After an unknown period, Jodie emerged from the room. Her hair, which had turned gray, had returned to its jet-black color, and her skin had regained its fair complexion. The wrinkles around her eyes disappeared, and the freckles on her hands vanished. She cast off her previous despair and wore an even brighter smile on her face. Meanwhile, inside the room, the old man appeared even older and more exhausted. I should have chosen Tina instead of Jodie in the first place, but that stubborn girl grew rebellious. Moreover, she always has her own principles. That doesn't align with my requirements. In fact, she behaves nothing like my offspring. Hmph! Tina will face the same consequences as Jane once she becomes worthless.Shortly after, he drew a talisman and affixed it to Jane's back before concealing it with clothes. Next, he carved a wooden puppet that resembled her. Then, he took strands of her hair and drops of her blood, binding them onto the puppet and casting a substitution spell. After a while, Jane walked out with a somewhat vacant look in her eyes. "Send her back and make sure no one notices," the old man commanded. Upon receiving the order, the man outside nodded and replied, "Yes, Sir." Then, he escorted Jane away. On the other side, Simone arrived at Cebros Airport. Zac came to pick her up in his car. Upon spotting Simone's figure, he walked over to assist her with her luggage. Noticing that her complexion was somewhat oddly pale, he couldn't help but express his concern. "Simone, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? You don't look too good." Simone felt warmth in her heart, for it had been a long time since someone cared about her like this. Zac can tell something is wrong just by looking at my complexion. Hence, she flashed him a smile and replied, "I didn't sleep well last night, so I'm not feeling great today. I just need to go home and get some rest." That old brute is indeed powerful. His previous attack also injured me a little. Zac nodded. "Alright. I'll take you home." Once they arrived at the apartment where Simone lived, Zac handed her a wrapped box from the backseat."I heard that the president and vice president of the geomancy association are interested in items like these and secretly collect them. I happened to come across one, and I thought you might need it. So, I brought it for you." Simone didn't refuse his kindness and accepted the box. "Thank you. That's very thoughtful of you." She planned to open it and see what it contained after she got inside her place. With concern written all over his eyes, Zac said, "Rest well when you get back, and we'll stay in touch." "Okay!" Simone nodded, exited the car, and returned to her apartment. As Gwen had gone on a vacation trip, she wasn't home. Simone took a shower first before opening the package.Inside the package was an exquisite wooden box. Then, she opened the wooden box and discovered a palm-sized green stone inside. She was a little surprised when she saw this stone. As she reached out to pick it up, a wave of energy emanated from it. It's actually an essence stone. This is a rare find. It can only be formed in the lode, and the chances are extremely slim. Geomancy and mystical arts practitioners can use it to cultivate and enhance their cultivation power. Moreover, with this essence stone, I can break into the Divine State today. Thinking of this, Simone wasted no time. She left a message for her acquaintances, stating that she would be in seclusion for two days. Then, she returned to her room, set up a protective circle, and began absorbing the energy from the essence stone.Since her insight had reached the Divine State, she was already familiar with the ritual of breaking into it. It was just that the elemental energy within her body had plateaued. Currently, as she held the essence stone, waves of abundant elemental energy flowed into her body. Knowing that the mastermind would definitely cause trouble for her, Simone figured it would be more secure if she entered the Divine State earlier. That way, her strength would be on par with her opponent, and she would no longer fear him. Simone radiated with vitality all over when she opened her eyes two days later. Originally, she expected that she would take at least three months to enter the Divine State. But now, thanks to the essence stone given by Zac, she had entered it ahead of schedule.That old brute will probably be furious if he finds out. He doesn't want me to advance. Otherwise, he will definitely send someone to interfere and sabotage. After successfully advancing, she turned on her phone. Then, she discovered several missed calls and messages. Seeing that June had called her continuously, she guessed that something urgent must have happened. Thus, she called back. Soon, someone answered on the other end. "Simone, have you seen the news about Jane?" Puzzled, Simone asked, "I haven't been online for the past two days. What happened to her?" June replied, "She committed suicide by poisoning herself last night at her place of residence." Simone was stunned for a moment. "Committed suicide by poisoning herself? That's unlikely, right?" Jane still wanted to live even when she had been living in agony every day after enduring the backlash from the venom she had poisoned herself with. So, how can she possibly commit suicide now? With that, June echoed, "My thoughts exactly. I, too, think committing suicide doesn't seem to be her nature. Jebediah sent me photos of her corpse when the members of the Fordson Family went to collect her body. She looked much older. According to the autopsy report, her condition was caused by poison. Regardless, it feels strange to me. So, I wanted to remind you to be careful of the mastermind behind her." Simone knew that she hadn't helped June in vain as she listened to her tone, which was filled with genuine concern for her. "I will be cautious. Send me the photos to see," she said. June replied, "Sure." "Why would Jebediah send you photos like this?" Simone asked. June elaborated sarcastically, "The members of the Fordson Family discovered that Jane lost her stone gambling expertise. And after she became unlucky, they gave up on her. Now, they want to win me back and continue using me. But I can't be bothered with them, let alone forgive them." Simone, empathizing with June, hummed, "Follow your heart. Don't be afraid of moral coercion. If the Fordson Family dares to cause trouble, you can count on me for support." Upon hearing this, June felt a sense of warmth. A warm smile appeared on her face as she said, "I feel so much better with you by my side." Meeting someone as amazing as Simone is the best thing that has ever happened to me.After ending the call, Simone opened the message and looked at the photos sent by June. Indeed, Jane appeared much older in the photos, resembling an elderly woman. June was right. Her condition doesn't seem to be a result of poisoning. Instead, it seems like her vitality and luck have been drained away. Undoubtedly, the old brute is responsible for this. He is truly heartless. After all, Jane is his own child. Yet, she ends up in such a state. Simone then examined the photos and pondered for a moment. I have a suspicion. These so-called children are most likely "food" nurtured by the old brute. Once they have served their purpose, their lives and luck are forfeited. Either way, such actions are excessively malicious and ruthless. How is it possible that none of the higher-ups in the geomancy association have noticed all this time? What about the personnel in the special department? Are they not finding any clues? Simone narrowed her eyes. Regardless of whether they are oblivious or choose to turn a blind eye, I will be the one to expose this now. She immediately dialed Sean's number—the one she had written down while she was abroad.