"Dad, what was all this for?" Bianba looked at his father-in-law in disbelief.
"If we don't offer sacrifices to Lady Red Guanyin, everyone in our village will die," Puba said in a dry, grief-laden voice.
"It wasn't supposed to be Zhuoma's turn. Unfortunately, that sacrifice escaped. So it had to be her."
Qu Zan's heart stirred at this. It seemed that sacrifice was the person who had brought word to Lanzha Temple.
"Hmph, did she think running away would help? Anyone whose name is recorded before the Lady's sacred image will be found by her, no matter where they flee," Puba said in a voice full of terror.
Puba pointed at the temple wall. "Your name is already hanging inside the temple. If you can't offer her a sacrifice, you'll die sooner or later too. Don't worry. Once we get through tonight, it'll be another family's turn to worry."
Bianba roared, "I'd rather die myself than trade my daughter's life for mine!"
"That's just what you're saying now. You have no idea how terrifying it is when the Lady comes to claim your life. When you're facing death, bonds between father and daughter, husband and wife-none of them count for anything."
"Only women are sacrificed to Red Guanyin. Does that mean everyone in your village has sacrificed their wives, daughters, and mothers?" Qu Zan asked.
Qu Zan looked into the crowd. Among them was the old leatherworker he had seen during the day.
Bianba lunged toward the altar, trying to save his daughter.
"Stop him, and that lama too! Don't let them ruin this!" the old shamaness shouted sharply. Following her orders, the villagers surged around them, blocking Qu Zan and Bianba from leaving.
"Dad, you've gone mad! That's your own granddaughter!"
Bianba's eyes were bloodshot. Like a beast driven