Chapter 369, Snake Emblem Auction
Wu Jingguang, in his forties, had short hair, thick eyebrows, and a square face.
He looked capable and efficient.
Before the apocalypse, he must have held an important position.
After listening to Wu Jingguang, Wu Heng glanced at him, still somewhat puzzled.
The invitation for the old factory district to join the military shelter was not the first time it was mentioned; the last time it was Yang Long and Qi Hancai who talked about it.
At that time, the market had just been established, and the old factory district's sale of grain showed they had plenty of supplies.
This time it was the new Disaster Response Commander, likely because the scouts that left yesterday brought the message back.
"Are you planning to leave this place?" Wu Heng asked in return.
Wu Jingguang did not hide anything, nodding as he spoke, "To be frank, we will leave before winter, withdraw all the troops, and join up with the provincial rescue team. We'll also take a few collaborating shelters with us."
It seemed that Qi Hancai's guess was right—they were selling off their resources, preparing to leave.
Wu Heng looked at Qi Hancai, Li Yanhong, and the others to the side, then said bluntly, "Thank you, Commander Wu, for your kind offer, but we're used to living here and don't wish to leave."
Wu Jingguang continued, "The zombies are growing stronger, and the survivors' living space is constantly shrinking. Only by uniting can we increase our chances of survival."
"We have our own plans for development; we have no intention of joining any faction," Wu Heng stated even more plainly.
Food and manpower were the two most crucial resources, and Wu Heng lacked neither.
Moreover, Wu Heng was confident that they could become stronger than any other shelter.
After all their hard work, handing it over to others now? Impossible.
Wu Jingguang's eyes narrowed slightly. "Leader Wu, you should consider the bigger picture, the future of humanity."
Wu Heng smiled. "Commander Wu, why not bring your people to join the old factory district instead? We also have plans to build a united fortress."
This...
Wu Jingguang hesitated for a moment, then gave up on speaking further.
After some contemplation, he put on a smile again. "It was just a suggestion. Since Leader Wu has his own plans, I won't insist."
Wu Heng nodded, then asked, "When are you planning to leave?"
"The exact time hasn't been set yet. Leader Wu, please keep this confidential."
"Of course."
Wu Jingguang thought for a moment, then said, "Isn't the pricing for military equipment in the old factory district a bit too low? Shouldn't it be adjusted higher?"
Wu Heng sighed lightly, with a helpless tone. "We don't have many people, even if we get more equipment, it'll just gather dust in the warehouse. Grain is more important."
"Military equipment is more sophisticated; it will come in handy when properly preserved, and it won't be a bad deal."
Wu Heng pondered a bit. "Alright, we'll discuss it and see if we can adjust things appropriately."
"Good." Wu Jingguang nodded with a smile.
"How's the situation in the provincial area?"
"We're gradually reclaiming key areas and planning to recover military industrial facilities."
"So it seems the situation is indeed better there than in a small place like ours."
"Yes, it's a prioritized area. When ammunition production resumes, I'll link you in, and we can exchange what we need."
Wu Heng smiled and nodded, "That would be best."
"Those skeleton soldiers outside, are they your power? It's quite remarkable."
"It was awakened unintentionally, and I took on a lot of risk then," Wu Heng replied.
Wu Jingguang continued, "Which type of corpse crystal did you consume to manifest this ability?"
Wu Heng didn't answer, just shook his head slightly.
"Haha, seems I'm asking too many questions. Leader Wu, don't mind me."
They chatted for a while.
Both sides were cautiously probing for information.
Wu Jingguang seemed interested in Wu Heng's power and the source of grain in the old factory district.
Wu Heng, on the other hand, was interested in the provincial region's affairs.
After chatting for a while.
Wu Jingguang stood up and said, "Then we shall take our leave for now. If there's anything you need, let's keep in touch."
"Certainly." Wu Heng nodded, escorting them down to the first floor.
They boarded a military transport vehicle and drove off.
Watching the vehicle disappear in the distance.
Qiangzi grumbled discontentedly, "Damn, so much for being a rescue team. Never saw them save anyone, and now they plan to leave us behind while wanting to freeload."
Wang Chengang added, "They've been exchanging food at the market quite frequently lately. Looks like they're preparing for their departure, trying to stock up more food."
"Yeah, that must be the reason," Qi Hancai agreed.
Once the vehicle had completely disappeared, Wu Heng said, "Alright, let's return to the meeting room and have our discussion."
The group nodded and returned to the meeting room.
...
In the military armored vehicle.
"Those skeletons are indeed a special ability," Wu Jingguang said.
At first, he'd been skeptical about such an ability.
