Chapter 082: Crisis Upon Crisis

As Grey Mountain ferociously exchanged an ivory tusk for the giant ape's arm, Luo Chong seized the opportunity to hurl a lethal spear at the ape's chest. Unfortunately, the ape dodged the attack, getting hit only in the shoulder. Luo Chong urgently called his tribesmen to follow up.

The giant ape, severely wounded, was in a frenzy. It grabbed the head of a young man pinned under it and bit down hard on his neck, tearing off a chunk of flesh as blood splattered everywhere.

"Everyone, attack! We can't let it devour our people! Strike now!" Luo Chong shouted, enraged by the sight of the beast eating human flesh right before his eyes. He picked up a stone from the ground and charged at the ape.

In his past life, Luo Chong had served in a combat unit where fallen comrades were always brought back whole, if possible, to give families closure. Seeing his tribesman being consumed by a beast triggered a deep-seated military instinct in him.

Responding to their leader's call and seeing him charge fearlessly with nothing but a rock, the tribesmen rallied and charged from all sides.

Big Force, who had been flung away with Luo Chong earlier, also got up and rushed ahead, spear in hand. As they approached the ape, Luo Chong threw the stone, hitting the ape squarely in the face and blinding one of its eyes.

Seizing the moment of the ape's disorientation, Big Force drove his spear deep into the ape's chest with all his might, piercing through to the heart.

The ape howled in agony and, in a desperate reflex, struck Big Force's head, sending him flying. Big Force spat out blood and three of his teeth as he landed.

As Big Force distracted the ape, the other tribesmen took advantage of the opening. They plunged their spears into the ape from every direction. The beast fell to the ground, blood pouring from multiple wounds, and soon lay still.

With the giant ape finally dead, the tribesmen collapsed in exhaustion. The battle had been brutal and swift, with the Han tribe suffering heavy losses. Two young men had died, and many others were injured, including Big Force and One-Ear, both severely wounded. Grey Mountain, the terror elephant, had played a pivotal role in the fight but lost a tusk and was bleeding profusely.

"What kind of monster was that?" Luo Chong barely had time to ponder as he was interrupted by Big Tree, who approached him for instructions.

"Pull out the spears, and from now on, keep your weapons ready at all times. Prepare the bows for immediate use. We need to move to Baobao Mountain now; it's not safe here anymore," Luo Chong ordered quickly.

"Yes, but where are you going?" Big Tree asked, puzzled.

"We'll stay behind to delay the enemy and draw their attention, giving you time to escape," Luo Chong explained.

"No, leader! I can fight. I know this terrain well; let me stay with you," Big Tree protested.

"It's because you know the terrain that I need you to guide them to safety," Luo Chong insisted, adding, "Take care of the wounded, and make sure everyone reaches Baobao Mountain alive. Also, take Grey Mountain and Meatball."

"But…" Big Tree started.

"Shut it! Who's the leader here? I'm ordering you to take them and go now. Immediately!" Luo Chong's voice brooked no argument as the enemy's shouts grew louder.

Complying with a heavy heart, Big Tree quickly organized the group. They lifted the wounded onto the oxen and started their hurried journey towards Baobao Mountain. Luo Chong watched them disappear into the forest, then turned to face the direction of the incoming enemy with the few tribesmen who remained.

"Brothers, arm yourselves with bows and follow me," he called out, preparing for another wave of battle, the severity of their situation clear in his steely gaze.