Chapter 1197: Chapter 1197 To be honest, Zhang Yang observed the monster and found it quite adorably dumb, rather pleasing to the eye. Zhang Yang circled around the creature several times to conduct a thorough inspection. He discovered many bullet holes in the monster’s body, likely from Sun Hongwu and others who brought it down earlier. Could there really be creatures in this world that are impervious to bullets? Zhang Yang furrowed his brows and leaned in to sniff it. He was shocked to find the creature had a faint hint of corpse odor. The source of this content ɪs 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝓷𝓮𝓽 The smell was very subtle, barely noticeable unless sniffed carefully. Zhang Yang suddenly had a bold hypothesis: could this monster be some kind of deceased entity, animated by some mysterious power? Only this could explain why it was not afraid of bullets, because it was already dead. And tranquilizer guns could affect the muscles and nerves, hence they worked. Zhang Yang couldn’t help but laugh at his own idea; what can die and still be resurrected? Xia Xue noticed Zhang Yang’s changing expressions and asked worriedly, “What’s up? Did you discover something?” “Is there something special about this monster?” Zhang Yang didn’t explain too thoroughly, worried he might frighten Xia Xue. “Nothing special, it’s just a monster. I wonder how it survives in this cave. I’m just curious.” Upon hearing this, Xia Xue carefully considered it. Then, she boldly conjectured, “Such a big body must require a lot of food to sustain its activity. Many adventurers die here every year. Could it survive by eating those corpses?” Hearing this guess, Zhang Yang smiled silently, “That’s a good idea. But don’t think about it anymore; it’s quite scary.” Xia Xue rolled her eyes at Zhang Yang, “What should we do now?” Zhang Yang said to Xia Xue, “Move away for a bit, wait for me while I deal with this monster and prepare a big surprise for those guys.” Although confused about what Zhang Yang intended to do, Xia Xue obediently moved aside. Zhang Yang took out his silver needles and wildly stabbed them into the monster. At least to Xia Xue it looked that way; in reality, Zhang Yang quietly infused the monster with Nine Revolutions energy to help it awaken quickly. Of course, Zhang Yang wasn’t foolish enough to wake the monster immediately. Estimating the time, he figured the monster would probably awaken in about an hour. Uncle Long, that old scoundrel, thought the monster would sleep for three days and nights. When they return, a big surprise will be waiting for them. With Zhang Yang’s technique, even if those men use tranquilizer guns again, they won’t work anymore. This is going to be interesting. But Zhang Yang didn’t intend to stay and watch the excitement or follow those men to take the loot. Since those men appear determined, they’re unlikely to leave empty-handed. Therefore, he might as well wait outside for them and end this in one move. Most importantly, Zhang Yang was a bit worried about Jin Tuantuan, so he planned to go back and check. After dealing with the monster, Zhang Yang stood up and led Xia Xue out of the cave. Soon they reached the junction where the path diverged, but Zhang Yang found it strange they hadn’t encountered Sun Hongwu’s group. Zhang Yang didn’t bother about it, deciding that the Qingyi Sect came for nothing this time. He quickly led Xia Xue down the left path. Unsure of how far Jin Tuantuan had gone, Zhang Yang was surprised after half an hour of walking to have not encountered Jin Tuantuan. By estimating, Jin Tuantuan shouldn’t have gone far before encountering Uncle Long’s group. Could some unexpected event have occurred? Just then, Xia Xue noticed something unusual ahead. “Zhang Yang, take a look over there. It seems like there’s a narrow cave entrance.” Zhang Yang looked and indeed saw a small cave, just big enough for a person, provided they weren’t too large. “Could Tuantuan be hiding in there?” Xia Xue speculated. There’s potential in this thought, since Zhang Yang hadn’t found any signs of a struggle on the way. But here’s the problem: Zhang Yang was sure he couldn’t fit through such a tiny entrance. Xia Xue noticed Zhang Yang’s dilemma and volunteered, “Zhang Yang, let me try. I think I can fit through.” Though Xia Xue was taller than Jin Tuantuan, her figure was slender enough. It shouldn’t be a problem. Without a better option, Zhang Yang nodded in agreement. “Tie this safety rope around yourself and don’t untie it. Once inside, take your time walking forward, and if there’s any trouble, call out loudly for help. If you can’t shout, pull the rope firmly three times, and I’ll pull you out immediately.” Zhang Yang continuously urged Xia Xue, who nodded. “Don’t worry, I have a feeling I’ll find Tuantuan inside, and we’ll come out together.” With no other choice, Zhang Yang helped Xia Xue enter the small cave entrance. Once inside, Xia Xue told Zhang Yang, “It’s actually quite spacious within. But I did find a long narrow tunnel that I need to explore. Don’t worry.” Hearing Xia Xue’s report, Zhang Yang could only wait patiently. Time ticked away bit by bit, but fortunately, Zhang Yang didn’t wait long; Xia Xue’s voice came after about twenty minutes. “Zhang Yang, we’re back, but I need your help.” Zhang Yang quickly asked, “What’s wrong? Did something happen? Is Tuantuan alright?” “Tuantuan fainted, so I tied the rope to her and hope you can pull her out. I really can’t move her on my own.” Upon hearing this, Zhang Yang agreed promptly, and they coordinated their efforts to pull the unconscious Jin Tuantuan out of the narrow tunnel. At this moment, Jin Tuantuan’s face looked pallid and her breathing uneven, which puzzled Zhang Yang. But there was no time to linger; he needed to assist Xia Xue next. A moment later, Zhang Yang cradled Xia Xue as she emerged. Finally out, they both breathed a sigh of relief. Xia Xue quickly said, “Check on Tuantuan fast! There was a big space inside, and she fainted within it.”