Chapter 182: Practical Training
It was confirmed that Qiao Zhi wasn’t sick, so Jian Mo and Wu Jiong didn’t linger at the Bai Zhi Tribe for long.
On the day they left, Qiao Zhi came to see them off, apologetically saying, “Sorry to have made you come all this way.”
Jian Mo patted his arm. “It’s no trouble. I’m just glad you’re not ill. Take care of yourself.”
Qiao Zhi also patted Jian Mo on the shoulder, a faint smile on his handsome features. “I will.”
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong left the Bai Zhi Tribe and began their journey back to the He’an Tribe.
The distance between the two tribes was significant, and even riding winged beasts, they couldn’t make it in a day.
By dusk, they decided to stop at a campsite for a proper rest before continuing the next day.
Unexpectedly, they encountered an uninvited guest at the campsite.
Jian Mo looked at Qi Ming in surprise. “Chief Qi Ming, what are you doing here?”
Qi Ming replied, “I figured you might camp here, so I came early to wait.”
Jian Mo glanced back at Wu Jiong, wondering if their movements were that predictable.
Qi Ming seemed to guess his thoughts and explained, “This area has an abundance of wild vegetables, fruits, and tasty game. You almost always camp here. I thought I’d try my luck. If you weren’t here, I’d catch up to you later.”
Jian Mo nodded. “Are you here about Chief Qiao Zhi? If it’s about him, I can’t tell you anything. It’s his private matter, and I won’t share it without his consent.”
Qi Ming smiled. “I understand. I’m here to ask how to care for a sub-beastman carrying a cub—that shouldn’t count as private, right?”
Jian Mo thought for a moment. “It doesn’t.”
Qi Ming gestured toward the campsite. “I’ve already set up everything. Let’s sit and talk.”
True to his meticulous nature, Qi Ming had tidied the campsite and prepared plenty of food, even considering the meals for Chirpy and Ying Ao.
Chirpy, seeing the pile of food, flapped its wings happily and leaned toward Qi Ming, looking like it wanted a nuzzle. “Chirp!”
Qi Ming, picking up on the gesture, reached out and patted Chirpy, earning an affectionate nudge in return.
As they sat around the campfire, Jian Mo explained in detail how to care for sub-beastmen, particularly those with weaker constitutions.
Qi Ming listened intently, and when Jian Mo finished, he stood and gave a formal bow. “Thank you.”
Caught off guard by the gesture, Jian Mo hurriedly reached out to steady him. “No need to be so formal!”
Qi Ming smiled. “It’s only proper. I’ll take my leave now.”
Jian Mo looked at the darkening sky. Autumn winds howled sharply, making it clear that traveling at night wouldn’t be comfortable.
“Are you sure? Why not rest here with us tonight and leave in the morning?”
Qi Ming shook his head. “No need. We can see well in the dark, and traveling at night is no different. I have things to attend to back home, so I won’t delay.”
After bidding farewell, Qi Ming transformed into a large Pallas cat and disappeared into the forest.
Watching his agile figure vanish into the night, Jian Mo turned to Wu Jiong. “Do you think he’s hurrying back to take care of Chief Qiao Zhi?”
Wu Jiong looked into the distance. “Most likely.”
Jian Mo sighed. “He seems like a good person.”
Wu Jiong nodded. “Someone like him wouldn’t win over Chief Qiao Zhi otherwise.”
Considering Qiao Zhi’s personality and capabilities, it was clear that any relationship between them was likely mutual.
Jian Mo stretched. “I hope they can resolve their issues soon and become true mates.”
Wu Jiong understood and agreed. “Chief Qi Ming will probably find a way.”
Jian Mo smiled, his tone light. “We’ll see. For now, let’s focus on dinner. I’m curious what Chief Qi Ming prepared for us.”
Jian Mo quickly put thoughts of Qiao Zhi and Qi Ming aside. After confirming Qiao Zhi’s health, he shifted his focus back to the upcoming hunting tournament.
Upon returning to the He’an Tribe, De Jiang immediately sought them out. “You’ve come back just in time! We’re thinking of adding a new event to the hunting tournament and want your opinion.”
Wu Jiong asked, “What kind of event?”
De Jiang explained, “A competition for the cubs.”
Jian Mo paused. “Wait, cubs are participating this year? Who proposed this?”
Hunting tournaments weren’t gentle affairs—bloodshed was practically guaranteed in every match.
De Jiang replied, “The Ice River Tribe suggested it, and we agree. Getting the cubs involved earlier will help them develop real combat skills. It’ll make training them in hunting and survival techniques more effective later.”
Jian Mo, unsure about the local customs, hesitated. “If you think it’s a good idea, go ahead and decide.”
Wu Jiong reassured him, “We’ll keep an eye on them. They won’t get seriously hurt.”
Jian Mo nodded. “Alright, then. You all decide.”
After discussions with the other tribes, the decision was made to let the cubs compete in the arena as a trial. If it didn’t work out, the event would be dropped next year.
The news was well-received in the He’an Tribe.
Ban Ming playfully grabbed his younger brother by the scruff of his neck. “Hey, Spotty, want me to give you some special training?”
The big cat Spotty batted at his brother with a paw, eventually landing a playful punch. “No! The teacher will teach me! Let me go!”
Ban Ming leaned back to dodge. “The teacher teaches everyone the same stuff. I’ll teach you some secret moves.”
Spotty glared suspiciously at his brother. “I think you’re just looking for an excuse to beat me up.”
