Night deepened.
Outside Gao Manor's medicinal fields, the clamor of the day had faded.
The herb farmers had long since returned to the manor to rest. Guards patrolled the ridges between the fields with torches in hand. Beyond them, the outskirts of Scarlet Cloud Mountain lay pitch-black. The occasional cry of a night owl set nerves on edge.
Cao Zhen and the other Scarlet Valorous Guards took turns keeping watch, while Lu Chen slipped back into the mountain under cover of night.
Half an hour later, the undergrowth parted and branches swayed.
A dark figure emerged from the forest.
Lu Chen carried a hulking beast on his shoulder.
It was the Azure-Horned Savage Bull he had killed during the day with the three forces of his Demon-Subduing Fist combined into one.
The Sinew-Piercing Realm beast was enormous. Its four hooves hung limp, its dark blue-green fur was caked with mud, and the curved horns atop its head gleamed coldly in the moonlight. Even dead, its carcass still exuded a savage aura.
Even seven or eight strong men working together might not have been able to drag it.
Yet Lu Chen had carried it all the way out of the forest.
When he reached Gao Manor, Lu Chen dropped the Azure-Horned Savage Bull's carcass before Gao Jian.
Dust shuddered across the courtyard.
In the firelight, its dark horns stood out sharply.
A stunned smile spread across Gao Jian's face.
He stared at the beast, speechless for a long moment.
Lu Chen spoke calmly. "Master Gao, I'll leave this Sinew-Piercing Realm beast to you."
"I need Metal Essence Pills."
"Trade it for as many as you can."
In his hands, the beast was good for little besides stewing or roasting. Only Gao Manor could make full use of everything it was worth.