Chapter 509, How Did You Become One?
Seeing the aggressive young girl, Wu Heng was momentarily stunned.
He hadn't expected to run into an old acquaintance just after entering the city.
Yuli, the snack-loving druid who could transform into various animals.
Back when they were teammates in Blackstone Town, the two had the best relationship.
Their bond was still good, but they had since moved in different circles.
Wu Heng didn't use the consortium's [Concealing Cloak], opting instead for a plain hooded robe that covered his head and face, leaving only his eyes exposed.
Yuli scrutinized the three of them with sharp eyes as she walked closer, step by step.
In a firm tone, she asked, "I'm talking to you three. What are you doing in the city?"
Seeing that Yuli hadn't recognized him, Wu Heng replied, "I'm a member of the guild, passing through and planning to stay the night."
"A guild member? Got any proof?" Yuli asked.
Wu Heng took out his Standard Bearer insignia and handed it to her.
Yuli took it, her brows furrowing slightly.
Guild insignias had a uniform design standard, representing the identity of the bearer.
But this insignia...
She could confirm it was a guild insignia, but it looked unfamiliar to her.
"What kind of insignia is this?"
Wu Heng said, "Take me to your steward, and I'll explain then."
Seeing that his attitude was decent and the insignia was indeed guild-issued, her doubts eased slightly.
"Alright, I'll take you there."
Wu Heng and his two companions followed behind her, heading toward the guild building.
On the way, Wu Heng asked, "The streets look pretty empty."
"Do people wander around aimlessly in winter where you're from?"
"But you're still out on patrol. The entire street is deserted."
"We, well… our team is diligent and responsible," Yuli said, raising her head proudly.
They entered the guild hall.
Yuli turned to her team members and said, "You guys head back to the rest area. I'll call you later."
The team members nodded and headed to the side.
Then Yuli led the three of them through a corridor to the steward's study.
She knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in!"
Yuli glanced back at Wu Heng and said, "You, come in with me."
"Alright." Wu Heng nodded and followed her into the study.
"Steward, we encountered these three during patrol. They claim to be guild members from outside," Yuli reported as soon as she entered the room.
The steward, Madam Slater, was seated behind the desk, reviewing some documents. A golden leopard lay by the fireplace.
The golden leopard walked over, circled around Wu Heng, sniffed him, and then returned to its spot near the fireplace.
Madam Slater looked up briefly and asked, "Where are you from? What's your purpose here?"
"From Gold-Silver Island," Wu Heng replied.
Gold-Silver Island?
Yuli abruptly turned her head, and Madam Slater gave Wu Heng a suspicious look.
Wu Heng pulled back his hood, revealing his face, and smiled. "It's been a while, Steward Slater, Captain Yuli."
"Wu Heng!" Yuli exclaimed, leaping toward him.
Wu Heng instinctively caught her. "Shh, don't shout. I'm trying to keep a low profile."
"Oh! No wonder your voice sounded familiar—it's you!" Yuli whispered, clearly thrilled.
Madam Slater, after her initial surprise, frowned slightly at their closeness.
She shot Wu Heng a stern look and chided Yuli, "Behave yourself, Yuli. You're not a child anymore."
Yuli pouted and stood obediently to the side.
Madam Slater turned to Wu Heng and asked, "You've been to Rentam City?"
"Yes, I went back to take care of some matters," Wu Heng replied, sitting down nearby.
The golden leopard climbed onto the sofa and leaned against him.
"How long do you plan to stay?"
Wu Heng stroked the leopard. "Just one night. I'll leave tomorrow morning. I mainly came to see you."
"So short?" Yuli remarked.
Madam Slater added, "You've spent all your time over in Rentam City, haven't you?"
Wu Heng smiled at their questioning looks. "You probably don't know yet—I'm now the lord of Gold-Silver Island. I can't stay away for too long."
The two women frowned.
"Lord? What does that mean?" Yuli asked.
"It's like being a city lord. A city lord governs a city, right? A lord governs an entire island," Wu Heng explained.
"Was this a guild promotion?" Madam Slater inquired.
Wu Heng said, "It was supported by the guild, but it's separate from them. The guild doesn't interfere with the island's normal development. I'm still a Standard Bearer within the guild."
Yuli was even more astonished. "No way… how did you get promoted again? Why?"
The young girl felt a bit off-balance.
They had both been members of the fifth squad. Wu Heng had risen to become a captain and then a deputy steward, which Yuli had reluctantly accepted.
She herself had worked hard to become a team captain.
But now Wu Heng was a lord and a Standard Bearer, widening the gap once again.
"You were right to leave," Madam Slater said approvingly.
Wu Heng added, "Those two outside are my attendants. Have someone take them to my accommodations, and we can chat more."
"Yuli, you handle it," Madam Slater instructed.
Yuli opened the door and called for a staff member to escort the two attendants.
She then returned.
