Chapter 789, Related to the First Prince
Skeleton hit someone!
Hearing this, the people gathered around all looked furious.
No matter what, you can't just hit someone for no reason!
Li Yahong narrowed her eyes and glanced at the skeleton that had picked up the notebook again and resumed recording.
She said, "Take the injured for treatment. You, come with me to the office and explain the situation."
The man who had shouted about the skeleton hitting someone froze, glanced at Gao Rong, and looked a bit nervous.
She said, "Send the injured to recover. You come with me to the office to clarify things."
Gao Rong didn't say much. He addressed the onlookers, "Stop gawking. Get back to your work."
The injured was taken away, and the rest returned to their desks.
Li Yahong, Gao Rong, and a few core members from both bases entered a nearby office.
The man brought in stood to the side without speaking.
Li Yahong looked at him and said directly, "Tell me what happened."
The man's eyes darted around. He said, "When we were returning to our seats after getting water, we saw the skeleton writing something. Li Xiang went over to look, and the skeleton suddenly punched him, knocking him out."
Everyone in the room raised an eyebrow.
Skeletons had been ordered not to attack survivors.
Especially those from Xiaodong Auto Repair, who had worked with skeletons the longest, had never had problems.
They didn't believe a skeleton would just snap without provocation.
Li Yahong asked seriously, "He didn't make any other moves?"
"No, none," the man shook his head.
Gao Rong looked at Li Yahong and said, "Deputy Leader, I think it's better to keep skeleton investigators and the workplace separate."
Li Yahong, seated in the boss chair, looked at Gao Rong, then at the man standing before her. She said, "Bring out the clay doll."
Someone behind her opened a backpack and took out a wooden box.
Inside was a strange and eerie-looking clay doll, which was placed on the table.
As everyone looked on in confusion, Li Yahong said, "Bring a chair, sit opposite it, and look into the clay doll's eyes."
The man frowned, unsure what to do.
But he obeyed, brought a chair, and sat opposite.
Li Yahong said, "Repeat what happened with the skeleton."
The man said, "Li Xiang was unhappy about being assigned to the investigation, so he snatched the notebook from the skeleton. The skeleton suddenly countered and knocked him out."
As he spoke, his eyes gradually widened.
He couldn't believe he was saying that.
Li Yahong smiled and covered the clay doll's eyes with her hand.
The man suddenly stood up, eyes full of panic, sweat beading on his forehead.
The room fell silent again.
So it was Li Xiang who made the first move, snatching the notebook from the skeleton, which was seen as a provocation or attack.
And this was the very first day skeleton investigators had been introduced.
No one spoke. A full minute passed in silence.
Li Yahong's negative status faded. She spoke softly, "Manager Gao, your explanation?"
Gao Rong replied, "Deputy Leader, the young folks were impulsive. I'll discipline them properly."
"Impulsive hands, and not a word of truth from their mouths."
"I'll have them write self-reflections and apologize to you in person."
Li Yahong stared directly at him, saying, "Manager Gao, today you cover for them snatching a notebook. Tomorrow, if they grab a skeleton's gun, will you cover that too?"
To the skeletons, taking an investigator's notebook was the same as snatching a patrol skeleton's weapon—it triggers retaliation.
The behavior is equivalent.
Gao Rong said, "No one would dare grab a gun. Deputy Leader, give them a chance."
Li Yahong gave him another look.
In the past, she might have given Gao Rong some leeway—it wasn't a huge issue.
But this time was different. Wu Heng had asked her specifically to inspect things here, and now there was already a problem the moment skeletons were deployed.
She couldn't just let it go.
"I'll ask the Leader," she said.
The man panicked. "Deputy Leader, Manager Gao, I was wrong. I'll accept punishment."
Li Yahong dialed a number. The call was picked up quickly.
She explained the situation and responded with several affirmatives.
Hanging up, she said, "Gao Rong, finish up things here. And you—come with me to Xinfushi."
Gao Rong's face darkened. "Understood."
"Get ready. We'll be waiting in the car." Li Yahong stood up and left with her team.
Gao Rong stayed behind, face grim.
The man who had lied looked pale. Why had he gotten involved in this? "Manager Gao, I just wanted to speak up for our people."
Gao Rong suddenly looked up, furious.
The man swallowed his words. "Sorry."
"Announce this publicly. Li Xiang provoked the skeleton investigator, will be removed from his post. Anyone found slacking or unfit will be reassigned as a warning."
"Yes!" the others responded immediately.
From Li Yahong's attitude, it was clear.
The base's leader probably had concerns about this place already.
"Alright, get back to work. Accelerate the original plans," Gao Rong said, then left.
The man hesitated, then followed.
...…
Prison.
After the call, Wu Heng set the phone aside.
Li Yahong had taken skeleton investigators over just today, and an issue had already come up.
Skeleton investigators—clerical role or not—knocked someone out cold with a punch.
