Brian Cooper's team was headed for the Fourteenth Jadeite Post, because the Fifteenth Jadeite Post was still under construction. In fact, the Fourteenth Jadeite Post was now the foremost shelter for the human race in the inner ring.

All the workers involved in construction, including those responsible for security and road clearing—who also happened to be the most formidable human guards in the inner ring—had to return here to rest before nightfall.

After Brian Cooper and his group delivered the jadeite stones here, they still had to return to the Thirteenth Jadeite Post, since space was limited and there wasn’t enough room for so many people.

Compared to yesterday, when two people died, everyone seemed to have better luck today. At least nothing unexpected had happened, so when the familiar blue-green glow of the Fourteenth Jadeite Post appeared ahead, many people breathed a sigh of relief.

But just as they were about to reach their destination, both Brian Cooper and Captain suddenly stopped in their tracks, a look of shock flashing across their faces. They exchanged glances at the same time.

With just one look, both could see the same realization in each other's eyes—they were thinking the exact same thing.

A moment later, Captain said hoarsely, “Something’s happened…”

At that very moment, someone at the very front of the group suddenly let out a terrified scream, as if they had seen something unimaginably horrific.

A wind blew in from the distance, carrying a thick, bloody stench.

“What are you panicking for? No one move! Anyone who runs is as good as dead!” Captain roared angrily, rushing to the front of the group.

In the process, he was like a raging lion—anyone who looked timid or tried to run was immediately kicked to the ground.

No matter how strong they were, not a single person managed to dodge; all were knocked down and struggled to get up.

Under Captain's forceful suppression, the agitated group finally regained some temporary calm. Brian Cooper followed Captain to the front and saw their destination—the current state of the Fourteenth Jadeite Post.

In an instant, everyone’s faces turned ashen, as if they had seen a ghost. The group behind fell into a deathly silence, until suddenly someone started retching loudly.

Brian Cooper glanced back and saw it was the young Little William. He was collapsed on the ground, trembling all over, his face drained of all color, vomiting desperately onto the earth.

Brian Cooper silently turned back, his mouth twitching a few times before he looked forward again.

The Fourteenth Jadeite Post was right there, its gates wide open. Inside and out, the scene was a bloodbath—countless bodies lay on the ground, mangled and broken, blood flowing everywhere, severed limbs and heads scattered about. Even the outer walls of the Jadeite Post were splattered with bright red blood.

The sight before them was like a terrifying hellscape, cold and merciless, laid bare before the ninety-eight members of their team, leaving everyone in shock.

Sunlight fell on their bodies, but brought little warmth. Instead, a bone-chilling cold seeped into everyone’s hearts and bodies.

At the very front stood Brian Cooper and Captain, both stunned by the horrific scene. The remaining ninety-six behind them looked even worse.

Many people were trembling, and besides Little William, several others couldn’t hold it in and began vomiting as well.

The stench of blood in the air was so thick it was almost suffocating.

Suddenly, Captain threw down the jadeite stone he was carrying, letting it crash heavily to the ground. He turned and shouted, “Everyone, drop your stones and gather here! Form a ring formation!”

The so-called ring formation was actually a simple defensive tactic. When humans encountered powerful enemies in the wild, they would form up to protect each other and resist together.

This formation wasn’t complicated, nor did it offer much real defense—if they faced a truly terrifying beast, it wouldn’t help much. But in the perilous inner ring, everyone had practiced it.

In chaos, the worst thing was a lack of leadership. Captain's shout, though fierce and harsh, got everyone to gather immediately.

And sure enough, when people huddled together, things seemed a bit better. With everyone together, there was at least a little comfort.

Brian Cooper glanced back, his expression easing slightly, then nodded at Captain in approval.

Captain, however, still looked grim. After barking a few harsh orders to keep everyone together and make sure no one ran off, he strode over to Brian Cooper and said in a low voice, “What do we do now?”

Brian Cooper hesitated, looked at him, and said, “No matter what, we have to go take a look, don’t we?”