Chapter 326
——The cost was that Lucy's head had been almost completely transformed, making her look like a monster. Even if she recovered later, the extent of the potion's erosion had worsened significantly, leading to irreversible mutations in her eyes.
Moreover, if that transformation had not been a simulation but a reality, the level of potion erosion would mean that even if she managed to survive, she would likely spend the rest of her life plagued by endless murmurs and unable to advance to the fourth tier.
For extraordinary beings, the price of transformation was akin to turning an immediate death sentence into a slow, agonizing demise. While it delayed death, it also condemned one to a life worse than death.
"Is there no other way?"
Xia'er spoke up, and suddenly, she seemed to have thought of something. "Is there a way through the 'Coroner' path?"
"'Coroner'?"
Adele was not unfamiliar with this path; there were a few 'Coroners' within the Redemption Society.
"But... they are only interested in corpses..."
Adele pondered for a moment and said, "But if it's just a matter of changing a face, the Transformation School can indeed manage that. However, for the rest of her life, she would have to rely on potions and injections to suppress the remnants of the potion that have eroded her muscles and bones."
"If we could find out what potion caused it, would there be a chance for a complete cure?"
Xia'er suddenly asked.
"If we can identify the potion, there should be a chance."
Adele nodded in confirmation. "As for the facial restoration... I still recommend you consult Professor Ashford. The 'Newborns' seem to be the ones who handle these matters."
"Alright, thank you, Adele."
Xia'er exhaled and nodded at Adele.
If the upcoming simulation presented a suitable opportunity, Xia'er wouldn't mind spending hundreds, even thousands of fate points to go back to the past and find the culprit and the original potion. However, all of this hinged on Xia'er needing to work hard to accumulate more fate points.
"Xia'er."
Just as Xia'er was about to open the door to check on Lichi, Adele called out to her. She looked down at her shoes and spoke softly, "I'm sorry, Xia'er, for causing you trouble..."
"Next time, no matter what new discoveries or other matters arise, I'll tell you first thing. I swear."
"It's fine, it's just a small matter."
Xia'er smiled. "Professor Ashford's attitude is fine, as long as... we can keep the other three 'Doctors' stable and prevent them from saying anything out of turn."
What had happened was already done; Xia'er wouldn't blame Adele for being unaware of the famine in Beiansu and the happenings of the Joy Society. Solving the problem was what mattered.
Moreover, since Adele had promised to inform her of any matters first next time, there was no need to dwell on these issues. This wouldn't help either Xia'er or the situation at all.
Now, the entire chaotic team was under her control, and this news might not even reach the Joy Society... as long as she could wrap things up neatly.
As long as she could ensure that Ashford was not in trouble.
After comforting Adele, Xia'er opened the door and walked into the room, smiling at her sister lying on the bed.
At that moment, Lichi relaxed a bit upon seeing Xia'er enter and asked, "What was that doctor checking, little Xia'er...?"
"Just helping to check if there are any hidden ailments," Xia'er said, helping her sister sit up. "She's a very skilled doctor."
"Then we should thank her..."
"It's fine, I've already thanked her."
Xia'er didn't mention the face-changing matter; without certainty that it could be completely resolved, she wouldn't make promises lightly.
After chatting with her sister for a bit, there was a knock at the door.
After receiving Xia'er's permission, the door opened, and a maid stepped in, standing beside Xia'er. "Miss Xia'er, there's a guest looking for you. She claims to be Xilufa."
Lucy?
Although it was supposed to be communicated to her in the past, Xia'er hadn't notified her yet. How did she arrive so quickly?
After instructing the maid to take care of Lichi, Xia'er stood up and headed downstairs.
What Xia'er didn't expect was that just as she let Lucy into the parlor and hadn't even started chatting, she saw another carriage driving into the estate through the glass window, stopping at the fountain.
Who could this be?
"Please wait a moment; it seems another guest has arrived."
