"Roar! Roar!"
The Gorilla slammed on the brakes at Ye Chen's shout. It studied him from head to toe for a long while before finally recognizing him.
Delighted, Xiao Pan waved her arms and leaped dozens of meters to Ye Chen's side. She bounced around him, brushing him with her hand, circling him, then beating her chest and roaring.
Xiao Pan's cries soon stirred every Beast in the forest. They came charging over as if an earthquake had struck.
"What's going on? The Beasts on Back Mountain sound like they've gone out of control!"
Marguerite, who was on patrol, heard the strange commotion. She frowned and looked uneasily toward Back Mountain.
Her companions, Euphlandra and Sweet Pea, sensed trouble too. After exchanging glances, the three decided to investigate at once.
They raced through the forest, springing into the treetops and leaping over streams. Their movements were light and agile, their long legs flashing as they ran. Everything about them had a free, untamed beauty.
They dressed simply, with only small pieces of animal hide covering their bodies. Nearly every line of their strong, vigorous figures was on display.
"Da Lang, it's been years, and you're still this short. You haven't grown an inch."
Perched on the back of a brown bear five or six meters tall, Ye Chen teased him with a grin. Da Lang chuckled sheepishly and squirmed like a bashful woman.
Ye Chen pointed to a powerful, well-built gorilla in the distance. "Look at Ximen Qing. He's got the build, he's got the looks, and he's always surrounded by mates. He's miles ahead of you. Good thing Wang Po isn't here, or Xiao Pan might have poisoned you."
"Captain, what are you muttering about?"
Tim kept his distance, leaning against a large pine tree and idly chewing