Chapter 571: What Profession Does Your Mother Want?
Once the story is fully serialized, it can be compiled into a book for sale.
Likewise, the newspaper cannot stop.
Wu Heng still needed the newspaper to serialize new stories, publish accurate information, and influence public opinion.
For now, the newspaper was proving highly effective.
It had largely shaped the perception that the island's residents had of him.
Otherwise, a Necromancer's reputation on Gold-Silver Island would be worse than that of a pirate.
Now, that perception had completely changed.
And it was a positive change.
He pondered for a moment before closing the interface.
He lightly patted Minnie's waist and hips beside him and said, "Go have some fun, you don't all have to stay with me."
Minnie fed him another piece of fruit and smiled, "Then we'll go to Lighthouse Street and see if there are any fresh ingredients. Tonight, we'll make something delicious for you."
"Alright." Wu Heng nodded.
Minnie called to the other two, "Let's go to Lighthouse Street and also check out the newspapers our master mentioned."
"Go together, don't get lost." Wu Heng smiled.
The two other maids looked delighted, bouncing off with Minnie to change their clothes.
Then, they came back out, waved goodbye to Wu Heng, and left with their skeleton attendants.
...…
Wu Heng lay in the courtyard, basking in the sun.
Soon, two ghostly figures flew back.
They materialized nearby.
Glenda said, "This newspaper issue did well again. The taverns along the streets are all discussing the detective story—it's become a fixed program in the taverns."
Xiaoxiao added, "Yeah! The taverns are so lively! Everyone is listening to the story, and newspapers are selling quickly, with long lines forming."
The ghosts' task was to gather information whenever the newspapers were distributed.
Their role was similar to conducting market research.
And the results were once again positive.
"Are more people listening in taverns, or are more people buying newspapers to read?" Wu Heng sat up slightly and asked.
Xiaoxiao thought for a moment before saying, "I think more people are in the taverns."
Glenda agreed, "Yeah, definitely more in the taverns. You buy a beer and get to hear the entire newspaper's content—if it were me, I'd do the same."
Uh…
When put that way, it really did seem like going to a tavern was the better deal.
Reading a newspaper once meant there was no new content left.
But buying a beer at a tavern let you hear the whole newspaper—how could buying a newspaper compete with that?
It felt like the taverns were profiting more from the newspapers than he was.
But there was no real solution.
He couldn't exactly ban taverns from reading the newspaper aloud.
Plus, most island residents were illiterate—having the taverns read the news actually increased the audience.
Wu Heng said, "Let them go to the taverns if they want. It's better to have them listening to stories than getting into fights on the streets."
Glenda circled in the air before saying, "I saw two taverns setting up betting pools, guessing in which issue the culprit will be revealed. I think other taverns will start doing the same soon."
"They're making bets over a serialized novel?" Wu Heng was surprised.
"Well, the newspaper's really popular right now. If you want to get some of that money back, there's a way to manipulate it." Glenda smirked in reminder.
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow. He immediately understood Glenda's idea.
The timing of the culprit's reveal was entirely under his control.
He could simply pace the story accordingly and place his own bets in the taverns.
It wouldn't take much effort to make a profit from it.
But after some thought, he decided against it.
There was no need to compete with the island's residents for this little bit of money.
"Forget it, we don't need the money. The livelier the taverns, the better it is for us." Wu Heng said.
Glenda shrugged indifferently. "Up to you. I was just making a suggestion."
The three chatted for a while.
Then, they headed back inside.
...…
Glenda went back to editing her manuscript, and Xiaoxiao sat nearby watching cartoons.
Wu Heng, on the other hand, entered the alchemy lab where the Alchemy Skeletons worked.
The room was dimly lit. Even during the day, the curtains remained drawn, blocking out the sunlight.
He turned on the chandelier, illuminating the room.
The skeletons were all busy with their tasks.
The shelves were lined with various finished potions.
"Come here," Wu Heng beckoned to the nearest Level 15 Alchemy Skeleton.
The skeleton set down what it was holding and quickly approached.
Wu Heng asked, "How's the development of the Tier 3 Corpse Core Potion?"
The Alchemy Skeleton pointed toward the alchemy table, where potion vials and test stones were placed.
"Still in the calibration phase?"
The skeleton shook its head.
"Testing its effectiveness?"
The skeleton nodded.
Entering the testing phase meant it was in the final stages.
"Notify me immediately when it's complete." Wu Heng instructed.
The Alchemy Skeleton saluted and returned to its work at the alchemy table.
Wu Heng collected some of the completed potions.
Then, he turned and left the lab.
The Tier 3 Corpse Core Potion had been in development for some time.
