Screams

"This is a rare sight." The gatekeeping monster was a dog demon. It could not help but feel surprised, glancing at the Heavenly Secret Monster without immediately answering.

Sneaking a look with its dog eyes, it saw that the Heavenly Secret Monster seemed somewhat excited, though nothing else could be made out. The Heavenly Secret Monster had only recently parted on bad terms with the two monsters due to their clashing views. Now it had suddenly summoned them to discuss matters—could it be planning to compromise?

On second thought, it was not impossible.

Any monster could see that the Heavenly Secret Monster had been in an odd state lately. It did not look seriously injured, yet it stayed in the Locust Shrine every day without ever going out. If it claimed nothing was wrong, even a little monster like this would not believe it.

When great demons quarrel, little monsters suffer. The sooner this is settled, the better for everyone. With that thought flashing through its mind, the dog demon put on the loyal, bootlicking manner of a servant and dared not hesitate any longer. It immediately replied, "Yes, I'll go summon them right away!"

With that, the dog demon dashed away in a puff of smoke.

The sun was about to set. Layers upon layers of crimson lotus clouds spread across the sky, and wisps of cooking smoke curled up from every street. Someone nearby seemed to be boiling meat, and the pork knuckles in the pot gave off an irresistible aroma. The dog demon drooled with its tongue hanging out, yet followed the scent all the way.

"Black Bear, Wild Boar."

Though the locust plague had given the rural farmers headaches, the market was still bustling. Shops stood row upon row, while stalls and sheds had been scattered