Chapter 774, The Supreme Ark of the Emerald Sea
The two sat in the carriage, the streets outside bustling with noise.
Inside the carriage, a moment of silence settled.
Lilith wasn't much of a talker. Wu Heng thought for a moment, then took the initiative to start a topic. "The church closed down. Those two level-18 bishops probably left the port."
Only then did Lilith slightly raise her head. Her fair, youthful face remained expressionless as she calmly replied, "They came to the Guild to find me earlier. I didn't see them."
So, they even went to the Guild looking for Lilith.
"The sealed mouths were undone?" Wu Heng asked, curious.
"Unless Saidu returns, they'll stay that way for life," Lilith said with a faint smile.
Saidu was the name of the religious leader.
From Lilith's tone, it seemed this leader was quite formidable.
"So they went to headquarters for punishment?" Wu Heng asked.
"At headquarters, they'll be punished according to protocol."
"Harshly?"
Lilith glanced at him. "The Church vouched for them, and no real damage was done. It won't be severe."
"Shame."
Lilith gave him a look before saying, "That's why having a backer and influence is essential in any environment."
Wu Heng understood that well.
He was human, and human heroes belonged to the Church.
So up till now, he hadn't really had a true backer.
Lilith might count, but their relationship was mostly private correspondence.
Of course, now that he was level 19 and his Wraiths were at level 20, he was about to become someone else's backer.
With his current strength, as long as he didn't provoke overly powerful enemies, he could defend himself just fine.
Wu Heng nodded in understanding.
Perhaps realizing she'd said too much, Lilith curiously asked, "How many stories are in the Detective series?"
"Several standalone arcs, and more consecutive ones coming," Wu Heng replied.
Lilith looked him over carefully. "With your age, you've solved that many cases?"
Wu Heng said, "I've lived quite an eventful life."
Lilith smiled slightly but said no more.
Wu Heng asked, "So you like detective stories too, Leader Lilith?"
"Occasionally. Helps pass the time."
...…
The carriage rolled on for a while before slowly coming to a stop.
The two stepped out, and Lilith's gaze landed on the building before them.
It was very close to the Lord's estate—you could see the estate wall just by looking up.
According to the island's original layout, the estate belonged to the Pirate King, and these adjacent mansions were for key fleet members.
But ever since Wu Heng became Lord, these hadn't been sold.
They'd been vacant ever since.
Wu Heng said, "You'll stay here for now. The city is still expanding, and I'll have a bigger mansion built for you later."
He deliberately kept her separate from the residential area—to ensure the safety of others.
If the neighbors held a noisy party and disturbed her, everyone's mouths might get sealed shut.
That would be a disaster.
Lilith said nothing and walked straight into the building, Wu Heng following under the umbrella.
The layout was simple, similar to mansions in the Snowburn District, but more spacious overall.
Some weeds grew in the courtyard. On the left, a fruit tree was unusually lush.
They stood in the courtyard for a moment.
Then came a soft knock at the back gate.
The main door opened, and two gnomes carrying briefcases entered briskly.
They bowed. "Lord of the Island."
Then glanced at the refined girl under the umbrella, eyes tightening slightly.
The Lord was holding the umbrella personally.
They quickly bowed again. "Miss."
"Miss," they repeated with another bow.
Whatever her identity, bowing first couldn't hurt.
Wu Heng introduced, "These two are designers from the island. If you need anything, just tell them—they'll help with the renovations."
The gnomes bowed again humbly.
This girl was clearly someone big—even the Lord used honorifics.
The Lord dared to hit princes, and the Ekow Kingdom's princess had to ask him for help.
This girl must be above royalty.
Lilith nodded. "Come in with me."
They entered together, and Lilith discussed her preferences with the two designers.
Wu Heng waited at the door for a while.
Lilith and the gnomes soon came back out.
Lilith said, "They'll handle the basics. I'll arrange the furniture and decor myself."
"I'll have lighting and cooling devices installed."
"That's fine."
"Want a movie room too?"
"Prepare an extra set of everything. I'll take them later," Lilith said softly.
Uh…
Wu Heng explained, "Those won't work elsewhere. They run on a special energy only Gold-Silver Island has."
