Arrival at the Cave Entrance

They crossed the river valley and pushed through weeds taller than themselves. At last, Hundred Herbs Valley came into view.

Hundred Herbs Valley probably had many entrances, but to get inside, they had to pass through the winding, intersecting passages ahead.

"Why are there so many vines along this path? They've grown all the way down from the mountain. They look disgusting!"

The more timid girls immediately began to mutter.

Vines crisscrossed the narrow passage. Some hung from above like pythons clinging to the cliff face, while others tangled across the ground. It looked as though they were entering a nest of dark green pythons—an ugly, terrifying sight!

"They're just a bunch of lousy vines. What's there to be afraid of? Follow me!"

Zhao Kunsan knew this was his chance to show the girls how brave he was, so he strode ahead alone.

His hefty body pushed aside several wrist-thick vines hanging in his path, and he marched forward with his head held high.

His build really was suited to clearing a path. If he could get through, every other student could too.

"Ah! What the hell is that? Oh, shit! Help! Somebody help me!"

Suddenly, Zhao Kunsan let out a string of yelps from inside, sounding like an old dog being beaten.

All the students instinctively took a few steps back. When they looked closer, their scalps prickled.

The vines could move!

As soon as Zhao Kunsan stepped into their territory, they twisted around him, bound him tight, and hoisted him upside down.

The vines were covered in barbed thorns. As they writhed, they sliced open Zhao Kunsan's skin, drawing enough blood to set the girls screaming.

"Help! Hel—"

Zhao Kunsan cried out, his voice trembling, but a vine tightened around his throat and cut off even that.

The