Chapter 479, Lost Head
Such a familiar method of exchange.
Wu Heng glanced around but didn't stop and walked straight out.
The man stood at the door, still respectfully saying, "We look forward to your next visit."
Wu Heng nodded.
At the door, he hailed a carriage and headed straight back to the manor.
...…
On the way, Glenda flew back.
She went directly into his body.
The shared image appeared again, reconfirming the commission he had just seen.
The format and the required potions were the same as the last time he encountered it, confirming it was from the same person.
Previously, he had traded potions for the 'Clear Mind Ring Staff ,' which could remove mental, hypnotic, and other negative effects by striking the body.
It had proven useful in the pirate village and later in rescuing 'Milisen.'
The effect was quite decent.
This time, it was also a rare item.
It sounded quite promising as well.
The carriage stopped at the manor gates.
The skeleton guard opened the gate, and Wu Heng walked in.
He greeted Minnie, who was weeding, and then, in a spacious area, put on the [Conductor's Hat].
The whistle of a train echoed, and the ghost train stopped in front of him.
Wu Heng boarded the train and filled in 'Netarei City' on the itinerary.
The train whistle sounded again, and the train plunged into the void, disappearing.
...…
Near noon.
The train emerged in the wilderness outside Netarei City.
Wu Heng got off, put on his cloak, and entered the city directly.
The political state of the Ekow Kingdom could be seen from here.
The first time he came, the city was bustling, full of pedestrians, and many other races could be seen on the streets.
Now, the streets seemed somewhat deserted.
A vague sense of seriousness and tension filled the air.
After entering the city, he went straight to the Snake Emblem Consortium beneath the tavern.
There weren't many people inside either.
Wu Heng glanced at the bulletin board and found the same commission.
He took it down directly.
Walking to the counter, he said, "I'll take this commission."
The staff looked at the commission and said, "Sir, you need to prepay the potions. We'll arrange for a professional Alchemist to inspect them."
Wu Heng handed over the potions without hesitation.
"Sir, please wait a moment."
Wu Heng nodded and waited nearby.
Soon, the staff returned and said, "Sir, here is the item listed in the commission. Please inspect it."
Saying that, they handed over a brocade box.
The lid opened, revealing a smooth, palm-sized conch.
[Water Demon Conch]
[Category: Rare Item.]
[Effect: Blowing the conch can summon a water-element shark. (In a non-water environment, the water-element shark will crash into the target, causing collision damage. In a water environment, it can persist for up to thirty minutes, continuously attacking the target.)]
[Side Effect: Intense thirst and hunger.]
(Description: A naturally formed rare item, often with effects related to its place of origin.)
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Like the 'Emerald Sand Table,' it was also a natural rare item, formed by nature.
Natural rare items usually didn't carry severe side effects.
The side effect of this one was merely intense hunger.
That wasn't much of a side effect.
With enough food and drink prepared, it could be easily managed.
The effects it provided were more comprehensive than described in the commission.
Blowing the conch to summon a water-element shark could be used in two scenarios.
One was in non-water environments, meaning land, where the water-element shark would crash into the target.
The other was in water environments, where it could persist for thirty minutes, attacking the target continuously.
And outside Gold-Silver Island, there was the sea.
It would be entirely usable.
"No problem!" Wu Heng said.
The staff smiled and bowed before returning to the counter.
Wu Heng was about to leave when a figure suddenly blocked his way.
Also cloaked, the person's golden hair was faintly visible.
"Sir, I'm the one who posted the commission. This time, I'd like to have a proper conversation with you," a cold woman's voice came from within.
It was the same person who spoke to him after the last transaction.
"Sure, where shall we talk?" Wu Heng asked.
"A room has been prepared. Please follow me."
The woman led the way, and they entered a room together.
...…
Inside the room.
It was the Consortium's VIP lounge.
As it was a basement, several 'Light Stones' were installed to serve as light sources.
The woman glanced across at him.
She removed her hood, revealing golden hair and sapphire-like eyes.
Wu Heng was slightly surprised by her action and took a closer look at her.
Her features were delicate, her skin fair, and her bright blue eyes clear. Despite dressing like a mercenary, she was clearly not one.
She seemed more like a pampered young lady from a wealthy family.
She appeared to be about eighteen or nineteen by human standards.
"Sir, won't you remove your hood? I've already shown my face," the woman said with a hint of dissatisfaction.
Wu Heng replied indifferently, "Let's get to the point."
The woman froze for a moment, then said directly, "I'd like to invite you to be my Alchemist. I'll pay you as one of the top Alchemists, whether it's treasures or women you desire."
"You want me to make constitution-altering potions for you?"
The woman didn't deny it. "Yes, name your terms."
Wu Heng gave her another look. Bold words.
Clearly, the young woman came from a high status, speaking with confidence.
"You should know that making such potions is extremely difficult. It takes a long time to produce even two bottles."
The woman emphasized, "I'll provide the materials. You only need to focus on making the potions daily."
