Chapter 30: Courtyard Terror
At the thought of maybe , Lordi Payne turned to Chen Mave, his tone casual but his eyes sharp with curiosity. "Senior Sister Chen, how much would a jar of this mead cost in spirit stones?"
Chen Mave smiled gently, her voice soothing as if she sensed his underlying concern. "Don't worry, Junior Brother Payne. My brother thinks our cultivation levels are too low to finish both jars now—it'd be a waste of their potency. It's better to save one for later. When the time comes, you'll definitely get your share."
Lordi Payne nodded outwardly, but inwardly, he shook his head. He had a sneaking suspicion that Chen Haunt had taken on this letter-delivery task primarily for the spirit wine. Now that the prize was in hand, the idea of sharing it seemed unlikely. Still, Chen Haunt was a sixth-layer Qi Refinement cultivator—far beyond Lordi Payne's current strength. He wasn't about to make a scene over a jar of wine, no matter how valuable.
"No worries, I was just curious," Lordi Payne replied smoothly, seizing the opportunity to pour himself a few more cups.
Taking another sip, he savored the warmth spreading through his body, the faint hum of energy settling into his core. Spirit wine that could boost cultivation? He wasn't going to let a single drop go to waste.
After finishing his share, Lordi Payne grew quiet, focusing on the lavish spread of food before him. The banquet continued late into the night, but his mind was already elsewhere, calculating and planning.
When the feast finally concluded, the steward led Lordi Payne, Chen Haunt, and the others to the guest courtyard to rest. The residence area occupied the southeast corner of the mansion's sprawling garden, a serene oasis of artificial hills, winding ponds, and elegant pavilions. The "guest rooms" were actually beautifully crafted courtyard scattered throughout the landscape, each one a testament to the jarl's wealth and taste.
The steward began assigning rooms based on cultivation rank, a clear hierarchy that no one questioned—until it came to Lordi Payne. Just as the steward was about to direct him to a modest courtyard, Hwong Hyen suddenly spoke up. "Junior Brother Payne is new to the sect and still inexperienced in many ways. He should stay closer to me and Senior Brother Chen—it'll be easier for us to guide him."
The steward looked momentarily puzzled but didn't argue. "If that's the case, then Master Lordi Payne, please take this courtyard between their residences."