Chapter 541
The shadow beneath Xia Er's feet began to stretch and twist, as if something was surging within it. Two white figures, one tall and one short, slowly crawled out from Xia Er's shadow. Adele quickly took two steps back, making room for the two shadows.
The figures flickered and gradually solidified, replacing the white shadows with the forms of Tara and Percy, who now stood behind Xia Er.
"Talking is fine," Xia Er said, "but the lie detector must be present."
The moment Ashford saw the two "Ascetics" approach, he understood Xia Er's intent. He said nothing more, simply walked over to the sofa and sat down, looking at Xia Er and saying, "Please."
Once Xia Er settled into the seat opposite him, Ashford began, "There is indeed one fourth-tier 'Reviver' within the Redemption Society, but they have no intention of meeting anyone at the moment."
Tara and Percy, standing behind Xia Er, remained silent, tacitly acknowledging that Ashford's words were not lies.
"As for the next question... my life is indeed running short. That's precisely why I want to try to crack the 'Rotting Plague' and gain the chance to become a 'Reviver.'"
As Ashford spoke, he raised a hand to his thinning hair, pulling out a handful—his body was indeed beginning to crumble.
His words were logical, which eased some of Xia Er's doubts.
"One last question," Xia Er said, looking at Ashford, who was forcing himself to maintain eye contact. "You know who caused the 'Rotting Plague' in Beiansu, right?"
"A member of the Pleasure Society who wishes to become a Transcendent," Ashford nodded.
"If you really develop a drug to combat the 'Rotting Plague..." Xia Er posed the crucial question, "how do you plan to withstand the wrath of that fourth-tier member from the Pleasure Society? With the help of your own fourth-tier, perhaps?"
While the Pleasure Society generally did not seek revenge, the individual whose ritual had been disrupted would certainly not let the Redemption Society off the hook. They might come with Imogen or even more people to cause trouble for the Redemption Society.
How would they resist then?
"You needn't worry about that," Ashford seemed unconcerned. He looked at Xia Er and said, "It's not just us in the Redemption Society who want Beiansu to return to peace."
The Church of the Savior Goddess, right?
It seemed Xia Er wouldn't even need to persuade them; the Redemption Society was already inclined to ally with the Church of the Savior Goddess.
"Is this something that 'Reviver' has agreed to as well?" Xia Er inquired.
"Of course," Ashford nodded.
"Then I hope we can work together harmoniously," Xia Er said with a smile.
"I... we?" Ashford looked at Xia Er in confusion, then glanced at the two extraordinary beings behind her, asking, "Are these two... from the Church of the Savior Goddess? They seem unfamiliar."
"Not yet," Xia Er shook her head, then waved to Adele, who looked bewildered, to sit beside her. Once Adele was settled, Xia Er turned to Ashford and continued, "You wanted to talk to Adele, so now's your chance."
Seeing Xia Er's demeanor, Ashford realized that persuading Adele might not be effective; the key was to convince the red-haired girl in front of him. She was the one who could ultimately decide the outcome of this conversation.
Ashford had to admit that since their last meeting in Brolin City, this red-haired girl seemed to have changed significantly...
Now, her gaze could almost exert a tangible pressure, enough to trigger a faint hum from the spiritual alarms.
Though Xia Er still appeared to be an ordinary person, Ashford had never regarded her as such from the very beginning.
"Adele," Ashford said, directing his voice toward her, softening it slightly. He gathered his thoughts and asked, "It's been a while. How have you been lately?"
Though Ashford was speaking to Adele, every word was meant for Xia Er's ears.
"I'm doing well... just moved into a new place... but I need to find a job to cover next month's rent and the maid's salary..." Adele replied softly, her head downcast.
Adele knew what could and couldn't be said; she had promised Xia Er to keep the laboratory matters confidential, and she had kept that promise.
Still, saying this felt somewhat humiliating.
A second-tier "Plague Doctor" having to work to pay rent and a maid's wages... it felt like she was working for both the maid and the landlord.
The young student at the door, who still held dreams of the "Physician" path, would likely have their illusions shattered upon seeing their "senior" in such a state.
"I actually have a job offer," Ashford said with a smile, "as a research assistant, with a weekly salary of 100 Su pounds."
"100?" Adele's mouth fell open in surprise. She knew how much research assistants typically earned, and Ashford's offer was clearly too high.
"The work is right here at the academy, with access to all the most advanced experimental equipment, the most expensive materials, and cutting-edge papers," Ashford continued. "If the experiment is successful, you'll likely meet the promotion criteria for 'Newborn.'"
The conditions were too tempting...
Any extraordinary being on the "Physician" path would find it hard to refuse the offer from the Redemption Society.
Adele stole a glance at Xia Er, who was currently surveying the surroundings. When Xia Er caught her gaze, she turned to look at Adele.
After meeting Xia Er's eyes, Adele quickly regained her composure, shaking off the allure of the 100 Su pounds. She turned to Ashford, asking earnestly, "Why me?"
"You have the talent for it," Ashford replied seriously. "This research needs your gifts."
He was sincere about this.
Sheldon was one of Ashford's most outstanding students. Previously, Ashford had never doubted the authenticity of Sheldon's papers; he simply thought Sheldon had found his calling after arriving in Brolin City.
But he hadn't expected that most of the research Sheldon sent back was actually done by Adele... There was no doubt that Adele had talent. If she had been Ashford's student from the start, she might have already become a "Newborn."
Listening to Ashford's praise, Adele lowered her head, clearly hesitating. She couldn't help but sneak another glance at Xia Er. Ultimately, she made up her mind and looked at Ashford, saying:
"I'm sorry, Professor Ashford... I need to ask Xia Er."
Adele turned to Xia Er, seeking help. "Xia Er, should I accept?"
"Do you want to continue researching the 'Rotting Plague'?" Xia Er countered, looking at Adele.
"I don't want to..." Adele shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper.
After the incident with Sheldon spreading "Dehydration Syndrome," which indirectly caused many deaths, Adele had resolved to use her abilities to save more people. She had left the Redemption Society with this belief.
Previously, she had even planned to join the support team of the Church of the Savior Goddess and the Redemption Society to provide disaster relief in Beiansu, but Xia Er had persuaded her to stay.
If you ask whether she truly wanted to help, the answer was yes.
But she also knew how dangerous continuing this research could be. She didn't want to drag Xia Er into trouble because of her.
"Alright, I understand," Xia Er nodded. She then turned to Ashford and said, "As you can see, Adele doesn't wish to continue the research. Later, I'll have her send the remaining samples here. I wish you success in your research, Professor."
With that, Xia Er stood up and left with Adele, leaving Ashford sitting there, sighing.
Once they left the academy and got into the carriage, Adele kept her head down, seemingly unsure how to hide her disappointment.
Xia Er sat across from her, scribbling on a piece of paper, the sound of writing failing to capture Adele's interest.
It wasn't until the carriage stopped in front of Adele's home that Xia Er paused, picked up the notebook, and handed it to Adele.
"This is..."
Adele took the notebook from Xia Er, puzzled, and began to flip through it. After reading just a few sections, she was completely captivated.
This was... a research notebook?
Xia Er watched as Adele became engrossed in the research notes, choosing not to interrupt her.
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