What kind of physique is that?
Better that it came out early, to serve as a wake-up call for the rest.
Wu Heng stayed in the prison until afternoon.
Nothing much was happening. The mutated animals continued their changes, and he didn't need to monitor them constantly.
So he returned to Gold-Silver Island.
......…
Coming out of the gate.
He released the ghosts to roam freely and headed downstairs.
On the first floor, he chatted with Minnie for a bit. Andviel and Annette also returned.
The family sat down for dinner.
Wu Heng asked, "Viel, any news from the merchant representatives?"
"Several have confirmed they want to cooperate. They seemed very sincere. Master, how many do you plan to work with?" Andviel replied.
Wu Heng thought for a moment, then said, "Pick within ten. Reputable ones, willing to let our people supervise."
Selling goods is one thing—it also boosts his prestige.
Too few partners and the impact won't be enough.
Ten major merchants should do.
"Alright, Master."
"Let me know once you've picked. I'll talk to them personally."
"Got it."
After dinner.
The maids went to train. Wu Heng stretched and headed upstairs.
He entered the radio room.
Picking up the transmitter for Lilith, he said, "Leader Lilith, can you hear me?"
Sitting in his chair, he waited two or three minutes.
Lilith responded coldly, "Mm."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow. Smart girl. She'd figured out how to use the radio.
"Have you returned to HQ, Leader?"
"Yes."
"The trip back—went smoothly?"
"Smooth."
Still giving short answers.
Wu Heng frowned. If he didn't know her personality, he'd think she didn't want to talk.
Might actually be true.
Wu Heng asked, "The helmet in the spatial ring—do you like it? It's pretty sturdy, good for wind resistance and safety while riding."
"You designed the helmet too?" Lilith's voice remained calm.
Wu Heng didn't answer directly. "If you don't like the color, I'll bring different ones next time."
Lilith replied, "I like the helmet. For weight and toughness, it beats both metal and leather ones."
Her words made Wu Heng raise an eyebrow.
Modern helmets are indeed great—especially in terms of weight.
You could say they offer better protection than leather, even some iron helmets.
"The material's rare. Just something we use privately," Wu Heng said.
Lilith didn't linger on that. She asked, "The other two stealth suits—what are they for?"
Stealth suits?
Wu Heng frowned and immediately responded, "That's riding gear, for windproofing and warmth when riding a motorcycle."
There was a moment of silence on the other end before Lilith slowly said, "Mm, it looks a lot like nightwear."
After a couple of brief courtesies,
Wu Heng asked, "Leader, those two clergy from Gold-Silver Island—did they report to headquarters for punishment?"
"They came. They've been reassigned to a far-off place. They won't be returning to Gold-Silver Island anytime soon," Lilith replied casually.
Exiled to Lingnan, basically.
Lilith's still dependable—doing this is clearly to help Gold-Silver Island.
If they want to assign a new Level 18 Professional, it'll have to wait until the religious leader returns.
So the island will be more stable for a while.
"Thanks, Leader."
There was no reply.
Wu Heng continued, "Leader, regarding the Netalei City investigation team—where is the religious leader now?"
"It involves the leader. Don't ask too much."
Uh…
So that means you're not going to tell me.
But I get the message.
"So, is there really a cult or not?"
Still silence from the other end.
Wu Heng thought for a moment and asked, "Leader, is the cult issue really connected to the Crown Prince? Can you tell me that much?"
After a short pause, Lilith spoke, "It can be confirmed—he's involved."
As expected.
Wu Heng had long suspected this had something to do with the Crown Prince—maybe he even orchestrated it.
But speculation alone wasn't useful. What mattered was whether the Guild had found evidence.
Sounds like they've finally gotten some solid proof.
"So, can he be arrested now?"
Lilith's voice came through, a bit loaded with meaning: "Royal appointments and removals aren't as simple as you think. Even if he's involved with the cult, that might not be enough to bring him down."
"Even local stewards have been killed by the cult."
Lilith didn't respond to that. Instead, she said, "You want the Fifth Princess to inherit the throne."
Wu Heng didn't deny it. Assigning skeleton soldiers to help defend was no secret.
Lilith probably had even more detailed intel.
He simply said, "At least the Fifth Princess isn't that absurd."
"Why do you think she's capable of governing a Kingdom?" Lilith asked.
"Even without her royal upbringing and training, even if she were a beggar who made it to the capital, she'd still be able to hold the throne," Wu Heng replied bluntly.
Lilith's tone hinted at curiosity. "You really think highly of this Fifth Princess."
"Personally, I'd like to see her ascend. Based on your intel, does she stand a chance?" Wu Heng asked directly.
"Maybe," Lilith replied, clearly unwilling to say more.
Wu Heng didn't press the issue.
If she didn't want to talk, pressing further wouldn't get him anywhere.
