Chapter 189: Well-Behaved Chirpy
When Jian Mo and Wu Jiong needed to bathe, they typically used the river. However, with Chirpy and Ying Ao joining them, they required a larger space—preferably a lake—to comfortably accommodate the two winged beasts.
Jian Mo glanced at the hazy night and suggested, “Why don’t we head to the Snowfoot Tribe? They have plenty of lakes. We can pick one and settle there for the night.”
Having spent some time in the Snowfoot Tribe previously, they were familiar with the area and knew exactly where to find suitable lakes.
Wu Jiong agreed. “We can have Chirpy and Ying Ao fly us there. After a night’s rest by the lake, we’ll head straight to the Yu Qi Tribe in the morning.”
The idea sounded perfect to Jian Mo. “I’ll let Yi Sen know so they won’t expect us to return tonight.”
With their haul of houyan zhu complete and their supplies packed, there was no pressing need to return to the Nong Liu Tribe.
Wu Jiong added, “I’ll come with you.”
Night had fallen when they informed Yi Sen, who urged them to stay another night. “Why not leave tomorrow morning instead?”
Jian Mo reassured him, “Don’t worry, we can see well enough at night. Flying now is no trouble.”
Reluctantly, Yi Sen said, “All right, but be careful. If you change your mind, you’re welcome to come back anytime.”
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong gathered their bathing supplies and flew off into the deepening night.
They chose a shallow wild lake for today’s bath. The lakebed was strewn with smooth pebbles that glimmered under the moonlight, giving the water a pristine appearance. Even with Chirpy and Ying Ao splashing about, the water would remain clean and clear.
Upon arrival, they found a flat spot along the shore and coaxed the winged beasts into the lake to soak. The water would soften their fur, making it easier to clean them with soap.
Jian Mo rummaged through his basket for a comb, intending to take advantage of this bath to thoroughly groom the beasts. With winter approaching, both were shedding heavily, and their loose fur often stuck to Jian Mo and Wu Jiong’s clothes after rides.
Despite this minor inconvenience, they would never abandon their beloved winged beasts.
Chirpy, already excited by the sight of water, immediately began swimming laps around the lake.
Jian Mo called out twice to no avail. Giving up, he turned to Ying Ao. “Let’s start with you first.”
Ying Ao obediently settled into the lake, sitting still in the water—a sight both strange and comical.
Jian Mo soaped up Ying Ao’s fur, even piling a mound of suds on its head. The majestic winged beast remained perfectly motionless, its calm demeanor almost regal.
Jian Mo exclaimed, “Ying Ao is so well-behaved! If it were always this good, I wouldn’t mind bathing it every day.”
Wu Jiong chuckled. “That wouldn’t work. Its thick fur can’t handle daily baths.”
Jian Mo laughed. “I’m just saying—it’s so cooperative today!”
Wu Jiong nodded in agreement. “Very.”
Ying Ao’s large eyes blinked serenely at them, emitting a soft “Caw,” as if to affirm its docility.
The pair used the comb to carefully work through Ying Ao’s thick fur, removing clumps of loose hair and debris. The lakebed soon became dotted with floating fur and bits of twigs, but they were confident the natural environment would break it down.
While they groomed Ying Ao, Chirpy finished its laps and paddled over, clearly eager for attention.
Jian Mo pushed Chirpy’s beak lightly. “Wait your turn. Play for a bit longer.”
Chirpy protested, nudging Jian Mo’s hand with its head. “Caw.”
Jian Mo pushed it back. “You didn’t want to bathe earlier, and now you’re jealous, huh?”
With a playful shove, Jian Mo used the water’s buoyancy to send Chirpy drifting a little further into the lake. Chirpy flailed for a moment before swimming back, resuming its demands.
While Chirpy entertained itself, Ying Ao remained stoic, patiently enduring the full grooming session. Once finished, they led it out of the water to dry off on the shore.
Jian Mo gave Ying Ao a gentle nudge. “Stay here and rest. We’ll go handle Chirpy next. If you’re sleepy, feel free to nap.”
As if understanding, Ying Ao gave a low “Caw” and settled down, leaving Chirpy to eagerly claim its spot in the lake.
Now the center of attention, Chirpy sat obediently in the water, its bright eyes fixed on Jian Mo and Wu Jiong as if urging them to hurry up.
When Jian Mo began soaping it, Chirpy let out a loud “Caw.”
Jian Mo couldn’t help but laugh. “Good Chirpy!”
It was the first time he used this nickname, and Chirpy seemed to understand it was praise. Its eyes sparkled even more as it chirped happily, “Caw, caw!”
Jian Mo smiled. “Sit still like this, and we’ll get you nice and clean.”
As they scrubbed, the amount of twigs, leaves, and dirt coming off Chirpy was astounding. Jian Mo found himself marveling at how much debris the mischievous bird had managed to collect in its feathers.