Lilith narrowed her eyes at him, then looked away without replying.
"It's true," Wu Heng added.
At that moment, the two gnome designers came out.
They bowed. "Lord, Miss, we've taken measurements and will begin construction immediately. Furniture and facilities will follow."
"How long for the renovations?" Wu Heng asked.
"Three days," said the designer.
"Hurry—it may need changes later."
"Yes, Lord. We'll start preparations."
Wu Heng nodded. They turned and left.
"Leader, I'll take you back," Wu Heng said, umbrella still held.
He escorted Lilith back to the dorms.
Then Wu Heng took the carriage back to the Lord's estate.
In the carriage, he let out a breath.
Lilith's situation had the highest chance of problems in today's plan.
But she didn't seem picky about the house—seemed like she wouldn't stay long, just use it as a temporary base.
All in all, her staying was beneficial.
And if the house stayed but she left—even better.
...…
Back at the estate—
Minnie helped him off with his coat and gave it a shake. "Master, everything go smoothly with Lilith?"
"Yes. Renovation crews will work on the mansion outside. If you're free, check in occasionally," Wu Heng said.
"Got it. I'll send Robe to keep an eye on it," Minnie said.
"No need. Just a quick look morning and evening. The presence of the Lord's people shows we care," Wu Heng said.
Minnie nodded.
Robe sighed in relief. Just a show-up mission. Not bad.
He chatted briefly with the maids and had them prep lunch.
Wu Heng then called Steward Sheila Grey.
He informed her of Lilith's relocation, so she'd stay in the loop.
They chatted a bit more and hung up.
...…
After lunch,
Wu Heng returned to his study, summoned the three Wraiths, and opened a portal to the zombie world.
On the other side, he arrived at the dorm suite he left from.
After releasing the Wraiths, he walked to the window.
Among the bustling crowd, he could spot elders from the previous base.
Seemed Qi Hancai had brought more people over.
He waited at the window for a moment.
The Wraiths flew back.
"Armory is secure. Warehouse locked. Skeletons on guard."
"Uncle, the missiles are all still there."
"Your little girlfriend's managing well—everything's stable."
The Wraiths floated above, reporting.
Wu Heng said, "Let's head down. Then we'll get a vehicle and help Benny level up."
He went downstairs and headed straight to the commander's office building.
Skeletons guarded the stairway. He climbed and saw the female deputy sitting in his chair.
Seeing Wu Heng, she jumped up. "Leader."
"Is Qi Hancai inside?"
"Yes, go right in."
Wu Heng knocked twice and entered.
Qi Hancai was reading a document. She looked up and smiled.
"How's it going?" Wu Heng sat across from her.
"I've reassigned department heads. Our people are mixed in—especially satellite communications. I checked—it's easy to locate targets."
"So I almost didn't make it," Wu Heng said.
"I asked them directly—they can pinpoint people clearly. But the area's huge, so it's not that simple."
"Still, being watched constantly is dangerous."
"Agreed," Qi Hancai nodded. "The army's disbanded. Skeletons now handle all city defense. Former troops are in logistics and rescue. Some I'll send to Sister Yanhong's factory."
"That works. Coordinate with Li Yanhong."
Qi Hancai glanced at more papers. "One more issue."
"What is it?"
"The shanty area's in terrible shape. If there's a fire or chaos, it'll be a disaster. I'm considering winter construction or moving people downtown like in Xinfushi—there are ready buildings."
The refugee area was basically slums.
It was manageable now—just a mosquito problem.
But come winter, many could freeze to death.
Housing had to improve.
Wu Heng said, "We've cleared the city. Have skeletons recheck. Move people into a proper neighborhood."
"That's what I was thinking," Qi Hancai nodded.
Base talk done.
Wu Heng said, "Restart the tech departments—especially satellite launch and controls. Continue skeleton training. Give them a deadline."
"Okay. I'll set it up."
Wu Heng nodded.
Qi Hancai added, "You know girl groups?"
"Yeah. Singers and dancers."
"Some ex-members are here. Interested?" She raised an eyebrow.
Wu Heng gave her a look. "So thoughtful."
"Interested or not?" she asked.
