Chapter 786: I'm Here for My People
"I don't think it's too early. If we arrange everything now and let it settle for a few years, it'll be just right for a level-up. Later, when your levels go up, we can use the same method for promotion." Wu Heng said seriously.
"Since you've made up your mind, I have no objections. But for the sales channel, you'd better work with a few designated guilds first. That way, we can manage both production and quality, and avoid bulk buying and reselling that could hurt your reputation."
Wu Heng found it reasonable. "You're thoughtful. I'll keep an eye on that."
After finishing the discussion,
they chatted idly for a bit longer and ended the call.
Wu Heng returned to his study, spoke briefly with the specters, and went back to his room to rest.
...…
Lying in bed,
Wu Heng's mind wandered back to the issue of the pills.
Tying his reputation to the pills might help him reach the next level faster.
The method was simple—add a leaflet to the pill box. One side would explain usage and appropriate scenarios,
the other side would mention the creator, Wu Heng, along with some relevant stories.
Fame can rise fast with the right approach.
"Feels like this method's quicker and safer than conquering the Ekow Kingdom."
Compared to taking over Ekow,
this was more like business expansion—not a life-or-death battle.
And no worries about the Church meddling.
Everything he was doing was positive.
As for Shanaila's warning about drawing attention—well, he couldn't care that much.
As long as he reached level 20, all those difficulties would cease to matter.
Then Wu Heng's thoughts shifted to the elf sisters, Sheila Grey and Shiyali.
Thanks to Shiyali's maneuvering, Sheila Grey had accepted the three of them being together.
Which showed how solid their sisterly bond was.
And Shiyali seemed genuinely invested in him.
It did feel like his charm had skyrocketed since arriving in this world.
Back home, girls like that would never have been so dead set on him.
If they were, he'd suspect some kind of scam.
These swirling thoughts carried him into deep sleep.
...…
Next day, City Hall.
The conference room doors opened as elaborately dressed merchant guild reps filed in.
They glanced around the room, then bowed toward the far end, "Lord Island Master, Miss Andviel."
Wu Heng nodded. "Please, be seated."
The reps found their seats, still eyeing the opposite side.
The pill sales had stopped that day.
Unlike previous product launches, they wanted the inside scoop to better prepare their guilds.
"Is something wrong on the island, Lord Island Master?"
"Yes, why did the pill sales stop?"
"If there's anything you need, our guild is willing to support you unconditionally."
"Us too."
One by one, they spoke, waiting for Wu Heng's reply.
Wu Heng gestured for silence, then spoke, "Yes, the pill sales are paused, mainly to resolve some post-sale issues. We need to make adjustments."
The room stayed quiet, waiting for him to elaborate.
Wu Heng continued, "Since it's medicine, any issues could be damaging. Apart from sales on Gold-Silver Island, outside sales will go through select reputable guilds willing to follow our rules. If any guild proves untrustworthy, we'll cancel the cooperation."
Gasps echoed through the hall.
"What?!"
"That's not profit-maximizing. Open sales would bring bigger returns."
"Our guild's always had a strong partnership with Gold-Silver Island."
From a business view, open sales would rake in more profit—mass distribution meant more revenue.
Now they were hearing about exclusive partnerships?
That didn't sound like a savvy business move.
Wu Heng explained, "Unlike regular goods, medicines can be hoarded or tampered with. That would damage our reputation. So yes, we'll work only with guilds that follow our standards. That said, if you all comply, there's no limit to the number of partners."
"Ah, that makes sense." The crowd relaxed.
As long as they could sell, it was all good.
They could still ride Gold-Silver Island's coattails to earn.
Wu Heng then explained the selection criteria and pricing.
Once everything was clear,
he said, "That's all. The official launch is still a while away. You can relay the message to your people. Those interested should register at City Hall."
"Understood, Lord Island Master."
They rose, bowed again, and hurried out.
No time to lose—the message had to be relayed fast.
Wu Heng returned to the Island Lord's Mansion and had Glenda draft the promotional leaflet.
...…
Ekow Kingdom, in a certain city.
The church reeked of blood and smoke. Thick pillars lay broken. Religious murals bore sword slashes and fire scars.
A high priest in ornate robes sat grim-faced on the throne.
Below, shirtless men and women knelt. Iron hooks pierced their shoulder blades. Arms raised, they balanced hot wax in their palms.
Molten wax dripped down, leaving ringed burns.
Their expressions remained serene, eyes filled with fanatic zeal.
"What's your next move?" a Church cleric began questioning the first one.
"March north," came the stiff reply.
Investigators nearby jotted down notes.
"The plan?"
"Don't know."
"Who's your leader? Any ties to Ekow's royal family?"
"..."
Identical questioning echoed across the hall.
Clerics and investigators interrogated everyone.
Tap tap tap~!
Footsteps sounded at the door.
A burly figure stepped in, hooded.
"Who dares trespass—" a Temple Knight roared, sword slashing down.
Bang bang~!
In a blink, two knights flew back.
They collapsed, unmoving.
Tension gripped the hall. The burly man pulled down his hood. "Saidu, did you capture my people?"
Church leader Saidu narrowed his eyes, cold as ice. "Dragon, why are you here?"
"I came to get my people. Heard they were taken by you."
"Your people—the Snake Emblem Consortium—is involved in this?" Saidu snapped.
Dragon's tone remained flat. "Are you speaking as a guild member or for the Church?"
Saidu's glare sharpened. Light flared around him. A sword-wielding angelic phantom rose behind him.
Dragon's eyes became slitted like a beast's. "I'm only taking my people. Your business is yours. Think hard."
Saidu's gaze hardened. "Which ones are yours?"
A man stepped out and began identifying Snake Emblem Consortium staff.
"Them."
"Unhook them. You can take them." Saidu ordered.
Hooks were removed, wax taken away.
The freed ones instantly regained clarity and rushed to Dragon's side.
Dragon nodded and turned to leave.
Saidu asked, "Where are you heading?"
"North. Coming along?"
"Hmph. I'm staying to investigate. Go."
Dragon glanced back. "Stick to your own business. Touch another Snake Emblem member, and I'll raze your church."
"You wouldn't dare!"
Dragon didn't reply and walked out.
An investigator raised his pen, but Saidu waved his hand. The angel sang.
Eyes around the room went dull, then cleared again.
The cleric looked around. "What's your next move?"
"March north."
The nearby investigator frowned.
Hadn't he already recorded that?
One by one, the questioning finished.
Saidu waved. Swords descended.
Heads rolled. Blood filled the air.
...…
Gold-Silver Island.
Wu Heng had spent the afternoon at the Island Lord's Mansion when he got a call from Andviel.
He rushed to City Hall.
He waited in a room until a bearded dwarf entered.
"Lord Island Master, your magic projectiles are ready."
One by one, electromagnetic shells with etched runes were placed on the table.