Chapter 568, How Could I Be That Perverted
As Wu Heng looked at the skill book, Shiyali walked over with a document.
She introduced, "Hundred Arms Boots, an accessory of the Hundred Arms Robe. Its effect allows the wearer to replenish stamina by absorbing the power of the earth as long as their feet are touching the ground. The second effect increases strength by approximately 50%, and each clone benefits from the same effect."
As she spoke, Wu Heng refocused on the boots.
So the 'Power of Cangshan' in the effect referred to this ability.
As long as he was standing on the ground, he could absorb energy from the earth to recover stamina—this was quite exaggerated.
Shoes were meant to be worn on the feet, after all.
Who would hang them around their body?
The second effect increased the user's strength.
This was also somewhat useful for Wu Heng, as he did have some melee combat abilities.
Most importantly.
This item was an accessory of the 'Hundred Arms Robe.' When clones were created, all of them would share the same effects.
This set was indeed impressive in every aspect.
"What about the side effects?" Wu Heng asked.
The description in the interface was a bit vague.
Shiyali explained, "The side effect is that the wearer cannot use any kind of rapid movement ability, including void movement, spatial movement, or mist transformation."
Wu Heng let out a breath of relief. That was fine—he didn't use any of those.
Then, another thought came to mind.
The restriction on rapid movement probably didn't include entering the Dimensional Gate, right?
He could test it later.
Even if there was a restriction, taking off the boots before entering wouldn't be too much trouble.
"Are there any other accessories in the Hundred Arms set?" Wu Heng asked.
So far, he had collected four pieces.
Each one was a first-tier merit reward.
No matter where they were placed, they would be considered treasures.
He was curious about how many more existed.
Shiyali flipped through the files and said, "There seems to be a Mage's Crown, but there are no clear records to confirm it."
A crown as well.
That was probably the last piece.
A person could only wear so many things at once.
With clothes, shoes, and a belt, there wasn't much room left for more.
Wu Heng nodded. "Understood. Continue."
Shiyali moved on to the next reward, the skill book.
"Soul Awakening, a tier-five necromancy ritual spell. It can awaken the soul of a corpse that has not naturally produced a Wraith by using a 'sacrificial' Wraith. The higher the level of the sacrificial Wraith, the better the effect."
A tier-five skill, meaning an 18th-level spell.
After Shiyali's explanation, it made more sense.
Essentially, if a living being died without producing a soul, another soul could be used as a substitute.
Forcefully awakening the Wraith of a deceased being.
This was actually quite powerful.
Below level 18, not everyone had the chance to become a Wraith. With this skill, some could be revived.
It was effectively a recovery mechanism.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind.
With this skill, could Xiaoxiao's mother also become a Wraith?
"How long after death can a corpse's soul still be awakened?" Wu Heng asked.
Shiyali examined the document carefully. "It doesn't say. You'll have to test it yourself."
"Oh, alright."
Shiyali turned another page. "The third reward is the leader Lilith's 'Linbing Jade Talisman.' In times of danger, you can crush the talisman, and the power inside will assist you."
The three rewards were now fully introduced.
Shiyali closed the document.
Seeing that Wu Heng had no further questions, she returned to her desk.
Wu Heng put away the rewards and looked at Sheila Grey. "Did they not give you anything?"
She was the steward of Gold-Silver Island, so she deserved some credit too.
"How could I get the same treatment as you? They only gave me a Linbing Jade Talisman."
"That's still pretty good," Wu Heng said.
After all, Sheila Grey hadn't even participated in the battle.
Just sitting at home and receiving a reward was already decent.
"I guess I benefited from your achievements."
"No need to be polite," Wu Heng replied with a smile.
Then he picked up the letter on the coffee table, tore open the envelope, and pulled out the paper.
「Island Lord Wu Heng:
Your performance in this matter was outstanding. With steadfast determination and talent, you completed the mission flawlessly.
