Niu Douchong looked at the Mechanical-Bone Ape in confusion, not understanding what he meant.
But he distinctly felt the branch resting on his hoof stiffen slightly.
Mu Rong Zhiyuan looked at the Mechanical-Bone Ape and said, "Niu Douchong has seen the effort I've put in. I'm sure everyone will treat me fairly in the future. Mechanical-Bone Ape, what did you mean by that remark you just emphasized?"
"Didn't you just say that your [leaf-shedding period] was one of your race's greatest secrets?" The Mechanical-Bone Ape picked at his ear. "Are you sure you want me to reveal your secret in front of Niu Douchong?"
Mu Rong Zhiyuan's voice grew colder. "Who exactly are you, monkey? Why do you keep spouting nonsense? How could you possibly know our race's secrets?"
The Mechanical-Bone Ape leaned against the massive stump and merely smiled again.
Mu Rong Zhiyuan turned to Niu Douchong and asked, "Niu Douchong, do you know who this monkey is, the one who keeps talking nonsense?"
The leader of the herd shook his head. "No. This Mechanical-Bone Ape absolutely refuses to reveal his name or origins. All I know is that he's a [Path Guardian] sent by the Mechanical-Bone Ape race."
Mu Rong Zhiyuan's voice was grave. "If he's a [Path Guardian], that means he's a criminal whose deeds outrage even his own kind. If his own race ostracized him and sent him out to risk his life, how could he possibly work in harmony with beings of other races like us? He'll surely treat us even worse!"
"Niu Douchong, I've been cooperating with you in earnest, and I even helped the Eighth Domain's Domain Master pass the trial. Why are you letting this monkey with his bizarre remarks interfere with us? He'll ruin any future our cooperation might have!"
"If