Chapter 259: Departure

"Because your bloodline is the extraordinary material needed for this path of advancement."

The Hangman A'erjie replied in a flat tone, and before Emrin could react, he continued:

"I have a clue to a bloodline baron's lingering trait; he died in a sudden outbreak of conflict, leaving no time to find an heir, and you can receive this inheritance via a magical elixir, preventing the bloodline's power from dissipating."

Although he hadn't spoken much with Emrin, Hangman A'erjie had almost figured out Mr. Moon's disposition, and a few courteous remarks nearly convinced Emrin.

Emrin muttered a couple of words about inheriting the estate via a magical elixir to keep the bloodline's power from fading, then suddenly thought Hangman Mr. A'erjie sounded very reasonable and hurriedly asked:

"What price must be paid?"

Hangman A'erjie chuckled and said:

"Around 5,000 pounds; the exact amount will be known once I locate the master."

Although he hadn't yet spoken with that great pirate, he believed the other party would accept as long as the price wasn't absurd—after all, for pirates, selling is profit, and they have almost no costs.

With that much money, I could bring home the several dolls I've coveted for a long time, and even dress them in a few new outfits.

While pondering, his gaze subconsciously fell on Lei Ke Dun, who had just mentioned going to the pirates for a trait, and he seemed to have an idea, speaking with a hint of anticipation:

"Ahem, Mr. White Tower, you just said you were going to the pirates for a trait; um, may we seek the pirate that Hangman Mr. A'erjie mentioned?"

Emrin's train of thought left everyone present momentarily stunned, and they silently judged him as a "naïve vampire" in their minds.

It can be done like that? The magician Fo Si was momentarily at a loss.

"Do you think that if I sell it to you, I won't charge you?"

Lei Ke Dun retorted aloud. "We're still missing a Mr. Star; you three celestial idiots could form a group and debut."

"Um... never mind."

Emrin froze for a moment, his tone weakening, saying something with a mix of irritation and embarrassment, then leaned back against the chair and fell silent. "I'm ruined; I've shattered the noble, elegant image of the bloodline."

This vampire seems so clueless; no wonder the bloodline's higher-ups coaxed him to pray to me. Ke Lai En sighed inwardly, then hoarsely manipulated the trumpet world and said:

"I have a clue to a psychologist's lingering trait, Miss Justice; do you still need it?"

I must first herd the writhing hunger to a new soul, but Miss Justice's extraordinary pet shouldn't be in a hurry to ascend. Come to think of it, Miss Justice alone contributed about ninety percent of the Tarot Assembly's circulating capital.

"Of course." Justice Ao Daili hesitated hardly at all.

"This will take some time, perhaps a month, maybe two months."

The world added in a low, hoarse voice.

"No problem."

Ao Daili nodded lightly. Conveniently, Su Xi hadn't yet digested the mind-reader's magical elixir.

Having struck a deal with Miss Justice, Ke La En again manipulated the world and said:

"Everyone, keep an eye on the lingering spirit of the Ancient Grudge Spirit and the eyes of the Six-winged Stone Gargoyle."

With the final request made, this Tarot Assembly's transaction segment concluded, and everyone moved into the free discussion phase.

Justice Ao Daili rose first, lifting her skirt slightly, and bowed to the head of the bronze long table, saying:

"Respected Mr. Fool, I wish to know the truth behind the Bei Ke Lan De Great Smog Incident—was it solely caused by those cultists trying to awaken the Primordial Witch, and the arrival of the True Creator? Why does Prince Ai De Sa Ke cooperate with them?"

"According to your principle of equivalent exchange, what must I give to obtain the corresponding information?"

A good question; I also didn't know, Ke Lai En muttered to himself, maintaining a relaxed posture, and chuckled:

"No need; the root of the problem hasn't been uncovered yet, but there are enough clues. I hope the three major churches' people aren't too foolish."

The root of the problem hasn't been discovered? The matter remains unresolved? Ao Daili was shocked, yet also found it oddly unexpected.

"Thank you for your answer." She sincerely bowed again.

The group continued exchanging topics until the head Fool announced:

"Today's gathering ends here."

"We obey your wishes!" The group rose and saluted.

Having attended the Aro Assembly for the first time and unfamiliar with the procedure, Mr. Moon Emrin froze for a second before hurriedly standing and mimicking the other members' salute.

Crimson beams rose one after another, and the next moment, only Ke Lai En and Lei Ke Dun remained at the Tarot Assembly.

