The old man sighed:
"Just wait and see. This matter is going to become more lively than expected."
"Since you mention Stone Oxenfurt, I understand that he served a very brief apprenticeship with the Stonemasons. What kind of man do you think he was?"
Xia De asked again, and the old stonemason smiled and replied:
"You really asked the right person this question. I knew Stone Oxenfurt in the past. He was still a sailor at that time, but he often took time to come here. Later, he was busy with work on the ship and was unable to continue his studies. Yes, the impressions of him that the people in the city have are all correct: irritable, evil, and unscrupulous, but it must be admitted that he has a very high talent for sculpture."
Xia De nodded:
"Then I will know about these things, and if your superiors ask, you can mention that I was here."
The old stonemason stood up and prepared to say goodbye:
"Sir, I'm curious, which side do you belong to?"
He really didn't trust Shade completely. After all, Shade's visit did not comply with MI6's contact rules:
"It's not important. You can even treat me as a Gray Eagle with Gray Gloves. The information I asked for is not very critical, and my superiors will not make things difficult for you."
He pinched the hat and covered his head. In fact, it was the best thing for the old mason not to mention him to anyone. But if the old mason was really loyal, he would definitely mention it.
"I wish you a smooth retirement. I won't pay you for the intelligence, or it will cause more trouble."
After saying that, he waved at him and left quickly.
Shade lowered his head and didn't want to talk to anyone, but as soon as he arrived at the door of the store, he saw Stone Oxenfurt jumping off the carriage. Shade was quite surprised to see this person he had just mentioned.
He took a step toward the row of display cases on the side of the store, wiped his face gently to cancel the simple illusion, and then used the witch's rune to disguise himself again.
When he came out again, he had turned into the familiar face of Stone Oxenfurt. Oxenfurt, who was walking in, also saw Shade, and Shade walked towards him:
"It's really rare to meet you in the city."
The man who rolled up his sleeves and exposed his wrists even though it was winter asked with a fake smile:
"Why, did you find what I wanted?"
"Not yet, but it should be soon."
Xia De turned and looked inside the store:
"Looking for someone here?"
"An old stonemason. I want to talk to him about the past."
Shad said:
"That's just a coincidence. I just happened to talk to him."
As he spoke, he walked out. Ossenfort squinted his eyes and hesitated for a moment, then turned around and followed Shade out:
"Watsont Manor has been cleaned up."
Ossenfurt spoke in a low voice, and Shade turned right and entered a narrow alley between two shops. Although the snow on the road was cleared by people, this narrow alley was not cleared. Various kinds of garbage and filth of unknown origin were scattered on the thick snow, and various dirty words and patterns were graffitied on the walls of the alley.
Shade stopped and turned to look at the man who followed him. Stone Oxenfurt was standing at the entrance of the alley and looking at him:
"That's interesting. It was you who cleaned out Watson Manor?"
"Why not the Orthodox Church? The church should have discovered it by now."
Shad asked.
"Bringing the church into this matter is not a wise choice. You may know where my power comes from, and you should know that if we anger it, none of us will end up well."
"What a coincidence! All my enemies are cursing me for not having a good end."
Shade reached into his pocket, took out the Profane Cross and pointed it at Osenfurt. The latter's expression changed and he quickly dodged to the side. Shade smiled and said:
"You see, my investigation during this period is still very effective. Remember, when I get the sapphire pendant, I will immediately know where the Genesis Earth is."
Oxenfurt's face was gloomy:
"Maybe you are stronger than I thought, but you are definitely no match for it. Don't even think about taking advantage of it... Have you seen it?"
"Why do you think so?"
Shade put the relic away, and Ossenfurt immediately took a step towards him. Then Shade took out the cross with a silver snake coiled around it and shook it:
"You just stand there and talk. What does it have to do with you whether I have seen it or not?"
"Have you really seen it? Did it ask you to help it? Is it related to me?"
"I have the right to remain silent because I am stronger than you."
Xia De said seriously:
"If it weren't for the Founding Earth, I wouldn't bother getting involved in this matter. But since I've agreed to help you, I will definitely find the last sapphire pendant. I'm a very honest person."
Oxenfurt continued in a low voice:
"Cooperate with it and you know what the consequences will be."