Now, seeing the mass of skeleton soldiers firsthand.
Not only did he believe it, but he was also amazed and terrified by this ability.
"It must be his power. That Qi Hancai manages the camp, but the real authority is in his hands," Yang Long added.
"Sigh, such a talent, it's a shame he lacks a broader perspective—what a pity," Wu Jingguang said, sighing softly.
"Should we continue to engage with him?" Yang Long refrained from evaluating Wu Heng and instead directly asked.
Wu Jingguang shook his head. "No need. The railroad preparations are nearly complete. In a few days, we'll convert all resources into grain, leave here, and join the provincial area. Once our military production resumes, he'll be the one begging to exchange goods with us."
"Understood!"
...
In the meeting room.
Qi Hancai said, "Earlier, we discussed turning the shopping mall near the roundabout into a new trading market. It's spacious, centrally located, and the nearby shelters can come to trade goods conveniently."
Most of the shelters were established away from densely populated areas.
Setting the market in the central area could serve all the surrounding regions.
Moreover, the buildings were all in place, the roads were wider, and there was ample parking.
Hardly any new construction was needed.
Once the food supplies were brought in, the market could be opened.
"Alright, make the arrangements," Wu Heng agreed.
"Okay, then I'll get people to plan it out in the afternoon and open it up sooner," Qi Hancai said.
Wu Heng turned to Li Yanhong, "How's it going in the county?"
"No problems in the county, but we've almost scoured all the supplies, and it's getting tough for other shelters to find much gold."
"Keep the passenger station operational and shift focus here."
"Alright!"
They then discussed equipment production.
Once everything was settled.
They parted to tend to their respective tasks.
...
Wu Heng returned to the manager's lounge upstairs.
After a short while, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!"
The door opened, and Li Yanhong walked in.
She closed the door, threw her backpack aside, and rushed over, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply.
Then her hands started stripping his clothes.
Wu Heng turned his head aside. "No need to rush. Stay tonight."
Li Yanhong, while pulling off his coat, said, "No time, the convoy heading back to the passenger station is waiting. I came up to bring you some gold, then I have to head down."
"In such a hurry?"
"You're just sitting idle, of course you wouldn't know."
Li Yanhong finished speaking, looking at him shyly, "Why? You don't like it this way?"
"Not at all. I was planning to keep you company tonight, but if you're pressed for time, then let's make it quick."
Wu Heng swiftly undressed her, giving the desk beside them a gentle pat. "Hold on to it, don't fall."
"Mm!" Li Yanhong, who had just been so enthusiastic, suddenly became a bit bashful.
She placed her hands on the tabletop.
...
After the soft murmurs of passion.
Li Yanhong lay weakly on the desk, "I'll stay with you next time; I still have a lot to do back home today."
"Alright, take care," Wu Heng said with a smile.
After resting for a while, Li Yanhong began dressing while asking, "Is there someone else?"
"What do you mean, someone else?"
"Is it Qi Hancai?" Li Yanhong looked at him.
Wu Heng smacked her firmly on the rear. "No, stop guessing."
"Really? All this time and you've managed to restrain yourself?" Li Yanhong fastened her bra and continued, "I get it, given the current circumstances. You're the leader; if you have others, I won't blame you, but you can't forget about me."
"Relax, it's only you here, stop overthinking."
"Seriously, if you ever have someone else, just tell me, and we'll get along." Li Yanhong put on her coat, and as she left, she said, "The backpack has the gold from recent times."
"Got it."
"Bye-bye!"
"Bye!"
Li Yanhong opened the door and quickly headed downstairs.
Wu Heng also picked up the backpack and opened it, revealing various gold and silver jewelry, weighing over 30 kilograms.
After putting it all away.
Wu Heng dressed himself and opened the gate to return to Gold-Silver Island.
...
At the residence.
Wu Heng went downstairs and had just reached the first floor.
He saw Andviel teaching Minnie how to write a letter.
It wasn't that she couldn't write.
But it was about the format and what to include in the letter.
Both of their hometowns were in Rentam City, so they ought to write back and assure their families.
Seeing Wu Heng coming down, Minnie ran over, pulling him to sit down on the sofa, "Master, look at the letter I wrote."
Wu Heng picked it up and glanced at it. "It's good. It shows your longing for your friends and your unabashed boasting."
"Hehe, Sister Viel taught me," Minnie said cheerfully.
"I didn't tell you to write about the size of the house, the pool, or the big feasts," Andviel quickly added.
"But I wanted to say it. If they know I'm doing well, they'll be happy for me," Minnie said seriously.