The Fifth Fleet's unauthorized expedition to the Emerald Sea in an attempt to release the 'Exiles' is now under investigation. It won't be long before a conclusion is reached.
If others are found to be involved, they will be dealt with accordingly.
Moving forward, you will continue investigating and overseeing the Vampire faction's external operations as a member of the 'Enforcement Team' and gather relevant intelligence.
I have prepared three rewards for you, which have been distributed through the association to compensate for any losses incurred in this battle.
I hope you maintain your passion and focus, forging ahead in your duties with the Enforcement Team.
——Lilith Ann Beshmit.」
The letter was from Lilith.
But there wasn't much substantial content inside.
It mostly praised his actions for stopping the Fifth Fleet and provided sufficient justification for eliminating the Exiles.
It seemed Lilith was quite satisfied.
The letter also mentioned the possibility of other Vampires being involved.
It seemed his actions had disrupted certain plans within the Vampire faction.
He had to be careful—not everyone would dare trouble Lilith, but they might come after him instead.
"What does it say?" Sheila Grey asked, eyes wide.
Wu Heng handed it to her. "See for yourself. Lilith says I'm talented—an exceptional individual."
This time, Sheila Grey didn't refuse. She took the letter and read through it.
"She does rate you quite highly." After finishing, Sheila Grey put the letter away. "Are you going to reply?"
"I'll write one. The rewards this time were quite good, after all."
Shiyali brought over some stationery.
Wu Heng began writing.
The content was simple—he expressed gratitude for Lilith's trust and stated that he would continue to fulfill his duties in the Enforcement Team.
He also mentioned that if there were more Exiles to investigate, she could assign them to him.
After finishing, he sealed the letter in an envelope.
He handed it to Shiyali to be mailed out.
...…
With the letter matter settled.
Wu Heng leaned back on the sofa and took a sip of tea.
Sheila Grey curiously asked, "Who came up with the idea of a newspaper?"
"I did. What do you think?" Wu Heng countered.
"Why did you decide to publish something like this on the island?"
Wu Heng glanced at her and said, "Didn't you notice how effective the newspaper is? The information published is more accurate and reliable, unlike the rumors that used to spread wildly. Now, people take the newspaper as the main source."
Sheila Grey raised an eyebrow.
Thinking about it, that did seem to be the case.
Before, information spread through word of mouth, getting more exaggerated each time.
A single event could have four or five different versions by the time it reached Lighthouse Street.
Now, with newspapers providing accurate reports, they could guide public perception and suppress rumors.
"Impressive. You really came up with this idea?" Sheila Grey praised.
Wu Heng grinned. "Not bad, right? Plus, gathering intelligence can also be profitable."
"Ugh… I take back my compliment."
As they talked, Shiyali returned from outside.
She sat sideways on the armrest of Sheila Grey's chair, resting a hand on her sister's shoulder, and asked, "Why did you decide to publish your own story in the newspaper?"
Sheila Grey's golden hair, round face, and delicate features made her look stunning.
She only showed a sharp edge when discussing work.
Her older sister, Shiyali, had shoulder-length golden hair, softer facial lines, and eyes that always carried a gentle smile.
The two sisters looked alike, and sitting together, they were a pleasing sight.
Wu Heng said, "At first, I just wanted to serialize some stories to boost newspaper sales. Someone suggested that publishing these stories could also change how the island's residents see me."
Sheila Grey laughed. "Pretty confident, huh? You knew your story would be so popular?"
Wu Heng had a good sense that it would be well-received.
After all, detective story collections were global bestsellers in the modern world.
In this alternate world, where novels were scarce, popularity wasn't surprising.
He just hadn't expected it to have such an effect by the second issue.
Sheila Grey asked, "Does Watson really exist? Did he write these stories? I've never met him."
Wu Heng replied, "It's a pen name, a character in the novel. I'll introduce you if there's a chance."
Shiyali followed up, "Do you really enjoy smacking corpses on the ass with a stick?"
"That's just artistic exaggeration! I'm not that perverted."