Chapter 26: Corpse Cloud
Though it was just a single careless name slipped from some disciple's mouth—with no intent to seek out Lee Sagwon and his fellows—it still sent a shiver of dread through Lordi Payne's bones. The air grew heavy with the threat of judgment, as if at any moment, an enforcer disciple might descend from the heavens, wreathed in black mist, their skeletal hands seizing him to face the merciless inquisition of the punishment crypt.
After being rejected by seven or eight teams in a row, Lordi Payne's frustration simmered. One senior brother, his voice deceptively gentle, had sneered at him with thinly veiled pity: "No squad takes a fourth-layer Qi Refinement nuisance like you for free. Either pay spirit stones or offer something else—like sexual favors—or stay put and grind it out in the sect. In the Holy Sect, every breath demands tribute in spirit stones; disciples scramble like starved ghouls for survival, with no time for hollow charity."
Lordi Payne's fury burned, his mind racing for an escape, when a man and woman—siblings by their looks—pushed through the crowd. They exchanged greetings with folks around, casually mentioning that they had just picked up a task and were about to depart, but were short one member in their squad. They were now recruiting at the last minute.
A male disciple approached them. "Senior Brother Chen, what kind of cultivator are you looking for? Will I suffice?"
"My apologies, your cultivation level's a bit too high," Chen Haunt replied with a polite smile. His voice was smooth, almost warm, as he gestured to his sister. "This journey is to forge my younger sister in fire—someone of her strength suits best."
Beside him stood Chen Mave, his sister, her shy smile and delicate frame exuding an aura of quiet elegance. She moved with the grace of a dancer, her soft curves and gentle demeanor making her seem like a figure from a dream.
Lordi Payne's eyes gleamed with sudden hope. Shoving through the crowd, he blurted, "Senior Brother, I'm at the fourth layer!"
Tons of rejection had dulled Lordi Payne's expectations, but Chen Haunt's gaze flicked over him—brief, calculating—and he nodded. "Very well. We depart at once. Can you keep pace?"
"Aye, sir!" Lordi Payne was ecstatic. Having killed Lee Sagwon's trio, he wanted out of the sect now—not a second's delay!