Chapter 604, How the Streetlights Were Built
The meaning behind his words was clear—he wanted to take Wu Heng as his disciple.
But Sheila Grey hadn't mentioned anything about that earlier.
Wu Heng glanced at her, surprised as well.
Having a mentor would make any Professional's path smoother, avoiding many detours.
If this had been back when he was in Blackstone Town or Rentam City, he would've wanted a master like this.
Someone who could guide him in magic and act as a backer.
After all, at that time, a level 18 Professional was like a god.
If someone tried to mess with him, just mentioning his level 18 master would solve a lot of trouble.
But things were different now—level 18 Professionals were common on Gold-Silver Island.
Even his skeletons were level 18.
And no matter how powerful, they couldn't withstand cannon fire.
Besides, he was now level 19, even higher than the Mage in front of him.
Becoming a disciple at this point didn't make much sense.
His thoughts moved quickly.
He said, "I didn't really have the chance before, and now I don't have that intention either. Steward Imiro and Dean Janvito also give me some guidance."
The smile on Virgil's face froze—he clearly hadn't expected Wu Heng to refuse.
He didn't think anyone would reject a level 18 expert as their master.
He wanted to speak, but swallowed his words.
After a moment's thought, he nodded and didn't bring it up again.
Instead, he continued, "The main reason I came was to ask if you'd like to join the Hongwen Society."
So it really was about the Hongwen Society.
Sheila Grey's intel was accurate.
Wu Heng curiously asked, "If I join, what will I need to do?"
Virgil seemed prepared for the question and answered smoothly, "There are no mandatory duties. If you're willing to visit the main Guild, you can conduct research in the Hongwen Society's tower on whatever topics interest you. If you can't go there, we'll send ancient texts, books, and transcriptions here for you to help decipher."
"Also, the Society organizes some events. We initiate many of the Guild's academic activities—to keep a scholarly atmosphere. Like lectures from Alchemists and distributing Professional scrolls. If it involves Gold-Silver Island, we might need your help."
It really did sound like a school club.
Just help with some assigned tasks.
He certainly wouldn't go to the main Guild. Too many high-level people there—not as comfortable as here.
As for deciphering documents and books, Wu Heng actually looked forward to it.
The system could convert text—maybe he could translate things that even Mages and scholars couldn't crack.
As for those events—lectures, scroll distribution—
That was the local Guild's business. Sheila Grey would handle it—it didn't concern him.
"Thanks, I'm willing to join." Wu Heng nodded.
Virgil didn't find that strange.
He took out a Guild agreement and a sigil, and slid them over. "Sign your name and you'll be part of the Hongwen Society. Keep the sigil—it represents your membership."
Wu Heng glanced over the agreement. It was just official phrasing for joining the Society.
Not much different from the one he signed to join the Guild—nothing unusual.
He picked up the pen and signed his name.
Virgil took it back and checked.
Then smiled again. "Welcome aboard."
"Thank you."
With the matter settled—
Virgil relaxed a bit and asked, "Those streetlights—are they magical items?"
The two attendants beside him also looked over.
Wu Heng explained, "You can think of them as a form of Mechcraft."
"You invented them?"
Wu Heng shook his head. "I'm not that skilled. It was a collaboration among several Professions."
Virgil nodded. "A very fine invention."
"Thank you. Compared to the scholars of the Hongwen Society, it's nothing much," Wu Heng said modestly.
Virgil chuckled. "For your age, and as a human, you've done very well."
"You flatter me, Mr. Virgil," Wu Heng said politely, then added, "Sheila, have someone book a private room at the tavern to host our guests."
Sheila Grey nodded and opened the door to call Shiyali, telling her to book a private room at a tavern outside the Guild.
After that, Virgil asked about the idea behind the newspaper and details about the serialized stories—
Including the latest one about the tavern waitress, Beni.
He was full of curiosity about Wu Heng and Gold-Silver Island.
They chatted in the meeting room for a while.
Then Shiyali came back and said the room was ready.
Wu Heng finally stood and said, "Mr. Virgil, let's head to the tavern. We can talk more over food."
"Very well!" Virgil agreed.
The group left together, walking toward the tavern outside the Guild.
...…
After the dinner.
They'd had a pleasant conversation.
The matter of taking a disciple wasn't brought up again.
Virgil and his attendants returned to the Guild dorms. Sheila Grey and Shiyali returned to their estate.
Wu Heng went back to the Island Lord's Manor.
Entering the living room, Minnie hurried over and helped him hang his coat on the rack.
She asked, "Master, did everything go smoothly at the Guild today?"
"Nothing much happened. That level 18 Mage wasn't here to cause trouble." Wu Heng poured himself water and took a sip.
"I thought someone came to stir up trouble again!" Minnie said with a smile.
Wu Heng turned his head and asked, "Remember that master and disciple pair who challenged me before?"
"Of course. You beat them pretty bad—their robes were all in strips," Minnie said.
Luan had left a strong impression.
His status and identity were clear, and he got badly beaten by Wu Heng.
"Right. After they went back to the main Guild, Steward Imiro challenged Luan's master. The guy declined, saying he wasn't feeling well," Wu Heng said with a smile.
Minnie was shocked. "Really? Why didn't he accept? Can they even say no?"
"The Guild's rules allow you to refuse a challenge."
"That's a pity," Minnie said regretfully.
"Still, it acts as a deterrent. Keeps them from showing off on Gold-Silver Island, thinking no one knows what they've done," Wu Heng said.
Actually, refusing the challenge damaged the master and disciple pair even more.
The newspaper had already exposed what happened on Gold-Silver Island.
Everyone could guess why Imiro challenged him.
They strutted around in a tiny place like Gold-Silver Island, got beaten, and then the master didn't even dare accept a challenge afterward.
More embarrassing than losing.
Of course, all this happened at the main Guild and had little to do with Wu Heng.
But the Hongwen Society's invitation had a lot to do with his victory over Luan.
And Moya's letter too.
He had to be wary of that pair—they might do something behind the scenes.
Still, it wasn't a big problem.
He was level 19 now, with two level 18 phantoms and two level 18 skeletons.
It'd be hard for anyone to threaten him.
Wu Heng glanced at Minnie and said, "Moya—Steward Imiro's assistant—warned us in her letter to stay alert, in case that master-disciple duo tries something. Always bring skeletons when you go out."
"Those two are terrible. Still plotting things in secret—and they're level 18 Professionals?" Minnie was shocked.
"Level doesn't determine character."
"True. Even pirates can reach level 18," Minnie nodded.
Wu Heng rested a bit and gave Minnie's plump butt a pat. "I'm heading upstairs. You all rest early too."
"Yes, Master," Minnie said sweetly.
Then she hopped off to the training room.
From far away, she shouted that Luan's master got challenged by Steward Imiro.
...…
Wu Heng went upstairs and entered the study.
He released all three phantoms.
Seeing they were home, the three phantoms dispersed to do their own things.
Glenda resumed editing the draft. Xiaoxiao took Beni and flew over to watch cartoons.
Wu Heng thought for a moment and said to Glenda, "Do you think serializing more detective stories in the newspaper would help boost fame?"
Glenda looked up, thought for a bit, and said, "It might not have much effect. People familiar with the paper already know who you are. Adding more stories just makes the reading experience better—it doesn't affect fame much."