Chapter 133

Early the next morning, Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er got up early and had breakfast. After Ba Ke Er helped Zhang Fan hang the cured meat back on the tree‑branch shed, he was just about to head out hunting when a sudden emergency assembly called him to a stop.

At first, Ba Ke Er thought the tribe had suffered an enemy raid or a beast attack; before he could even greet Zhang Fan, he instantly shifted into beast form and rushed nonstop toward the source of the sound.

Upon hearing the emergency assembly, Zhang Fan also vaguely guessed it might be related to coal. So he didn't think much of it and calmly continued smoking the cured meat at home.

Meanwhile, Ba Ke Er, before even reaching the source of the sound, had already encountered many male beastmen of the tribe.

Of course, only those responsible for hunting were among them; the tribe's defenders remained at their posts, guarding the tribe's property as well as its females and young.

Along the way, as they met more people, the rumors they heard were all over the map—every sort of speculation—but everyone knew they were just guesses. Still, everyone also noticed that their destination was those few black hills with sparse vegetation.

Now everyone's hearts began to pound! After all, everyone knows a mountain without vegetation means no beasts at all—so why would hunters be ordered to gather there if there's nothing to hunt?

Could it be that some danger unnoticed by everyone has occurred? Or is the leader of this year's Beast Tide Month the Exquisite Dragon Beast?

As soon as that question was raised, the whole crowd was shocked! Hearts felt like they might leap out; tension, fear, delight—all kinds of emotions surged, leaving everyone somewhat flustered.

However, when Mo De caught up and heard everyone's speculation, he couldn't help but puff a laugh; that laugh instantly shattered all their baseless guesses, and everyone secretly wondered what Mo De meant.

Seeing everyone, especially Ba Ke Er's puzzled face, Mo De laughed even more brightly!

He flew up, whispered a few words into Ba Ke Er's ear, and Ba Ke Er sheepishly chuckled. This only deepened everyone's confusion, though no one dared to ask.

By then, everyone had already flown to the top of the Little Black Mountain; after landing, they all unconsciously gathered toward where the chieftain stood.

Chieftain Fei Ji, seeing that not everyone had arrived yet, didn't rush to speak; instead he turned his back to the crowd, stood on the summit with eyes closed, meditating. Seeing this, the people couldn't guess his intent and began whispering among themselves.

Once everyone had assembled, Chieftain Fei Ji turned around, spoke to them about how Fei Er and Mo De had discovered the coal mine, and of course mentioned that it was Zhang Fan who recognized it as coal, which led him to lead everyone here.

At that moment, everyone finally understood: this wasn't an enemy attack after all—what a relief! Upon learning the truth, the crowd couldn't help patting their startled hearts and giving a big eye‑roll to those who had made wild guesses.

However, some people did ask the chieftain questions, for example:

Tribesman A said: "Chieftain! What is coal?"

Tribesman B said: "Chieftain! What is coal used for?"

Tribesman C said: "Chieftain, is coal edible? …Is it tasty?"

……

All kinds of questions—so many and varied! At this moment, Chieftain Fei Ji felt like he was collapsing! He couldn't stop thinking: Why did I court death? Why did I court death? Why did I court death! Important things must be said three times!

Why didn't I let Ba Ke Er bring Zhang Fan over? That would have spared me from explaining! If there's a problem, just toss it to the Divine Envoy! Why am I courting death?!

Yet the facts prove: no courting death, no death!

Afterward, Chieftain Fei Ji began answering everyone's coal‑related questions one by one. The only thing that comforted him was that, thank goodness, he was smart!

Earlier, when Zhang Fan told him about coal, he had asked many questions and even had the Elders take notes! Now he could refer to those notes to answer everyone. Although his answers were a bit halting, they used simple, easy‑to‑understand words that the crowd could barely follow.

After explaining for most of the day, which took up half the hunting time, Chieftain Fei Ji finally made everyone understand what a coal mine is, what coal is, its uses, whether it can be eaten, and so on.

After that, the chieftain glanced at the sky, said no more, and told everyone to go hunt first, while also remembering to encourage them.

Upon receiving the chieftain Fei Ji's encouragement, the crowd, heads high and spirits soaring, shifted into beast form and flew off in all directions toward the game‑rich areas.

Having said that, Zhang Fan on the other side was not idle either.

After Ba Ke Er left, Zhang Fan stayed home busy smoking the cured meat. Not long after, Fei Er came with Di Er and Wei Er to knock on Zhang Fan's courtyard gate. Hearing the chaotic knocking, Zhang Fan knew it was Fei Er, put down the branch in his hand, and ran to open the door.

Upon opening the door, he saw Fei Er with one hand holding Wei Er and the other holding Di Er, and a large sack of snacks slung across his chest. Seeing Fei Er in this get‑up, Zhang Fan really had no energy to complain.