Jian Mo couldn’t resist patting Chirpy’s round belly. “You dirty Chirpy!”
Chirpy didn’t mind at all. It opened its beak and chirped loudly, “Chirp, chirp, chirp!”
Wu Jiong also gave Chirpy a playful pat. “It’s like Chirpy’s singing a song.”
Jian Mo chuckled. “I thought its chirping sounded odd. Now that you mention it, it does sound like a melody.”
“Chirp!” Chirpy called out again as if affirming their observation.
Meanwhile, Ying Ao, resting on the shore, was so relaxed it was nearly dozing off in the breeze. Jian Mo and Wu Jiong, however, were still laboring to scrub Chirpy clean.
Even though the cool weather made staying in the lake uncomfortable after a while, Chirpy’s enormous size meant Jian Mo was soon sweating from the exertion.
Finally, the bath was complete. Jian Mo raised his sore arms and sighed, “All done. Time to get out so we can dry you off. You need your beauty sleep.”
Chirpy obediently waddled toward the shore. “Chirp.”
Jian Mo and Wu Jiong worked quickly to towel it off. Once it was mostly dry, they let Chirpy take care of the rest on its own.
With both beasts groomed, Jian Mo and Wu Jiong found a spot a little farther away to wash up.
In the moonlit lake, Jian Mo stood waist-deep in water. The silvery light outlined his lean figure, his narrow waist tapering into smooth muscle that disappeared beneath the waterline. The sight was mesmerizing, inviting curiosity about what lay below.
Wu Jiong’s warm hand settled on Jian Mo’s waist, nearly spanning it with one palm.
The water was cold, but Wu Jiong’s touch was searing, the heat radiating with an unusual intensity.
Jian Mo had his eyes closed as he washed his hair. “Quit fooling around.”
Wu Jiong responded by pressing a kiss to Jian Mo’s ear.
Jian Mo’s resolve wavered. He muttered, “Chirpy and Ying Ao are still nearby. It wouldn’t be good if they saw us.”
Wu Jiong’s voice was low and coaxing. “Let’s go further away, then.”
“Won’t it be a hassle to come back?” Jian Mo asked, hesitant.
“It won’t,” Wu Jiong reassured him. “We can let the wind dry our hair on the way back.”
The logic was convincing. With the tranquil scenery around them and the absence of others, it felt like a waste not to take advantage of the moment.
Avoiding Chirpy and Ying Ao, Wu Jiong transformed into his giant wolf form, carrying Jian Mo on his back as they moved to the far side of the lake.
Ying Ao’s ears twitched, its sharp senses tracking their departure. After noting they hadn’t gone too far, it closed its eyes and returned to rest.
Chirpy, already asleep, was oblivious to their movements. Its plump body curled into a ball, snoring lightly.
On the other side of the lake, near the snowy mountain’s base, the air was colder. Skin against skin felt both hot and electrifying, a stark contrast to the chill of their surroundings.
The experience was exhilarating, more so than any moment back at home.
The snowy peaks loomed above, silent and serene. Snow dusted the summit and crept halfway down the dark slopes, casting a bright sheen in the moonlight. At the mountain’s base, the temperature was far milder, and Wu Jiong held Jian Mo tightly in his arms, sharing warmth as their skin brushed together.
They lingered for half the night. By the time they returned to their starting point, both their hair and Wu Jiong’s fur had dried completely.
Jian Mo, unwilling to carry the lingering scent of sweat, bathed once more to refresh himself. Afterward, his body carried the faint aroma of herbal soap, warm and pleasant.
Wu Jiong, still in his giant wolf form, lay down beside Chirpy and Ying Ao. Jian Mo grabbed a blanket, climbed onto the wolf’s back, and wrapped himself up before falling asleep.
Four sets of breaths blended with the gentle lapping of the lake’s waters against the shore, a tranquil symphony that became part of the night’s essence and a cherished memory to look back on.
Because they’d stayed up late, Jian Mo didn’t wake until the sun was well up.
Wrapped in his blanket, he blinked groggily, nestled in the soft fur of Wu Jiong’s wolf form. Opening his eyes, he spotted Chirpy and Ying Ao swimming in the lake.
Ying Ao was farther out, cutting gracefully through the water, while Chirpy splashed playfully closer to shore.
Jian Mo yawned and watched Chirpy’s energetic strokes. “Such a lively little thing.”
Chirpy noticed Jian Mo sitting up and let out a loud squawk. “Caw!”
Jian Mo rubbed his eyes. “Why so excited?”
The giant wolf stirred at the noise, its furry ears swiveling toward Chirpy. Wu Jiong’s voice rumbled, laced with suspicion. “It doesn’t look like it’s excited to see us.”
Jian Mo covered his mouth as he stifled another yawn. “Then what’s got it riled up?”
Wu Jiong narrowed his eyes, focusing on Chirpy’s movements. “Looks like… there’s a fish biting its butt?”
Thanks for the chapter ??