Chapter Summaries

Wu Heng converted the last stored Blood Race corpse into a skeleton, examined its abilities, and brought three Blood Race Skeletons back to the Factory Yard. After hearing Qi Hancai’s report, he planned a mission to clear Zombies and rescue survivors in other cities, then placed a rolled-up scroll on the table, leaving Qi Hancai wondering if it was an Imperial Decree.

• Wu Heng discussed the first issue’s sales with Granda and planned to release the next issue in three days.
• Wu Heng converted the final stored Blood Race corpse into a level 18 Skeleton Blood Mage and reviewed its skills alongside those of a Blood Assassin.
• Wu Heng named the Blood Assassin Blood Race Unit One and the two Blood Mages Blood Race Units Two and Three, then brought them back to the Factory Yard.
• Qi Hancai reported on recent trades, restored power in other cities, and Tiancheng Group’s research; Wu Heng proposed sending teams to clear Zombies and rescue survivors.
• Wu Heng asked Qi Hancai to select trusted people for the missions, then placed a rolled-up scroll on the table, prompting her to ask if it was an Imperial Decree.

Wu Heng confirmed that Profession Scrolls worked in the Zombie World and gave Qi Hancai a Ranger profession, then prepared new equipment and planned a takeover of Yangtong City’s garment factories. The chapter left Xiaoxiao absorbing the Residual Souls from a battle and advancing to level 17.

• Qi Hancai opened Wu Heng’s Ranger Scroll, felt her body and senses change, and agreed to continue training while staying in a support role.
• Minnie told Wu Heng that the five thousand Bow Limbs and Bowstrings had arrived, and he sent them to the Zombie World to be assembled into Compound Bows.
• Wu Heng arranged for newspapers to be sold at Town Hall and later distributed Compound Bows to newly added Skeleton Archers.
• Gao Rong showed Wu Heng and Qi Hancai a map dividing Yangtong City into industrial areas, and Wu Heng ordered the group to take over the garment factory district first.
• After the Skeletons bombarded and killed Zombies, Wu Heng sent Xiaoxiao to absorb their Residual Souls, and she advanced to level 17.

Wu Heng inspected garment factories and planned to test their equipment with solar power before deciding where to manufacture clothing. Meanwhile, Treasure Island’s second newspaper issue drew a crowd to Saban’s tavern, where he began reading its contents aloud.

• Wu Heng cleared the zombie-filled streets, inspected several garment factories with Gao Rong and Qi Hancai, and collected clothes from their warehouses.
• Wu Heng decided to bring solar panels the next day so Gao Rong and the technicians could test the factory equipment.
• The Newsboy sold the second issue of Treasure Island Express, featuring news about the Yeke Kingdom and the Mandate of Heaven Cult, along with a new installment of Great Detective Story.
• Saban bought the newspaper, studied its story, and headed to the tavern, where a crowd had gathered to hear him read it.
• Saban cast Eloquent Speech and began reading the newspaper to the packed tavern.

Wu Heng expanded the newspaper’s circulation after its cliffhanger ending boosted prestige, then organized two Pioneer Teams to clear Zombies and rescue survivors along the railway. After the meeting, Qiangzi showed him weapon designs for Skeleton Flying Dragons.

• Xiaoxiao told Wu Heng that the newspapers had sold out at the port and that readers were angry about Granda’s cliffhanger ending, while the red-bearded dwarf in the tavern slapped himself after threatening the writer.
• Granda suggested printing more copies, and Wu Heng sent Skeleton Workers to print additional copies of the second issue while scheduling the next issue for seven days later.
• Wu Heng met with Qi Hancai and Li Yahong and announced plans to form two Pioneer Teams to clear Zombies and rescue survivors along the railway, with Bai Qing and Hong Dedong chosen to lead them.
• Wu Heng told Qi Hancai to prepare a convoy for the trip to the former Provincial Rescue Team site the next day.
• Qiangzi showed Wu Heng blueprints proposing machine guns and flamethrowers for Skeleton Flying Dragons.

