Cave Owner

Ling Chu spent only ten minutes sprinting at full speed to the treasure spot marked on the map.

Yet the sight before her was beyond her expectations. This time, the Treasure Chest had not spawned in a clearing in the woods, but deep within a secluded natural cave.

Several beast paw prints marked the ground at the Cave Entrance, identical to the prints she had seen by the stream that morning.

Ling Chu paused inwardly.

Could it really be this much of a coincidence... Is this the lair of that giant beast?

She thought back to the footprints left by the stream that morning. They had extended away from the cave the entire way, so the beast had clearly gone straight out to forage and hunt after drinking from the stream.

Judging by a beast's usual habits, it was unlikely to return anytime soon.

Using the passive skill Wind-Listening Ear, Ling Chu listened carefully. The cave was deathly silent, without the slightest disturbance.

Once she had confirmed it was safe, Ling Chu slipped into the dim cave.

The cave was dark and damp, filled with the stench of blood mixed with the foul odor of a wild beast.

Her vision was obscured by darkness, and Ling Chu could only advance slowly by the faint light filtering in through the entrance.

As she walked, her foot suddenly sank into something soft. A sticky, greasy sensation came from beneath her sole.

She looked down, and her expression stiffened slightly. She had stepped right into a huge pile of dung.

"..."

Ling Chu fell silent for two seconds and pretended nothing had happened.

...It's just poop. I'll wash it off at the stream after I leave the cave.

She lifted her foot and continued deeper inside.

After walking several more meters, her view