Wu Heng nodded. "Alright, that works. Send it to the guild tomorrow for mailing."
"Mm-hmm!" Minnie packed up the letter and sealed it with wax.
Andviel then said, "Master, in the afternoon, the Snake Emblem Consortium sent a message saying that the auction will start soon, and in two days they'll pick up guests at Pier 7 to board the ship."
An auction?
Wu Heng had almost forgotten about it if it hadn't been mentioned.
Last time at the Snake Emblem Consortium, they had indeed mentioned this.
It was an auction organized by the consortium, where they would sell some rare items.
Wu Heng now had money, and a lot of it—he even felt he might be the richest person on Gold-Silver Island.
Buying something that could improve himself was definitely necessary.
However, he did have a 500 gold bounty on his head.
Even the steward had advised him against going out to sea.
Would it be dangerous?
Minnie, after sealing her letter, asked, "What auction?"
"The one organized by the Snake Emblem Consortium, selling some items."
"Oh, Master, are you going?" Minnie asked.
"Not sure yet. There are too many enemies lately, it's a bit risky," Wu Heng said frankly.
"True. It's just a place to buy stuff—if you have money, you can get anything. No need to go if it's dangerous," Minnie said, continuing to wrap her arm around his. "Master, I bought a lot of nutritious food today; I'll make it for you tonight."
Feeling like he could still go on, Wu Heng nodded, "Uh... alright then."
After dinner.
The three of them did some light training in the courtyard.
Then they returned to their room to rest.
...
The next day.
Wu Heng went to the guild again.
To see if there was anything special going on, and also to discreetly inquire about the consortium's auction.
It wasn't a secret.
Even ordinary squad members knew about it.
After spending some time at the guild.
Wu Heng returned home, then used the gate to go to the zombie world.
According to the plan, the mall was being repaired.
The goal was to turn it into a new market.
Wu Heng told Qi Hancai to prepare trucks and led the skeleton army to continue clearing the zombies in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The large-scale horde had mostly been dealt with last time when clearing the roundabout, attracted by the noise.
There were still some leftover zombies, forming smaller groups.
But for the now well-formed skeleton army.
They posed no threat.
The skeleton army pushed forward, slaughtering the remaining zombies.
Once the battle ended.
Wu Heng checked his attributes.
[Level: 14 (157,877/165,000)]
His experience points had reached 157,000.
After about two more waves of fighting, he could reach Level 15.
Becoming a Tier 4 Grand Mage would not only fulfill his promise to Shanaila.
It would also greatly enhance his strength.
He would be more resilient and his physical state would reach a new peak.
Overall, leveling up was all benefit, no downside.
Once all the corpses were dragged over, Wu Heng cast [Battlefield of the Dead].
Then he got in the passenger seat, returning with the skeletons in tow.
Wu Heng said, "See where there are still groups of zombies around, and we'll clear them in the next couple of days."
Qi Hancai, who was driving, thought for a moment and nodded, "There's a commercial center to the north along the main road; it should have quite a few zombies."
"Alright, mark it down, we'll go there next."
The convoy returned to the mall.
Wu Heng re-positioned the skeleton soldiers and returned to Gold-Silver Island at dusk.
...
The next day, at the port.
Wu Heng, wearing the 'Illusion Veil' and accompanied by 'Keramu,' appeared at the port.
In the distance, a mid-sized cruise ship could be seen docked at the port.
The emblem of the Snake Emblem Consortium was imprinted on the side of the ship.
Nobles, dressed in fine clothes, boarded the ship in pairs.
It seemed that these people trusted the Snake Emblem Consortium, as many brought female companions rather than guards.
Wu Heng also followed the crowd onto the ship.
At the boarding ramp, staff were checking invitation letters.
After verifying the invitation letter.
They handed Wu Heng a number plate.
"Madam, this is your room number. There will be staff to guide you through the boarding process later."
Wu Heng's current disguise was that of a middle-aged woman.
He took the number plate and directly boarded the ship.
Following the number, he found the room and waited silently.
Before long, the ship started, leaving the port.
There was a knock at Wu Heng's door, and a staff member entered.
After bowing, they said, "Guest, in two hours, we will reach the consortium's 'St. Senya' cruise liner. The auction will take place at midnight. In the meantime, we provide entertainment and dining venues. If you have items you'd like to exchange, we also offer a cooperative trade area where each guest can exchange the goods they need."
So, the current ship was just a transport vessel, and the auction would take place on another.
Wu Heng nodded, indicating he understood.
The staff member then brought out two cloaks, saying, "These are cloaks engraved with concealment runes; they can hide your identity and help avoid trouble after transactions."