Yosan and Sen hurried into the underground chamber.
"...They escaped?"
The voice was calm—almost casual—but it carried an overwhelming, suffocating pressure.
"This servant has failed you." Yosan lowered his head, barely daring to breathe.
"Enough," the voice said, tinged with impatience. "Go and prepare the sacrificial array."
Yosan hesitated, then spoke carefully, "But the black serpent has not been recaptured. He is an important offering."
"Then find others to replace him." A pause. "Half the city should suffice."
Yosan and Yao Sen both stiffened, their hearts trembling.
"...Yes, master."
Half a city. That would be no small task.
The chamber fell silent once more. They withdrew immediately.
In the darkness, a pair of crimson eyes curved into a sinister smile—then vanished.
Not long after, the Barbarian City was sealed again.
Soon, anguished screams began to echo through the streets.
***
The next day, Odian transported Nina and the others to the Sky Star Forest.