The strange crown placed before Ke Lai En floated with his thoughts, drifting automatically to Lei Ke Dun's side.

Ke Lai En leaned against the high-backed chair and asked casually:

"What revelation did you receive? From the God of Knowledge? Or the Hidden Sage?"

"The God of Knowledge presented only a seascape, featuring the Golden Dream ship of the Ice Mountain General and the Blood-and-Flesh Tree ship of the Blood General."

"I won't stay at sea long; I have a premonition that the Southern Continent is the final destination."

Lei Ke Dun replied offhandedly, continuously examining the strange crown, his eyes surrounded by a pale blue glow that gave the impression that no secret or hidden thing could escape under his gaze.

War is the art of gathering the masses! The War Bishop can consolidate a team's power into a whole, or share his own power with other teammates.

Lei Ke Dun's greatest desire is to dissect this mind-communication ability; I may not need teammates, but can create paper‑person clones, and through connection, transmit power so the clones temporarily possess combat strength.

Moreover, if I develop some composite secret arts, this ability should prove very useful.

When Ke Lai En felt his own spiritual energy overly drained and called to end the exchange, Lei Ke Dun finally set aside the strange crown and left the space above the gray mist.

Ke Lai En glanced at the quiet, rust‑and‑blood‑stained strange crown on the long table, enveloped himself in spirit, simulated a falling sensation, and left the gray mist.

In the study, nearly emptied of everything, Lei Ke Dun, perched on a chair, opened his eyes, glanced around, then leaned forward and reached into the air.

A wash of pale blue, wave‑like light floated by, and a blank sheet of paper was dragged and torn down.

Through a "gate," the room's space was folded, and across a distance, the paper was torn directly from a notebook placed on the other side.

He then picked up a nearby fountain pen, considered his wording briefly, and began writing lines of words on the paper:

"Leonard and Grandpa, good evening!"

"When you see this letter, it should be night; this is my prophecy."

"The demigod parasitizing a rat will go to the sewers of Burke Land Street next month to convalesce; she is called Flora Jacob."

"I am about to leave Bei Ke Lan De; if anything arises, you can contact me via messenger."

Please, old sir, don't forget our promise; the more you recover your strength, the higher my chances of stealing things.

Wishing you both a happy life, your friend, A'er·Taiensis!

Put down the steel pen, fold the paper neatly, Lei Ke Dun rose from the chair, glanced around the study, confirmed nothing was missed, then left the room.

Inside the downstairs living room, Tu Ba Ge, wearing a custom-made small suit, a top hat, and carrying a black small satchel, skillfully put on a pair of gloves whose surface was covered with a layer of metal plates.

This is a magical item specially made for it by Lei Ke Dun; it has no particularly powerful effect, merely being more suitable for a rabbit's hand, as well as being difficult to damage and not blocking spirituality.

The sole function of this glove is to isolate the negative effects of that magical item crafted from a biologist's traits.

As long as Tu Ba Ge does not use that branch fork, it will not accumulate toxins in its body.

Tu Ba Ge waved the branch fork in its hand, nodded satisfactorily, and struggled to put on a gentlemanly appearance.

Upon seeing Lei Ke Dun approach, it immediately changed its expression and looked at Lei Ke Dun with a wronged look, saying:

"Boss, why didn't you bring me, but instead bring that crow!"

Feeling the rabbit's resentment, Lei Ke Dun shook his head helplessly and said:

"Who made you dizzy from shuttling through the Spirit Realm? Following me, you'll surely be running around everywhere—are you sure you can handle it?"

Tu Ba Ge pondered for a while, then nodded reluctantly.

"Mm, okay."

"But it can't be too long, or else I'll become someone else's rabbit."

"Don't worry, it won't exceed four months at most." Lei Ke Dun lightly nodded, giving his assurance.

Then he turned his head, greeted the crow preening its feathers nearby, and asked it to deliver a message to Lunna De.

Seeing Tu Ba Ge still feeling low and brooding aside, Lei Ke Dun took two steps over, reached out, lifted it up, and directly stepped into the Spirit Realm.

Pu Li Zi Gang, in front of a rather old three-story cottage, a wooden sign hung at the door reading 'Pu Li Zi Gang Ticket Office'.

Lei Ke Dun held Tu Ba Ge, his silhouette quickly forming, while the passersby around seemed to completely fail to notice this scene.

No sooner had they left the Spirit Realm than Tu Ba Ge fell from his hand, lying on the ground looking dazed and slightly nauseous.

(End of chapter)