Chapter 691, All Spent on Me
Converting potions from the other world into tablets—
That was actually a good idea.
Whether healing potions or mana-restoring potions, their effects far surpassed modern medicine.
Especially healing potions—unless the person was already dead, most injuries would heal immediately upon consumption.
However, these potions had shortcomings too.
Such as the liquid form and glass bottles.
If you had a space ring, it wasn't a problem to carry them.
But most people didn't, so transporting potions was a hassle.
Turning them into tablets would make them more practical.
They might even become the next product line on Gold-Silver Island.
"Nice idea," Wu Heng praised first, then added, "Give it a few days. I'll send alchemy skeletons over to see if it's feasible."
"Alright, I'll head to Coastal Port and phone Yanhong about it," Qi Hancai replied.
Wu Heng added, "Also notify each base. Have them list any local factories or industries. We can try restarting production."
"Got it."
With the important topics done, they chatted about minor base matters.
Qi Hancai glanced at him carefully. "Will you stay the night?"
It was their first day in Netare City. Something might come up tonight.
So staying over wasn't a great idea.
Seeing her hopeful eyes, Wu Heng coughed lightly. "No need to wait till night—we have time now."
Qi Hancai blushed. "I'll go shower."
"I'll join."
The two entered the bathroom together.
Steam filled the air. Soon, soft moans echoed.
......
Back in Netare City.
Night had fallen.
The skeletal investigator still sat upright at the desk, motionless.
Doors and windows were shut. The marker wedged in the door was undisturbed.
No one had entered.
With a thought, Wu Heng released all three wraiths.
He looked around to confirm the location.
"Uncle, any progress on the case?" Xiaoxiao asked.
"Not yet."
"Tell me what you've found—I'll help analyze it," she said, floating closer.
Wu Heng looked at her and hesitated. "Is that necessary?"
"Of course! I'll help you catch the bad guys," Xiaoxiao said excitedly.
Glenda added, "What did you gather? Let's hear it, so we're prepared."
Wu Heng nodded and organized his thoughts.
He recounted everything they'd investigated since arriving.
The three wraiths fell into thought.
"So basically, not a single clue," Glenda summarized.
Xiaoxiao floated over, worried. "Uncle, you won't be exposed, will you?"
"Huh? Exposed for what? I didn't kill anyone."
"No, I mean they'll find out you're a fake detective," she said.
Wu Heng rolled his eyes. "We just got here. How do you know we won't solve it? And you agreed to the name change too."
"I didn't! Don't make stuff up," Xiaoxiao huffed, crossing her arms.
Glenda said, "To pull off something this clean, it must involve top officials in the city."
"That's what I think too. I need you two to keep watch on a couple people," Wu Heng said directly.
"The City Lord?" Beni asked.
"Yeah. Beni, watch the City Lord. Record everyone he meets and any orders he gives. Glenda, keep an eye on the level 18 commander at the barracks. See what he's up to," Wu Heng said, sitting on the bed.
"What about me?" Xiaoxiao raised her hand.
"You stay and protect me."
"Oh, okay."
Xiaoxiao nodded. The other two wraiths phased through the wall to begin surveillance.
Wu Heng tidied up, lay down, and started reviewing the day's investigation.
He replayed every detail.
Truthfully, they had made no progress since arriving.
Would he really lose his title as great detective?
He was counting on this story's serialization to boost his fame.
Staring at the ceiling, Xiaoxiao's head suddenly popped through from above, hanging upside down as they stared at each other.
"Scared you, didn't I?" Xiaoxiao giggled.
"Nope. Scaring me's not easy," Wu Heng said, hands behind his head.
Xiaoxiao floated to the side. "I told my mom I want you to be my dad."
"What'd she say?" Wu Heng turned on his side.
"What else? She yelled at me forever. Should've known not to let her become a bard. She can talk for hours. All of it aimed at me," Xiaoxiao sighed.
Wu Heng smiled. "Told you she wouldn't agree. But names don't matter—we'll always be family."
At this point, Wu Heng suspected Xiaoxiao's unfinished business was needing a father.
But that also involved Zhao Yanqiu.
And really, he figured calling him Dad or Uncle was just a label.
"Not really. I think she just wanted to scold me. She didn't seem totally against it. I'll try again later—might work."
Wu Heng watched her, saying nothing more.
As night deepened, he said, "Xiaoxiao, I'm going to sleep."
"Okay. I want to watch cartoons."
Wu Heng handed her the tablet. "Watch all you want—just don't forget to keep watch. My life's in your hands."
"Don't worry." Xiaoxiao floated to the other side of the room and started watching.
......
The next day—
Five long banners now hung from the Guild Hall.
Each bore a different emblem, representing the factions of five leaders.
It meant the Guild's headquarters was present, and each banner showed which faction had sent people.
Beneath them were smaller flags—the lead one belonged to Gold-Silver Island.
After breakfast, Elder Tapani sat upright. "Wu Heng, what's your plan for today?"
Wu Heng had already planned it last night.
He said, "The city's not as chaotic as we thought. No one will attack us openly. Working together is inefficient. I want to split up."
"How?"
Wu Heng continued, "Some go to City Hall or the guard posts, check recent records and look for related incidents. Also contact other secret messengers and speak with residents."
"Where are you going? I'll assign the rest."
"I'll head to the fleet. Let Dean Janvito handle the officials—he'll get better cooperation."
Tapani nodded and quickly divided the tasks.
Everyone dispersed to their assigned tasks.
Wu Heng, with a skeleton servant, left for the port where the fleet was docked.
......
On the escort ship—
Philipa stood at the galley door, urging the skeletal chefs to speed up breakfast.
Since they were housing prisoners, plus rescued women and children, food demand had increased.
The women and children who wanted fresh air on deck had changed into sailor uniforms.
They were given cleaning duties to disguise them.
As for the human trafficking case, the Guild wasn't planning to act directly.
As long as they caught the White Wing Gang leader, they'd uncover the officials behind it.
The case was essentially solved.
But since the gang had been conscripted into the military, arrests would cause conflict with the army.
That would delay the Guild's investigation.
Wu Heng boarded the battleship. Philipa, the Fifth Princess, and the maids were eating in the bridge.
Seeing him enter—
Philipa asked, "Eaten yet? Your skeleton chefs are pretty good."
"They're all level 10 chefs. Of course they're good," Wu Heng said.
"When we go back, I want two for a restaurant."
"You want everything. At this rate, you'll empty out the manor."
"Hehe," Philipa chuckled.
The Fifth Princess set down her utensils. "Any leads in the city?"
"Nothing yet. We checked his house and talked to local Guild members. No signs. Like he vanished," Wu Heng said.
"Maybe he left the city?" she suggested.
"No. I used an artifact to trace him—he's dead. And a secret messenger wouldn't risk her life on a false report."
The Princess pressed on, "Still, he might've died outside the city. Who'd be stupid enough to kill a local Steward?"
Philipa took a sip of wine. "Exactly. That's why someone pretended he left."
Wu Heng was surprised at Philipa's sharp insight this time.
"You lived here. What's the City Lord like?" Wu Heng asked the blonde, blue-eyed Princess.
She frowned. "You suspect him?"
"Just tell me."
"Daxil's in his 40s. Polite and very capable. That's why he manages the port. If you suspect him, I can vouch—he wouldn't do something so foolish."
Wu Heng nodded but didn't take her guarantee too seriously.
When she lived here, she was a princess.
What official would dare treat her rudely?
"What about the city's military leader—the commander?"
"His name's Helson. A level 15 Warrior. Veteran general of the kingdom with strong defense and combat skills," she said thoughtfully.