Chapter 795, An 18th-Level Coming to Kill Her
The next day, at the port, in the large warehouse district.
Rows of heavy iron doors stood wide open. Under the loud supervision of their managers, workers assigned by the various guilds entered designated warehouses to begin transporting goods.
Crates of goods were hauled out, with bold text clearly printed on the wooden boxes:
Gold-Silver Island Healing Tablets.
At the Emerald Shadow Guild's cargo ship, the elegant wood elf Helion stood beside the loading ramp, ledger in hand, barely concealing his excitement.
The partnership with Gold-Silver Island had finally been confirmed.
And his guild was one of the first allowed to collect goods.
It seemed Steward Sheila Grey had played a key role in this.
While things bustled here,
A carriage rolled to a stop outside the port.
Steward Sheila Grey and the bunny-eared girl Annette stepped down from it.
Behind them followed a group of people, mostly humans and gnomes.
The elf rep stiffened, immediately disembarking to greet them. "Steward, Miss Annette."
Sheila said, "City Hall is assigning reps to each guild. Look after them."
The elf nodded quickly. "Of course."
Annette gave instructions to a gnome, who bowed and stepped to Helion's side.
Sheila and Annette continued on to visit the other guilds.
"They say the Lord favors beastkin girls," Helion murmured, watching them go.
...…
Outside the port, local residents crowded around, whispering curiously.
"Why is everyone transporting goods today?"
A literate one said, "It says 'Gold-Silver Island Healing Tablets' on the boxes."
Everyone immediately understood—the tablets were finally going on sale.
"So many guilds buying—how many alchemists does that take?"
"The Lord must have his own methods."
"Lord of the Island really is amazing."
...…
At the Island Lord's Mansion.
Outside the gate, guilds that hadn't secured deals lined up in long rows.
All wore serious expressions, calculating whether they still had a shot at future cooperation.
The mansion gates opened.
Catgirl Robe, under skeleton protection, recorded the names of guilds and their reps delivering gifts.
"Miss, when will the Lord return? Our guild came in good faith. We'd like to discuss a deal personally," a finely dressed man asked with a smile.
Robe shook her head. "The Lord left this morning. I don't know when he'll be back."
The man looked past the gate and suddenly shouted, "Lord of the Island! The Falconwing Guild comes with sincere intent!"
Robe didn't even blink. Clearly not the first time she'd seen this.
She said quietly, "No shouting. Master said more guilds will be added over time. Be patient—someone will contact you."
The shouting man tried to speak again.
But someone pushed him aside. "Dawnport Guild, please record us. We've got a 70-year history. Hope we make it next round."
Robe nodded and wrote it down.
More reps came forward, offering gifts and names for the registry.
...…
Inside the study.
"Uncle, someone was yelling at the gate to work with us—crying like a baby," Xiaoxiao said, laughing as she flew in.
The bustling day outside had piqued her curiosity, and she'd been out watching all morning.
Then returned to report what she saw.
"Let them yell. They won't give up otherwise," Wu Heng said.
There simply weren't enough pills to supply every guild, and too much decentralization could lead to chaos.
It was his first time doing business this way—caution was warranted.
As they talked, Benny also returned.
She glanced at everyone and said, "City Hall staff have been assigned to all guilds at the port. No problems."
"Who led them?"
"Annette and Sheila," Benny answered.
"Good," Wu Heng said with a smile.
These pills were key to building his reputation.
Whether or not they succeeded fully, things had to go smoothly on the island.
After chatting with the wraiths and confirming all plans were proceeding as intended,
Wu Heng got up and walked outside.
...…
Downstairs,
Minnie had already prepared everything needed for departure.
"Master, Viel called. Our people have been placed in the guilds."
"I know. Let Viel handle it." Wu Heng said as he stored the supplies in his spatial ring. "Any news from the Guild?"
"Nothing yet," Minnie replied.
Wu Heng walked to the phone and dialed the Guild. After two rings, Shiyali answered. "Hello?"
"It's Wu Heng."
Her tone softened instantly. "Haven't seen you in days."
"Been busy. Everything quiet over there?"
"Nothing major. Sheila's out on patrol. You need something?"
"I'll be gone for a few days. You two will have to handle security here."
"Where are you going?"
"To take care of some trouble."
Shiyali sounded a bit pouty. "You haven't visited once since Sheila accepted us."
"I'll make it up to you when I'm back. Every day."
"Hmph. As if I care," she said, then added, "Just be careful. Don't take risks."
"Got it. I'm leaving the island to you two."
"Mm."
Wu Heng hung up.
Minnie asked, "Leaving now, Master?"
"Yeah. Contact me by radio if anything comes up," Wu Heng replied, heading out.
Wen Mansa couldn't be left waiting any longer.
"Yes, Master. Say hi to Sister Wen Mansa for us," Minnie said.
In the courtyard,
Wu Heng donned the [Conductor's Hat], waved goodbye to the maids, and boarded the train.
The next second, he vanished.
...…
At Guild HQ, inside the ancient castle.
Heavy wooden doors slowly creaked open.
An old man carried a wooden crate into a room and bowed to a black coffin. "Miss, Gold-Silver Island sent the latest batch of pills."
