Chapter 663, Island Lord, Want a Wyvern?
The old Orc's eyes lit up.
"Can you help the tribes build houses? The ones they have are too outdated."
"Of course," Wu Heng said with a smile and a nod.
The old Orc grew interested, "Tell me more. I think this idea sounds great."
Unlike human kingdoms, the Orc tribes outside Rentam City functioned more like a federation.
Each tribe existed independently, yet belonged to the same race.
Aside from times when facing a common enemy, the tribes often fought amongst themselves.
So, to the human race, Orcs appeared rough and barbaric.
But the Orcs had rich resources and a large population—both of which Wu Heng valued.
He wanted to use the pressure from the Ekow Kingdom to bind the Orcs more closely to Rentam City.
Wu Heng explained his thoughts to the old Orc.
The old Orc nodded frequently.
After Wu Heng finished, the old Orc said, "I'll go back and discuss it with the tribes. I'll get you a reply as soon as possible."
"Alright," Wu Heng nodded.
The old Orc finished his tea in one gulp and stood to leave.
Wu Heng escorted him out of the City Lord's mansion and waved goodbye.
...…
Night fell.
Wu Heng told Wen Mansa about the conversation with the Orc Shaman.
"Are you worried we can't defend against the Ekow Kingdom's invasion?" Wen Mansa asked curiously.
"No. The forces I've arranged are enough to resist them. But if we do face them directly, we have to factor in the Orcs. If some idiot tries to copy the Hammer Party and seize the city, that'd be a hassle," Wu Heng said with a smile.
"Makes sense," Wen Mansa agreed.
Wu Heng continued, "Second, we can use this opportunity to boost Rentam City's influence among the Orcs and utilize their resources and population to help our development."
Wen Mansa pondered briefly and nodded, "I understand."
With the Orc issue discussed—
Wu Heng looked at Wen Mansa and softly said, "Let me take you to Gold-Silver Island. Leave this place to Hartel for now. I'll bring you back later."
Wen Mansa shook her head with a smile, "I like it here. When the baby grows up a bit, I'll go. Just come visit us often."
Seeing her resolve, Wu Heng didn't push the matter.
He took out three strange artifacts from his spatial ring. "These are for you to use."
He picked them up one by one and explained, "This is the Veil of Shifting Forms. Wear it to change your appearance. Professionals below level 15 won't notice. Above level 15, there's a chance they'll spot flaws. Side effect: it makes you involuntarily wink at men—so be mindful."
"Second, the Nightmare Lamp. If someone rubs you the wrong way, collect their hair or skin flakes and they'll have nightmares. Side effect: the first drop of blood used must be from a living creature. Any animal will do."
"Third is for our daughter. It's called the Dancer's Veil. Wearing it lets her display top-notch dance skills. Side effect: she'll have to dance for two hours straight. If she likes it, let her practice with it. If not, just store it away."
Wen Mansa looked at the three strange items, "They don't seem very useful."
"Keep them anyway. Who knows when they'll come in handy? Tomorrow I'll also arrange some higher-level skeletons for you," Wu Heng said.
He originally thought about leaving the church's [Immaculate Holy Radiance] for Wen Mansa, but since she came from a gang background, he feared the side effects might be problematic.
No need to take that risk.
"Alright then, thank you, Master," Wen Mansa said sweetly.
As night deepened, the housekeeper moved the sleeping baby to the next room, and the two went to bed.
...…
The next day.
Wu Heng opened the connected Realm Gate through the warehouse's main door.
On command, a large number of skeletons walked out.
Each skeleton was over level 10, dressed in blue anti-stab uniforms, wearing tactical helmets, and carrying rifles.
They looked like a modern military force.
Behind them came a skeleton wearing a floral dress and a sunhat.
Once they were all out—
Wu Heng closed the Realm Gate and led them to the front yard.
Wen Mansa came over carrying the baby.
Wu Heng said, "This is Bone Demon No. 2, an 18th-level Skeleton Warrior. It can remotely control all skeletons and will be responsible for protecting you. You can also discuss plans with it."
Then he introduced it to the skeleton, "This is Wen Mansa. You will protect her and follow her orders."
Bone Demon No. 2 stepped up beside Wen Mansa.
Wen Mansa nodded with a smile, "Please take care of us."
Bone Demon No. 2 gave a slight nod.
Once everything was arranged—
Wu Heng and Wen Mansa exchanged a few more quiet words.
