Chapter 735, Let Them Come Out
Wu Heng's eyes lit up.
Compared to other forms, things drawn on paper like this were more akin to magic scrolls.
However, magic scrolls were typically larger and required unfolding during use.
"Is that possible?"
"If just two strokes can ward off phantoms, then it's certainly no ordinary thing—might be the work of a master," the middle-aged man said. "But to test the materials, I'll need to scrape some off, which might damage it."
"That's fine. The effect is minor anyway—if it breaks, so be it."
The man nodded, took out a carving blade, and gently scraped a layer from the drawn pattern.
Then he turned and began experimenting.
"The material does have an effect—it might be a mysterious item, or an experimental product from a scholar."
The man continued without turning.
"What about the design?" Wu Heng asked.
"Creating such a design must serve a purpose. Otherwise, just layering materials would be easier."
"That makes sense."
The man set his tools aside and said, "This yellow paper is interesting but too weak. If you're willing, I can offer two silver coins for it—as a collectible."
In the current world, this was certainly one of a kind.
Whether a mysterious item or a scholar's test object, it didn't really matter anymore.
It was rare and highly research-worthy.
Wu Heng smiled. "No need—this is part of my collection. I just wanted to inquire."
"I'm open to negotiation—name your price, as long as it's reasonable, I'll consider it."
"I don't plan to sell. Maybe if I get another, I'll sell you one."
The man wanted to insist but held back.
Wu Heng didn't look like an average person—and he was referred by the City Lord's Mansion.
If he didn't want to sell, there was nothing to be done.
"That's a pity. If you change your mind, come find me anytime. I'd pay 100 silver coins for it."
He handed the talisman back. Wu Heng stored it in his space ring and stood up. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Leaving the back room, the front hall still had several customers.
The same shop assistant quickly walked over and respectfully escorted him out.
...…
Outside the shop,
Wu Heng didn't leave right away.
He walked along the street for a while and entered a roadside tavern.
There weren't many patrons at this hour. On a wooden stage, a human bard was loudly reciting the latest Great Detective story from the newspaper.
Rentam City was also publishing papers with the Great Detective stories.
But they were behind Gold-Silver Island's version—still on the second case.
"Lord Wu Heng is so smart—I think I'm falling for him."
"Stop it. Orcs and humans can't get along."
"I don't care. I'd take him even if he's ugly."
Wu Heng glanced up at the female orc speaking. She was nearly three meters tall, green-skinned, and tusked.
She chugged from a mug as wide as a bowl.
Her arm muscles were almost as thick as a maid's waist—like a shredded bodybuilder.
Damn. Orc aesthetics were something else.
Wu Heng looked away, ignoring the orcs' chatter.
He opened his status panel:
[Level: 19 (598537/355000)]
[Fame: Level 19 (13837/66000)]
His XP nearly doubled the required amount, and Fame had just hit 13,000.
Most of the new Fame likely came from Rentam City.
Still, there was a long way to go to level up—he needed more.
Draining his cup, he left the tavern and took a carriage back to the City Lord's Mansion.
...…
Back at the mansion,
Wen Mansa was still in the hall, issuing orders to the city's commanders.
Wu Heng didn't disturb her.
He greeted the housekeeper and went upstairs.
After playing with the baby for a while, he returned to the study and took out the talisman again.
His visit to the item shop hadn't revealed everything, but he'd learned a bit.
The materials used did have some effect.
The symbol on the talisman likely complemented them.
He would contact Central Station later to ask about the talisman's materials.
Another takeaway: the idea of magic scrolls.
Compared to rune inscriptions, scrolls drawn on paper seemed closer to the talisman.
"I should ask a scroll expert."
"Wait—I'm a member of the Hongwen Society. Why ask outsiders?"
After some thought, he opened the door and headed downstairs.
In a nearby side hall,
Housekeeper Hatel was directing skeletons to move furniture outside.
Last time, there were still maids here. Now, it was all skeletons.
"Master!" Hatel greeted.
Wu Heng said, "Hatel, bring me paper and an envelope—deliver them to the study."
"Yes, Master."
Wu Heng returned to the study. After a while, Hatel knocked and entered. "Master, the paper and envelope are ready."
"Wait here. You'll deliver this to the guild later."
"Yes, Master," Hatel stood straight, eyes on him.
Wu Heng frowned in thought, then began writing.
The letter was addressed to Claudio, leader of the Hongwen Society. He reported Gold-Silver Island's development and thanked them for helping train the locals.
Then he brought up magic and profession scrolls.
He expressed interest and requested books to expand his knowledge.
He added that he'd be returning to Gold-Silver Island, so future letters should go there.
Just in case he left Rentam City again.
He reviewed the letter after writing.
Confirming it was fine, he sealed it with wax.
"Hatel!" Wu Heng looked up. The housekeeper was already watching.
Their eyes met. She snapped to attention. "Master."
"Send this to the guild—tell them to mail it directly."
"Yes, Master." Hatel took the letter and left quickly.
...…
Afternoon.
Glenda came by. "Beni is still watching, but no one has contacted them or sent messages."
A full day—and still nothing.
"Anything else?" Wu Heng asked.
Glenda thought a moment. "Two possibilities: no orders were given, or the killing of those five exposed us, so orders stopped."
It matched Wu Heng's thinking.
These were definitely Ekow agents.
The question was why they hadn't been contacted.
"I think the second is more likely," Wu Heng said.
"Why?" Glenda asked.
"You searched the whole city and found only one squad. Too few. They probably realized we're investigating and changed their patterns."
"So what about the ones we're watching?"
"They might not have been warned—or were left as bait."
"Could be," Glenda nodded. "Keep watching them?"
"For now. If nothing new happens tomorrow, we'll find a way to lure them out."
"Got it. I'll stick with Beni and let you know."
"Thanks," Wu Heng smiled.
Glenda smiled back. "We don't really feel tired."
Then she turned and flew off.
Wu Heng remained in the study, thinking how to flush them out.
From outside, Hatel called him for dinner.
He stood and left the study.
At dinner, Wu Heng and Wen Mansa discussed the matter again.
Patrols in the city were increasing.
Wu Heng was also seeking ways to identify the enemy.
...…
Two days passed.
During that time, the phantoms kept eyes on the suspects and searched for others.
But it was as if the enemy had vanished—no leads at all.
To keep up the illusion of ignorance, they avoided overt searches.
So as not to startle the prey.
Two days passed.
Late at night, once the streets emptied, a convoy escorted by over ten skeletons departed from the East Gate.
After winding through the outskirts, it headed toward the Ekow Kingdom.
Just after it cleared the outer district,
Several figures emerged from nearby buildings.
Confirming the direction, they left in five-man teams, tailing the convoy.
"This way—the skeletons took a detour. If we rush, we can intercept."
Rustle—!
They dashed through the woods toward the carriage.
Soon, the slow-moving convoy came into view.
"Attack!" someone roared.
They burst from the forest, charging the skeleton guards.
After a brief skirmish,
All skeletons fell. One man lifted a tarp on a cart, revealing arrows, leather, and feed.
"What are they transporting this for?"
"Who cares? Burn it and go."
Flames quickly roared. Crackling echoed around them.
"Let's go—before the patrols come."
They fled quickly.
...…
City Lord's Mansion.
Wu Heng sat in the study as Beni flew in from outside.
"They followed the convoy out. Lady Glenda killed one and possessed the body to continue the mission."
"Good."