Lord of Mysteries: The New Black Emperor

Chapter 105: Xio's New Goal

Xio, somewhat excited, said, "I knew it! One spirit channeling couldn't possibly only yield a single formula."

Hobert smiled and continued, "At Mr. A's last gathering, we all saw that the 'Sheriff' potion formula sold for 450 pounds, but I plan to sell it to you for 420 pounds."

He added, "You should know that 450 pounds is just the base price for a Sequence 8 potion formula. It generally gets marked up to over 500 pounds, so the price I'm offering is already very low."

Xio immediately replied, "Of course, I know that."

Then, feeling a bit embarrassed, she scratched her head. "But right now, I only have 398 pounds. If you can wait until I gather the remaining 20 pounds, I'll come buy the formula right away."

Hobert smiled, "How about this: you pay 395 pounds for the formula, and for the remaining 25 pounds, you help me investigate two addresses."

Xio was slightly taken aback, "Hobert, you... you don't have to go out of your way for me."

"No, no, no. Those 25 pounds are well worth it for me," Hobert explained. "I can't investigate those two addresses myself. Also, don't do the investigation yourself; find someone you trust to do it for you."

"Moreover, I want the investigation to start in two weeks. I only need the addresses; don't do anything that could alert them."

Xio seemed to understand something. "Are they... the Tamara family?"

Hobert nodded and then smiled, "Ladies, it seems that the Tamara family holds the potion formulas for the 'Lawyer', 'Arbiter', and 'Apprentice' Pathways.

"We should be able to get what we each need from them. In this, I believe we are natural allies."

"However, compared to a Beyonder family, we are still too weak. We shouldn't act recklessly. For now, just keep an eye out for any news regarding this family. We can take action when the opportunity presents itself."

Fors smiled, "In this matter, we are willing to follow your lead."

"It's not about leading—it's cooperation," Hobert said. "The two of you have Beyonder abilities, but you've never used them for crime. I respect that a lot."

Xio, feeling a bit bashful, scratched her coarse hair. "I respect you too. You know so much, and you've even found such powerful friends to help."

"You clearly didn't need us for this operation, yet you still involved us."

Fors nodded in agreement. Xio was right. In this operation, their contributions weren't significant. In fact, they had gained a lot of combat experience and knowledge, which was invaluable for two wild Beyonders of Sequence 9.

Hobert smiled, "Mutual respect keeps friendships strong."

As he spoke, he wrote down the 'Sheriff' potion formula and handed it to Xio.

Xio had brought all her savings with her today in preparation for this possible transaction.

After completing the trade, Hobert told Xio, "I can give you two good suggestions for acquiring the main ingredients for the 'Sheriff' potion."

"First, at Mr. A's gathering, the person who sold the 'Sheriff' formula likely has the main ingredients for it as well.

"Second, I also have the main ingredients for the 'Sheriff' potion and can sell them to you at a discount."

Xio, overjoyed, said, "Of course, I'll buy them from you."

She had been worried about where to get the main ingredients, but Hobert had now pointed her in two directions.

Hobert said, "Great, I'll reserve them for you." In fact, the so-called main ingredient was the 'Sheriff' Beyonder characteristic from the spoils of their battle.

He added, "Even though you're buying the ingredients from me, I still recommend you get in touch with the person selling the 'Sheriff' formula."

"Why?"

"You should know that the Loen royal family holds the potion formulas for the 'Arbiter' Pathway, right?"

Xio nodded, indicating her understanding.

"A 'Sheriff' who has ties to the royal family is considered legitimate!" Hobert reminded her. "Don't shy away from cooperating with the authorities. As long as you're careful not to become their pawn, such cooperation can benefit you."

Xio nodded again, understanding Hobert's advice.

After sending off the two ladies, Hobert managed to stay awake through constant yawning until lunch. After eating, he went out to 'visit clients'—which really meant heading to 192 Blanca Street to catch up on sleep.

He slept soundly until past 4 p.m.

…

A luxurious four-wheeled carriage pulled up to Rose Street.

A middle-aged man with shoulder-length, greasy hair and a cigar in his mouth looked out the window. "Uncle Baird, was this where the incident happened?"

The man hadn't paid much attention to this operation since his divination showed that the family traitor was the last one remaining and wasn't particularly strong.

It wasn't until the team didn't return that he realized something had gone wrong.

By questioning the coachman, he learned that the team's target had been Rose Street. That was his only clue.

The 'Astrologer' named Baird, whose hair and beard were already white, used a crystal ball for divination before saying, "Yes, they were here, but there's not much trace of them."

"Keep moving," the middle-aged man ordered the coachman. "Drive past at a normal speed."

Even if the enemy was still on this street, a Beyonder battle wouldn't happen in daylight in Backlund.

The carriage slowly rolled down Rose Street. Everything seemed normal—the street, the residents—there was no sign of a fierce battle.

The man asked, "Can we find their bodies?"

"Their bodies were probably dealt with," Baird said with a bitter smile. "An 'Astrologer' can only perform basic divinations, and it's easy for them to be disrupted."

After all, they weren't professional 'Seers.'

The man crushed the cigar in his hand. "If divination won't work, start the investigation. I must avenge my sister!"

The 'Astrologer' who had died yesterday was his sister.

…

After waking up from his nap, Hobert returned to the law office.

During his absence, he received a letter and an official document. The letter was from the client of Mr. Barton's third case, urging him to solve their problem quickly.

Barton forwarded the letter to Hobert. The case had been sitting on Hobert's desk for three weeks now, and it was time to handle it.

However, Hobert planned to take a good rest tomorrow. He would deal with the case on Saturday.

As for the official document, it was a court notice regarding Bob's case, informing Hobert that the hearing would be next Wednesday.