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Chapter 574, What Level Are You Really?
Passing through the corridor, they arrived at the consortium's warehouse.
The guards saluted, and Ledily coldly waved her hand.
The heavy doors swung open from both sides.
Revealing a cold, dim interior filled with rows of coffins.
Wu Heng glanced around—the numbers seemed to match what Ledily had reported.
Ledily stood beside him and explained, "Four corpses each of iron forgers and leatherworkers, three coroners, three tailors, two alchemists, two mechanists, one landscaper, a total of 19 administrative workers, and the rest are level 15 combat-class professionals, covering all types."
Nineteen administrative corpses—it seemed like they had gathered most of the common non-combat classes.
Wu Heng's commission required professionals at level 15 or higher. Collecting this many at once was actually quite a lot.
"How did you gather so many?" Wu Heng asked, puzzled.
Ledily answered vaguely, "When a region is in turmoil and war breaks out, there are plenty of corpses. We acted early. Soon, others will start buying corpses as well."
The war she mentioned was likely referring to the Ekow Kingdom.
If this many support-class professionals had died, the number of combat-class professionals, civilians, and soldiers must be even higher.
No wonder they say necromancers thrive in times of chaos—corpses become much easier to acquire.
"We've worked together so many times. No need to check them. I'll store them away and settle the final payment later," Wu Heng said casually.
Ledily smiled and gestured, "Be my guest."
Wu Heng entered the warehouse and stored all the coffins into his spatial sachet.
Then, they returned to the VIP room together.
While a staff member calculated the final payment, Ledily asked, "Do you want to continue issuing a corpse acquisition commission?"
"Yes. Try to collect level 18 corpses if possible."
Ledily chuckled, "Guest, you must be joking. Level 18 professionals don't just die outside. Even if something unexpected happened, retrieving their corpses wouldn't be easy."
"You have a point. Just keep an eye out. If none show up, it's fine," Wu Heng said.
"I'll include it in the commission."
"Alright."
Before long, the new commission was written, and the staff finalized the payment.
Wu Heng settled the balance, officially completing this corpse trade.
"I'll head back now. I'll return the cloak next time I come."
Ledily flipped her hand, revealing a delicate wooden box. "Guest, this is an elven floral tea, different from what's commonly available. It's exclusive to royalty and nobility. I had someone buy a small batch—take it back and give it a try."
Wu Heng glanced at her.
Her large eyes carried a hint of nervous anticipation.
Wu Heng didn't refuse. He took the box and said, "Thank you."
Ledily smiled and replied, "It's nothing. If you like it, I'll get more next time."
They chatted as they walked out of the consortium together.
Wu Heng headed toward the city outskirts.
Ledily stood behind, waving goodbye.
By the time he returned to the Island Lord's mansion, the sky had already darkened.
Wu Heng ate alone in the dining hall, while the maids were in the training room going through their daily drills.
Xiaoxiao phased through the wall, glanced at the food on the table, then whispered in his ear, "Uncle, that six-armed lady is outside. She's walked around several times."
Six-armed lady?
Macintosh?
"Which 'outside'?" Wu Heng asked.
"Right outside the main gate. I think she might want to come in," Xiaoxiao answered.
"Let me see."
Xiaoxiao phased into his body, sharing her vision in his mind.
From an aerial perspective over the Island Lord's mansion, the view shifted toward the lively, well-lit streets.
In a quick pass, his sight locked onto a figure emitting the aura of a level 15 professional.
Xiaoxiao instantly changed direction, swooped down for a close-up, and confirmed that it was indeed 'Macintosh.'
She flew back to report to Wu Heng.
Releasing Xiaoxiao, Wu Heng praised, "Good job, Xiaoxiao. You spotted her right away."
"Hmph! No one can escape my eyes!" Xiaoxiao boasted.
"That's right. When it comes to scouting, our Xiaoxiao is the best."
Xiaoxiao beamed with pride. She tried to maintain a serious expression, but a smile still crept onto her lips as she floated above his head.
"I'll have someone bring her in and see what she wants."
"Okay," Xiaoxiao muttered before slowly fading from view.
Wu Heng got up and headed to the training room, calling out, "Minnie!"
Minnie quickly ran over, her clothes damp with sweat. "Master!"
"Macintosh is outside, wearing a brown-yellow cloak. Take some people and ask if she has business here. If she does, bring her to me."
Minnie had seen 'Macintosh' last time she visited.
Plus, her appearance was unique enough to be easy to remember.
"Understood."
Minnie threw on a coat and took a few skeletal attendants with her.
Before long…
Minnie returned, with 'Macintosh' following behind her, hood down.
Brown skin, thick eyebrows, full lips.
A golden ring around her neck.
She gave off the aura of an indigenous chieftain.
"Island Lord Wu Heng," Macintosh greeted with a slight bow.
"Have a seat. Why were you standing outside instead of coming in?" Wu Heng asked casually.
Macintosh's expression showed slight embarrassment.
She should have either walked in or left instead of hesitating and getting noticed.
As she hesitated…
Minnie arrived with tea and refreshments.
Macintosh smiled and said, "Thank you."
Minnie retreated, assuming the role of a proper housekeeper.
"I wasn't sure if you were home, so I hesitated at the entrance for a bit," Macintosh said in a soft voice, having settled on an excuse.
Wu Heng asked, "Have you thought it over? Gold-Silver Island is a good place, and it'll only get better. I hope you'll stay and help build it with us."
Macintosh lifted her head and asked, "If I sign a slave contract with you, will you force me to do things?"
She was still worried about that.
Wu Heng said, "That depends on how you see it. The purpose of a slave contract is to ensure you don't act against me. As for forcing you to do things… even without a contract, resisting the will of a stronger person is rarely an option."
Macintosh paused mid-thought.
He had a point—whether the contract existed or not, coercion was still a reality when facing the strong.
"You also said I'd lead my own team and provide intelligence for you. That hasn't changed, has it?"
"No change. If you agree, you'll be part of the Island Lord's mansion, and you'll be in charge of intelligence," Wu Heng said seriously.
That was already granting her considerable authority.
Macintosh fell silent, sitting across from him without speaking.
"Still have concerns?" Wu Heng smiled at her.
She had lingered outside for so long.
Wu Heng guessed that she wanted to join Gold-Silver Island.
After all, she'd been staying on the island for more than ten days. If she wanted to leave, she would have done so already.
Macintosh lifted her head again. "I have one last question."
"Go ahead."
Macintosh stared into his eyes. "What level are you, really?"
Wu Heng was momentarily stunned by the question.
Meeting her gaze, he said, "If I tell you, then you'll have no choice but to sign the contract."
Macintosh's eyes narrowed.
Then, flickers of doubt, suspicion, and shock flashed through her expression.
She took a deep breath to steady herself.
"Fine. I agree to sign the contract. But you won't really treat me as just some disposable slave."