Just as he was about to say something else, Xiaoxiao poked her head down from the ceiling.
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Xiaoxiao?"
Xiaoxiao floated down. "Uncle, when you're done, can I talk to Sister Lilith for a bit?"
"You know Lilith?"
As far as Xiaoxiao knew, Wu Heng and the other two spirits hadn't figured out she was friends with Lilith.
But Lilith probably had, especially after Xiaoxiao gave her that huge jade.
"Ah?" Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered it was supposed to be a secret. She mumbled, "Yeah... I can't have a badass friend?"
Wu Heng pretended to be annoyed. "Next time you make a friend, tell me first."
Xiaoxiao clung to his shoulder. "Got it~ I like Uncle best."
"You can talk to her, but how exactly?" Wu Heng asked.
Spirits could show themselves, but electronic devices couldn't capture their images, and recorders or communicators couldn't pick up their voices.
Only a burst of static would come through.
Thinking for a bit and seeing Xiaoxiao's eager face, he said, "Alright, possess me for a bit and talk to her."
"Uncle, you're the best! I'll just say a few words."
"Wait a sec, let me wrap things up with Auntie Lilith."
"Okay~" Xiaoxiao floated nearby, waiting quietly.
Wu Heng asked, "Leader, when a necromancer converts a high-level skeleton, instability arises and the final level drops. Is there any way to avoid that?"
Lilith replied, "What level are you trying to convert?"
"Level 18," Wu Heng said casually.
"What level are you now?"
"16."
"It's manageable. I'll give Xiaoxiao a jade. Hold it when casting. It'll boost your casting strength by one or two levels. Beyond that, it won't work," Lilith explained.
Wu Heng felt a surge of joy. That jade was really useful.
Remembering something else, Wu Heng added, "Leader, don't forget that tongue-sealing spell you promised to teach me. I'm still waiting."
"Mm." A soft response.
With her agreement, he said, "Thanks, Leader. That's all from me. Xiaoxiao wants to say a few words to you."
"Okay," came Lilith's calm reply.
"Xiaoxiao, possess me now." Wu Heng released his [Divine Descent] consciousness. Xiaoxiao immediately possessed him, picked up the receiver, and said, "Sister Lilith!"
On the other end, Lilith suddenly shivered. "Xiaoxiao?"
"Yeah, Sis, did you take a picture of me?"
......…
In [Divine Descent] state, Wu Heng possessed the skeleton at the Steward's Mansion.
As his level increased, the range of this skill had grown as well.
With nowhere special to go, he went straight to the mansion.
A small squad of skeletons patrolled the garden paths.
Wu Heng blended in.
Honestly, this ability was great for stealth monitoring.
Following the skeleton squad, he peeked through the window and saw Shiyali reading inside, and Sheila Grey practicing swordplay.
Faint voices of conversation could be heard.
"What did Mom say?" Sheila Grey wiped sweat off her forehead and sat to the side.
Shiyali didn't even look up. "Didn't you say Wu Heng would come up with something? What did he say?"
"What could he possibly come up with? What if he gets spooked?"
"Then you figure it out!" Shiyali snapped back.
Sheila Grey said, "I've thought about it. Let's not tell him anything. Once he reaches Level 18, we'll spill the beans."
"Why not wait till he becomes a hero then?"
"Him? Pfft. He's always busy tinkering with this or that. I could become a hero before he does," Sheila Grey said.
Shiyali glanced back at her sister. "Just be careful and don't let anything slip."
"You watch your mouth too," Sheila Grey shot back, suddenly turning toward the window.
She saw a lone skeleton clumsily marching forward to rejoin the squad.
"That skeleton just now—it looked like it was watching us."
Shiyali didn't look up. "You're thinking about him too much. Hallucinating."
"I'm serious," Sheila Grey insisted.
Shiyali walked to the window, took a glance, and said, "Tomorrow, have the skeletons patrol outside the mansion. No more coming in."
"Fine by me."
Wu Heng shuffled forward with the squad for a while.
Then he switched to another skeleton and joined the patrol outside.
About half an hour later, he ended Divine Descent and returned to his own body.
......…
Divine Descent disengaged.
His body lay flat on the floor.
Wu Heng sat up and got back into his chair.
Next time he'd tell Xiaoxiao not to just flop his body on the ground.
After thinking a bit, Wu Heng contacted Shanella and told her everything he'd learned from Lilith.
She considered it good news. Even if the Crown Prince couldn't be dethroned outright,
Just going public with this could damage his reputation and shake some of his supporters.
They discussed it for a while.
Then Shanella left to inform the Fifth Princess.
Wu Heng got up and went to rest.
......…
The next morning.
After breakfast, Wu Heng returned to the study and headed for the Gate.
Sitting at the monitors, he checked on every containment cell.
Just then, Benny and Xiaoxiao flew in from outside.
"Wu Heng, that Corpse King just reached Level 20. You better come see it."