Silence. Then the coffin lid opened. Lilith propped herself up, glanced at the box. "Just this one?"
"Only one crate. I also saw identical crates delivered to the Hongwen Society and the External Envoy Hall."
Lilith raised a brow. So he'd sent one to each of the Guild's major contacts.
"Bring it here."
The old man carried it over. Lilith opened a bottle—a folded instruction leaflet appeared first.
She scanned it, brow lifting.
Then her expression turned thoughtful.
"A letter from Lord Wu Heng?" the old man joked.
Lilith handed him the leaflet. "He's planning ahead early. Confident, isn't he?"
The old man chuckled. "Lord Wu Heng always surprises."
Lilith laughed. "Crafty little guy."
Tap, tap, tap~!
Footsteps echoed from the hallway.
A man appeared at the door. "Leader, Hadarai is calling for a meeting in the main hall."
"Understood." Lilith tidied up and left for the council chamber.
...…
In the brightly lit council hall,
Four leaders arrived and took their seats.
All executive leaders except the religious one were present.
Once assembled,
The External Envoy Leader Hadarai said, "Alchemy guilds from all regions have filed complaints. They say the Gold-Silver Island tablets hurt their profits and want the Guild to ban them."
The Hongwen Society leader and Lilith exchanged knowing looks.
Only the Hunter leader, dwarf Bruno, frowned and stroked his beard. "Those pills from the papers are being sold already? When did that happen?"
No one answered him. Lilith looked around and said, "The market is about survival of the fittest. The Guild doesn't suppress innovation."
The Hongwen hero added, "That phrase fits. I don't think we should interfere."
Hadarai nodded and asked, "Bruno, your thoughts?"
"No objections," Bruno replied.
Hadarai declared, "HQ will release a statement—we won't intervene."
The others nodded.
Lilith glanced at two elven heroes present.
Her thoughts stirred.
No wonder Wu Heng sent three crates, anticipating complaints.
With the samples, they'd see the tablets' quality firsthand, not just read the complaints.
One look showed the truth.
That guy really thought things through.
Meeting adjourned, everyone left.
...…
Train doors opened. Wu Heng stepped off.
All around was open wilderness.
Rustle~!
By a tree, someone had just finished relieving himself.
Three wolf-sized wild wolves burst from the bushes.
Bang! Thud!
Fighting erupted. Kashu moved swiftly, knocking all three wolves away, then snapped their necks in quick succession.
"Wrap them up," Wu Heng said, pulling out a straw mat.
Kashu bundled the corpses. Wu Heng stored them in his spatial ring.
Then summoned his three wraiths.
"This the place?" Glenda asked.
"Yeah. Get our bearings," Wu Heng said.
Xiaoxiao flew higher, then returned. "Uncle, it's that way."
"Let's go." They crossed the forest.
Spotting the distant city, Wu Heng cast [Teleportation] to get closer.
Then walked straight in.
The city seemed normal. Orcs and humans bustled about the streets.
The assassination plans clearly only targeted the lord and officials, not the public.
Probably no one even knew about the attempts.
Wu Heng reached the city lord's mansion.
"Open up," he called to a skeleton guard on the wall.
Creak~!
The gates opened. He walked in.
In the courtyard, Wen Mansa emerged holding her child. Her face lit up. "Master."
Wu Heng embraced her. "I'm here. It's alright now."
"Sorry to worry you," Wen Mansa whispered.
Just as Wu Heng was about to speak, another figure appeared.
Brown hair tied back, bright eyes, sharp brows, wearing leather armor, she approached slowly.
A gleaming golden leopard followed at her feet.
Slater!
Steward of Blackstone Town.
Wu Heng's eyes lit up. "Slater."
Wen Mansa explained, "Steward Slater stayed to help me and the baby."
Slater said, "I just came to check on Golden Cat and help Wen Mansa."
Wu Heng opened his arms. "Come here."
Slater stood still, staring at him.
Only the golden leopard walked over and rubbed his leg affectionately.
Wu Heng patted it. "You're still the best."
"Let's go inside," Wen Mansa said.
Inside,
They each took seats. Wen Mansa comforted her child, then passed them to a skeletal hag, who took the baby to another room.
Wen Mansa explained the repeated assassination attempts.
Even high-level Professionals had started appearing.
Wu Heng asked, "Are you sure it's related to the Second Prince?"
Wen Mansa shook her head. "His envoy even visited to deny involvement. But I can't think who else would go this far."
"Where is he staying?"
"Iron Axe Tavern in the outer district. Room 4 on the second floor. He's a tall, thin man, looks like a merchant. His escort is a burly Warrior with a greatsword."
Wu Heng nodded and glanced aside. A wraith flew off.
...…
Inside the tavern suite,
The burly man said quietly, "More people are watching us. They might act even without proof."
During their stay in Rentam,
They'd come to see the female lord in a new light.
She ran the city well and had strong intel networks.
No wonder she defeated the Second Prince's army with just a border city, using more covert means now.
The thin man twirled a ring and asked, "Still hasn't left the mansion?"
"Probably too scared," the big man replied.
"For now, she won't act. In a few days, an 18th-level Professional will arrive on the ghost train to deal with her," the thin man said.
The big man's eyes widened in shock.