Chapter 288

The next day, Anya took Lily and the others around town for half a day. After having lunch, they returned to Aeston overnight. By the time they dropped Anya off at Ember Creek High School and returned to Amner Heights, it was already 1:00 am. The lights in Yolanda's and Poppy's rooms were already off. In the living room, Michael was sitting alone on the balcony, smoking. He looked rather troubled. Loid and Lily exchanged glances. Lily didn't say anything and walked directly to Michael's side. "Not happy?" "Not really." Michael looked up at her and sighed deeply. "I'm leaving, little girl." Lily was slightly taken aback. "Where are you going?" "To where I belong." Michael looked up at the sky and continued, "I've been running away for decades, and it's time I completed my mission. There are some responsibilities I can't escape." Lily pursed her lips, not saying anything. There were some things Michael didn't explain clearly, but she understood. Michael tapped his cigarette holder and stood up, patting Lily's shoulder. "I might not see you for a long time after I leave. I'm very happy to have been your mentor. But before I go, I'll give you a piece of advice." Michael leaned close to Lily's ear and whispered, "Keep a low profile and hide the Bloodstone Emerald well. Otherwise, there'll be consequences.." Lily looked up at Michael in surprise. She had never mentioned the Bloodstone Emerald to Michael. How did he know about it? Michael smiled, patted her shoulder again, and went upstairs without saying anything more. When he reached the living room, he saw Loid standing there and said, "Boy, I'm leaving my precious apprentice in your care. Take good care of her for me." "I will." Loid had long realized Michael was not an ordinary person. He had known his stay at Amner Heights would not be long. His departure was expected. After Michael went upstairs, Lily sat down and leaned against the wall. She looked at the dark sky above with an indifferent expression. Michael walked over, held her in his arms, and quietly stayed with her without saying a word. After a long time, Lily took out the Bloodstone Emerald from her pocket and examined it repeatedly under the moonlight. Then, she handed it to Loid. "This is the Emerald Bloodshot, a relic left by my grandmother. Before she died, she told me to protect it and never let the Hidden Families get it. "Just now, Michael also told me to hide it. Can you see anything strange about it?" Lily prided herself on her intelligence, but she couldn't see what was so special about the Bloodshot Emerald that made Belinda and Michael so anxious. Belinda never revealed the purpose of the Bloodshot Emerald even until her death. What exactly was it used for? Loid carefully observed the Bloodshot Emerald. Whether it was due to his physical condition or something else, he felt something the moment he touched it. Loid felt as if his blood was being drained, his mind became dizzy, and he seemed to enter some sort of dream. A gust of wind blew, clearing Loid's mind instantly. He suddenly threw the Bloodshot Emerald away and stood up abruptly. His face was pale. "What's wrong?" Lily stood up and grabbed Loid's wrist, checking his pulse. His pulse was steady and had no issues at all. She squatted down and was about to pick up the Bloodshot Emerald. But Loid regained his senses and shouted, "Don't touch it!" He was a bit late, though. Lily had already picked it up. Loid looked at her. His brows furrowed together, and he grabbed her shoulders. "Are you okay?" "Shouldn't I be?" Lily asked. "No sensation of your blood being drained or dizziness?" Loid asked anxiously. "No." Lily confirmed to have none of those issues. When she took the Bloodshot Emerald out of the box, she only felt it was different from other emeralds. It was very cold—as cold as the water at the bottom of a lake. It penetrated her bones.