.”
Wu Jiong added, “Consider teaching the adults too. Show them how to educate the cubs.”
Mo Ah smiled. “I’ll think about it. Teaching adults is more challenging. I’ll let you know once I have an idea.”
Wu Jiong said, “We’ll wait for your decision.”
Mo Ah transformed into his giant panda form, his four paws hitting the ground as he sprinted toward the mountain. His fluffy figure resembled a stuffed toy as he quickly disappeared from view.
Wu Jiong turned to Jian Mo and kissed him gently on the forehead. “Let’s go home.”
Jian Mo wrapped his arms around Wu Jiong and kissed him back with a smile. “No rush. Let’s go on a date. Let’s explore the autumn grasslands together.”
It had been a while since they had enjoyed a simple moment to themselves. Hand in hand, Jian Mo led Wu Jiong deeper into the grasslands, determined to offer the sense of security his partner seemed to need.
