Chapter 721, Home Theater
Zombie World, inside the conference room.
Li Yanhong handed over a list and said, "These are the factories counted in Xinfu City. The ones prioritized for restoration in the plan are related to animal husbandry, including grain farming, livestock breeding, and the production of feed and fertilizer."
The outward expansion of the skeletons ensures the safety within the base.
Next is solving the problem of food and meat—we can't always have Wu Heng 'create' them.
We must find ways to reach self-sufficient productivity.
Whether for our own use or to sell to other bases, it's the most pressing need.
Wu Heng said, "Fertilizer can wait for now. I'll study if there's another method and let you know in a couple of days."
The wood elves have plant-accelerating potions; it's worth looking into.
Even if we can't get the potion formula, buying some would work better than fertilizer.
"Okay." Li Yanhong nodded.
Wu Heng refocused on the list and asked, "What's this aquatic products processing plant about?"
Li Yanhong leaned in to check. "It's a canning factory, various seafood cans."
Canned food!
Such a factory would be useful in the otherworld too.
We could process seafood from Emerald Sea and transport it inland for sale.
For example, to the Orcs in Rentam City—it should fetch a good price.
Wu Heng nodded. "Food factory, paper mill, aquatic processing factory—are there survivors who know how to operate them?"
"Yes, all are modern equipment. As long as they know the steps, it doesn't require technicians," Li Yanhong said.
"Then have the survivors teach the skeletons how to operate them."
Li Yanhong nodded again to show understanding.
Wu Heng looked at the list once more, finding no factories he personally needed, and stood up. "Let's go check out those factories and get the people settled in."
Li Yanhong picked up the walkie-talkie and ordered the staff and convoy to gather downstairs.
After everything was ready.
Wu Heng got on the truck and headed to the chosen factories.
...…
In one afternoon.
Wu Heng and Li Yanhong visited several selected factories.
After inspection, all skeletons were assigned to their stations.
Now there are quite a few high-level skeletons inside the base.
Although their souls are artificially constructed via necromancy, their stats are no lower than those of the living—including intelligence and learning abilities.
As long as they're shown demonstrations or explanations, they learn quickly.
"The survivors are arranged. They'll teach the skeletons how to operate machines tomorrow," Li Yanhong said as she walked over.
"Best if the skeletons learn within three days."
Li Yanhong did some mental math. "Should be fine. It's all simple operations. One or two demonstrations should do."
"By the way, do you still have a full home theater set?" Wu Heng suddenly asked.
"Yes. If you need it, I'll find one when we get back. How many sets do you want?"
"Just one is fine. I'll take it later."
Li Yanhong pouted. "You're bringing it back for Qi Hancai? Korea can't be so poor they don't even have this, right!"
Wu Heng pinched her cheek. "What kind of jealousy is that."
As they talked, a voice came from the walkie-talkie. "Sister Hong, everything's ready."
Li Yanhong replied, "Return to city center."
The convoy started up and drove toward the city center.
After returning to the central mall.
Wu Heng followed Li Yanhong to the warehouse and picked up a full set of equipment.
They chatted for a while.
Then Li Yanhong went off to handle her affairs, and Wu Heng returned to his dorm and headed for Gold-Silver Island.
...…
Back at Gold-Silver Island.
After releasing the wraith, Wu Heng left the study and went downstairs.
In the Island Lord's residence, he checked the rooms on the second floor and picked a relatively spacious one, about 50 square meters.
He took out the projector, screen, and audio equipment he'd just acquired.
He'd promised the maids a movie night, and it had been delayed until now.
He summoned all the electrician skeletons in the residence to begin installation and wiring.
Noise came from upstairs.
A white owl flew up first from downstairs, followed by four maids.
They each held onto the door frame and looked into the room at the busy skeletons.
Wu Heng also stepped aside to give the skeletons enough space to work.
"Master, what's all this? So many boxes," cat-eared Robe asked curiously.
"Home theater—the one I promised you," Wu Heng said with a smile.
The girls' eyes lit up. "So this is a theater? But there's nothing here yet?"
"Not installed yet! Let's go eat downstairs first and let the skeletons handle this."
"Okay, Master."
They went downstairs together, and the skeleton chef brought dinner.
"Viel, have the Starflower Merchant Guild leader come tomorrow. I have some things to discuss with him," Wu Heng said.
"Yes, Master," Andviel replied. Then added, "The supplies Netalei City needs are all arranged. We can ship them out anytime."
Wu Heng checked the time.
"Schedule the shipment for tomorrow. Besides the supplies, send the engineering team to help repair damaged buildings in Netalei City."
Andviel asked, "About the streetlights—everyone's ready for the investigation."
"Go ahead and deploy them."
"Yes." Andviel nodded with a smile.
Maybe because they were excited for the movie, the maids ate quickly. After putting down their utensils, they quietly stared at him.
Wu Heng turned and looked upstairs.
When the skeletons finished installing and came downstairs, Wu Heng said, "Robe, go get some snacks."
"Viel, go to the layout room and bring the movie discs—the big round ones."
"Minnie, make a call and ask Sheila Grey and 'Macintosh' if they're free. If so, invite them to watch with us."
