Corry Shaw pressed his forehead against the deep crimson silk carpet, his trembling hands holding a heavy white jade registry scroll above his head.
The air inside the Jade Pavilion was heavy with the scent of burning sandalwood and expensive mountain incense, but the luxury did nothing to calm the cold sweat soaking through the enforcer's collar.
Across the low rosewood table, Zhao Feng reclined against a pile of fur cushions, wearing a tailored robe of shimmering emerald silk. He swirled a cup of aged plum wine, his eyes fixed on the jade scroll with cold impatience.
"Speak, Corry," Zhao Feng said, his voice carrying the lazy arrogance of someone who had never known denial in his entire life. "The Grand Alchemy Tournament begins tomorrow at the third bell, and Disciple Chen is already
