Chapter 714, The New Investigation Team
Wu Heng nodded, feeling a bit relieved inside.
Good thing he left.
It proved that the man had merely passed through Netalei City, and thankfully, the Guild hadn't caused trouble for him.
Wu Heng asked, "Where did you last see him?"
"I didn't get too close, but I saw them coming out of the Snake Emblem Consortium's tavern," Glenda answered directly.
As expected, it was the leader of the Snake Emblem Consortium.
In fact, from Wu Heng's perspective, the Consortium had helped him a great deal.
Starting from Rentam City, the assistance he received from them exceeded even that of the Guild.
Of course, their relationship was transactional—he paid, they provided services.
It wasn't exactly a favor—just mutual benefit.
But he did like that kind of cooperation: money could buy what he needed.
"Since they've left, it's no longer our concern. We might not ever meet again," Wu Heng said, sipping his tea.
Glenda added, "Didn't seem so domineering either."
"We just saw him once. He wouldn't kill us on the street just for looking at him. If he did, that's not domineering—that's a mental illness."
"You've got a point," Glenda agreed.
"Alright, let's focus on our own matters. The new Guild investigation team arrives in a couple of days, and our task will be over."
"Mm." Glenda floated aside and continued writing her story.
Wu Heng sat in the room, sipping tea.
As noon approached, Philipa's shouting came from outside.
He walked to the window and looked out, seeing Philipa with her arm around Shanaila's shoulder, returning from outside.
She was talking nonstop.
Wu Heng greeted the spirits and went downstairs.
Heading to the living room.
As he descended, Shanaila and Philipa stopped chatting and looked over.
"What are you two talking about?"
Philipa replied, "Some merchants came to the city today. We accompanied 'Brittany' to meet them and gave some advice."
Shanaila added, "They came to scoop up cheap properties in the city but aren't sure about the situation. Mostly they're gathering intel."
Unlike Shanaila's group.
These merchant guilds were still unaware of the city's development plans. They wanted a chance to profit but feared potential risks.
So before buying anything, they were mostly trying to gather intel.
To determine if the investment was worth it.
"Are there any good properties left? Try to buy them all," Wu Heng said, sitting down.
"We bought most of them, but left a few mid-tier ones for other guilds. Helps keep the hype going," Shanaila explained.
Wu Heng nodded, "Good. When you go out, take more guards with you. Don't linger unnecessarily."
"Is it dangerous?" Shanaila asked, eyes wide.
"Just a lot of people at the port. Better safe than sorry."
He didn't mention the Hero.
Talking about it now, regardless of whether the man had left, would stir unnecessary attention.
Philipa scooted over and draped her arm around him, "Relax, I'll protect Shanaila. No problem at all."
"It's more dangerous with you protecting me."
Philipa froze, "What's that supposed to mean? You don't trust the great Captain Philipa?"
"I trust you," Wu Heng said, shaking her off.
"Good judgment," Philipa stood up and asked, "What do you want for lunch? I'll have the chef make it."
"Anything simple," Shanaila said.
Wu Heng nodded too, indicating he had no preference.
Philipa skipped off to the kitchen. Soon lunch was ready, and they all sat down to eat.
......
That afternoon, the two women left the City Lord's Mansion again.
Wu Heng went upstairs, opened the world gate in his study, and traveled to the zombie world.
Exiting the dorm, he headed to the warehouse and placed all the materials he had brought.
He waited at the entrance for a while until Li Yanhong arrived. She glanced at the piles of food and supplies and asked, "What's all this for?"
She'd seen Wu Heng produce food and supplies before.
Though she didn't know the ability's nature, she knew it was his power.
"Distribute the food across the regions. Move the coins and steel to the military factory," Wu Heng instructed.
"Got it." Li Yanhong took out her radio and began giving orders.
Soon, trucks arrived and survivors began loading the goods.
The two stood quietly, watching.
"Got any new cartoons or movies?" Wu Heng suddenly asked.
"Yeah, I gathered a bunch for Xiaoxiao. They're on my computer. I'll copy them for you," Li Yanhong said with a smile.
She had always been the one to find new shows for Xiaoxiao.
Whenever something new came out, she collected it for her.
"Great."
They went to her place and copied the movies and cartoons onto a drive.
"Is Xiaoxiao nearby?" Li Yanhong asked.
"No. You need her?"