Ban Ming cupped Spotty’s face in his large hands, squishing it into funny shapes. “Why would I need an excuse to hit you? I can do it anytime I want.”
Spotty, enraged, retaliated with a flurry of feline punches, nearly scratching his brother’s face into a mess.
Ban Ming laughed heartily, releasing Spotty and running off.
Similar exchanges were happening all over the He’an Tribe as the older youths found excuses to tease the younger cubs. Unfortunately for them, their efforts often backfired, as the cubs had grown feisty and resilient.
With the cubs participating in the tournament this year, their teachers collaborated to add combat training to the curriculum.
Every beastman and sub-beastman in the tribe had their own unique combat insights, more than sufficient to teach the cubs.
On this particular day, it was Mo Ah’s turn to descend the mountain for lessons.
Jian Mo, concerned about Ji Xun’s condition, took the opportunity to ask Mo Ah how Ji Xun was doing.
After confirming Ji Xun was fine, Jian Mo found himself idle and decided to watch Mo Ah’s combat training session from the stands.
Mo Ah began by transforming into his giant panda form, using his beast shape to demonstrate fighting techniques.
As a former wandering beastman, Mo Ah’s combat skills were exceptional.
From the stands, Jian Mo couldn’t help but extend his claws, mimicking Mo Ah’s moves with a few swipes. If even he was so intrigued, it was no wonder the cubs were utterly captivated and eager to try the techniques themselves.
Once Mo Ah had thoroughly piqued the cubs’ interest, he split them into pairs for sparring—or, for those without a partner, free-for-all battles were allowed.
Jian Mo watched as the cubs erupted into chaos, with human and beast forms tumbling into one another in a flurry of fur and fists.
Particularly eye-catching were the twin troublemakers, the little bear Ri Can and the small red Zhen Beast Xing Yan, who immediately locked horns. The two fluffy creatures rolled around on the ground, their squishy bodies resembling a white and red pair of mochi wrestling across the arena.
From the stands, Jian Mo watched the scene with an amused smile, finding it thoroughly entertaining.
Though the cubs fought with fervor, they didn’t strike too harshly or viciously. Injuries were minor, limited to small scratches.
Mo Ah patrolled the arena, monitoring their skirmishes but otherwise letting them be.
After some time, he called for a break.
The exhausted cubs flopped onto the ground, panting heavily, their breaths puffing out in sync. Some, in their beast forms, lay with their furry bellies heaving adorably as they caught their breath.
Jian Mo, who initially planned to watch only briefly, ended up staying for the entire afternoon. By the end, he felt like he’d just witnessed an exhilarating circus performance.
The spectacle drew other tribe members, who gathered to watch and cheer, though their shouted advice to the cubs often amounted to nothing but bad ideas.
While Jian Mo enjoyed the show, Wu Jiong joined him, sitting down beside him to watch the lesson.
Wu Jiong remarked, “Mo Ah is really good at teaching the cubs.”
Jian Mo agreed. “He is. The cubs are always so enthusiastic during his lessons. It’s interesting, though—I’ve noticed that cubs from different tribes seem to be evenly matched in combat skills. No group really stands out.”
Wu Jiong nodded. “At this age, physical development matters more than skill. The older ones tend to have the upper hand regardless of technique.”
Jian Mo tilted his head. “So, who do you think will win in the Cubs’ tournament?”
Wu Jiong shrugged. “Hard to say. It depends on their condition during the event.”
Jian Mo grinned. “That just makes it more exciting!”
To boost the cubs’ morale, Jian Mo prepared a pot of sweet bean soup. He stewed beans and tubers until soft, added milk from the Tou Tou Beasts, and sweetened it with sugar.
The cubs slurped down the soup, leaving their faces smeared with sticky sweetness. They beamed at Jian Mo and eagerly pledged, “Brother Jian Mo, with this soup, we’ll knock out all the cubs from the other tribes!”
Jian Mo’s eyes curved in delight. “I’m counting on you!”
The cubs puffed up their chests. “Don’t worry! We’ll do it for sure!”
Jian Mo ladled out second helpings for the cubs, saving the rest for Chirpy and Ying Ao.
Chirpy happily downed its share and, mimicking the cubs, puffed out its chest and chirped loudly, “Chirp!”
Though Jian Mo couldn’t understand what Chirpy was saying, he couldn’t help but laugh as he patted its fluffy head.
Fueled by Jian Mo’s encouragement, the cubs gave it their all in their next combat lesson.
Unfortunately, the other tribes’ cubs weren’t pushovers either. The resulting skirmishes left everyone battered and bruised, with noses swollen and faces bruised.
After observing for several days, Jian Mo turned to Wu Jiong. “Our cubs are pretty good, but I think the strongest one right now is Jiang Xing. That kid’s a natural.”
As the de facto leader of the He’an Tribe’s cubs, Jiang Xing often fought—and won—against older cubs. Even when sparring with other tribes, his success rate was impressively high.
Wu Jiong agreed. “He has great instincts for combat. His intelligence sets him apart.”
Jian Mo glanced at the arena.
Jiang Xing was in the thick of the chaos, his serious face giving away nothing as he swiftly dispatched his opponents. His hands had shifted into feline claws, and he was a blur of motion, taking down challengers one after another with precision and technique.
Jian Mo smiled. “Give him some time to grow, and he’ll definitely become one of the tribe’s leaders.”
Wu Jiong added, “Maybe our tribe’s next chief will be a sub-beastman.”
Thanks for the chapter!