Hanging onto the plank, Zheng Tan used one hand to nudge the adjacent plank, not expecting it to give way so easily. Whether it was due to age or being previously dislodged by cargo, with just a bit of force, he managed to push it open further.
Carefully pushing the loosened plank upwards, he made sure the gap was large enough for him to squeeze through before retracting his claws. Gripping the edge and the cracks tightly, he then used his head to push against the plank beside him and squeezed his way up with some difficulty.
The plank emitted a "crack" sound, but Zheng Tan listened carefully and, hearing no other disturbances outside, continued to squeeze upwards. As he squeezed, he scanned the area above, noting nothing but a thick layer of dust, cobwebs, and the occasional long-dead insect carcass.
After squeezing up, Zheng Tan took care to return the plank to its original position quietly. Only then did he attempt to walk on the planks.