Xia'er raised her hand slightly to signal Lucy to hold on, and after a brief pause, the butler knocked on the door.
"Miss Xia'er, a doctor claiming to be Ashford is here to see Miss Adele. What do you think...?"
The butler bowed slightly as he spoke.
Ashford?
What does he want with Adele? And how did he find her here? Does he know that Adele is leaving tomorrow? But she hasn't made any significant moves...
After a moment's hesitation, Xia'er looked at Lucy and asked, "Is your coin heads or tails today?"
Lucy smiled at Xia'er's question. "It's heads, Miss Xia'er."
Xia'er nodded slightly and then turned to the butler, saying:
"Bring him in."
---
PS:
192 (overdue) + 2 (leave) = 194 (overdue)
Sorry, I’m still recovering from my break. I promise to deliver over 8K tomorrow!
This week will definitely see a surge in updates! Trust me!
As for the lottery, I plan to wait until Saturday to draw, as there will likely be more people then, making it more transparent. I’ll finalize the specific time in a couple of days.
Good night!
Chapter 182: The Traitor in the Redemption Society.
Now, Xia'er had officially established her identity in the extraordinary world—Senior Consultant of the Dedton Group—so she didn't have to worry too much about encountering extraordinary beings.
This identity could provide cover for many of her secrets, and Lucy was right there beside her, perfectly positioned to chat with the third-tier "Newborn" Ashford.
After all, even if they didn't talk now, Xia'er would still need to find him later to resolve her sister's disfigurement issue, as she didn't know any other "Newborns."
Knock, knock, knock—
After a brief wait, the parlor door opened, and the butler led Professor Ashford inside.
Upon entering, Ashford was clearly surprised to see Xia'er and Lucy—he had expected to meet Aivina.
Once the butler left the room and closed the door, Ashford slowly spoke, "I apologize for visiting at this hour. I am Ashford... Miss Xilufa, and this is...?"
He looked at Lucy, inquiring.
The girl sitting opposite Lucy, though possessing an extraordinary aura, was clearly an ordinary person—there was not a single trace of potion erosion on her flesh.
This was impossible for extraordinary beings.
Thus, Ashford naturally assumed Lucy was the one who had requested this meeting.
"This is our group's Senior Consultant Xia'er, and also a close friend of Miss Aivina," Lucy said, slightly bowing her head toward Xia'er. "It was this young lady who wanted to see you; I just happened to be here."
"Oh?"
Professor Ashford stroked his white beard, seemingly surprised by his oversight. He looked back at the red-haired girl and said, "Hello, Lady Xia'er. I am here to find Adele."
Xia'er offered a faint smile and gestured toward the sofa beside her. "I understand. Please, have a seat."
"Miss Xia'er, I'll get straight to the point."
After sitting down, Professor Ashford realized that the other party was already aware of his purpose and spoke directly:
"Adele possesses a highly important research document, and I need to ensure her safe transport to the Redemption Society in Ansu City. That is the purpose of my visit. I wonder if Miss Aivina is present?"
After all, this was Aivina's territory, and if he wanted to take someone away, he had to consult Aivina first.
"What kind of document is it? Is it not safe to stay here?"
Xia'er asked calmly, still wearing a faint smile.
At this point, Xia'er could basically confirm that Ashford was unaware that they were leaving tomorrow, and she had no intention of revealing that information.
"I'm sorry, Lady Xia'er, but this is internal information of the Redemption Society, and I must keep it confidential."
Ashford seemed to sense some of Xia'er's intent and frowned.
"No, no, no, this is not an internal matter of the Redemption Society. Adele has already been ousted from the Society; she is now an independent entity," Xia'er shook her head and said. "And as an independent entity, she has sold the document to the Dedton Group."
"Now, this document is an asset of the Group, and the Group has the right to decide how to handle it."
The old man brought up the Redemption Society, and Xia'er directly countered with the Dedton Group, creating a stalemate.
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