The other four people in the cave all looked outside.
The Iron-Eating Beast cub in Ou Ou Ou Ou Ou's arms caught a familiar scent and struggled, trying to jump down.
The adult Iron-Eating Beast at the entrance suddenly threw its head back and let out a mournful howl.
Seeing this, Ji Xinghe and the others tightened their grips on their weapons.
Just as they were growing tense, the Iron-Eating Beast across from them gazed tearfully at the little cub trying to rush toward it. Its expression was dazed and reluctant, with a hint of resolve.
It took a step back and, with a pfft, spat out a blue-green fruit.
The fruit rolled slowly across the ground until it came to a stop by Ji Xinghe's feet.
Then it looked at Ji Xinghe and the others, a trace of pleading in its eyes.
Before they could do anything, the Iron-Eating Beast raised a paw and struck its bloodied chest with all its strength.
Pfft! A mouthful of blood gushed out. More and more blood spread across the ground, staining the brown earth red.
At the sight of it, the little cub whimpered, tears spilling from its eyes. It struggled free of Ou Ou Ou Ou Ou's arms, leaped to the ground, and rushed toward the dying Iron-Eating Beast.
Feeling the little bundle in its arms, the Iron-Eating Beast used its scarred paw to pick it up one last time.
A tear of blood ran down its face. Then, steeling itself, the Iron-Eating Beast pushed the cub away. The little one rolled twice and landed beside the group, then hurriedly crawled back toward it.
"Wuu, wuu, wuu..."
Seeing this, Ji Xinghe and the others understood. The Iron-Eating Beast had seen how much they liked the cub and feared that, if it