"No need. If I make them again in the future, I'll sell them to you," Wu Heng said bluntly.
The woman's expression grew serious as she scanned him. "I can offer you security. You won't have to hide under a cloak anymore."
She was treating him like a fugitive.
Wu Heng's tone remained flat. "Anything else? If not, we'll meet again if there's a chance."
The woman's expression shifted rapidly, her hand even touching the weapon at her waist twice.
But she withdrew it.
As she saw him reaching the door, her eyes darted quickly, and she said, "Sir, you're from Gold-Silver Island, right?"
Wu Heng turned back, curiously looking at her. "I'd like to hear how else you plan to persuade me."
"Gold-Silver Island is undergoing changes. The Guild has eradicated many pirates, heralding a new era of maritime trade in the Emerald Sea. Do you plan to settle on Gold-Silver Island? I can provide you with a personal ship, housing, and living expenses if you agree to deliver two more potions within five days," the woman said quickly.
"Do you think I'm short on money?"
"But who would ever say no to more money?"
Wu Heng thought for a moment and said, "I can try to make the potions within five days and provide them to you. However, in addition to the rare item in exchange, I'll need compensation for the rush work."
"Name it!"
"I haven't decided yet. Let's say you owe me a favor. When I think of something I need, you must do your best to fulfill it."
The woman's eyes darted quickly. "Fine, but it's limited to providing treasures or wealth. I won't do anything harmful or illegal."
"Deal. Five days from now, same place."
"Alright!"
Wu Heng stood up and walked out of the room.
The woman put her hood back on and followed him out.
Leaving the city, Wu Heng found a secluded spot in the wilderness, boarded the train, and returned to Gold-Silver Island.
...…
During dinner.
Philipa arrived at the manor, expressing exaggerated excitement as she looked at the grand courtyard and buildings.
She ran several laps around the yard and the hall.
A green-feathered parrot perched nearby covered its face with a wing and buried itself in the couch cushions.
While eating, Philipa asked, "Wu Heng, have you assigned me a job?"
Wu Heng thought for a moment and took out three ship contracts from his spatial ring. "A merchant group sent three ships, currently docked at the port. Your task is to inspect and modify them to serve as our warships for now."
Philipa licked the grease off her fingers, took the contracts, and glanced at them. "Wow, these are large warships! The merchant group sent them to you? You're making money faster as an Island Lord than as a pirate!"
"Stop talking about pirates."
"Ah, got it!" Philipa replied quickly, then asked, "What about the crew? Should I recruit them, or will you?"
"No need to recruit for now. We'll use skeletons as sailors," Wu Heng said.
The skeletons here were transformed pirates in life.
Operating ships wouldn't be a problem for them.
"Skeletons, huh? That works. But give me one of those talking tools and a fire-breathing weapon. I'll go pirate hunting at sea," Philipa said as she pocketed the contracts.
"Fine, check out the ships first, and I'll install them later."
"Deal!"
After dinner.
Philipa stayed until fairly late.
"Do you want to stay here? There are plenty of rooms," Wu Heng asked Philipa.
Philipa glanced at the two maids nearby and said, "No, I didn't tell 'Milisen' in advance. If I don't go back, she'll worry. Maybe next time!"
Wu Heng didn't say much and arranged for two skeletons.
To escort her home.
Then he took the two maids upstairs to bathe.
Before retiring to his room to rest.
...…
The next day, in the morning.
Wu Heng was in his study, reviewing the overall planning map for Gold-Silver Island.
The map was a copy he had obtained from the town hall.
Even though Occam was a pirate, he understood the importance of developing his territory.
The planning map had clearly been designed.
The entire island was meticulously divided.
It included plans for a new port, a commercial street, and residential areas.
The layout looked quite decent.
As he was studying it.
Knock, knock, knock!
The door was suddenly knocked on.
Minnie's voice came from outside. "Master, Sheila Grey, the Guild's Steward, is here."
Sheila Grey?
"Let her in."
The door opened, and Sheila Grey walked in, clad in silver iron armor, one hand resting on her sword hilt.
"You're really living it up, staying in a house this nice," Sheila Grey remarked.
Wu Heng smiled and explained, "The pirates built it. I just moved in."
Sheila Grey sat down and felt the cool breeze. "Why is it so cool here? What kind of tool are you using? Even the hall feels cool."
It was her first time visiting Wu Heng's residence and experiencing air conditioning.
"It's air conditioning. If it gets hot, come over to cool off."
"Hmm, maybe later," Sheila Grey said before continuing with the reason for her visit. "Someone died on Lighthouse Street. A steward from a merchant fleet was found dead in his room. I've had people investigate, but there's been no progress. I need you to take a look."
"Do you want me to question the corpse?"
"The corpse's head is gone. How could you question it?"
"Then you can't. If the head's gone, how do you know who it is?"
"His mistress identified him by a birthmark on his buttock, so we're pretty sure about the deceased's identity."