Among the suitable potions, this one had taken the longest.
If the skeletons weren't tireless and incapable of slacking off, he might have suspected they were deliberately dragging things out.
But at least progress was being made—it had entered the final testing stage.
He was quite looking forward to seeing its effects.
Would it awaken a new ability for him?
...…
By dusk, Andviel returned from outside.
They all sat down for dinner.
Minnie and the others excitedly talked about the newspapers on Lighthouse Street.
The serialized detective story had become the hottest topic on the island.
After some discussion about the newspaper.
Wu Heng said, "Veil, find time to contact some fabric-trading caravans. Pick two with good reputations and quality—I need to order some textile materials."
"Understood, Master. I'll contact them tomorrow." Andviel replied.
"Good. Also, recruit two experienced tailoring craftsmen with high skill levels."
"Got it."
After dinner, they all headed to the training room for practice.
Once night fell.
They each went upstairs.
As Wu Heng passed the third floor.
A door on the side opened, and Andviel peeked out with wide eyes.
Then she gently pulled his hand and led him into the room.
...…
The next morning.
[Experience +1.]
[Experience +1.]
[Experience …]
A rapid stream of experience notifications woke Wu Heng from his sleep.
He was momentarily alert before realizing what was happening.
It had to be the team clearing zombies in the nearby city—they had begun fighting.
The timing matched, and only the zombie world's kills would trigger this kind of rapid one-point experience gain.
He relaxed slightly.
Then, he lowered his head to see the delicate-skinned, soft-bodied little fox in his arms.
Her fair arms were wrapped around his chest, and her fluffy tail was draped over his waist.
He was about to move the tail aside.
Andviel stirred awake, "Master, you're up!"
"Sleep a bit longer. It's still early; no need to get up yet." Wu Heng stroked her hair.
Andviel snuggled closer, "How can a maid sleep in when her master is awake?"
"Our little fox has privileges. Sleep a bit more, I'll wake you when breakfast is ready." Wu Heng patted her small butt and got out of bed.
"Master is so kind!" Andviel lay on the bed, her tail swaying.
Wu Heng quickly freshened up and dressed. "I'm heading upstairs. No need to call me for breakfast."
"Yes, Master."
Wu Heng walked out of Andviel's room and returned to his study.
He first sent the spirits out to do a quick check.
Confirming that there were no issues on Gold-Silver Island, he opened the portal and directly traveled to the zombie world.
...…
Zombie World.
Stepping out of the portal, he glanced out the window.
The horizon was brightening, and patrolling skeletons could be seen on the streets.
Wu Heng picked up the radio and pressed the communication button, "Qi Hancai, can you hear me?"
The response was quick. "Yes, I can hear you. Hold on, I'll be there right away."
He waited in the room for a short while.
A knock came at the door, and Qi Hancai entered with her little owl in tow. She said, "Half an hour ago, Bai Qing reported that the skeleton army has begun their assault on Gaohe City. They are currently engaged in battle."
As expected, just as he had guessed.
The skeletons he had deployed had already begun their attack.
"Any problems?" Wu Heng asked.
"None so far, everything is going smoothly." Qi Hancai sat down beside him.
"What about Li Yanhong's side?"
Qi Hancai said, "Yanhong's group is expected to reach Tiecheng the day after tomorrow. They should still be en route."
Wu Heng nodded and instructed, "Make sure the railway remains clear, schedule routine inspections, and keep the logistics team close behind."
"Understood!" Qi Hancai acknowledged before adding, "Spring is coming soon, so we're planning to send people to clear the wasteland in preparation for planting."
"That's good. Make the arrangements, and I'll send some skeletons to assist you when the time comes."
"Alright." Qi Hancai stroked her little owl and continued, "Zhao Yanqiu arrived yesterday. Should we assign her a position?"
"No rush on that yet."
"Understood."
Wu Heng stood up. "Let's go to the conference room and have her meet me there."
The two left the room together, heading downstairs to the meeting room.
Qi Hancai used the radio to summon Zhao Yanqiu.
Soon, there was a knock on the conference room door.
Zhao Yanqiu stepped inside.
"My Lord, Vice Commander Qi." Zhao Yanqiu greeted with a bow.
Wu Heng looked at Qi Hancai and said, "Go handle your tasks. We'll check the factory together later."
"Alright!" Qi Hancai nodded and left the room.
Wu Heng turned his attention back to Zhao Yanqiu and gestured for her to sit. Then, he summoned Xiaoxiao.
Xiaoxiao floated lazily in the air but immediately perked up with delight upon seeing Zhao Yanqiu. "Ah! Mom!"
"Xiaoxiao."
