Chapter 675, A New Storyline
Take advantage of the chaos in the Ekow Kingdom to boost one's own fame.
Glenda had mentioned this before.
But in Wu Heng's plans, he had no desire to get involved.
He was focused on developing Gold-Silver Island, introducing modern products for sale here.
Gradually turning Gold-Silver Island into a commercial hub, while putting his name behind all products, slowly gaining renown.
Getting involved with the Ekow Kingdom's mess would introduce many unpredictable factors.
So, as per his usual cautious approach, he didn't take action.
But this time, whether he liked it or not, he was dragged into it.
Wu Heng asked, "What do you think we should do?"
Glenda floated in the air for a bit, then said, "It doesn't have to be complicated. A steward being killed will create huge buzz. Just act a bit proactive—follow Guild protocols and join the investigation. Your fame will naturally rise."
Wu Heng sipped tea and said, "Feels wrong to gain fame off a dead steward."
"Avenge him and it's not exploitation. I've died before—I know the drill," Glenda laughed.
"Uh... with that logic, I've got nothing," Wu Heng muttered and sat down at his desk.
He started writing the report.
First, he briefly recounted how the body was found and the intel discovered.
Sheila Grey would write that part too, so he kept it brief.
Then, he detailed countermeasures and next steps.
"1. Establish an investigation team.
To investigate the killer, I suggest forming a team under Emerald Sea's jurisdiction to enter Netalei City.
2. Protection of Guild members.
......"
Wu Heng finished quickly and reviewed it carefully.
Sheila Grey was better at this type of writing.
He just put his thoughts on paper—about 300 words.
Mainly, he proposed forming a task force and protecting other Guild members in Netalei City to prevent further incidents.
The proposal was detailed.
After all, if he wanted to investigate, he needed the Guild's backing.
He read through it again, then passed it to Glenda.
"You're actually good at this," Glenda praised.
"Years of practice."
"Looks fine. Send it in."
Wu Heng nodded. "Wait. I'll also write to Imiro and Lilith. They should be informed."
Glenda nodded.
Wu Heng wrote two letters explaining the situation.
Then he left his study and had Robe send them to the Guild along with Sheila Grey's report.
With that done—
Wu Heng called Macintosh, who handled island intelligence, and told her to watch newcomers carefully.
Report anything unusual immediately.
......
Nightfall.
Shanaila came in after a bath.
"Minnie said something happened on the island again?"
Wu Heng, lying sideways on the bed, ran a hand along her smooth thigh. "A Whisperer from Netalei City died right after arriving. The killer escaped."
Shanaila's eyes widened. "He died on Gold-Silver Island?"
"Sheila Grey had me question the corpse today. He came delivering intel. The steward in Netalei was assassinated, and the Ekow Kingdom isn't letting the local Guild spread the news," Wu Heng explained.
Shanaila's eyes shot open—shocked.
"Why? Has the Ekow Kingdom gone mad?"
"Even said the coast is red with blood. Total chaos."
Shanaila was speechless.
Wu Heng continued, "We've reported it to headquarters. They'll handle it. No need to worry."
"Sigh. Stability in a region is just too important."
"Yeah. If the old king saw this, he'd die of rage all over again," Wu Heng remarked.
Wu Heng had a poor impression of the Ekow Kingdom due to their restrictions on necromancers.
But honestly, necromancy was dangerous, and the kingdom had been progressing well.
The populace had lived decently.
Now the old king was gone and the kingdom was falling apart.
"Be careful. A kingdom will have high-level Professionals," Shanaila said, touching his cheek.
"I'll be fine. You bring extra guards when going out."
Shanaila nodded. "The island's pens and watches are in heavy supply now—tens of thousands of gold coming in daily. When will the bicycles launch?"
Uh...
He'd been too focused on leveling up Glenda and forgot to check the bike production.
Wu Heng thought quickly. "New ones aren't ready, but an old batch is coming. We'll refurbish them for sale."
"Used? That could hurt our reputation," Shanaila frowned.
"When they arrive, see if they're sellable. If not, convert them into tricycles. I'll rush the production line," Wu Heng replied.
Shanaila nodded. "Okay. Your call."
Night deepened. The two lay down to rest.
......
Next morning, after breakfast—
Wu Heng called the Guild. Shiyali answered, "Steward's office."
"It's Wu Heng. Were the reports and letters sent?"
"Sent yesterday afternoon. Don't worry."
"Any updates from Sheila Grey?"
After a brief pause to check, Shiyali replied, "Nothing major. The Ekow Kingdom's fifth princess is staying at our dormitory. She was told to stay safe."
"Let me know if anything comes up."
"Will do."
Wu Heng hung up, lost in thought.
No matter how chaotic Ekow got, it wouldn't affect Gold-Silver Island.
Now, it was up to headquarters. He'd follow their lead.
"Minnie, I'm heading upstairs. If anyone asks for me, say I'm out."
"Yes, Master," Minnie smiled.
Wu Heng went upstairs and reabsorbed the ghosts.
He opened the portal to the zombie world.
......
As he exited, Wu Heng descended the stairs and used his radio to call Qi Hancai.
He waited in the office building's conference room.
Qi Hancai entered with her little owl.
Wu Heng gestured to sit. "Are the people we brought back behaving?"
