A cave leading beyond the Safe Zone

By the light, Mo Xie made his way through the cave.

Unlike the sewer from before, this cave had clear claw marks on its stone walls. It had obviously been dug out by Giant-Eyed Blood Rats.

One question lingered in his mind: why would Giant-Eyed Blood Rats dig a tunnel?

Could it be... that the Black Vatican had a powerful Psychic Element mage controlling the demon beasts all along?

Mo Xie considered it for a moment, finding the theory increasingly plausible.

As he pondered, he suddenly heard running water and birdsong.

Wait, birdsong? Judging by the sound of the water, that river seemed pretty big.

Those two sounds allowed him to quickly reach the most likely conclusion.

The exit might be just up ahead!

With an answer in mind, Mo Xie quickened his pace.

After he walked a little farther, a spot of light appeared ahead. It grew larger as he approached.

At last, a cave opening came into view.

He stepped out into a lush forest. A long river flowed gently past, and birds chirped merrily in the branches.

At that moment, everything looked peaceful and serene.

No... something was wrong!

Mo Xie knitted his brows. Why did such a tranquil scene feel strangely out of place?

Suddenly, the ground trembled. Pebbles bounced rhythmically, accompanied by a rumbling sound.

Sensing danger, Mo Xie quickly ducked behind a large rock, concealing his presence as best he could.

A patch of trees rustled, their branches parting to either side.

An enormous head emerged from the leaves, one eye glowing deep blue.

Several blood-red markings covered its neck, exuding an eerie, dangerous aura.

Larger than a Giant-Eyed Blood Rat, it glanced at the cave with its enormous eye before ambling off into the distance.

Mo Xie poked his head out and looked