Wu Heng approved Qiangzi’s machine-gun Flying Dragon and stab-proof vest designs, then joined Li Yahong and Qi Hancai before leading the Skeleton Army against the Zombie King. The Zombie King attacked a decoy, but skeletons with Flesh Wings surrounded it as it tried to flee.

• Wu Heng approved Qiangzi’s machine-gun Flying Dragon design and asked him to make a prototype stab-proof vest.
• Li Yahong used a scroll to improve her agility, then spent the night with Wu Heng and Qi Hancai.
• Wu Heng led the convoy and Skeleton Army to the former Provincial Rescue Team site, where Granda spotted the wounded level 18 Zombie King.
• Wu Heng ordered five Skeleton Flying Dragons to bomb the advancing Zombie Horde with iron rounds.
• After Xiaoxiao and Granda warned that the Zombie King was approaching, Wu Heng used an illusion to lure it into attacking a decoy.
• The Zombie King shattered the illusion and tried to escape, but skeletons with enormous Flesh Wings surrounded it.

Wu Heng’s forces defeated the Zombie King, secured the abandoned Rescue Team train, and prepared radio appeals for rescue operations in Gaohe City and Tiecheng City. At the Association, Shiraque gave Wu Heng a personal reward from Lilith, including a spell that could awaken a dead person’s willing soul inside a sacrificial wraith.

• Granda reported the Zombie King dead, and Wu Heng ordered the skeletons to advance while Xiaoxiao devoured souls and reached level 18.
• Wu Heng raised the Zombie King as Flying Demon Two, then led the convoy to claim the abandoned train at the Provincial Rescue Team base.
• Wu Heng asked Xiaoxiao about her unfinished business, but she said she had no wish beyond staying with him and her mother.
• Qi Hancai and Li Yahong broadcast instructions and promises of rescue to survivors in Gaohe City and Tiecheng City.
• Shiraque gave Wu Heng Hundred Weapons Boots, a Lin Bing Jade Talisman, and the Awaken Soul spell as Lilith’s reward.

Wu Heng received his rewards for stopping the Fifth Fleet, including a combat boots accessory, the Awaken Soul spell, and a jade talisman. After reading Lilith’s praise and writing her a reply, he discussed the island newspaper and his serialized stories with Shiraque and Shi Yali.

• Shi Yali explained the effects and side effect of the Myriad Weapons Combat Boots, then described the Awaken Soul spell and Lilith’s Lin Bing Jade Talisman.
• Wu Heng wondered whether Awaken Soul could bring back Xiaoxiao’s mother as a ghost and asked how long after death the spell could work.
• Wu Heng read Lilith’s letter praising his actions and warning that the clan was investigating the Fifth Fleet, then wrote a reply offering to investigate Exiles.
• Wu Heng explained to Shiraque how newspapers helped spread reliable information and admitted that gathering it also made money.
• Wu Heng told Shiraque and Shi Yali that he had serialized stories to increase newspaper sales and improve residents’ impression of him.
• Shi Yali asked whether Wu Heng liked hitting corpses on the butt with a stick, and he denied being perverted.

Wu Heng bought a young owl for Qi Hancai, tested his new stamina-restoring boots, and learned the Awaken Soul skill before reviewing plans in the Zombie World. Meanwhile, Beni continued gathering information about the cult, and a former pirate named Babuchi arrived at the church as a newly appointed elder.

• Wu Heng visited a tamed beast shop, bought a Little White-feathered Owl, and brought it back to the manor.
• Wu Heng tested the Myriad Weapons Combat Boots with his clones and through the Portal, then unlocked Awaken Soul.
• Wu Heng heard that Qi Hancai and Li Yahong’s teams had departed on their missions and told Qi Hancai to transfer Zhao Yanqiu to work in the Zombie World base.
• Wu Heng gave Qi Hancai the owl and asked her to establish communication with it.
• Beni read and destroyed news about Wu Heng becoming an island master, then went to church for afternoon prayer.
• An elder introduced Babuchi, a former Emerald Sea pirate who had followed Great Knight Solvay, as a newly appointed elder.