"It's a pity that I didn't sign a contract with it. Besides, do you see its mark on me?"
Xia De shook his head slightly:
"If it really doesn't work, I can leave this city. And you, Stone, can you still leave now? This land is your prison, and I am free."
Stone Oxenfurt squinted at him:
"So, you really have seen it, and it... ... does not have its mark. It seems that you are more powerful than I thought. If that is the case..."
"If you want to continue, answer me a question first, otherwise I will leave immediately - were you born in spring?"
Although he had already inquired about it in advance, Xia De still wanted to confirm that this was the content of the poem fragment.
"Yes. I want to say, since you are so strong, why don't we try to cooperate..."
"No, no, although I am strong enough, I also know how strong it is. After all, I am only a mortal, right?"
Shade took off his hat:
"I'm not crazy enough to fight that ancient evil. It's willing to pay me a decent amount to let me do some small things for it, that's all."
"But have you ever thought about..."
"Answer my next question before you continue. What were you doing when it massacred Watson Manor? Didn't Madam Hela Osenfurt ever bear a grudge against you? When I went to the manor on Monday, I saw a scene I had never imagined. Does your wife really know about this?"
Stone Oxenfurt's face suddenly showed a ferocity that was not human. If he had not restrained himself rationally, he would have rushed over and punched Shade.
"That's what they deserve... I won't answer this meaningless question."
"Well, I'll change my request. The day after tomorrow, which is Friday at nine o'clock in the morning, you are to appear in front of the local Dawn Church holding a red rose, wearing a black hat and a silver brooch on your chest. You must be there from nine o'clock to nine and three minutes, and then you can leave."
"May I know why?"
Osenfurt asked rhetorically.
"Is this the problem you are asking for in exchange for your actions tomorrow morning?"
Shad asked back. Actually, those complicated requirements were meaningless. He just wanted Luvia to take a look at Osenfurt from a distance to confirm whether he was a later candidate.
The corner of Ossenfurt's mouth twitched:
“You may have taken something from Watson Manor, but that thing can never deal with it. Otherwise, the Watson family would not be what it is now.”
"Thank you for your warning. I understand. Is there anything else? If not, I will leave."
"etc."
Stone Oxenfurt finally called to him:
"Are you looking for a heart of stone?"
"What?"
Shad turned suddenly, and Stone Oxenfurt laughed for the first time today:
"Look, I thought you really had it all planned out. All the answers are in the Heart of Stone. I hope this can help you."
After saying that, he turned and left.
"Don't forget what happened the morning after tomorrow!"
Shade reminded loudly, but Osenfurt just waved his hand high in the air.
Xia De put the Profane Cross back into his pocket, turned and walked towards the exit at the other end of the alley, thinking suspiciously:
"The 'Heart of the Earth' that seems to have divine power, isn't it also in the shape of a stone heart?"
Whether Stone Oxenfurt had other business in coming to Stonemason Street, Shad did not know, but at least he knew that he did not go to see the old stonemason, because Shad himself went back to see the old stonemason.
The latter was surprised at Shad's return, and Shad was just worried that he would be harmed by Ossenfurt, but fortunately, it seemed that he was not that important to Ossenfurt. Ossenfurt must have come here for other things.
So Shad returned to the Masons Guild again and came to the third floor.
At this time, the royal guards and some of the "Gray Glove" agents mobilized by Margaret were still waiting to be called on the first floor. There was no one guarding the door of the association president's office on the third floor, and no one could see how important the conversation was going on inside.
Following the agreed code, Shade knocked on the door three times rhythmically. With a click, the locked door opened, and Shade slipped in sideways. The female guard at the door locked the door again, and Shade came to the sofa, bent down and whispered a few words in Margaret's ear.
Although her ears were a little red, Her Royal Highness still looked at him in surprise, and then said to the president, Mr. Pickman:
"I'm sorry, but we probably need to pause our conversation. My most loyal servant has brought some new information related to this meeting."
She looked up at Shade, who nodded slightly, then took out a revolver from his waist and pointed it at the bespectacled Vice President Giles. The slightly obese man looked at him in surprise, until Shade's finger pressed the firing pin of the revolver, then he stood up suddenly at a speed that was inconsistent with his body size and raised his hands:
"Sir, what are you going to do