Leoni Murphy had obtained resources, and with something planted on him by Locke, he developed a certain loyalty toward Locke.
In his view, he was now Locke's man—he had successfully pledged allegiance to Locke.
Such were the rules of the Black Wizard World.
A slave either grew strong enough to become a slave master themselves or chose a slave master powerful enough to serve as their patron.
Once this slave master planted something on the slave—such as a controlling curse—the slave would then be considered that master's property.
Thus, for reasons unknown even to himself, Leoni Murphy now felt a sense of security when looking at Locke.
He thought to himself that he should have pledged himself to a White Wizard long ago. A White Wizard slave master was surely less cruel than a Black Wizard one.
Moreover, under a White Wizard master, he could even obtain Potion resources for cultivation.
Leoni Murphy bowed to Locke and said respectfully, "Master, if I wish to be reassigned to the Blood Curse Court, I must accomplish a significant meritorious deed."
Locke replied coldly, "What counts as a significant meritorious deed?"
Leoni Murphy immediately answered obediently, "For example, obtaining critical intelligence from the White Wizards or sabotaging an important research facility or project of theirs…"
"As long as the requirements are met, I may be temporarily reassigned. Master, my original role in the Curse Formula Research Institute was primarily focused on the Geometric Folding of Curse Rituals. If you require my assistance, please command me freely. Your joy is my joy, your anger is my anger. I—"
Locke frowned slightly. He knew nothing of Curse Magic and had no idea what this so-called "Geometric Folding of Curse Rituals" even was.
He waved his hand dismissively. "Leave for now. I have connections in the patrol team—your basic safety will be guaranteed. The condition is that you must not directly or indirectly harm any White Wizard."
"Additionally, any important intelligence you obtain must be reported to me immediately."
"Otherwise, our agreement is void."
"One more thing—I do not tolerate double agents. If I discover any betrayal, I will kill you without hesitation. And nothing you do can escape my sight."
Locke's gaze was icy.
Leoni Murphy bowed deeply. "Master, rest assured. From this day forward, my loyalty belongs solely to you."
"The Blood Curse Court is in utter disarray. Right now, I have no overseer above me. Unless Seflin dies, no one will likely pay attention to me again…"
After reaffirming his loyalty to Locke, Leoni Murphy cautiously hunched his back, stepped off the path, and slipped away into the woods, disappearing into the shadows.
Locke watched his retreating figure, deep in thought.
Having acquired a Black Wizard spy was certainly useful. Moreover, he now possessed the original research on the Magic Plant Curse, which would greatly aid his future cultivation work on the Emerald Iris Lichen series of Magic Plants.
With these more comprehensive materials, he could cultivate second-generation Emerald Iris Lichen and Perseus' Eye, upgrading them further.
Many exceptional Magic Plants undergo minor improvements every few years. After decades, such plants might retain only their original names while becoming entirely different from their predecessors.
These Magic Plants are typically the focal points of major laboratories and research projects, undergoing rapid iterations. Lilith's Cottage hosts numerous such project-based Magic Plants.
...
In Sophia's office, Locke presented the materials on Magic Plant Curses and informed her about capturing a Black Wizard spy.
Sophia returned the documents to him. "Locke, I'll soon be leaving Lilith's Cottage, so I don't need to review these Magic Plant Curse materials. However, I suggest you publish a few articles using them—these topics happen to be gaps in the White Wizard Library's collection."
"You could earn quite a few Contribution Points."
"As for that spy," Sophia curled her lips. "You've done exceptionally well."
"I do have a few Black Wizard spies under my control, but none are connected to the Curse Formula Research Institute overseen by Seflin's Wizard Mentor."
"The Black Wizard apprentice you've secured will be very useful for my upcoming operation. I have access to high-ranking Black Wizard spies who can fabricate significant achievements for him, allowing him to return to his original post at the Curse Formula Research Institute."
"If necessary, I can even leak confidential project details from my own lab, ensuring he returns with genuine merit. Then, you can use Summon Graveyard Spirit to help me pinpoint their base's location and assess their defensive rituals."
Sophia nodded approvingly. "Locke, you've truly rendered a great service this time."
"However… you've learned the Black Wizards' Archaeological Spells?"
Locke gave a slight nod. "Yes, teacher. I merely wanted to broaden my knowledge. I didn't expect to actually master some of it."
Sophia smiled. "It must be due to your unique Bloodline."
"It seems to originate from a Magical Creature not native to the Southeast Corner Domain. That's why I couldn't detect it earlier—and why I concealed the examination records for you. It'll save you considerable trouble."
"Add to that, that Archaeological Scholar McCarthy from the Chimera Market provoking you… so you ended up learning Archaeological Spells."
"Excellent. Archaeological Spells are highly useful, especially for studying Ancient Bloodlines and ancient magical ruins." Sophia's enthusiasm grew. "Having the talent to master such spells is undoubtedly advantageous."
"The City of Thousand Towers holds vast repositories of ancient magical ruins. Their Academy City actively recruits specialists in this field, offering additional incentives."
"And it's not just the City of Thousand Towers."
"Many universities in the Star Domain Sea also include such skills as preferred qualifications when hiring faculty."
"After all, times have changed. The requirements for becoming a Formal Wizard have become much more competitive these days." Sophia rubbed her temples. "The Star Domain Sea is a major hub, with Formal Wizards from various Wizard territories flooding in. Finding work there has become exceptionally difficult."
"If you possess some unique skills, that would be a significant advantage—it could give you a major edge when going through the teaching qualification assessment."
Sophia shared her insights with Locke about passing the Star Domain Sea's teaching qualification exams. "You'll definitely find this experience useful when you undergo your own assessment in the future."
Locke quickly responded, "Teacher, I'm still far from becoming a Formal Wizard. My Mana hasn't even reached 600 yet..."
Sophia smiled but remained silent.
(End of Chapter)