"Put down your weapons and tell us everything you know about Red Blessing's bases, Sacrificial Ceremony plans, and upper leadership."
"Or I'll just kill you and seize your souls."
"Don't think dying means there's nothing left to find out. With my methods, the secrets of the dead can't stay hidden."
Something entered Yang Yong's voice as he spoke those last three words.
It wasn't anger or intimidation, but a certainty utterly detached from the situation.
As though he were simply stating a fact...
I will get your secrets.
The only difference... is whether you'll be alive or dead by then.
One Red Blessing member was the first to throw down his gun.
Then came the second, and the third.
The clatter of falling firearms ran together.
Yang Yong turned and glanced at Long Ya. "Count them. Confiscate their weapons and supplies."
"Take whatever we can use. Destroy the rest."
His voice was flat, as though he were discussing something insignificant.
Long Ya nodded and led a few people forward to collect the weapons.
The Bear Sequence woman returned to human form, wiped the blood off her face, and followed, watching Yang Yong's back.
"You surrendered from the Hundred Beasts Convoy?" Yang Yong asked without turning his head.
"Yes." The woman's voice still carried a sob, but it had steadied.
"You're with us from now on. But remember one thing..."
Yang Yong paused, his tone cold and hard as iron. "You just saw for yourself what happens to traitors."
The woman lowered her head. "I won't betray you."
"Don't rush to make promises. Survive tonight first."
Yang Yong looked toward the mountain forest. Yezi was still there alone, holding off the Holy Son monsters, but in the distant darkness, an even greater, more ancient presence seemed to be awakening.
The night