The stars twinkled gently above as Su Jiyai, Qin Feng, and Xi Ping curled up inside a small cave nestled behind tall glowing vines.
The day had been long, packed with wild battles, new flavors, and surprise power-ups. Their stomachs were full, their legs sore, and even Xi Ping was too tired to talk.
"This cave's not bad," Su Jiyai mumbled, lying on her side with a soft yawn. "Comfy… kind of."
"It smells like mushrooms," Xi Ping muttered sleepily.
Qin Feng leaned against the wall, arms crossed, already drifting into light sleep. "Just rest. We leave at dawn."
Minutes passed, and the quiet forest outside was filled with the usual night sounds—chirping bugs, distant splashes, and the soft hum of wind.
But suddenly… CRAAACK!!
A loud, sharp snap echoed through the trees. Then another. CRUNCH! SMASH!
Su Jiyai's eyes flew open. She sat up quickly, wolf ears twitching in alert.
"What was that?" Xi Ping whispered, blinking sleepily.