Although he was surprised that the busy Di Er and Wei Er would come over, Zhang Fan didn't show his surprise; instead he calmly opened the gate wide and invited them in.

As Zhang Fan was about to lead them inside to rest, Di Er smiled and stopped him.

"Fan Fan, do we still need to be polite with you? Just go about your own business. Actually, we came today mainly to learn from you. Fei Er and Ba Ke Er said you've been smoking cured meat lately—such a fun thing, why didn't you invite us?"

Saying this, Di Er even imitated Fei Er by puffing out his lips!

Zhang Fan was left speechless and embarrassed—he never expected Di Er to come "question the teacher" so quickly, and even to act cute!

Heavens! Is this still his gentle, handsome mother‑in‑law? It's practically a different person! And handsome father‑in‑law, are you sure the person lying beside you each night is still your beloved partner?

At this moment, Zhang Fan's inner self was in turmoil, yet his expression remained calm. One must admit, Zhang Fan is growing more impressed with himself—being able to keep such complex emotions so composed is something only he could do!

But since the lovely mother‑in‑law said she came to learn, Zhang Fan felt he needn't be so courteous; he simply led the three to the tree‑branch shed and let them look around freely.

Of course, thanks to Fei Er the chatterbox, Zhang Fan saved a lot of speaking time—most of the talking was done by Fei Er as the spokesperson, while Zhang Fan only said what was necessary.

The rest didn't need much attention; with Fei Er around, nobody felt bored.

After Zhang Fan finished adding the branches and was about to leave, he belatedly realized that Fei Er, Di Er, and Wei Er were all standing behind him, while he himself had been sitting in front of the shed all along—he felt a bit embarrassed.

He hurried to the main room, brought out a few small stools for them to sit on, then went inside to pour everyone some flower tea.

Once everything was settled, Zhang Fan let out a breath, then quietly observed the three, especially Di Er's and Wei Er's complexions. Seeing no dissatisfaction, he relaxed, walked over, sat down, and joined the conversation.

Even though Zhang Fan wasn't particularly interested in their talk, he still gave them some responses. Although he thought he was being attentive, Wei Er and Di Er noticed that his mind was wandering.

At first, the two thought he might be unwell, extremely nervous, and immediately reached out to feel his pulse for a diagnosis. After learning that his body was very healthy, they stopped.

They asked Zhang Fan if anything was uncomfortable or if he had anything on his mind.

At that moment, Zhang Fan felt guilty in his heart for his suspicions: why had he guessed about Am and his uncle like that? They had long treated him as family, yet he kept overthinking.

Thinking of that, Zhang Fan couldn't help but recall the dean‑mother who raised him—a woman not beautiful, but gentle, kind, and strong.

At this time, Zhang Fan didn't speak; he simply lunged into Di Er's arms, hoarsely calling "Am," while Di Er said nothing, just gently stroking Zhang Fan's hair and back, silently comforting him.

After Zhang Fan's emotions calmed, he sat up straight, eyes red, apologized for the fight, and then began to recount that past he never wanted to forget……

At noon, Ba Ke Er returned with the game and Mo De, while Zhang Fan's group was still busy smoking meat and chatting at the tree‑branch shed. Only Zhang Fan's reddened eye sockets still lingered on his face.

Seeing this, Ba Ke Er's heart ached uncontrollably. He set down the game, greeted everyone, then scooped Zhang Fan up in a horizontal hold, ignoring Zhang Fan's protests, and carried him to the room.

Only a bewildered crowd remained.

When Ba Ke Er suddenly lifted him, Zhang Fan was a bit dazed; after he reacted, he kept struggling, but Ba Ke Er wouldn't put him down. No matter what Zhang Fan asked, Ba Ke Er said nothing, just kept a sullen face.

Seeing Ba Ke Er like that, Zhang Fan also grew anxious; when they finally reached the room, Zhang Fan exploded.

Summoning all his strength, Zhang Fan finally wrenched himself free from Ba Ke Er's embrace, then began pointing at Ba Ke Er's nose, repeating his earlier question.

However, as soon as Zhang Fan uttered his first word, Ba Ke Er enfolded him in a full embrace; at that moment, Zhang Fan's angry expression instantly melted.

At that moment, Ba Ke Er was like a sensitive little beast; Zhang Fan had never seen him like this before—such a contrast was quite large, and Zhang Fan almost didn't react at all.

Afterwards, how this matter developed and how it ended, we also do not know.

Only know that at lunchtime, Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er's intimate behavior simply blinded the eyes of Fei Er and his wife! Simply eye‑hurting!

While Wei Er and his wife and Di Er and his wife were extremely satisfied with their behavior! They also, without prior agreement, secretly imagined in their hearts the picture of Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er producing a ground full of little baozi.

However, at this time, some things also began to gradually show signs.