Blackstone Crossing Opens

The road to Blackstone Crossing lay beneath the riverbed.

With the hunchbacked man pinned to the bank, Lu Heng's people pried up the carriage floor and found a black stone disc embedded beneath it. Fine lines covered the disc, dark red powder caught in its grooves. The rain could not wash it away; the longer it soaked, the stronger its bloody stench grew.

Tang San crouched to examine it, then used a Silver Needle to lift a little of the powder.

"Human blood, Corrupt Blood Vine powder, and Soul-Numbing Powder, which can slow Soul Power," he said. "It's not a teleportation array. More like a temporary Soul Power trail to guide the way."

Oscar's scalp prickled. "You mean we have to follow this stuff?"

Bai Jin looked at him. "You could sit here and wait for us to come back. Discuss life with the driver while you're at it."

Oscar glanced at the hunchbacked man and immediately waved his hands. "I think I'd rather stick with everyone."

Bai Jin pressed the Entry Token into the center of the stone disc.

The black stone shuddered.

The shallow river suddenly parted, revealing stone steps barely wide enough for two people abreast. They descended into darkness, as though leading to the bottom of a giant well. Chains clanked below, one heavy beat after another, weighing on their chests.

Dai Mubai took the lead.

He said nothing more. His White Tiger Protection Barrier rose, his broad back shielding Ning Rongrong and Oscar behind him. Tang San followed just off his right shoulder, sending Blue Silver Grass down the steps. Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu hugged opposite walls, while Ma Hongjun kept his flames low so their light would not alert the people below.

Bai Jin brought up the rear.

He looked the most casual,