"Yes, Master."
The maids all ran off to follow his instructions.
Wu Heng went upstairs to check the equipment. It worked fine.
The only issue was the exposed wiring—it didn't look very nice.
Then he had the skeletons bring in sofas and chairs.
Everything was ready.
He waited a bit inside the residence.
Macintosh, fully cloaked, walked in from outside, followed by her skeleton attendant.
"Lord Island Master." Macintosh gave a slight bow.
Wu Heng nodded. "We're waiting for Sheila Grey and the others. Sit anywhere you like."
Macintosh nodded and sat near the back. Robe brought her fruit wine and pastries.
After a bit, Sheila Grey and Shiyali, the elf sisters, arrived.
The maids greeted them, and the sisters nodded with a smile.
Shiyali looked around the room. "This is the theater you mentioned? How do we watch it?"
"Starting soon. Just find a seat," Wu Heng said with a grin.
The sisters sat on the left side. The other maids clustered together on the right.
Wu Heng adjusted the equipment and started the movie.
The loud opening music made everyone jump. Sheila Grey and 'Macintosh' even drew their weapons.
Wu Heng immediately said, "Just movie effects. Put your weapons away—it's starting."
Then he sat down next to Sheila Grey.
The movie officially began. The huge title "The Lord of the Rings I" appeared on the screen.
Of course, the font was from the otherworld—modified by the skeleton in charge of newspaper layout.
After so much study and practice, it had become familiar with both worlds' texts and some desktop publishing and application software.
The title ended and the story began.
The Dark Lord Sauron used the volcano's flames to forge 19 rings: 3 for the Elven tribes, 7 for the Dwarf Kings, and 9 for human lords and nobles.
Each ring held magic, able to protect its race.
But Sauron made one supreme ring for himself to control the other 19.
When everyone realized Sauron's plot, the humans and elves formed an alliance to fight his forces.
As war drums beat, the high-pitched chanting and hordes of demons appeared—the girls in the room all widened their eyes in disbelief and terror.
Catgirl Robe even fluffed up like a startled kitten.
Her fur stood on end as she quietly hid behind Andviel.
But her eyes stayed glued to the screen.
After a fierce battle, a human prince used a broken sword to sever the Dark Lord's fingers—and the ring on them.
The ring changed hands a few times and finally landed with a hobbit.
The story truly began.
Even the opening sequence had already captured the attention of all the women in the room.
After all, none of them had ever seen anything like this.
Even their entire tribes likely hadn't seen scenes as grand as those in the movie.
...…
Everyone's attention was locked on the movie.
Wu Heng had watched The Lord of the Rings before, and it was still stunning now.
He took a sip of fruit wine, quietly glancing at Sheila Grey beside him. The room was dimly lit, and the screen cast a soft glow.
Carefully checking the others, he saw they were all engrossed in the film.
His hand slipped under Sheila Grey's clothes, caressing her smooth belly.
Sheila Grey stiffened, glanced at Wu Heng, then quickly looked side to side.
Seeing no one noticed, she reached to pull away the wandering hand.
But the hand seemed determined and wouldn't leave her clothes.
Sheila Grey didn't dare make big movements, afraid of being noticed.
After some struggle, she took a blanket from her spatial ring and draped it over her lap to hide better.
"Is the AC too strong?" Shiyali leaned in and whispered.
"A little. Covering up a bit," Sheila Grey answered stiffly.
"If you're cold, I'll go turn it down."
"No need!"
Shiyali nodded. A new exciting scene appeared on screen, grabbing her attention again.
Sheila Grey finally relaxed a bit.
Suddenly, she felt that hand slip lower, inside her waistband. The hot fingers rested between her thighs.
Her eyes widened as she turned to look.
Wu Heng gestured for silence but didn't withdraw his hand.
His fingers began to move gently. Sheila Grey felt heat rising, her legs slightly parting, letting him explore.
...…
Nearly three hours later, the movie ended.
The room lights came back on.
"Wow, that was amazing."
"Steward Sheila Grey, do your Elves still have rings like that?" Minnie asked.
Sheila Grey stood up, adjusting her wrinkled pants. "No idea, never heard of anything like that."
Wu Heng reminded them, "It's just a movie—like a stage play. It's a fictional story. Don't spread it as fact."
"Ohhh, so it's fake."
"Movies are great—way more impactful than plays."
"Right? Plays suddenly feel boring."
"Master, are there more movies? Can we watch another tomorrow?"
Wu Heng said, "When there's a new one, I'll show you. None for now."
"Aww, okay."
By then, it was already getting late.
Wu Heng said to the skeleton attendant, "Send two squads to escort Steward Sheila Grey and 'Macintosh' back."
Two skeleton squads immediately ran out and stood behind them.
Sheila Grey's face was still a bit flushed. She coughed lightly. "There are people outside and the streetlights are on. Just send one squad. Shiyali and I will return to the residence while the skeleton escorts 'Macintosh'."
"That's fine. Be careful on the road."
"Mm."
They waved goodbye and left the residence.
The maids chatted about the movie as they returned to their rooms to rest.
