The group followed the Iron-Eating Beast along winding paths. The trail gradually narrowed until they reached a cliff where the wind howled.
The Iron-Eating Beast stopped, its claws digging into the ground. It looked back at them. "Grrr... grrr..."
Ou Ou Ou Ou Ou translated, "It means the Qingfu Kailing Tree is below the cliff. Be careful—there's a guardian beast."
Everyone nodded and carefully leaned out to look down.
The clouds below the cliff were thick. Ji Xinghe tossed down a pebble. It passed through the clouds and fell, but aside from the wind howling in their ears, no sound came back.
"Everyone, be careful. This cliff is very deep. If your grip slips, click 'Exit Dungeon' right away."
"Got it." The other four nodded in reply.
Ou Ou Ou Ou Ou looked at the Iron-Eating Beast cub in her arms and gently stroked it. Then she returned it to the adult Iron-Eating Beast. "Sorry for the trouble, but could you look after the little one for now? We'll be right back."
The Iron-Eating Beast shook its paw. "Grr... huff..."
The cub beside it translated every word for Ou Ou Ou Ou Ou. "No. You stay here with the baby. I'll take them over."
Seeing the resolve in its eyes, Ou Ou Ou Ou Ou said nothing more.
She couldn't leave the group behind and wait for them to bring back the spoils. In that case, they might as well all go down together.
She rummaged through her backpack and found a blanket.
She took it out and spread it open.
Quickly, she wrapped Tuanzi in it, then tied the bundle to herself, winding the edge of the blanket around it twice.
She hopped a few times to make sure it was secure before finally relaxing.
Tuanzi curled up obediently