Lowering her voice, Li Yanhong said, "No, but I've got some adult movies. Want them?"
"Didn't know you were into that."
"What do you mean 'I'm into it'? I saved them for you. At your age, you should learn a thing or two," she said, winking.
"They're boring to watch. Maybe you can act them out for me."
"You're annoying," Li Yanhong rolled her eyes but didn't get mad.
"Careful not to copy them with the cartoons."
"Kidding. I don't have that stuff."
"Liar."
They chatted at the bedside, waiting for the files to finish transferring.
Night gradually fell.
Wu Heng returned to the other world.
......
Two days later.
Wu Heng was in the study when Xiaoxiao flew in.
"Uncle, the Guild's ships arrived at the port! Five ships total! Four Level 18 Professionals and lots of Level 15s!" she exclaimed.
Headquarters' reinforcements had finally arrived.
Four Level 18 Professionals plus several Level 15s.
Along with Tapani and Janvito in Netalei City, it showed just how serious the investigation into the Ekow Kingdom was.
But the Snake Emblem Hero had also gone to the Ekow Kingdom. Would they run into each other? Could these Professionals deter him?
"Where did they go?"
"To the Guild building! That elf elder even came out to welcome them," Xiaoxiao said.
Wu Heng nodded in understanding.
Knock knock knock~!
Just then, the door knocked and Philipa's voice followed.
"Wu Heng, you in there? The Guild sent someone. They want you to come over."
"I'm going now." Wu Heng grabbed his leather armor and walked out.
At the door, Philipa latched onto his arm, "Let me come with you. It's so boring at home."
"The reinforcements from headquarters are here. Don't talk nonsense. Most of this isn't our business anymore," Wu Heng cautioned.
"Relax. I'll wait at the entrance and won't go in," Philipa said, putting on leather armor and whistling.
A green-feathered parrot flew over and perched on her shoulder.
Together, they left the City Lord's Mansion and headed to the Guild.
......
In the Guild conference room, Wu Heng met the new investigation team from headquarters.
Space was limited, so not everyone was present. Four Level 18 Professionals sat on the other side of the table.
Two elves, one human, and one dwarf.
Behind them sat several investigators with pens and paper—humans and gnomes.
Once the door closed—
Tapani introduced, "Wu Heng, these are the investigators from headquarters. Leading them is Elder Daniel..."
Wu Heng glanced at them and bowed, "Greetings, Elder. Greetings, honored members of the Guild."
The group on the other side observed Wu Heng closely.
Whether it was the newspaper coverage or the resolution of this case—
An Guild member who suddenly rose to prominence had become a hot figure within headquarters in just a few months.
Most couldn't even name all the elders at headquarters, but mention Wu Heng and everyone knew who he was and what he had done lately.
His ability to market himself was unmatched.
Right now his level was low, but once he advanced, his fame would surely skyrocket.
Most importantly, even the heroes seemed to value him.
Once he reached Level 18, becoming an Elder wouldn't be a problem.
"Tapani has already submitted a report on Netalei City's situation. But I want you to recount it in detail," said Daniel, withdrawing his gaze.
Wu Heng nodded, sat across from them, and began to narrate everything.
From spotting the suspicious fleet, tracking down the White Wings Gang who abducted women and children, to discovering the fake evidence planted by impostors posing as the Snake Emblem Consortium.
Finally, when they captured the White Wings leader, an old man posing as a Consortium member was found, and during his interrogation, the city's military began its attack.
He explained everything thoroughly.
Having told Shanaila, Minnie, Sheila Grey and the others before, he recounted it fluently.
Daniel showed no expression and asked, "How did you identify the impostor elder?"
"I have spirits."
"Do you have any clues or follow-ups about the Holy Veneration Sect?"
"This was the first I heard of that sect. But according to corpse interrogation results, the Holy Veneration Sect was clearly supporting the First Prince in secret and orchestrated the entire event."
Daniel nodded and looked at the investigators behind him.
Seeing the details were recorded, he said, "Headquarters already has a plan. Let me share it with you."
Wu Heng, Tapani, and the others focused, waiting for the briefing.
Daniel continued, "Tapani and Janvito will remain in Netalei City to secure the harbor and the investigation team's rear. Wu Heng, as Island Lord, will ensure route safety and handle logistics and supply transport."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow.
So he could return to Gold-Silver Island?