...…
The next day, at the port.
Rows of workers moved supplies onto the ships prepared at the port.
These supplies were to be delivered to the Guild and transported to Netalei City.
Of course, besides what was designated for the Guild, the majority were essential goods for the ordinary citizens in the city.
Given Netalei City's current state, it would probably take years to restore its former prosperity.
"Lord Island Master," a voice called out.
The gnome designer 'Youssef' walked over with several designers of various races.
Behind them were numerous skeleton workers in orange vests.
"You're going to help restore some facilities in Netalei City this time. Just follow the Fifth Princess's instructions. If there's any problem, go find Philipa. She'll help resolve anything that can't be handled," Wu Heng said directly.
"Yes, I will complete the task you've given," Youssef bowed again.
"Did you bring all the machinery?"
"Yes, they're stored in several larger spatial rings."
"Be careful on the road."
"Yes, sir."
While they were talking, the goods had been fully loaded onto the ships.
The designers and skeleton workers boarded, waved goodbye, and departed.
Wu Heng then rode a carriage, leaving the port and heading to the Mechanist's building.
...…
Blackstone Town.
The once-bustling town was now bleak and deserted.
Not a soul on the streets, the doors and windows of shops on both sides tightly shut.
Members of the Slater Guild stood atop the city wall, watching as a vast army gradually filled their view and approached the wall.
"Aunt, are... are you okay?" Yuli asked with concern.
Madam Slater looked at the overwhelming army, suddenly losing much of her confidence.
There were just too many.
After a moment of contemplation, she whispered, "Let's hope he still remembers old ties."
As the skeleton army reached the base of the wall, a commander riding a skeletal horse rode forward.
"Is that Steward Slater?" the commander shouted loudly.
Madam Slater glanced at him. "Yes."
"Please open the gates. The Lord of the City has ordered that no harm will come to the citizens, nor will there be any looting," the commander repeated.
Madam Slater glanced at the few lonely figures atop the wall.
The city lord, officials, and guards had all fled.
The people who remained were only there because she had promised there would be no trouble.
Even if they wanted to defend, they couldn't hold it.
"Open the gates!"
Amid the grating sound of metal, the city gates opened wide. The skeleton army marched in orderly, heading along the streets toward the city center.
Madam Slater descended from the wall, followed by Guild members and a few nobles who had sent gifts, with a tense money leopard walking at her feet.
The commander stepped forward and saluted. "Steward Slater."
Seeing this, the people behind Madam Slater breathed a sigh of relief.
It looked like they still respected Madam Slater—so long as they didn't act recklessly, there shouldn't be any problems.
"Wen Mansa didn't come?" Madam Slater asked.
"She's not with the troops."
"How is her recovery? With the border sealed, I haven't had time to visit."
"The Lord of the City is doing well."
After a few pleasantries, Madam Slater continued, "I can guarantee there won't be any danger in the city. I also hope you won't harm the remaining citizens."
The commander nodded. "Rest assured, the City Lord has ordered that no disturbance to the residents shall occur."
Madam Slater nodded, then after some thought added,
"I have an important piece of intelligence that needs to be sent to Gold-Silver Island through Wen Mansa."
The commander's eyes narrowed, and he waved to someone behind him.
A skeleton cavalryman walked over. "If you have information, you can hand it over to him. He'll ride day and night to deliver it to Rentam City."
Madam Slater handed a letter to the skeleton knight.
The skeleton tucked the letter into its pack, flicked the reins, and galloped off.
With the message sent, Madam Slater felt slightly more at ease. She gestured, "Come, let's talk inside the Guild."
"After you, Steward."
...…
Island Lord's residence, in the study.
Wu Heng looked at the blueprint in his hand—it had reached the final page.
Following the instructions, the last part of the electromagnetic cannon inside [Mansion Spell] was being assembled.
Around the main body lay various components of different sizes.
Wu Heng set the blueprint aside, and with a thought, the remaining parts began final assembly.
It now felt more like assembling a LEGO set—simple and fast.
At the same time, he began to look forward to the final result, silently praying nothing would go wrong.
He'd spent months assembling it based on the blueprint.
It couldn't be for nothing.
When the last step was complete, Wu Heng finally let out a sigh of relief.
Whether it works or not, at least for now, it looks identical to the finished product in the blueprint.
"Is it done?" Glenda floated over.
Xiaoxiao and Benny also crowded in.
"It's assembled—but I don't know if it works," Wu Heng said.
"Just test it and find out!"
"True." Wu Heng threw on his coat. "Let's go test it."
Leaving the house, he greeted the maids, then put on the [Conductor's Hat] in the courtyard and headed for Cocktail Island.
...…
Emerald Sea.
Dragon trafficking fleet ship.
"Boss, this Island Lord paid in full—I think we should keep trading with him."
On the deck, a shirtless man slightly bowed and spoke respectfully.
In front of him stood a burly middle-aged man with a wyvern fang pendant around his neck, hands behind his back, at the ship's bow.
He said coldly, "According to clues, the missing fleet was likely taken by Gold-Silver Island. If he wants to keep trading with us, he must give us an explanation."
"An explanation that satisfies me."