Wu Heng moved the Zombie World garment factory to Treasure Island and arranged an escort for Shanala’s return voyage. Meanwhile, the third newspaper issue spread his detective story across the island, and its popularity led him to consider distributing the completed story farther afield to grow his fame.

• Qi Hancai discovered that she could see through White Owl’s eyes, named the owl Tangyuan, and heard Wu Heng explain that her Profession Scroll had granted her the ability.
• Wu Heng moved the Garment Factory’s equipment through a Portal from the Zombie World to Treasure Island and had skeletons assemble it there.
• Wu Heng spoke with Shanala, learned she would sail back aboard Star Flower’s ship, and arranged for Philippa to meet her and provide an escort.
• The Treasure Island Express’s third issue drew crowds, while bards read its reports and serialized detective story in taverns across the island.
• Shiraque defended Wu Heng’s detective skills to Shi Yali, who asked why Shiraque had been bringing him up every day.
• Wu Heng saw that the newspaper had raised his fame to 29,000 and considered publishing the completed detective story as books for distribution beyond Treasure Island.

Wu Heng managed the newspaper’s growing popularity, checked on his alchemy work, and visited the Zombie World, where he agreed to bring Zhao Yanqiu to live with Xiaoxiao and planned a bard class for her. Meanwhile, the Mandate of Heaven Cult executed Beni for betraying them, and she declared that Wu Heng would avenge her.

• Wu Heng learned that taverns attracted more listeners than newspaper buyers, but he let them read the stories aloud and declined to profit from tavern betting.
• Wu Heng checked the Level 3 Corpse Core Potion, which had reached the final testing stage, and asked Andeviel to find cloth merchants and recruit skilled tailors.
• After hearing that the Skeleton Army had attacked Gaohe City, Wu Heng met Zhao Yanqiu and agreed to transfer her to live near Xiaoxiao.
• Wu Heng discussed classes with Xiaoxiao and decided to prepare a Bard Class Change Scroll for Zhao Yanqiu.
• The Mandate of Heaven Cult surrounded Beni, accused her of betrayal, and killed her after she denounced them and warned that Wu Heng would avenge her.

Beni was killed after mentioning Wu Heng, while Millicent reported worsening chaos in Netarei City. On Treasure Island, Mackintosh considered joining Wu Heng, and merchants arrived to discuss selling his newspaper beyond the island.

• Beni was killed by the black-robed figures, who hung her body at the village entrance before leaving west.
• Millicent told Wu Heng that fighting between Netarei City's Lord's Mansion and garrison had led to deaths, looting, forced conscription, and possible cult involvement.
• Mackintosh discussed whether to stay on Treasure Island with her junior brother and said she would decide whether to leave or ask Wu Heng for a position.
• Andeviel told Wu Heng that three merchant representatives wanted to distribute his newspaper outside the island.
• The Stag Caravan representative proposed working with Wu Heng to sell the newspaper, and Wu Heng questioned whether its news would remain valuable after transport.

Wu Heng finalized newspaper orders with three merchant caravans, then visited the Serpent Emblem Conglomerate and bought a strange item that could copy recorded faces. Lady Li told him that the corpses he had commissioned were stored in the conglomerate's warehouse, and she led him there.

• Wu Heng agreed to sell three newspaper issues to the Stag Caravan and two other caravans for fifty Copper Coins per copy, with each ordering five thousand copies per issue.
• Wu Heng asked Andeviel about cloth suppliers, then returned to the Island Master's Manor and traveled to Lopes City.
• Lady Li showed Wu Heng the Faceless One Mask, which copied the appearance of someone who had worn it but drained vitality and blood.
• Wu Heng bought the Faceless One Mask for two thousand two hundred Gold Coins and agreed to return the Conglomerate's Concealment Cloak on a later visit.
• Lady Li told Wu Heng that the Conglomerate had collected thirty-two corpses across many professions and led him toward the warehouse.

