Later that afternoon.0

The autumn rain had subsided. Hoofbeats shattered the lingering hush as a group of riders in black robes trimmed with white galloped back into Silver Creek. These were the Blood Blade Sect’s inner disciples who had gone off to purchase eighth rank beast meat—or so they’d believed.  0

They had received word of a secret auction supposedly organized by the infamous underground market. Excited by the prospect, they’d traveled quite a distance, but on arrival found nothing—no auction, no organizers—just empty promises. They searched in vain before finally giving up. It took them until afternoon to return to Silver Creek.0

The eerie stillness in town immediately set them on edge.  0

Fang Chengbao, one of the disciples, reined in his horse at the massive iron gate leading into the inner district. The gate was tightly barred from within, and the stench of blood wafted out from behind it.  0

His face darkened. He backed his horse...0