Chapter 759: Take It Up with the Leader
Inside the church.
Wearing a bishop's mitre and a long white robe, the local bishop approached.
"Bishop Dek Gavin." Andviel bowed.
Dek Gavin, the local bishop of Gold-Silver Island.
Wu Heng had told her after returning—he was an 18th-level cleric.
Having a level 18 stationed on Gold-Silver Island was almost absurd to think about.
The bishop's frown gave way to a smile. "Miss Andviel, is something the matter?"
Andviel replied seriously, "Lord Bishop, the number of people arriving on the island has increased recently. We came to check if there are any issues."
"Oh! Everything's fine. The security on Gold-Silver Island is excellent," the bishop answered with a smile.
"It's good that you have confidence in the island's safety. There's another matter: factions on the island must not station too many personnel," Andviel added.
The bishop's smile faded—he understood the real reason for her visit.
The latest newspaper had mentioned the restriction on excessive armed forces being stationed on the island.
But he hadn't expected someone to actually come to the church and raise the issue.
Given the Church's influence, they were second only to the Adventurer's Guild in autonomy.
But clearly, Gold-Silver Island didn't see it that way.
The church wasn't even fully established yet. Only a few clerics were here. Paladins were expected to arrive later.
The number of clerics likely fit the current regulations.
So the issue must concern the upcoming arrival of the paladins.
"Miss Andviel, surely the Church isn't included in the factions you're referring to?" the bishop asked.
"We don't have a choice. We've already gone to the Snake Emblem Consortium—they'll be withdrawing personnel soon too. Please don't make things hard for me, Lord Bishop," Andviel replied.
This...
"Miss Andviel, then let Lord Island Master and Leader Saidu discuss it," the bishop said calmly, but firmly.
In other words: Gold-Silver Island has no authority over us.
If your leader agrees, we'll comply.
If he doesn't, there's nothing you can do.
Andviel responded, "I'm just delivering the message per the rules. You might as well speak to the Lord Island Master. If he agrees, we naturally won't disturb you further."
The room fell silent.
Both sides pushing the issue up the chain.
The bishop suddenly smiled. "I'll pay the Island Master a visit. I hear he's a rare genius."
"That would be best," Andviel replied with a smile. "Also, with the auction approaching, major construction is suspended. Renovations inside the church should pause until after the auction."
The bishop narrowed his eyes again, saying nothing.
Andviel bowed once more and left with the skeletons.
Leaving the bishop alone, his expression shifting.
......
Zombie World.
A town off the main road.
A massive horde crashed into the spear lines. Screams and tearing sounds echoed everywhere.
Wisps of lost souls rose into the sky. Benny rushed up, devouring them.
That morning—
Wu Heng had received coordinates from Qi Hancai for a zombie clearing mission. He brought the skeleton army to purge the area.
The otherworld was growing increasingly unstable. Gaining strength quickly was the only way to ensure safety.
Reaching level 20 himself was still a challenge.
But his ghosts might get there with effort.
The front lines were a mess. Benny busily devoured souls overhead.
Xiaoxiao flew down. "Uncle, a vehicle's coming."
Wu Heng looked back and saw a modified off-road vehicle stop at the edge of the skeleton formation.
A survivor got out, adjusting the shortwave radio.
One of Qi Hancai's people, originally from Dong'an Village, now part of Xinfushi Base.
One of his own team.
Then, a voice came through a walkie-talkie strapped to a skeleton: "Leader, I've brought news."
"Come over," Wu Heng replied.
Then told Big Head Skeleton, "Have the skeletons open a path."
The skeletons moved aside, and the survivor hurried through to Wu Heng.
"Leader, Sister Qi didn't say this on the radio—she wanted me to tell you in person. New alchemical tablets just arrived from Xinfushi Base. Made by the Alchemy Skeleton," the survivor reported quickly.
The tablets were finally produced.
That was good news.
"Got it. Head back. Don't spread this around," Wu Heng said.
"Yes, Leader." The survivor nodded and returned to the vehicle, driving off.
Once he left, Xiaoxiao and Glenda appeared beside Wu Heng.
"What tablets?" Xiaoxiao pondered aloud.
"Otherworld potions in pill form. Easier to carry and use."
"Oh, I remember now."
Glenda added, "In this world, those potions won't see much use. Selling them might stir trouble."
Wu Heng nodded. "They're for Gold-Silver Island. With all the rich folks arriving for the auction, it's a perfect chance to showcase the reform in alchemy."
"Definitely an opportunity."
Wu Heng looked back to the battlefield.
As time passed, the zombie numbers dwindled.
He ordered the troops to advance and wipe out the stragglers.
The army moved forward again.
Reaching the next zone, they engaged a new horde.
They worked fast—clearing zombies and harvesting souls.
By dusk—
The bodies were turned into skeletons.
They boarded the trucks and returned to base.
......
They got back at 10 p.m.
Dorm lights were on. Some people were still at the windows smoking.
Wu Heng had the skeletons park the truck in the garage, then entered the dorm.
"You're back late today," said Qi Hancai, leaning against the doorframe in pajamas.
"Even the skeleton army jogged all the way back," Wu Heng said.
Qi Hancai chuckled. "If skeletons had minds, they'd call you a slave driver—riding while they run."
She walked over slowly and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Wu Heng said, "Just got back—don't want to infect you with anything."
"If I turned into a Zombie, would you still love me?" Qi Hancai looked at him.
"I'd worry about you sticking your tongue in my mouth." Wu Heng smacked her butt. "Don't jinx it. Where's the medicine Li Yanhong sent?"
"Here!" Qi Hancai fetched a white pill bottle from her room.
"Yanhong said two pills equal one potion," she added.
Wu Heng took the bottle. "Alright. I won't stay with you tonight."
"Rest up then. What kind of leader works this hard every day?" Qi Hancai adjusted his collar.
"It's for our future."
"Mm." Qi Hancai nodded.
Wu Heng returned to his room, had his ghosts check on the Corpse King, confirmed it was unchanged, absorbed them, and returned to Gold-Silver Island.
......
Back at the Island Lord's residence.
After showering, he went downstairs.
The place was quiet—only the chirping of insects outside.
He went to the kitchen and had the skeleton cook make him a late-night snack, then sat at the table to eat.
Upstairs, Andviel came down in a white camisole nightgown.
Seeing Wu Heng eating downstairs, her guarded expression turned into a smile. "Master!"
Wu Heng patted his thigh, and Andviel obediently sat beside him.
Her fluffy fox tail swayed gently behind her.
Wu Heng asked, "More people coming to the island?"
Andviel replied, "A lot. Steward Sheila Grey and I rearranged the island's defenses. The Guild guards and patrol squads are running more patrols."
She added, "We also visited the Snake Emblem Consortium and the church. The church was a bit uncooperative—they said reducing troops should be discussed with the religious leader. The local bishop wants to talk to you personally."
Thanks to 08a for the reward.