They'd been captured after occupying a cleared area and blocking supply convoys.
Taken prisoner.
Qi Hancai replied, "We registered them and assigned jobs. Most joined the convoy doing manual labor. There's a psychic among them, and one who took a corpse core but didn't awaken."
"No wonder they acted up. Two strong ones among them," Wu Heng realized.
"Two more are from their base's leadership. I've kept them locked up. Will decide later," Qi Hancai added.
"Handle it as you see fit," Wu Heng nodded. "I've got a few assignments."
Qi Hancai grew serious. "Alright."
Wu Heng said, "Scavenge ships at the port. Cargo or military doesn't matter. Second—bikes. We saw shared bike piles when clearing zombies—gather those and send them to Seaside Port. Also, get all bases to look for bike factories. Report back."
Qi Hancai nodded seriously. "Got it. I'll relay that now."
"Nothing else. Prep a vehicle—we'll clear a nearby village."
As they walked out, Qi Hancai asked, "Can we build New Fushi-style wells here? Water logistics are tough."
"Sure. I'll arrange it. Let me know what else you need."
"Got it!"
The two exited.
They boarded a truck with a skeleton army to a nearby village.
They killed zombies. Beni devoured the rising souls.
Wu Heng summoned [Immaculate Holy Radiance] to call a Light Knight, who joined the fight for XP.
......
Shuffle~!
Two skeletons carried over a human corpse.
Found in a building—it had rotted and been dead a while.
Wu Heng looked up. "Glenda, try it."
Glenda frowned. "Isn't this too gross? Why not test on a clean one?"
Wu Heng glanced at the body. "Forget it. We'll try on Gold-Silver Island."
Glenda rolled her eyes but circled and entered the corpse.
Crackle~!
Bones shifted. The corpse twitched, limbs moving stiffly.
Every movement was rigid.
But eventually, it stood. Its dried lips moved. "Wu Heng... hello."
"Eek! Creepy!" Xiaoxiao hid behind Wu Heng.
The corpse took two steps. "Xiaoxiao, come watch cartoons with me."
"Auntie, come out! It's scary!" Xiaoxiao yelled.
Glenda emerged, laughing. "You're not scared of zombie skeletons—why fear a corpse?"
Xiaoxiao shivered. "It's just creepy. I won't sleep tonight... oh wait, I don't sleep."
The body fell lifeless again.
Wu Heng glanced at it and waved for skeletons to move it.
Confirmed: Glenda's [Steal Body] worked easily—full mobility, facial expressions, even speech.
Different from undead spells like False Life.
More like true possession—but temporary.
Wu Heng waited as the battlefield quieted.
He ordered cleanup.
......
Nautilus Tavern.
After telling the latest detective tale, the bard didn't leave.
He sipped tea, exhaled deeply.
Raised a hand for silence.
"City Hall reports the Netalei steward was assassinated. The Ekow Kingdom is suppressing all news. The Whisperer who brought the intel was killed en route to the Guild—everything was taken."
The tavern fell silent.
Everyone frowned—shocked and suspicious.
A steward killed.
Rarely heard words.
The bard continued, "Thankfully, Steward Sheila Grey preserved the body. Lord Wu Heng used necromancy to speak with the dead and learned of the murder and..."
"Netalei's waters dyed red with corpses stacked like mountains."
The entire tavern froze in horror.
As if mountains of bodies loomed right before them.
Normal battles don't cause that.
Either armies fought in the city—or civilians were massacred.
"So the Ekow Kingdom killed the steward? Why else block the news?"
"Only explanation."
"Are they purging the city?"
"Now it's up to the Guild."
"They'll crush them, no doubt."
"What's Lord Wu Heng's stance? Isn't he a Standard Bearer?"
The crowd debated.
......
Wu Heng and Sheila Grey had released the news deliberately.
Plenty of witnesses had seen the investigation.
Before HQ's release, they chose to preempt it.
That way, when Gold-Silver Island presses Netalei, no one thinks the Guild is meddling.
The paper served its purpose—
Inform the public. Shape opinion.
Now everyone knew: the steward was dead, the Ekow Kingdom blocked it—clearly guilty.
If the Guild didn't retaliate, they'd look weak.
The news would spread with merchant convoys.
Some shifted focus to Wu Heng.
His fame was unmatched on the island—naturally, he'd chase the killer.
The murderer's fate was already sealed.
"A new detective story arc!" someone exclaimed.
Eyes lit up.
A fresh tale!
......
Port.
On a massive black ship—
Wu Heng boarded with skeletons and Andviel. A burly man in leather greeted them, "Lord Wu Heng. Lady Andviel."
"Captain Gregor, you're fast," Wu Heng smiled on the deck.
Gregor had been the dragon dealer who negotiated wyvern corpse sales.
Nearly two weeks had passed.
The ship docked today. Wu Heng came in person.
"Our first deal with Gold-Silver Island—we must show sincerity," Gregor said, gesturing to the hold. "Let me show you the wyvern corpses."
The ghosts returned, confirming no danger.
Wu Heng nodded and followed below.
The stench of rot and dampness hit immediately.
Eyes adjusted to darkness—
The hold was packed with bundles wrapped in straw mats like cargo.
Peeking from the mats—wyvern bones.