The Mutant Beasts didn't enter the water. Instead, they chased them along the riverbank.
In the water, Qiao Xixi held her three cubs tightly, terrified they'd be swept away by the raging current.
"Hold on to Mother tightly."
Seeing they couldn't catch them in the water, the Mutant Beasts on both banks began to frantically rush ahead, knocking down trees to block their path.
Huge trees crashed down one after another, instantly blocking more than half of the already narrow river.
Some Mutant Beasts had already leaped onto the fallen tree trunks, lying in wait to snatch Qiao Xixi and her children as they passed.
Of her three cubs, Qiao Lie was the best swimmer. He could stay submerged for long periods.
"Qiao Lie, listen to me. Take the Crystal Stones I gave you earlier. I want you to dive underwater and swim toward the bank. But whatever you do, don't rush to get out. Do you understand?"
Upon hearing her words, Qiao Lie's small, tense face instantly turned pale.