Holding the golden leopard in her lap, she asked, "Wu Heng, are there a lot of pirates on your island?"
"There used to be quite a few. They occupied large stretches of sea, and sailing almost always meant encountering pirates."
"Are they as cool as in the comics?"
Noticing Madam Slater's warning glance, Yuli quickly added, "I mean… the comics glamorize pirates, but they're really just like land-based bandits—ugly, with yellow teeth and bad breath. They're enemies of the guild."
Yuli made a face of disgust. "How do you know they have yellow teeth and bad breath?"
"I killed quite a few when I was a deputy steward," Wu Heng replied, recounting some of the pirates' heinous deeds.
Yuli listened intently.
She had thought pirates seemed glamorous in comics.
But after hearing Wu Heng's account, her perspective shifted.
Luckily, she hadn't actually run off to become a pirate.
"How did you become a lord?" Yuli pressed.
"I'm strong, good-looking, and valued by the guild. Isn't that reason enough?"
"I don't believe you. You probably bought the position—you're loaded!"
"That's impossible. Such an important role can't be bought," Wu Heng said, stroking the golden leopard. "Actually, I killed some pirates, earned enough merit, and was also nominated by some islanders. That's how I was appointed as lord."
"Oh, so that's how it happened," Yuli nodded.
Madam Slater asked, "How are things in Rentam City? Wen Mansa has some management talent despite her gang background."
"The development there exceeded my expectations. Even the Golden Cat is doing remarkably well—it's a fantastic business model anywhere."
Madam Slater smiled, pleased by the acknowledgment.
"Since you're a lord now, what are your plans for the island's development?"
"For development, I'd like to replicate Rentam City's model. When there's a chance, you can visit and help set up a bigger Golden Cat," Wu Heng shared his ideas.
Madam Slater considered this. "That could work. I might visit the island someday. When I'm done being a steward, I might retire to Gold-Silver Island."
"Auntie, take me with you! I've never seen the sea!" Yuli exclaimed.
Madam Slater gave her a sideways glance. "You're everywhere, aren't you?"
"Hehe, Auntie, you're the best," Yuli said cheekily.
Wu Heng added, "Winter is the best time to visit—it's nice and cool. Summers there can be a bit hot."
"We'll see. I'll make time to visit," Madam Slater said.
"Alright."
After discussing the main matters,
Wu Heng took out a few items. "I brought some gifts for you."
He revealed several magical items.
[Protective Pendant] and [Youthful Vine Bracelet] were given to both of them.
Such items were rare in Rentam City and even rarer in Blackstone Town.
They were both a bit surprised, their expressions showing excitement.
Wu Heng then took out a spatial ring and handed it to Yuli. "A 5-cubic-meter spatial ring. It'll make storing things much more convenient in the future."
"Wow, you're so rich!" Yuli immediately put it on her hand.
She put away the two items.
Wu Heng then pulled out a pair of blood-red twin blades and another spatial ring, placing them on Madam Slater's desk. "The spatial ring is also 5 cubic meters. The twin blades are called Bloodthirsty Dual Blades, a magical artifact. They can grant immense combat power for a short time but come with a clear side effect—you'll gradually lose rationality. Be cautious when using them."
Hearing the words "magical artifact," the pupils of both women contracted sharply.
He had actually brought out a weapon-class magical artifact.
In Blackstone Town, this would be equivalent to a second-tier merit reward.
"For me? Is this appropriate?" Madam Slater hesitated.
It was fine for her man to bring her gifts,
but she still felt she didn't need such a weapon. After all, Blackstone Town wasn't particularly dangerous.
Wu Heng smiled and said, "It suits you. Just be mindful of the side effects."
"Thank you, then," Madam Slater said, accepting it with delight.
Beside her, Yuli felt that her spatial ring was no longer as exciting. "Wu Heng, are you playing favorites? Why do I get one less item?"
"I couldn't find a weapon that suits you. When I do, I'll save it for you."
Yuli thought about it and agreed. "Alright then."
Madam Slater, in good spirits, stood up and said, "Let's go. Since Wu Heng is back, let's celebrate. And have someone send food to your two attendants."
"I know a great tavern!" Yuli said enthusiastically.
"Go book a private room."
"Got it!"
The three of them chatted at the tavern until late at night, then returned to their respective accommodations to rest.
...
Late at night.
There was a light knock on the door of Wu Heng's quarters.
He opened the door.
Standing quietly in the doorway was Madam Slater.
Her eyes darted around cautiously, as if she were a thief.
Once the door was fully open,
Madam Slater quickly entered his quarters.
Closing the door behind her, they embraced and kissed, moving toward the bedroom.
Entering the bedroom,
she swiftly removed her clothes.
Madam Slater pushed him onto the bed somewhat forcefully, straddling his waist.
They both exhaled deeply.
"Why did it take you so long to come see me?" Madam Slater asked with a hint of reproach.
