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Chapter 573, Faceless One's Human Skin
The newspapers on Gold-Silver Island update at an exceptionally fast pace.
The second issue came out three days after the first, and the third issue was five days after the previous one.
The intelligence itself wasn't particularly special, but once it was transported off the island…
The information quickly became outdated.
The female representative of the Laimei Consortium smiled and spoke softly, "My lord, intelligence reports in some regions are naturally delayed, but what's most popular in the newspapers is your story. So, we're considering purchasing some copies to take out and see how they sell."
Wu Heng frowned in thought for a moment and then said, "Since you want to give it a try, I have no objections. If it sells well, we can include your share in every issue from now on."
The three representatives looked pleased.
The representative from the Stag Trading Fleet then added, "About the price, could it be lowered a bit? We need to cover transportation and sales costs."
"How much do you want?"
"40 copper coins!"
Wu Heng said, "50 copper coins. After that, however much you sell is up to you."
The three exchanged quick glances.
The Stag Trading Fleet representative slapped his thigh, "Alright, since the Island Lord says so, we'll take them at 50 copper coins. Three issues in total. Stag Trading will order 5,000 copies per issue."
"We'll also take 5,000 per issue."
"Same here!"
Ordering 5,000 copies per issue sounded like a lot, but in reality, it wasn't much.
A single spatial ring could store all of them.
They really were just testing the waters outside.
"Alright. Veil, draft a contract. They can pick up the newspapers in five days."
"Understood." Andviel got up and left.
Wu Heng stayed behind to continue discussing with the trade representatives.
They talked about the business environment and any areas on the island that needed improvement.
Before long, Andviel returned with three copies of the contract.
The agreements were made in the name of the town hall and signed with the three trading fleets.
With the contracts completed, both sides were satisfied.
"Island Lord, we won't take up any more of your time." The three stood and bowed again.
"Alright. If anything comes up, just find Veil at the town hall. She speaks for me completely," Wu Heng said.
"Understood, Island Lord." The three bowed slightly toward Andviel. "We'll be relying on Miss Veil in the future."
"That's my job!" Andviel returned the gesture.
After the three left, Veil seemed a bit dissatisfied. "They ordered so little. If I'd known, I wouldn't have troubled you to come."
"It's fine. Letting them try selling it outside is a good thing," Wu Heng put the contract away and asked, "Any progress on the fabric procurement?"
"It's been sent out. Several trading fleets are currently quoting prices. Once they deliver, I'll bring them to you."
"Good."
With the newspaper matter settled, Wu Heng left the town hall.
After taking a carriage back to the Island Lord's mansion…
He greeted the maids, put on [Conductor's Hat], and headed for Lopez City.
Lopez City, Snake Emblem Consortium.
Wu Heng waited in the VIP room for a while before the beautiful elf, Ledily, walked in.
She smiled, "Good afternoon, guest."
"Good afternoon. How did the last commission go?" Wu Heng asked directly.
"You came at the right time. Both of your commissions have results," Ledily said with a smile.
Both commissions?
"You found the disguise artifact too?"
"Yes. It took quite a bit of effort, and the final payment will be slightly higher," Ledily said with a hint of pride.
As if she had finally completed a difficult task.
"As expected of the beautiful manager. I knew I wasn't wrong about you." Wu Heng praised.
Ledily's smile widened. She then opened the door and gave an order to someone outside.
Shortly after, the door opened again, and a staff member walked in carrying a wooden box.
They placed it on the tea table, bowed, and then exited.
Ledily pushed the wooden box forward and introduced, "A peculiar artifact—Faceless One's Mask. It can record the face of any user. The downside is that wearing it gradually increases the burden on the body. Over time, it depletes vitality, and even a Grandmaster Fighter with abundant vitality cannot wear it indefinitely."
Wu Heng listened and opened the box.
When he saw what was inside, his gaze sharpened.
A piece of human skin—facial skin.
[Faceless One's Human Skin (Peculiar Artifact)]
[Effect: Can replicate the wearer's facial appearance.]
[Side Effect: Depletes vitality.]
(Description: A fully peeled human face. It can turn you into anyone.)
Definitely an artifact for concealing identity.
"How is this item generally used?" Wu Heng asked, wanting more details.
Ledily had documentation on it, so he needed to ask carefully.
Ledily explained, "You wear it directly on your face. The skin will merge with yours."
"To record a face, it needs to be worn by someone first. Once that person has worn it, the mask will remember their face. The next time, you just think about their appearance, and your facial features will change."
"The benefit is that this artifact merges with your face, not creating an illusion, so it can't be 'seen through.' The downside is that if you want to change into someone, you have to make them wear it once… or force them to wear it."
Wu Heng nodded, understanding.
In other words, once this artifact was worn, unless someone physically tore off your face, there was no way to see through the disguise.
The downside was that every new face had to be recorded from a real person.
Unlike [Illusion Veil], which could change appearances just by imagining them.
"What about the side effects? Explain in detail."
Ledily crossed her legs and continued, "The side effect is that it drains stamina, and the drain increases over time. Naturally, the higher one's stamina, the longer they can wear it."
"Approximately how long can it be worn?"
"For a level 15 melee-class Professional, it should be taken off within three hours. While it won't cause death, it will put a strain on the body," Ledily read from her records.
Wu Heng was quite satisfied with this artifact.
Aside from the unsettling appearance of the human skin, its effects were excellent.
As for recording faces, he could simply use it on pirates or wanted criminals—just a couple of common faces would be enough for a while.
The side effects weren't a big problem either, as he wouldn't be wearing it constantly.
He'd only put it on briefly before taking it off.
"Not bad. I'm very satisfied."
"Your satisfaction is my greatest reward," Ledily beamed.
From the artifact's quality, it was clear Ledily had put in significant effort.
After all, Wu Heng had been consistently placing commissions here, contributing significantly to her performance.
He was definitely a valued client.
Ledily then said, "Guest, this item is a bit expensive."
"How much?"
"2,200 gold coins—your discounted rate with insignia privileges," Ledily said cautiously.
She knew he wasn't short on money, but this price was indeed high.
At an auction, it would be reasonable.
But this wasn't an auction.
"Alright, it's worth the price." Wu Heng casually waved his hand, and two pouches containing 1,000 gold coins each appeared on the table.
Then, he counted out another 200 coins one by one.
"Thank you." Ledily was delighted.
She called in a staff member to count the gold, then closed the commission.
After confirming the amount, the consortium took the gold, and Wu Heng stored the artifact.
The staff member left.
Ledily glanced at him, "Guest, about the 'Concealment Cloak'…"
Wu Heng had always worn the consortium's concealment cloak when visiting.
Now that he had received the artifact, it was time to return it.
"Still not for sale?" Wu Heng asked again.
"Really can't sell it, or the consortium will hold me accountable," Ledily smiled wryly.
"Alright, I'll bring it back next time I visit."
"Good." Ledily decided to trust him.
Wu Heng said, "How is the corpse acquisition commission going?"
Ledily turned around and said, "They are all stored in the warehouse. I'll take you there."
Stored in the warehouse?
"Let's go!"
The two stood up and walked out of the room together.
Following the corridor, they headed toward the consortium's rear warehouse.
Ledily softly introduced, "This time, we collected a total of 32 corpses, covering a wide range of professions. It's the most comprehensive batch so far."
Wu Heng's eyes narrowed.
This many this time!