Chapter 677, Let Wu Heng Investigate
In a bright room.
Around a heavy oak table sat five Guild leaders.
Head of Field Emissaries, Elf Hero, Sword of Justice—Hadarai Liaton.
Head of the Religious Order, Human Hero, Arbiter of Holy Radiance—Saidu Livingston.
Head of the Scholarly Council, Elf Hero, Scholar of the Starlight—Claudio Abbott.
Head of the Whisperers, Vampire Hero, Glow of the Crescent Moon—Lilith Ann Beshmitt.
Head of the Seekers, Dwarf Hero, Rock Hammer—Bruno Baldeck.
......
The report from Gold-Silver Island was read by each in turn.
When the last person finished, they casually set it aside.
Silence returned to the room.
Hadarai, the elf head of Field Emissaries, spoke solemnly, "Everyone's read the report from Gold-Silver Island. Let's share our thoughts."
"There are clearly suspicious elements. The Ekow Kingdom has always supported and trusted the Guild. They wouldn't do something this foolish," the Religious Head said coolly.
The dwarf head stroked his beard. "Let's stick to the steward's death. Don't veer off-topic."
"Someone is clearly manipulating events, feeding us false information."
"So we ignore it? Any steward can be killed as long as someone else is framed?"
"You're twisting my words. I'm saying don't jump to conclusions."
Lilith tapped the table with her pale fingers. "What's the fuss? Isn't Wu Heng from Gold-Silver Island good at solving cases? Let him investigate. Once it's clear, we act accordingly."
The elf scholar finally opened his eyes. "Give him some support. The Guild must show a stance. It's not just a steward's death. The civilian massacre mentioned in the report needs investigating too."
The Religious Head went quiet. The dwarf nodded. "Alright."
Hadarai nodded. "Then Wu Heng will investigate. Assign a few Guild elders to protect him. No incidents."
"No objections."
"None here."
......
Seaside City.
After moving all the collected shared bikes to Gold-Silver Island—
Wu Heng went to the bike factory, had mechanists document and disassemble the equipment, and transported it all through the portal to the island.
In a newly constructed factory, assembly and production began.
He also assigned many skeletons to repair old shared bikes.
Usable parts were reassembled and painted for potential resale.
After managing all that—
Wu Heng returned from Seaside Port to Mountain Cauldron Port, sending Qi Hancai's prepared ships to Gold-Silver Island.
......
The next day, Guild.
Steward's office.
Wu Heng accepted floral tea from Shiyali, who winked playfully.
"An elven trade group visited yesterday. They want to order the bikes from the expo," said Sheila Grey.
Wu Heng looked at her. "Production hasn't started. No rush."
"That screen you showed was pretty eye-catching. The elves are excited," Sheila Grey smiled.
"I'll tell you when they're ready."
"Alright," she nodded.
Wu Heng asked, "Any news from the Guild?"
"Not yet. The distance makes it slow," she said, glancing at the phone.
Talking about distance and delays—
She couldn't help but think of the phones on Gold-Silver Island.
Besides key offices, even her home was connected. Important messages could reach her anytime.
If the main headquarters had phones, communication would be instant.
Of course, she wasn't foolish enough to say this aloud. Only Gold-Silver Island had them.
"I just worry about the other members in Netalei. The longer it takes, the more danger they're in," Wu Heng said.
"Wait a bit longer. The Guild will act," Sheila Grey assured.
Wu Heng nodded, sipping tea, then leaned forward and whispered, "How many heroes does the Guild have?"
Sheila Grey glanced at him. "Just ask. Why whisper?"
"I wasn't."
She thought for a moment. "Twelve heroes. Five run the Guild—the leaders we always mention."
"Lilith counts?"
"Yes. Reaching level 20 makes you a hero," she replied.
Wu Heng already knew the five leaders.
They were the stars of Guild propaganda.
The elves were top-tier.
They had two heroes.
Long life, strong development, easy leveling—basically cheating.
Wu Heng nodded. "What about the other seven?"
"I'm not sure. Likely older heroes who only appear during crises," Sheila guessed.
"Oh," Wu Heng nodded.
Like hidden elders in cultivation novels.
Only appearing when doom looms.
So there were twelve heroes total.
Only five managed things.
Wu Heng had ties to Lilith and was in the Scholarly Council.
Two out of five leaders were connections.
With Glenda reaching level 20 and becoming a Heroic Spirit, if Xiaoxiao and Beni also reached it—
That would make three at level 20. If Wu Heng himself reached 20—
Four total.
Just one short of the Guild's inner circle.
"Why are you asking? Almost level 20?" Sheila teased.
"Got a goal." Wu Heng followed up, "Anyone above level 20?"
Sheila instantly frowned. Shiyali also looked over.
"I... don't know," Sheila said, glancing at Shiyali.
She shook her head. "Never seen such records."
"Oh!" Wu Heng stood. "Wanna see the new ship? Our Gold-Silver Island carrier."
Sheila and Shiyali frowned. "What carrier?"
"A ship. Want to bet? Same as last time."
"Dream on! Once wasn't enough?" Sheila rolled her eyes, grabbing her coat.
Shiyali also stood. They walked out together.
Took a carriage to the private port.
......
Port.
The elven sisters were awestruck by the massive ship.
A giant vessel like a fortress floating on water.
"Come on. Let's see it," Wu Heng led the way.
He pulled the elf sisters aboard.
On deck, their eyes widened even more.
Skeleton wyverns lined up like soldiers, ready for orders.
"Carrier-deployed wyverns. Cool, right?"