Chapter 88

The herd of cattle and sheep huddled tightly together, as if seeking a sliver of security through mutual contact. The chickens and ducks, terrified beyond measure, scrambled onto the backs of the larger livestock, their bodies trembling uncontrollably like fallen leaves in a cold wind. A mother hen at the very top shielded its head with its wings, as if that alone could wall out the horror. Even among its own kind, never had any creature emitted such a wretched cry when facing death. Xu Weidong and Zhu Yun exchanged glances; neither of them was carrying a sidearm. Both noticed Gao Yang’s dropped pistol not far away and bent down in unison, intent on grabbing the weapon that might save their lives. Yet, before they could even get close, Qin Shuli, standing a short distance off, gave a gentle flick of his hand. The pistol seemed to be pulled by some mysterious force, flying swiftly into his grip. At the same moment, the severed hand slowly sank into the grass, as if being swallowed by the earth itself. In the blink of an eye, the hand vanished without a trace, leaving nothing behind.