"Got pics? I don't really know what they look like," Wu Heng said.
Qi Hancai pulled out a tablet, sat on his lap, and showed photos.
Several women in pajamas, striking seductive poses.
Wu Heng glanced—young, good figures.
But compared to women from the otherworld, their skin and aura didn't match up—not even Qi Hancai, Li Yanhong, or Zhao Yanqiu.
Nutrition and potions made a big difference.
"Well?"
"They're pretty, but I've got you girls already," Wu Heng said, patting her waist.
Qi Hancai smiled, touching his face. "Smooth talker."
Wu Heng continued, "Alright, prep a vehicle. I'm taking skeletons to clear zombies."
"Okay," Qi Hancai replied.
She handed over a rugged satellite phone. "No more public radio channels."
"Much more convenient," Wu Heng said, weighing it.
It had some heft.
"I'm off. Call if anything comes up."
Wu Heng headed downstairs. A truck was waiting.
He climbed into the passenger seat. Skeletons gathered from the barracks.
Escorted by the skeleton army, they left the city.
Beyond the inner gates, the truck and skeletons entered narrow, cluttered streets lined with shacks.
Gaunt survivors scattered back into shelters, peeking through cracks.
Some, in rags, knelt by the road, kowtowing and shouting thanks.
Qi Hancai's PR was working.
Wu Heng's reputation was likely rising.
...…
They left the base.
Kept going outward.
Approaching the marked map area, roaming zombies came into view.
Wu Heng donned his mask, altered his appearance, and stepped off the truck.
Skeleton hounds drew the aggro; spear phalanx met the horde.
Fierce battle erupted, and drifting souls rose.
Benny charged in, devouring the floating spirits.
With each bite, her XP soared.
A few more rounds, and she'd level up.
Eventually, the battle ended.
Wu Heng ordered the skeletons to clean up and began converting more skeletons himself.
Once everything was handled—
He found a place nearby and returned to Gold-Silver Island.
...…
Gold-Silver Island.
It had rained lightly overnight. Morning streets were thick with moisture.
People rose early, starting their day. The streets buzzed to life.
A paperboy on a bicycle zipped to his usual corner.
He raised the paper and shouted, "New Detective story! Potion auction hits 50,000 gold! Hero from headquarters praises the island and buys property!"
The bustling crowd froze—the whole street fell silent.
A new detective story! And that 50,000-gold potion rumor had already spread.
But… a hero buying property?
What news was this?
A hero came to the island?
A level-20 hero… here?
Rustle rustle~!
People swarmed the paperboy, snatching up copies.
...…
Golden Sail Tavern.
The paper release had drawn quite a crowd that morning.
Everyone waiting to hear the new detective tale.
As they sat, the bard Saban, dressed in finery, came out holding the paper.
"Is it Mr. Saban telling the story today?"
"He's my favorite!"
Whispers spread.
"Good morning, everyone," Saban said cheerfully, full of energy.
"I know you're all here for the detective story. But first, as usual, let's read today's big news—especially the most important item."
Chatter rippled through the crowd.
"I heard a hero arrived."
"Even bought a house."
"Tell us, Mr. Saban—is it true?"
"We've never seen a hero before."
As the crowd buzzed, Saban slapped the table.
Taking a deep breath, he declared, "Confirmed! Leader Lilith from HQ has settled on Gold-Silver Island and is now working with us for its safety."
The crowd was stunned.
"Who's Lilith?"
"Leader from the Guild headquarters—how do you not know that?"
"A level-20 hero moved here?"
"Whoa! Is the island really that amazing?"
...…
Inside the association dormitory.
Lilith held the newspaper in her hands, and as she looked at the large headline in the middle—"Head of the Headquarters Moves to Gold-Silver Island, Building the Supreme Ark of Emerald Sea"—even her eyelids twitched.
They really don't miss a single opportunity, huh.
Yesterday she was gifted a house, and today they were using her to advertise real estate on the island.
So now this hero of hers is also responsible for the island's safety, huh?
The old retainer standing by her side chuckled and said, "Lord Wu Heng really does have a unique business mind."
Lilith tossed the newspaper aside. "Childish."