The path ahead was clearly impassable, so Jiang Fan immediately led Zhou Niannian and their companions back. At this moment, for some unknown reason, the dinosaur could not be found anywhere.
Jiang Fan, Zhou Niannian, and the others grew anxious. This dinosaur represented their lifeline. If it disappeared, other creatures would likely swarm them. Its absence was equivalent to losing half their lives.
If the dinosaur remained unfound, upon returning to their previous path, other creatures would attack them without hesitation once they realized they had no protection. Zhou Niannian stomped her feet in frustration, while Yao gazed forward with determination. Jiang Fan noticed his gaze and followed it, seeing a pair of hollow, dimly glowing eyes directed their way.
Jiang Fan gently pushed Zhou Niannian behind him and took his fire axe from his backpack, twirling it before gripping it tightly.
This fire axe was their only weapon for combat. Although Yao was still brandishing his weapon, his physical condition had slightly worsened since earlier. After all, he had just fought Jiang Fan in a dream, and Jiang Fan's victory had taken a toll on him. Even though it was a dream, the impact was evident.
"Yao, you step back. I'll fight alongside Gun Gun. This thing might try to ambush Zhou Niannian and Dai Xiaomei. You stay in the rear."
Yao understood Jiang Fan's meaning. He knew his combat effectiveness was currently weak. If he pressed forward forcefully, he might be killed by the creature. Jiang Fan and Gun Gun, though tense, had to move forward. Behind them were their companions, and if they, the combatants, didn't advance, their companions could be killed by the beast.
At this moment, they couldn't clearly discern the nature of the beast. They slowly moved forward and then discovered that the glowing-eyed creature was a giant cat. Cats were known for their incredible speed, even surpassing the swiftness of someone like Yao.
Even a small cat could outrun ordinary people or agile animals like dogs. Trying to match a cat's speed was futile. Meanwhile, Jiang Fan's palms began to sweat as he faced this cat. He knew he was likely no match for it, as its size exceeded that of a real-world tiger, and its strength was immense.
The moment he saw its tongue, with its visible barbs, Jiang Fan felt a chill run down his spine. A single lick from it could leave a trail of wounds on his body.
"Gun Gun, remember, don't engage it head-on. You know its strength is superior to ours. We can only defeat it through strategy. After following me for so long, you should understand our general combat approach, right? We rely on brains, not brawn."
After Jiang Fan spoke, Gun Gun seemed to understand and nodded eagerly before initiating the attack. Jiang Fan, knowing his slender build allowed for quick movements, planned to strike the cat from behind. However, to his surprise, the cat was incredibly intelligent. As Gun Gun charged, it immediately extended its claws. Its fur bristled, and it let out a roar. Its claws slashed through the air as if tearing it apart. Gun Gun quickly retreated, but Jiang Fan had already entered its attack range.
"Damn it, it's too late to dodge. I have to charge!"
Jiang Fan charged forward, expecting to land a blow on the cat. However, the cat swung its massive tail, sending him flying back. Real cats in the real world didn't use their tails as weapons, but this cat seemed aware of its tail's immense size, capable of easily flinging Jiang Fan. It utilized this skill that other cats lacked.
Seeing Jiang Fan fall, Zhou Niannian rushed to his side, attempting to help him up. Jiang Fan's body trembled uncontrollably due to the tail's powerful impact. The intense pain caused his muscles to spasm.
"Wow, this cat's power is too great. If this continues, we stand no chance against it. We need to find that dinosaur quickly."
"Zhou Niannian, you and Dai Xiaomei, go find that dinosaur. If you can find it, bring it back quickly, or Gun Gun and I will die here. Remember, don't confront those creatures head-on. You're not their match."
Zhou Niannian's eyes reddened. Now, facing this critical mission, she dared not delay. She nodded, gently lowered Jiang Fan, and, pulling Dai Xiaomei along, ran in another direction within the cave. The cat attempted to pursue them, but Gun Gun seized the opportunity and charged into its abdomen.
Although Gun Gun was just a panda, he was not foolish. Seeing the cat attempt to attack Zhou Niannian and Dai Xiaomei, he struck its vulnerable spot. The cat, hit in the stomach, let out a pained, heart-wrenching roar. As Gun Gun collided with it, he also landed a claw strike, leaving three deep gashes on its belly.
However, this only fueled its rage, causing its whiskers to tremble.
"Careful, Gun Gun! It's furious. Its speed is incredible. We must react swiftly, or our bodies won't withstand its attacks."
Upon hearing this, Gun Gun, for some reason, seemed to go berserk. His eyes turned blood red, and his fur bristled, as if his primal instincts had been unleashed in response to the cat's fury.