Chapter 390, Protector of the Sect
Qi Hancai's words made Wu Heng furrow his brow slightly.
The military's refuge had withdrawn so quickly.
"What items did they sell us?" Wu Heng asked, gesturing for her to come inside to talk.
Qi Hancai entered the room, glanced at the skeleton mage reading nearby, and said, "Bulletproof vests, helmets, gas masks, radio equipment, earpieces. When negotiating, I argued that some items were of limited use and got them to include a batch of ammunition and military vehicles. They agreed."
Clearly, the military refuge intended to trade away unusable or difficult-to-carry supplies in exchange for food.
With winter approaching, even the most valuable or precise equipment couldn't compare to the importance of food.
Qi Hancai hadn't accepted everything blindly, demanding they sell a certain amount of weapons, ammunition, and vehicles before agreeing to take the goods.
"Did they also close the market?"
Qi Hancai replied, "No, the market remains open but has been handed over to a survivor base for management. It's now entirely a free trading market."
"They moved fast."
"Yes. Many other refuges don't even know they've left."
On reflection, their withdrawal was a good outcome for Wu Heng's side.
Occupying the city center and expanding outward, a clash was inevitable.
Two strong survivor bases competing for resources would have likely led to conflict.
Their departure to merge with the province was the best result.
"If they're gone, so be it. We'll keep developing our area."
"Understood!" Qi Hancai added, "Regarding the bases, Sister Yahong and I discussed retaining three: the bus terminal, the old factory, and the central mall. The others will be temporarily closed."
"Does that include closing the prison?"
The prison functioned as a small fortress.
In case of danger, retreating there was always an option.
Qi Hancai explained, "The prison is too far. It will be temporarily closed for winter. Skeletons can guard it, while the rest move here. We'll reopen in spring to develop the fields behind it."
Temporarily closing it seemed acceptable.
"You and Yahong can coordinate to resettle people."
"Understood." Qi Hancai nodded.
With the major issues addressed,
Qi Hancai brought up the ongoing expansion efforts.
The main roads had been cleared of zombies, but smaller neighborhoods and city branch roads still harbored many.
Continued clearing was needed.
Fully reclaiming the city would take time.
After considering, Wu Heng said, " Kalema!"
The skeleton mage reading nearby turned to look at him.
Wu Heng continued, " Kalema, follow her arrangements and lead the skeleton army to clear surrounding zombies. Alright, carry on with your reading."
The skeleton mage turned back to his book.
Qi Hancai raised an eyebrow, her expression showing surprise.
This skeleton, dressed in a fitted robe, seemed to hold a special status.
Not only reading but also tasked with clearing zombies?
Wu Heng explained to Qi Hancai, "His name is Kalema. He has abilities similar to mine. During the day, take him to handle scattered zombies. If there's a horde, call me to handle it."
Qi Hancai glanced at the skeleton again. "Alright."
"Let's go check out the supplies we traded for," Wu Heng said.
Qi Hancai got up and accompanied him outside.
The two walked together to the courtyard.
In the mall's backyard, two armored vehicles and several military trucks were parked.
Wu Heng summoned skeleton drivers to take over the armored vehicles.
They then moved to the warehouse.
Inside, it was packed with supplies: military equipment, tools, and plenty of firearms and ammunition.
Qi Hancai reported the inventory, and Wu Heng stored the items in his space ring.
The remaining items were left for Qi Hancai to allocate.
They then visited other warehouses, gathering snacks, drinks, and bicycles from previous raids.
After discussing the mall's layout with Qi Hancai,
They went their separate ways.
Wu Heng returned to the otherworld.
...
Leaving the study.
After descending the stairs, he saw Minnie and Andviel admiring flowers in the courtyard.
Nearby, the small owl rested in the shade, avoiding the sun.
"Minnie, Viel!" Wu Heng called out.
The two women ran over quickly. "What's the matter, Master?"
Wu Heng led them to an open area in the courtyard and brought out bicycles.
Minnie looked curiously at the odd contraption. "Wheeled transport?"
"Yes, a mode of transport. I'll demonstrate." Wu Heng mounted the bike and rode a circle around the courtyard.
Minnie and Andviel watched in amazement.
So that's how two wheels worked.
"Teach me, teach me!" Minnie shouted excitedly.
Wu Heng got off, helping her onto the bike. "Keep your balance and pedal slowly."
The bike wobbled as it moved forward, but Minnie's learning ability was impressive. On her first try, she managed to ride forward steadily.
By the second lap, she appeared much more natural, albeit a bit stiff.
Wu Heng brought out another bike, helping Andviel onto it. He cautioned, "Be careful, lift your tail a bit so it doesn't get caught in the wheel."
Andviel's cheeks flushed. "Master, hold it steady for me."
"Alright, pedal slowly." Wu Heng steadied the bike as she began riding, then mounted his own bike to circle the house.
Perhaps due to their profession, the two women learned quickly.
They maintained good balance and soon sped up.
Laughter filled the courtyard.
From next door, 'Shanaila' looked up from her study, seeing the two women on bicycles. After glancing at Wu Heng standing in the courtyard, she changed into shorts and a shirt and came over.
Wu Heng opened the door for her.
Shanaila asked, "What are they playing with?"
Seeing her envious gaze, Wu Heng brought out another bike. "This one's for you. I'll teach you how to ride."
Upon seeing she had her own, Shanaila beamed.
With Wu Heng's assistance, she carefully got on and soon joined the cycling trio.
Laughter and joy filled the courtyard.
...
At the guild, in the steward's office.
Imiro sat behind his desk, frowning at a report.
Mo Ya stood nearby and said, "Lopez City has requested assistance. How should we respond?"
A letter had just arrived seeking reinforcements from the coastal city of Lopez.
Imiro frowned, considering the arrangements.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
A woman strode in confidently.
"Steward Imiro, it's been a while."
"A Protector of the Divine Punishment Sect. You've got guts," Imiro said coldly.
The woman sat on the couch, shrugging. "I haven't done anything to warrant such a statement."
"Why are you on Golden-Silver Island?" Imiro set the document aside.
"Passing through, staying for a few days."
...
After dinner.
Minnie and Andviel began clearing the dishes.
Shanaila walked over quickly, giving Wu Heng a quick peck on the lips. "I'll come by later. Don't fall asleep too quickly."
"Alright," Wu Heng nodded, giving her a playful pat as she walked away.
As their relationship deepened,
Such gestures no longer made her uncomfortable. She even seemed to enjoy them.
She winked mischievously before leaving, saying goodbye to Minnie and Andviel and heading home.
Wu Heng went to the courtyard to practice swordsmanship.
After a while, Minnie came downstairs, saying, "Master, the bath is ready. Also, the pirate lady left a message for you."
"Oh, alright."
Wu Heng sheathed his practice sword and went upstairs to the radio room.
Glancing at the logbook, he picked up the microphone. "Philipa, what's going on?"
Philipa replied, "Didn't you ask me to look into the Devil's Hand? I found something. Don't know if it'll be useful to you."