Wu Heng collected a large shipment of corpses from Lady Li and returned to Treasure Island. Mackintosh came to see him, and after asking about his level, she agreed to sign a contract on the condition that he would not treat her as a disposable slave.

• Wu Heng stored the corpses Lady Li had gathered, paid the remaining balance, and asked her to look for level 18 corpses.
• Lady Li gave Wu Heng a box of Elf Race flower tea, and he returned to the Island Master's Manor.
• Xiaoxiao spotted Mackintosh waiting outside the manor, and Wu Heng sent Minnie to bring her in.
• Mackintosh asked Wu Heng whether he would force her to do things under a Slave Contract, and he explained its purpose and reaffirmed her promised authority over intelligence.
• Mackintosh asked Wu Heng what level he was, and after his reply implied that learning the answer would leave her no choice, she agreed to sign a contract if he did not treat her as a disposable slave.

Wu Heng completed Mackintosh’s contract and considered how to expand Treasure Island’s influence while overseeing operations in the Zombie World. On Treasure Island, Luan Randolph publicly challenged Wu Heng to a duel, intending to undermine his reputation.

• Wu Heng welcomed Mackintosh to Treasure Island and appointed her head of its Intelligence Department, warning her to keep her former subordinates under control.
• Wu Heng reflected on expanding Treasure Island’s newspapers and intelligence network while the skeletons continued clearing cities in the Zombie World.
• Wu Heng raised nineteen Clerical Worker skeletons and thirteen level 15 combat-profession skeletons, including three tailors suited to the Garment Factory.
• Qi Hancai reported that Bai Qing’s rescue mission was progressing, the Burial Ground was being transported, and the factory’s other operations were running smoothly.
• Luan Randolph told his teacher he planned to defeat Wu Heng in a duel and claim the islander’s reputation for himself.
• After the bard refused to announce his challenge, Luan publicly challenged Island Master Wu Heng to a fair duel witnessed by the crowd.

Wu Heng learned that Luan Randolph, a prominent young Association member, had challenged him and decided not to accept. Meanwhile, he tested the Faceless One's Human Skin and left the challenge unresolved as Luan prepared to win fame by defeating him.

• Luan Randolph publicly announced at the Golden Sail Tavern that he would challenge Wu Heng, and Mackintosh used her Seer's ability to send detailed information about him to the Island Master's Manor.
• Qi Hancai completed a weapons-for-food exchange with Lu Changan at the Zombie World airport, and Wu Heng returned to Treasure Island after storing the supplies.
• Wu Heng assigned his newly transformed skeletons to work, then tested the Faceless One's Human Skin on an unidentified corpse and used it to copy the corpse's appearance.
• Shiraque gave Wu Heng Luan's Challenge Letter and explained that accepting was optional, so Wu Heng refused to risk his position for an unknown opponent.
• Luan told his teacher he wanted to defeat Wu Heng publicly, while Shiraque advised Wu Heng that Luan was talented and that there was no need to accept the challenge.

Wu Heng agreed to duel Luan, a seventeen-year-old Level 16 mage and prince of the Kelt Kingdom, after demanding that the challenge include stakes. The duel was arranged for the next day, and the chapter ended as Shi Yali announced its rules before the fight began.

• Shiraque explained that Luan was a Level 16 Evocation mage, the Kelt Kingdom's heir, and the student of a Level 18 Archmage named Moffat.
• Wu Heng asked Shi Yali to negotiate stakes for the duel, and Luan agreed to wager a Level 2 Merit reward and his Gray Hawk Staff.
• Wu Heng accepted the terms, and Shiraque arranged the venue while Wu Heng sent skeletons to help prepare it.
• Minnie worried about Wu Heng's safety, but he assured her he expected to win and sent Annette to help at the Association.
• The next day, Wu Heng entered the Duel Arena with Cassius as Luan arrived, and Shi Yali announced the rules for their battle.