"I've been really busy. Even this trip was squeezed into my schedule," Wu Heng said, holding her waist to support her.
Madam Slater rolled her eyes, leaned down, and lay fully on top of him. "If you don't come back soon, I might just go to Gold-Silver Island to find you myself."
Wu Heng smiled and lightly patted her rear. "When we establish a Golden Cat there, you'll have plenty of reasons to visit."
"It's not that simple. The situation in Ekow Kingdom is tense. How could I leave? I'll wait for the right opportunity."
"What's going on in Ekow Kingdom? In Rentam City, I killed two enemies targeting the City Lord's Mansion, both from Ekow Kingdom," Wu Heng asked curiously.
Madam Slater paused her movements, frowning deeply. "Both from Ekow Kingdom?"
"Don't stop," Wu Heng lightly tapped her, waiting for her to continue moving before saying, "One claimed to be connected to the First Prince, the other to the Second Prince. I'm not sure why they're both focused on Rentam City."
Madam Slater frowned in thought before explaining, "Currently, the two most influential princes in the kingdom are the First Prince and the Second Prince. The First Prince is backed by the military, while the Second Prince has the support of many civil officials and nobles. The other princes don't hold much sway—it all depends on which of the two can prevail."
"But the old king isn't dead yet, right?"
"Does it even matter anymore? He hasn't been able to govern for a long time. Power has gradually been divided among others. The only reason there hasn't been outright chaos is that he's still technically alive."
"Hmm, you've got a point."
Madam Slater smiled and said, "Don't worry. If there's any danger, I'll notify Wen Mansa in advance. Even though we're not particularly close, it's still your business. No one's taking what belongs to my man."
"That's so cheesy!" Wu Heng said with a smile.
"Do you like it?"
"I do. Say more."
Madam Slater cupped his face and whispered, "My little husband, you're amazing."
With that, she kissed him deeply.
...
The next morning, Wu Heng stepped off the carriage.
After bidding farewell to the two women, he headed out of the city.
From the carriage, two pairs of eyes watched him. Once his figure disappeared into the distance, the carriage turned back.
On the city streets,
several figures dressed as ordinary residents passed by the city gate.
One of them stopped, gazing at the distant figure disappearing from view.
"Benny, what are you looking at? Hurry up. Don't keep the others waiting too long," someone ahead called out, walking back to follow her gaze.
"That person's back… seems familiar somehow," said the woman called Benny.
"Who? I've never seen him. He got off a guild carriage just now, so he must be with the guild. Don't go looking for trouble."
"A guild member?" Benny's eyes widened.
The person beside her said, "Let's go. Today's a day of prayer. Don't keep the elders waiting."
"Alright!" Benny nodded, quickening her pace.
Yet her gaze occasionally drifted toward the direction where the figure had vanished.
...
Nine days later.
The ghost train reappeared in the wilderness of Gold-Silver Island.
The three disembarked, immediately feeling a bit unwell.
Since Wu Heng had brought two beastfolk girls with relatively low levels, they had to stop several times along the way to eat and rest.
This caused some delays.
The weather here was hot. Wu Heng changed out of his winter clothes and turned back.
He saw the two staring blankly at the distant sea.
"When there's time, have Minnie take you to the beach. Take off those winter clothes; don't get heatstroke," Wu Heng reminded.
The two responded and quickly removed their winter garments.
Dressed lightly, they followed Wu Heng into the city.
Once in the urban area, they hailed a carriage.
They headed to the lord's manor.
...
Returning to the manor.
As they pushed open the gate and entered,
a slender fountain spraying water and swaying flowers and trees caught the two beastfolk girls' wide-eyed attention.
Having seen the City Lord's Mansion, they already thought it was luxurious.
But this was even more grandiose.
Footsteps sounded, and Minnie and Philipa came running out from the residence.
"Master!" Minnie leapt into his arms, and Philipa followed, hugging his other side.
"Is everything alright at home?"
"Everything's fine," Minnie replied.
Wu Heng gently patted her back. "Your two friends are here. Take them to pick their rooms."
Minnie turned to look behind him, spotting the two who had just removed their hoods.
"Robe, Annette, you're here!" she said excitedly.
She hurried over and hugged them both.
The catgirl Robe said, "Minnie, your place is so beautiful."
Annette said dazedly, "It's so hot here; I think I'm going to get heatstroke."
"I'll take you inside. There's air conditioning," Minnie said, leading them into the house.
Philipa, however, kept her attention on Wu Heng. "What have you been up to these past few days?"
"Missed me?"
"No, I just caught so many pirates, and without you to brag to, it feels like a waste."
Wu Heng put his arm around her shoulder and walked inside. "Minnie told me over the radio that you took down the Savage Lion Pirate Crew and even brought back a pirate?"
Philipa scratched her cheek and said,
"Yeah, he's a friend. I told you before, all pirates wanted me dead except for him. He's super righteous. His wife was taken from him, and he just wished her happiness."