Chapter 752, Faction Bullying
"What do you mean 'hasn't agreed yet'?"
That sounded a little lacking in confidence.
Shanaila let out a soft sigh,
It felt like the other side lacked conviction in their words.
Shanaila said, "Brittany refused decisively, but since the Church has some influence among humans—and this was a direct offer from the Church leader—she might compromise later."
Brittany was someone Wu Heng had helped rise to power.
He had assigned skeletons to guard the city, helped repair damaged buildings, and even built power plants. She was basically tied to Gold-Silver Island.
But comparing the two sides, the Church still outweighed Gold-Silver Island, and Wu Heng didn't hold as high a position as the Church's exalted leader.
If it were any other prince or princess, they'd probably be thrilled to accept the Church hero's offer.
"Got any advice?" Wu Heng asked.
Shanaila replied, "Just make Brittany believe that relying on you is her best option. That girl is pretty easy to trick—and that's your specialty."
"Don't slander me."
Shanaila chuckled, then added, "The most direct solution is to get stronger. If you become a Hero too, none of this will be an issue."
In the end, everything came down to strength.
As long as he showed enough power, external threats and ally decisions could be managed.
He was already level 19. Given his age and the timing of his class transition, he was considered a prodigy.
No one would doubt he'd reach Hero level in his lifetime.
His level was his trump card.
But also a dangerous signal.
If word got out, it would cause a stir and make enemies even more wary of him.
Like the Church hero establishing a church on Gold-Silver Island and recruiting Brittany—this was suppression.
After all, the rumors said Wu Heng was just a level 15 young genius.
Rare, yes, but not unheard of. Even reaching level 18 was uncertain, let alone threatening a Hero.
They could deal with him by assigning a local bishop or level 18 Professional.
But if they knew he was level 19, a direct confrontation would be much more likely.
It'd be harder to lay low and level up in peace.
Wu Heng thought for a moment, then said, "I'll level up as fast as I can. You give Brittany a promise—that I'll help her claim the throne, not just a bishop's seat."
"I'll relay that to her," Shanaila replied calmly.
Wu Heng asked, "Is that Hero still in the city?"
"He led a team to the Ekow Kingdom capital this morning. I contacted you after he left," Shanaila replied.
"Good, he's gone."
Hopefully, he runs into the cult and ends up clashing with the Snake Emblem Consortium's hero.
Shanaila yawned and continued, "It's time for the second potion auction. Still on Gold-Silver Island, right? We need to warm up the event. I'll send letters to the nobles who left their info last time. You also arrange for the local paper to advertise."
"Just use the radio and tell Andviel directly!"
"You say it. You're the master—your words carry more weight," Shanaila teased.
Wu Heng chuckled, "You calling me master sounds pretty nice."
Shanaila paused, then said softly, "Depends on your performance."
"Next time we meet, I'll inform Gold-Silver Island. Get the papers to publish it and release some news to boost publicity," Wu Heng said.
"Alright," Shanaila agreed, then added, "I'm off to talk with Brittany."
"I'm counting on you, my dear."
"Annoying!"
Ending the call with Shanaila, Wu Heng contacted Gold-Silver Island.
He gave instructions regarding the upcoming potion auction.
Advertising was key, and the last auction had been a big success. If managed well, this one could draw even more wealthy nobles.
In this world, attribute-boosting potions were as valuable as elixirs of life.
...…
After briefing Minnie about the newspaper ad.
Wu Heng ended the call and sat thinking about the situation.
The Church hero wanted to recruit Brittany likely because of Gold-Silver Island's alliance with Netalei City.
But this move was essentially faction bullying—
Using the Church and hero title to suppress him.
Brittany was smart enough to know this was a suppression tactic.
Otherwise, they would've helped her back when she was struggling.
Why now?
"Brittany trusts me. She probably won't agree so easily," Wu Heng muttered.
Then he began rapidly brainstorming solutions.
"Maybe that Corpse King we caught yesterday can help."
If he could prove that corpse cores accelerated mutated zombie evolution, he could cultivate a batch of level 20 skeletons.
That would strengthen his forces.
"The Church suppresses necromancy, but firearms can compensate."
"And then there's the Corpse King evolution project."
Discovering that Corpse Kings can evolve was another path of growth.
"The plan's solid!"
"Looks like I need to go back to Gold-Silver Island."
Originally, he'd planned to stay at Serted Fortress to observe the actions of the Second and First Princes.
Looking for a chance to build his reputation.
But things had quieted down. Wen Mansa and Hartl could keep an eye on things here.
He'd go handle the zombie matters first.
And also take care of the potion auction Wen Mansa mentioned—all on Gold-Silver Island.
Having made up his mind—
Wu Heng left the room and headed to the study.
The three specters were all busy with their tasks.
"Something up?" Glenda asked.
"The Church's Hero came to Netalei City, trying to recruit Brittany as a local bishop…" Wu Heng explained everything Shanaila told him.
Xiaoxiao turned her head, "Who's Brittany?"
"The Fifth Princess."
"Oh, her. That princess sister," Xiaoxiao said with a grin.
Glenda asked, "So what's your plan?"
"Nothing for us to do here for a while. I'll return to Gold-Silver Island and handle the animal-core purchases and the potion auction," Wu Heng replied with hands behind his head.
"Sounds good," Glenda nodded. "You could also write to the head of the Hongwen Society and that Lilith leader. Invite them to attend. Keeping good ties with them helps."
"Nice thought. And the Justice Sword. Back when I was an external envoy, he was technically my direct superior," Wu Heng added.
"Feels like you're stretching that connection a bit, but worth a try," Glenda joked.
Wu Heng pulled out paper and started writing to all three.
First reporting his investigation progress, then inviting them to the auction.
Once done, he had Glenda review them.
Then sealed them with wax.
Holding the three letters, he went downstairs.
...…
Ground floor hall.
Hartl stood and bowed respectfully, "Sir, breakfast is ready."
Wu Heng handed him the letters, "Send these to Blackstone Town. Have the Guild there mail them."
"Yes, sir," Hartl replied, leaving with the letters.
Wu Heng sat at the dining table and began breakfast.
Hartl returned and stood upright. "Sir, the letters have been dispatched."
"Good. I'm heading back to Gold-Silver Island tonight," Wu Heng said, setting down his utensils.
Hartl frowned, concern on his face. "Did I fail to take care of something for you?"
"No, I just need to handle a few things. I'll be back when it's done. Stay safe. If they can't breach the fortress, they might try assassination. Before I go, I'll assign some level 15 skeletons to protect you."