Then he put on the [Conductor's Hat], boarded the train, and waved goodbye.
...…
The train passed the border of the Ekow Kingdom.
Wu Heng got off to investigate, releasing all three phantoms to scout the cities and stationed troops.
There were indeed some troops at the border, but not enough to attack Rentam City.
Either the plan was delayed, or they never really intended to act on it.
After confirming there were no issues—
Wu Heng boarded the train again and headed for Blackstone Town.
In the Steward's study, he met Madam Slater, Yuli, and the level 18 skeleton servant assigned to them.
Seeing the two were safe, he felt at ease.
This time he didn't stay long—just shared dinner with them.
After advising them to be careful, he put his hat back on and returned to Gold-Silver Island.
...…
Outside the Guild on Gold-Silver Island.
"The Guild offers classes like this? Never heard of them before," said a young gnome, squeezed among the crowd with a backpack.
His companion replied, "I heard the Island Lord fought for this. It was part of the deal to join the Hongwen Society."
"He's a Necromancer. Why would he do that? I don't quite believe it."
"I see it differently. If it were anyone else, I wouldn't believe it. But if it's Island Lord Wu Heng, I believe it."
As they spoke, another person joined in.
"Today's the Alchemist public class. Later, there'll be classes for Machinists and Bards. All free. Where else can you get that?"
"Gold-Silver Island is changing so much."
...…
During Wu Heng's absence—
The Hongwen Society had arranged all the promised classes.
In Guild-provided classrooms, they held public lessons on various subjects.
No fees—everything was free.
But you had to register in advance. Once full, you had to wait for the next round.
When the announcement came out, it caused quite a stir across the island, with buzz rivaling that of exhibitions and auctions.
After all, free classes—
It was clear who benefited most.
Nobles and rich merchants didn't care for them. The real beneficiaries were ordinary citizens.
Everyone knew Island Lord Wu Heng and Steward Sheila Grey were kind to the common folk.
But no one expected it to go this far.
Some even rumored that Island Lord Wu Heng had to join the Hongwen Society to get these courses.
What a good man!
To do all this for the people of the island.
The people at the Hongwen Society were despicable for using this to threaten him.
Still, complaints aside, everyone attended the classes.
After all, everyone was working hard to improve themselves.
...…
"Master, you're back!"
As Wu Heng entered the courtyard, the maids came out to greet him.
"I'm back. Everything alright at home?" Wu Heng casually asked as he took off his coat.
Minnie replied, "All good. The Hongwen Society's classes are rolling out. Today's the second day of the alchemy class. We went to check it out. Only downside is we have to buy our own ingredients. The material shops are making a fortune."
Wu Heng chuckled, "The classes are free. Of course you have to prepare your own materials. The Guild can't cover everything."
"True, you fought to make this happen," Minnie added, then asked, "How's Sister Wen Mansa? Is the baby cute?"
"Adorable. Her name is Wu Qin. I'll take you to visit sometime."
"Yay! It's just a bit far, that's all."
Sitting in the living room, Wu Heng chatted with Minnie.
Then came another knock at the door.
Catgirl Robe ran out quickly, asked a few questions, then returned. "Master, someone's at the door. Said they've been to City Hall and want to discuss a business proposal with you."
"How many people?"
"Just one."
"Bring him in," Wu Heng said.
Robe nodded and hurried out.
...…
Wu Heng waited in the living room for a bit.
Robe returned, followed by a sturdy man in brown leather armor.
His hair was messy, and his beard thick and wild.
He didn't look like a businessman here to discuss a partnership at all.
The man entered the hall, quickly scanning everyone, then bowed to Wu Heng and said in a rough voice, "Gregor of the Wyvern Traders. Greetings, Island Lord."
Wyvern Traders?
Wu Heng's brows twitched slightly.
Did they find out he destroyed their ship?
That shouldn't be possible—he left no survivors.
Even the wyverns—only three survived and were locked in the back garden.
"Have a seat. You said you wanted to discuss a deal?" Wu Heng asked.
The man sat across from him and said directly, "Island Lord, we trade in wyverns. You've probably heard of them. Some fleets used them for escorts on the Emerald Sea."
Seems like he came to sell wyverns.
Wu Heng nodded, "Wyverns, huh? At the moment, the island isn't looking to purchase any."
"No, no, my bad for not explaining properly." The man waved his hands, then explained, "Our leader wants to know if you're interested in buying wyvern bones. We have a lot of dead wyvern corpses on hand."