Wu Heng faced Luan in a public duel, surviving the mage’s barrage before using curses and swordsmanship to gain the advantage. Luan’s flaming rapier attack split into three rushing figures, and Wu Heng blurred in response as the duel continued.

• Wu Heng and Luan exchanged elemental spells, and Luan’s silvery-white explosive birds engulfed Wu Heng’s position.
• Wu Heng emerged unharmed from an earthen-yellow coffin and explained that he had wanted to see Luan’s spells.
• Wu Heng inflicted severe injuries on Luan with curse-like spells, while Luan dispelled the effects and continued attacking.
• Luan charged with his rapier, and Wu Heng met him with a Winged Sword, overwhelming him with the Gray Hawk Sword Technique and Animate Object.
• Luan’s rapier gained flames, and he split into three figures to attack Wu Heng from different angles.
• Wu Heng’s figure blurred just as Luan’s three rapiers were about to strike.

Wu Heng defeated Luan in their duel, winning the wager and a surge of fame across Treasure Island. After Luan and his teacher left for headquarters, Wu Heng examined his prize and anticipated that the news would bring him further attention.

• Wu Heng used six figures to overwhelm Luan until the old mage agreed to surrender, and Shi Yali declared Wu Heng the victor.
• Wu Heng accepted the wager, announced Treasure Island’s victory, and received cheers as visiting merchants hurried away to report the result.
• Wu Heng’s fame rose by more than two thousand points, and he celebrated with the maids at a tavern.
• Luan and his teacher discussed whether Wu Heng was stronger than the Association’s intelligence suggested, then left for headquarters without notifying the Association.
• Wu Heng inspected the Reconnaissance Staff he had won and reflected that news of the duel would spread his fame further.

Wu Heng tested a Human Skin Mask that let a skeleton perfectly copy his appearance, then reviewed Zombie World projects and prepared a Profession Scroll for Zhao Yanqiu. On Treasure Island, Shanala faced an attempt by the Council of Elders to inspect her personal assets, and Philippa intervened as the confrontation began.

• Wu Heng discovered that the Human Skin Mask could disguise a skeleton as a person without apparent side effects, and Xiaoxiao and Granda suggested using it to protect him.
• Qi Hancai reported on incoming survivors and Gao Rong described progress on a rifle Production Line at the Zombie World meeting.
• Qiangzi demonstrated a locally made Stab-Proof Vest, but Kranmu's Evil Sword cut it badly enough to knock its protective steel plate loose, so Wu Heng asked for improvements.
• Wu Heng summoned Zhao Yanqiu and showed her a Profession Scroll, prompting her to ask what it was.
• Shanala returned to Treasure Island and refused a male Wood Elf's demand to inventory her personal assets, while his men blocked her path.
• Philippa arrived and confronted the people blocking Shanala, telling them to get lost.

Shanala returned to Treasure Island, where Philippa caught her up on the island’s changes and Wu Heng’s serialized detective stories. In the Zombie World, Zhao Yanqiu became a Bard, and Wu Heng later reunited with Shanala at the Island Master's Manor.

• Philippa stopped the Wood Elves from blocking Shanala and took her to the Island Master's Manor.
• Philippa told Shanala about Treasure Island’s recent changes and showed her the newspaper featuring Wu Heng’s detective story.
• Wu Heng explained Zhao Yanqiu’s new Bard class and its paths for improvement, then told her to keep the class change secret.
• Wu Heng inspected the bullet factory and discussed ways to help Zhao Yanqiu develop her Bard abilities with Xiaoxiao.
• Wu Heng returned to Treasure Island and found Shanala chatting with the maids, who welcomed him as he approached.