Chapter 648, The Qilin Path
As far as Wu Heng was concerned, the matter of Glenda's ex-husband was already settled.
He had kept pursuing it primarily to resolve Glenda's [Unfinished Business].
The discovery of the Secret Cult and the Cat and Mouse Society had just come along during the investigation.
He hadn't expected Sheila Grey to continue looking into it.
Sheila Grey paused in thought, then said, "The headquarters sent us some related information."
Wu Heng didn't speak, listening attentively.
Sheila Grey continued, "According to the intel, the Cat and Mouse Society was formed even earlier than the Secret Cult. It began as a private force consisting of gangs, trade caravans, and thieves' guilds. Later, it was absorbed as a subordinate organization by the Secret Cult."
"Based on some archived records, many members of the Cat and Mouse Society didn't even realize they were serving the Secret Cult. The ones contacted by the Secret Cult were high-ranking members in charge, such as the one you killed—'Magnoro.'"
During the interrogation of her ex-husband Magnoro, some of this had already been implied.
As a member of the Secret Cult, he had acted as a manager and conduit for orders.
The lower ranks of the Cat and Mouse Society were very mixed. Not knowing about the Secret Cult was normal; all they cared about was earning commissions.
"Are they a threat to us?" Wu Heng asked.
He and Sheila Grey were both part of Gold-Silver Island.
They couldn't control what happened elsewhere, as long as their own territory was safe.
"Gold-Silver Island used to be pirate territory. They might not have been able to infiltrate it," Sheila Grey said, then added, "The intel also vaguely mentioned another conspiracy by the Secret Cult."
Wu Heng frowned. Another conspiracy?
So the Secret Cult spent all their time scheming against others.
"What kind of conspiracy?"
Sheila Grey seemed pleased by his reaction and smiled slightly before continuing, "The Qilin Project, also called the Qilin Path. It's a plan to incite revolution and support their own people in taking thrones and gaining political power."
"You mean the Ekow Kingdom?" Wu Heng blurted out.
At the same time, he immediately thought of his long-standing understanding of the Secret Cult:
A bunch of wealthy immortality-seekers who constantly tried to expand their influence through money, stirring revolutions, and pushing nations into war for their own gain.
Now it seemed these weren't mere guesses but parts of a detailed plan.
The most recent example: the Ekow Kingdom.
"That's my suspicion too. The fifth princess you met mentioned external interference in the throne succession," Sheila Grey said directly.
The princess had mentioned a cult, using that as a reason to involve the Adventurer's Guild.
But it was entirely possible the Secret Cult was behind it all.
"Seems likely," Wu Heng agreed.
"Those in power fear death most of all. Who's to say some kingdom's ruler hasn't made a secret deal with the Secret Cult for longevity?" Sheila Grey said with knowing insight.
Wu Heng nodded. "Has the headquarters taken any action?"
"They'll probably assign the local Guild to investigate. We'll wait for word."
"Leave it to the Guild to handle things over there. Let's just keep Gold-Silver Island secure," Wu Heng said, leaning back with a smile.
Sheila Grey relaxed as well. "You're the island master. Just don't let them buy you off when you're old."
"You think too little of me. I'm a necromancer. I don't need them to extend my life. I can do it myself."
Sheila Grey paused. "Fair point."
Seeing that there was nothing else to discuss, Wu Heng added, "Tomorrow a bard invited me to watch a stage play. If you're free, come along. Should be lively."
"The fifth princess again?"
"No, a bard named Saban. He adapted the first Great Detective story."
"Will it be crowded?"
"No, just me, Minnie, and the others."
Sheila Grey considered it. She was a bit curious.
"Alright. I'll arrange things and let some of the off-duty squads go too."
Wu Heng nodded. "Good."
"You really do have a knack for tech-crafting..."
With the serious talk over, Sheila Grey brought up the pens and watches again. The two chatted casually.
As night fell—
Sheila Grey buckled her sword. "I'm heading back. I'll bring people over tomorrow morning."
Wu Heng stood too. "Don't forget the bet. You two sisters still owe me."
Sheila Grey stopped in her tracks, wide-eyed. "You never said that before—but you always bring it up!"
"I'll decide when the time is right."
"Then think it through. Shiyali said she's inviting you for dinner in a couple days. You better tell us then. Otherwise it'll look like we're dodging it." Her cheeks visibly flushed.
"Alright. I'll give it some thought," Wu Heng said, walking her out.
As she walked, Sheila Grey muttered, "Don't go overboard... No bad stuff... And no..."
"If you want to back out, just say it. You're a steward. I can't really force you."
She paused. "Fine. Just decide."
He saw her off at the gate and waved goodbye.
Sheila Grey walked to the corner, hailed a carriage, and disappeared from view.
Wu Heng returned indoors and headed upstairs.
...
In the study, the three ghost companions were busy with their own tasks.
Wu Heng sat down and said, "Sheila Grey just came by with news about 'Magnoro.'"
Glenda looked up from her editing. "What news?"
"About the Cat and Mouse Society behind him." Wu Heng repeated what Sheila Grey had just shared.
Most of it was about the hidden powers behind the scenes, not directly related to Glenda.
After a short pause, Glenda said, "From what I know of him, the Cat and Mouse Society must've been arranged by the Secret Cult. He relayed some orders. As for the Qilin Path, I've never heard of it before. But if Sheila Grey is right, there's a high chance they were involved in the Ekow Kingdom's throne dispute."
"Seems we all came to the same conclusion," Wu Heng nodded.
Glenda said, "You and Sheila Grey see things from different angles. Elves live so long, it's hard for them to relate to the fear of death humans face. If the Secret Cult really offers longevity, that's incredibly tempting to human royalty."
That was true.
But anyone in power would want to keep their privilege forever.
Not just humans. Leaders of other races weren't necessarily noble either.
The only difference was how soon they would die.
"That's how it is. The Cat and Mouse Society and Qilin Path don't matter much to us. We just need to protect Gold-Silver Island," Wu Heng stretched.
"Exactly," Glenda agreed.
"I'm going to rest. You three have fun."
With that, Wu Heng left the study and returned to his bedroom.
...
Gemflower Opera House.
A newly built landmark on Gold-Silver Island, with white pillars and an exaggerated half-dome roof.
The opera house had become the symbol of this district.
In the Elven tongue, "Shanaila" meant Gemflower.
The real owner of the opera house was Shanaila.
The interior was just as grand, showcasing the rich style of wood elves.
Wu Heng entered the hall with his maids and sat at the center.
Minnie and the others chatted excitedly, looking forward to the show.
After a short wait, footsteps came from the entrance—Andviel entered with several members of the city hall.
"Lord Island Master," Andviel led the greeting.
The others followed, "Lord Island Master."
"Find a place to sit," Wu Heng said.
Andviel led the group to a side section and sat down.
Robe whispered, "Sister Veil is so imposing."
Minnie lowered her voice, "She used to be the young clan leader. Managing this little group is nothing to her."