chapter 10 Missions and Combat (2)

Entering the courtyard, it was very quiet.
"Excuse me... is anyone here?"
Sonny shouted loudly.
"Coming... coming."
A voice came from the houses on both sides of the courtyard, and soon an old man with white hair walked out, introducing himself as the steward.
After bowing to the steward, Sonny said, "We are disciples of the Sword Sect. A few days ago, Mr. Messiah posted a task in our bounty hall, and we are here to complete the task."
Upon learning of Sonny and Kailani's identities, the old steward's face, aged and wrinkled, showed a smile, nodding repeatedly. "Our master has been ready for a long time, waiting for the task. Young man, you may already know, our master lost his son in his old age and is very sad. He went to his son's grave this morning. He should be back soon. You can enter the house and rest for a moment."
Sonny nodded slightly, scanning the surroundings of the courtyard. The architecture and decoration were exquisite, especially the carvings under the eaves, depicting dragons, phoenixes, and eagles, all showcasing Mr. Messiah's abundant wealth.
Just as he was contemplating, hurried hoofbeats sounded.
The steward's face brightened. "Mr. Messiah is back."
The steward quickly went out to greet, while Sonny and Kailani waited in place.
Soon, the steward led Mr. Messiah over.
Possibly due to a worry-free life and affluence, Mr. Messiah's body was quite bloated, and his huge figure even found walking a bit laborious. Walking from the gate to the courtyard, less than a hundred steps, he was already panting.
Sonny squinted slightly. From Mr. Messiah's tired appearance, he saw a black mark on his forehead.
Mr. Messiah was poisoned!
Sonny quickly made this judgment and could be certain that Mr. Messiah had been poisoned for a long time.
"Young Sword Sect disciples, we really appreciate your escort to Celestia City." Mr. Messiah said to Sonny and Kailani, bowing in gratitude.
"No need for thanks, Mr. Messiah. Since we took on the task, we will definitely complete it. There's no need for excessive gratitude," Sonny replied.
Kailani also nodded with a smile.
Mr. Messiah's eyes showed clear joy, nodding to the steward.
Soon, the steward, with insight, took out two beautiful jade pieces, intricately carved with two dragons playing with a pearl, "This is a little token from our master, hoping you can accept it."
"Mr. Messiah, there's really no need... we can't accept this."
Sonny immediately refused.
"We really can't accept it. After all, we are getting paid for our task. We really can't accept it."
Kailani walked backwards and added anxiously.
"It's okay, it's something you deserve... Take it!"
Seeing the two still refusing, Mr. Messiah insisted.
Sonny was about to refuse again.
A voice came from the gate, "Accept it... these two pieces of jade are very valuable, even more valuable than a life."
A middle-aged woman, gracefully dressed in purple, walked into the courtyard, she gave off an odd vibe, not the demeanor of a grieving mother, but rather someone carrying a hint of joy. With fair skin well-preserved through good care, one might not guess her age without noticing faint crow's feet at the corners of her eyes.
"Madam...you are here!"
Mr. Messiah's expression became somewhat uneasy, and his body trembled slightly.
The middle-aged woman walked up to Sonny and Kailani, and her gaze swept over them. Taking the jade pieces from the steward, she placed them in Sonny's hands.
"Accept them!"
Sonny remained calm, unceremoniously taking the jade, and signaled for Kailani to accept hers.
"Then, I wish you a smooth journey!"
The lady smiled and turned away.
Watching her gradually disappear into the house, Sonny felt displeased.
He didn't like the way the middle-aged lady looked at him, as it carried too much—pity, provocation, and even a threat. Moreover, at the moment of receiving the jade, Sonny clearly saw the thick calluses on her right hand, not the delicate hands of a wealthy lady, but the hands of someone skilled in martial arts.
Storing the jade, Sonny clasped his hands towards Mr. Messiah, "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Messiah."
Mr. Messiah showed an awkward smile, "You must have found her ignorant, just a woman who knows nothing."
Sonny smiled slightly. "Really knows nothing?"
Mr. Messiah's expression froze for a moment, but soon he put on a smile again, "Of course."
Without lingering further, Sonny continued, "I wonder if Mr. Messiah is ready, and when do we set off?"
Wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, Mr. Messiah, excited, said, "I'm ready, ready to depart at any time."
Sonny turned to look at Kailani, seeking her opinion.
Kailani whispered, "Follow your lead."
"Then let's set off now. This way, we should be able to reach Raven River Town before sunset and take a rest there."
Sonny decided immediately.
"Good... good!"
Mr. Messiah nodded repeatedly, turning to the steward, "Quickly bring my little son and prepare to depart, we're leaving now."
The steward hurried away.
Soon, five carriages emerged from the backyard, with one of them vacant, the others loaded with goods. Behind them were over twenty tall guards riding on high-headed horses, each carrying a long knife at their waist.
Sonny's eyelids twitched, "This doesn't look like going to have ancestor worship, it's more like moving."
Kailani wore a joyful expression, she could be home in less than three days.
The convoy set off quickly.
The old steward drove the carriage at a fast pace, and the horses galloped away. Soon, they left the small town.
Mr. Messiah stuck his head out of the carriage and looked back at the town, his expression somewhat complicated.
"Hup!"
The old steward fiercely cracked the whip on the horse's back, shouting angrily. The speed of the carriage suddenly increased.