After a moment, Du Jianshan pulled hard on the rope, securing the leopard's front paws, and then carefully grabbed its hind legs. "Tie Niu, watch carefully, this step is crucial. Don't hurt yourself, and don't let it hurt anyone."
Tie Niu nervously approached, his eyes wide open: "Brother Du, I'm watching you, be careful!"
“It’s alright, I’m used to it. Remember, the most important thing when hunting in the mountains is to stay calm. Even with a leopard, you have to rely on your composure to keep it in check.” Du Jianshan said in a deep voice, wrapping the hemp rope around his hind leg as if he were making a very delicate work of art.
"Brother Du, why aren't your hands shaking? Mine are shaking so much they're about to fall off," Tie Niu complained in a low voice.
Du Jianshan smiled faintly: "I'm used to it. If you come up the mountain with me every day, you'll learn too. When hunting in the mountains, courage and patience are more important than strength."
Suddenly, a soft rustling sound came from the grass near the trap. Tie Niu took a half-step back in fright: "Brother Du, listen, what's that sound?"
Du Jianshan frowned slightly and quickly turned his head to look: "Don't move. It could be a pheasant or a leopard's companion. Remember, don't be startled by any noise. Look carefully before you act."
"Ah... but I'm scared, Brother Du!" Tie Niu whispered.
Du Jianshan patted Tie Niu on the shoulder: "Being afraid is useless. Being timid and panicked will only hurt you. The most important thing when hunting in the mountains is to stay calm. Do you understand?"
Tie Niu took a deep breath and nodded: "I'll remember, Brother Du, I'll remember."
Du Jianshan slowly secured the leopard with the rope, then squatted down and gently touched its neck with his fingers to make sure the leopard couldn't move. "Alright, it's safe now. You see, take your time to learn, be bold and careful, and you'll be able to hunt successfully in the mountains."
Tie Niu let out a long breath, loosening his grip on the knife a little: "Wow, Brother Du, you're amazing... I want to learn to be like you in the future."
“Alright, take your time learning. Today is just the beginning. Every time you go up the mountain from now on, you’ll have to do it yourself. Remember, hunting in the mountains isn’t about luck, it’s about experience and courage.” Du Jianshan put away the hemp rope, stood up, and dusted himself off.
Looking at the leopard in the cage, Tie Niu felt both afraid and excited: "Brother Du, this leopard is so big, can we really take it back?"
Du Jianshan looked up at the sky above the mountaintop and said calmly, "Yes, no problem. Just keep it calm and follow the method. There are many leopards on the mountain, but catching one like today is considered lucky. In the future, don't just think about strength; courage and brains are more important."
Tie Niu nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting back and forth between the cage and Du Jianshan. "Brother Du, I'd like to set my own traps in the future, but... what if I don't hold them properly and they bite me?"
Du Jianshan said in a deep voice, "It's okay if it bites. As long as you move correctly and the rope is tied properly, it will only scratch you once at most, it won't be fatal. When hunting in the mountains, you have to learn to control it with your mind, not just fight it head-on."
Tie Niu bit his lip and nodded: "I...I understand. Brother Du, I will definitely learn from you in the future."
Du Jianshan glanced at the distant forest at the foot of the mountain, his expression grave: "Remember, Tie Niu, there are not only leopards in the mountains, but also wolves, wild boars, snakes... You are timid and inexperienced, so you are prone to getting into trouble. I have to keep an eye on you every time we go up the mountain."
Tie Niu took a breath and gripped the knife tightly: "Yeah, Brother Du, I'm not afraid. I'll learn from you, and I'll definitely learn it."
Du Jianshan gently shook his head: "Courage isn't about not being afraid, it's about knowing you're afraid but being able to control yourself. What you've learned today isn't just catching a leopard, but also controlling your inner fear."
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