To allow Hong Tao and the others to escape safely, Zhang Yang had to draw the attention of Er Dan and all the other monkeys.
The simplest and most effective way to get their attention was to destroy their habitat!
To provoke their anger!
But there was a prerequisite: he couldn't appear in a form Er Dan and the others recognized, otherwise, they would definitely become suspicious.
If that happened, it would be difficult for Hong Tao and the others to leave.
Soon.
Zhang Yang, disguised, appeared again.
This time, he didn't hide. He walked out openly.
At the same time, a white light flashed in his right palm, and the crystal coffin, unseen for a long time, reappeared.
Er Dan suddenly felt a strange energy and looked towards Zhang Yang, shouting.
"Human! Who are you? What are you doing here? Little ones, be on alert!"
"Heh, you want to know who I am? Then I won't tell you!" Zhang Yang sneered.
He directly raised the crystal coffin and forcefully chopped a towering tree next to him in half.
The tree immediately tilted and fell, smashing the iron pot Er Dan had set up, scattering scalding water and flames!
"Hoo hoo hoo!"
Instantly, some of the monkeys let out angry roars.
This towering tree was where they slept at night, and now this person had knocked it down!
"Bastard! How dare you attack our home! Little ones, charge together and finish him!" Er Dan was also furious.
He picked up his spear and led the monkeys towards Zhang Yang.
"Heh, this is just the beginning! Smashing just one tree isn't enough." Zhang Yang suddenly sneered and moved swiftly.
However, the second, third, fourth...
Soon, Zhang Yang had cut down all the trees, completely destroying the monkeys' habitat.
This action, as he had hoped, incited widespread anger!
Immediately, countless monkeys lunged at Zhang Yang.
But they were all sent flying by Zhang Yang's crystal coffin.
"Bastard, I'm going to capture you and dry you into jerky!" Er Dan roared angrily!
"Hahaha, you want to catch me? Then come on."
His plan successful, Zhang Yang let out a wild laugh and turned to flee.
Seeing this.
Er Dan immediately led the monkeys in pursuit.
The two sides chased each other through the jungle.
Even though the monkeys were agile in the jungle environment, Zhang Yang still managed to maintain a significant distance.
After chasing for a while, Zhang Yang felt the distance was about right. A smile played on his lips, and he began to accelerate!
In no time, he had completely shaken off the monkeys.
"Hoo hoo hoo!"
Unable to see Zhang Yang's figure, the monkeys stomped their feet anxiously. Er Dan, who had caught up, was also furious!
"He must have run ahead! Chase him!"
Er Dan pointed forward and led the monkeys in pursuit again!
Little did they know, Zhang Yang had already secretly returned to the habitat.
Meanwhile.
In the cave, everyone had mixed expressions!
Some were tempted, some were worried!
The commotion outside earlier had caused some people to want to escape, but they were all stopped by Hong Tao.
"Everyone stay put. Zhang Tang hasn't returned yet. It's too dangerous to go out now," Hong Tao said sternly.
"But... Elder Hong, perhaps the monkeys are being attacked by other fierce beasts. If we don't escape now, when will we?"
"Exactly, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As long as we reach the underground cave, these monkeys can't do anything to us."
Some people, blocked by Hong Tao, said with dejected expressions.
"Hmph, everyone listen to me. Wait here for Zhang Tang to come!" Hong Tao said in a deep voice.
However.
His refusal made some people very unhappy.
"Elder Hong, it's so chaotic outside right now. This is truly a fleeting opportunity! If we wait for Zhang Tang to come back, it'll be too late."
"Exactly. And how do you know Zhang Tang won't abandon us and run away by himself?"
"I think it's possible. After all, the monkeys are so fierce, it's very likely Zhang Tang will abandon us!"
In desperate situations, human nature is selfish.
These people clearly didn't trust Zhang Yang!
However, as soon as they finished speaking, the Ming Long Army members immediately became angry.
Nine people stepped forward furiously, roaring!
"What the hell are you talking about? Zhang Tang would never abandon us and leave alone!"
"If he wanted to leave, why would he untie us? He could have just left by himself!"
"You ungrateful wretches, Zhang Tang has taken good care of you all the way here! Have you lost your conscience to think of him like this!"
Immediately, the Ming Long Army members attacked the few people who had spoken of Zhang Yang as a deserter.
Even without their spiritual energy, the Ming Long Army members beat these people black and blue.
The rest also joined the Ming Long Army members, raining blows and kicks upon them!
In a short while.
All these people were begging for mercy loudly.
"Don't... don't hit us anymore, we know we were wrong, we won't speak carelessly again."
"Yes, yes, stop quickly, if you keep hitting us, we'll die."
"Hmph! If I hear any more complaints about Zhang Tang from you, I'll kill you immediately!" a Ming Long Army member said angrily.
The others also looked on coldly.
Clearly, after everything they had been through, they had great faith in Zhang Yang.
They knew Zhang Yang would never abandon them and leave alone.
Meanwhile.
Zhang Yang, having shaken off Er Dan and the monkeys, had returned!
He resumed his appearance as Zhang Tang.
Then he activated the stone tablet and dealt with the two monkeys who were still studying it!
Afterward, he walked into the cave and looked at everyone's angry faces, asking in surprise.
"What's wrong with you all? Why are those few people bruised and swollen? Did you have an internal conflict?"
This...
With Zhang Yang's appearance, those who had accused him of being a deserter were filled with shame, stammering for a long time, unable to utter a single word.
The others didn't want to upset Zhang Yang and wanted to save them some face, so they didn't expose them.
Zhang Yang was somewhat puzzled.
However, time was of the essence, so he quickly said.
"Elder Hong, you can leave now. I've lured those monkeys outside. Hurry back to the underground cave."
After Zhang Yang spoke, Hong Tao and the others, who were prepared, immediately left the cave!
At this moment.
They understood what the commotion earlier was about.
There were no fierce beasts attacking the monkeys at all. All of this was orchestrated by Zhang Yang, all to ensure their safe escape!
"Zhang Tang, thank you," Hong Tao said.
"You're too kind, Elder Hong. Hurry and leave," Zhang Yang waved his hand.
"What about you? Aren't you coming with us?" Hong Tao heard the implied meaning in Zhang Yang's words.
"Not yet. You go first. When those monkeys chase for a while and don't find me, they'll definitely turn back. So you go first, I still need to attract the monkeys' attention," Zhang Yang shook his head.
Upon hearing this.
Everyone was deeply moved.
Those who had accused Zhang Yang of being a deserter wished they could slap themselves.
Zhang Yang's selfless dedication, and their suspicion of him behind his back, was truly inhuman!
Time was pressing.
Hong Tao and the others cautioned Zhang Yang to be careful, then quickly departed.
Zhang Yang's gaze sharpened. He went to the place where he had disguised himself, put on his own clothes, and then headed towards Er Dan and the monkeys.
...
Meanwhile.
In this land, a giant python suddenly broke through the earth. Its eyes were filled with excitement, and it continuously shook its massive head.
Just now...
It had sensed its master's presence!