Zhao Yanqiu opened her arms, and Xiaoxiao drifted over. The mother and daughter shared an ethereal embrace.
Wu Heng waited for them to exchange a few words before asking, "Zhao Yanqiu, Xiaoxiao often misses you. I can transfer you here—what do you think?"
Zhao Yanqiu glanced at Xiaoxiao and, without much hesitation, said, "Thank you, my Lord. I am willing to come."
"Do you have anything you need to bring over?"
"Some luggage and a few old belongings," Zhao Yanqiu replied.
"Then take the next couple of days to go back, bring your things, settle everything in Xinfu City, and then move here."
"Understood."
Wu Heng nodded and stood up again. "Take your time catching up with Xiaoxiao."
Zhao Yanqiu bowed again. "Thank you, my Lord."
"Just call me 'Commander' here."
"Yes, Commander."
Wu Heng exited the room, leaving behind the sounds of a mother and daughter warmly reconnecting.
Outside the conference room, Qi Hancai also stepped out from a nearby office.
The two headed to the ammunition production workshop.
They checked the equipment.
Then, Wu Heng collected the newly produced ammunition.
...…
Afternoon, Wu Heng returned to Gold-Silver Island.
He released the two spirits again, letting them float freely.
Seeing her mother, Xiaoxiao was clearly in high spirits, floating around and even humming an anime tune.
Glenda drifted to the desk and started editing her manuscript.
Wu Heng looked at Xiaoxiao and said, "Xiaoxiao, I plan to give your mother a profession. What do you think would suit her?"
"A profession?" Xiaoxiao floated in circles before saying, "I think Imiro is pretty strong."
"Imiro is strong because of his level. Any profession at his level would be powerful."
"Oh, Uncle, that makes sense. So what are the options?" Xiaoxiao floated closer with curiosity.
Wu Heng recalled the common profession scrolls available at the Guild and said, "For combat roles, there's Warrior, Ranger, Rogue, and Boxer. For non-combat roles, there's Investigator, Coroner, and Bard."
Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said, "They all sound the same to me. Uncle, you pick one for me."
"Your mother doesn't seem suited for combat."
"Yeah, she's not." Xiaoxiao readily agreed.
Wu Heng pondered aloud, "That leaves non-combat roles… A Coroner wouldn't work—there are only zombies around here, nothing worth examining. That leaves Investigator or Bard. A Bard is a semi-combat profession that can apply beneficial effects to themselves. It's quite useful."
Lately, thanks to the newspapers, Xiaoxiao had been paying attention to the Bards.
When they told stories in taverns, they always boosted themselves with buffs beforehand.
It enhanced their presence and speaking ability.
"That sounds good! I think Bard is a great choice." Xiaoxiao nodded.
"Then I'll prepare the profession scroll tomorrow and get your mother transferred."
"Okay! Thanks, Uncle." Xiaoxiao thanked him.
"No need to be polite. We're family."
Xiaoxiao giggled.
Glenda also glanced up and smiled.
...…
Blackstone Town, a nearby village.
Tatatata~!
The sound of rapid footsteps echoed from all directions.
Cloaked figures emerged from alleys and behind houses.
They surrounded 'Benny,' who wore the same attire.
One of them held a struggling tamed beast and casually snapped its neck.
The beast went limp as he unrolled a piece of paper tied to its ankle.
In a raspy voice, he read aloud, "The Divine Destiny Sect's leader, Fatih, is preparing to leave Blackstone Town and will travel southwest along the route."
"Benny, you betrayed the church. You betrayed us."
"The others may not understand, but you, Benny—you should have."
The group spoke with deep disappointment.
One by one, they condemned her.
Benny's eyes flickered between panic and terror, but then she gradually steadied herself.
She shouted, "I was never a believer to begin with! You liars slaughtered so many villagers. Even if there is a god, it must be an evil one!"
Chaos spread through the group.
The leading black-robed figure scanned the surroundings.
His voice was chilling. "She has been corrupted by inner demons. Send her to meet the true god. He will guide her and forgive her!"
At his words, two men drew their blades and stepped forward.
Benny pulled a dagger from her sleeve.
Gritting her teeth, she charged.
But before she could get close, her dagger slipped from her grasp, and she was pinned to the ground.
A cold blade pressed against her throat.
Fear was evident in Benny's expression.
Yet she still spoke.
"You're a cult. The villagers, the children you killed—they're watching you from the heavens. Watching as you all die one by one."
"I was just a tavern maid. My life isn't worth much."
"Wu Heng will come for you. Blackstone Town is his home. He will avenge me."
"You will all die horrible deaths."
Slash~!
The blade cut her throat, and blood gushed forth.