The Necromancer is amassing troops like crazy in the apocalypse

Shanaela asked, "Can't the Phantom Train make it there?"

"It seems there's no record of it going that way," replied Wu Heng.

"The map isn't too difficult, but if you don't know the route and just rely on the map, it might be a bit troublesome…"

Shanaela took a sip from her wine glass, pondered for a moment, then said, "It's best to go along with a Chamber of Commerce; the Wood Elves haven't sent a team to the Short people lately. I remember the Snake Badge Consortium's cargo is leaving the island tomorrow morning. If you're okay with it, you can go with this caravan. If you find it troublesome, you can disguise yourself a bit."

Wu Heng thought about it, and that could work.

Once he's in the territory of the Dwarf Race, confirms the location of the Deep Furnace Castle, then he can proceed on his own.

"Alright, later please inform Retili about it. Just say someone from Gold and Silver Island is going," Wu Heng decided.

"Okay!" Shanaela nodded.

After discussing the main matters, Wu Heng continued to smile and asked, "Can you tell me about some of the Dwarves' habits and what to be attentive about?"

"They should avoid you, right?" Shanaela continued, "When speaking, avoid questioning their capabilities, which includes not only their skills but also things like drinking, strength…"

Shanaela began speaking, and the others listened with interest.

…

As night deepened, the study remained brightly lit.

When Wu Heng pushed open the door, the Three Ghosts were busy with their own tasks in the study.

Seeing him enter, the three souls glanced at him and quickly looked away.

"It's all settled," Wu Heng poured himself a cup of tea and sat down on a nearby chair, "Tomorrow we leave for Deep Furnace Castle in the Dwarf Race territory, using their 'Heart of Molten Fire' to smelt those special items from the Holy Court."

"Did the Dwarves agree? I remember almost getting into fights with their leader twice," Glenda closed her book and looked over.

Wu Heng took a sip of tea, "A usage fee of 2000 Gold Coins, and materials are self-prepared."

Bella widened her eyes, "Why don't they just go rob then?!"

"It's a monopoly business, they can set any price they want," Lady chimed in.

"Money is not an issue," Wu Heng put down the teacup, "I plan to host an elixir auction, and we'll earn it back twice over."

Lady laughed and said, "With the financial strength of Gold and Silver Island, none of these are an issue. You might as well ask if they're selling the special item, just buy it back directly."

"Forget it, the Dwarves say it's the treasure of the Dwarf Race," Wu Heng said irritably, "You're just asking for a fight saying that!"

"If they won't sell, then forget it!" Lady shrugged!

Glenda interrupted, saying, "Before departing, let's do a divination."

Wu Heng nodded, took out a tortoise shell from the Space Ring.

Meditating with closed eyes, he silently recited in his heart, 'Will there be danger in using the Heart of Molten Fire on this trip to the Dwarf territory?'

Rattle~!

The tortoise shell shook, three coins fell with a sound.

One person and three souls formed a circle and looked at the coins.

Three heads, great fortune!

Bella exclaimed, "It's the first time we've gotten this result!"

Glenda also rarely smiled, "It seems things will go smoothly with the Dwarves."

Only Lady looked skeptical, "Can this thing really be trusted?"

"Don't say discouraging things, such a good result must be accurate," Wu Heng said irritably, picking up the coins and putting them back into the tortoise shell, "Let me test if we can smelt something good."

The coins fell again, one head and two tails, a neutral hexagram.

"Hiss~!" Bella frowned, "Seems... not so good?"

Glenda hesitated, "Looks like we might not smelt something good, should we still go?"

Wu Heng said, "Those special items from the Holy Court are just collecting dust otherwise, better take a gamble, as long as we can smelt something useful to us."

Then, he glanced at the coins, "This round doesn't count, this round is superstition."

The Three Ghosts rolled their eyes.

Lady also chuckled, saying, "Indeed, as long as it's useful, we'll certainly profit."

Wu Heng put away the tortoise shell, "Let's treat it as a business trip, I'll take you out to see the world."

Bella excitedly said, "I've heard the Dwarves' lava falls are particularly spectacular!"

Glenda added, "I commend you for having some heart, knowing to take us out for some fun."

Lady glanced at the two souls agreeing to go out, "But let's focus on the smelting!"

"It's not conflicting," Wu Heng said, "We'll handle business, and play a little on the side, I'll bring more money, and buy whatever we fancy."

Saying that, all three smiled.

With the plan set, Wu Heng glanced at the deepening night outside the window, "I'm going to rest, you all prepare what you need to bring in advance."

"Alright, goodnight!" The Three Ghosts bid farewell.

Wu Heng also left the study.

…

Returning to the bedroom.

Shanaela was reclining at the bedside, her light silk nightgown outlined a graceful curve.

Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall over her shoulders, fingers gently flipping through a book.

"Confirmed with the Snake Badge Consortium," Shanaela closed the book, "There's a merchant ship departing tomorrow morning, you can blend in with their team to go together to Deep Furnace Castle."

"Do they know it's me?" Wu Heng tossed aside his outer robe, which accurately landed on the clothes rack.

Shanaela laughed, "I only said you're a 'friend' of the Island Lord's Mansion."

Wu Heng rolled onto the bed, pulling her into his arms, "That's good!"

Shanaela poked his chest with her fingertips and continued, "I told the Great Elder about you slaying three Holy Seats of the Church and then attacking the Holy Hall."

Then she laughed, "I felt the Great Elder was dumbfounded at the time, not speaking for a long while."

"Being the Great Elder for so many years, they can't be as ridiculous as you say," Wu Heng said irritably.

Shanaela suddenly restrained her laughter and snuggled closer to him, "You don't understand… the more the Wood Elves are obsessed with 'heroes,' the more they fear heroes."

She continued, "The Great Elder has already ordered to secretly transfer the important personnel within the race to Gold and Silver Island, the Elder's Council has also increased the guards."

Wu Heng frowned, "No need to be so tense, the Church is left only with the Pope, where would they dare leave the Holy Hall?"

"He's not daring to touch you, just afraid he'll vent on the Wood Elves," Shanaela showed a trace of worry in her eyes, "It's better to be cautious."

"You're right," Wu Heng nodded.

Shanaela looked up at him, "Come back soon."

Wu Heng tightened his embrace, kissed her forehead, "Don't worry, I'll return quickly."

"Sleep early!"

As night deepened, the two closed their eyes while holding each other, their breaths gradually synced.

…

The next morning!

Morning mist, like gauze, enveloped the busy dock.

Wu Heng put on the Faceless Mask and boarded the 'Eternal Flame Engine' merchant ship, where workers lined up to load cargo, while skeletal crew members silently conducted the final voyage checks on the deck.

This merchant ship was allocated by Gold and Silver Island to the Snake Badge Consortium to expedite the speed of cargo transport across the Emerald Sea.

Although skeletons handle the ship's operations, there are still several live members of the Snake Badge Consortium accompanying each voyage, responsible for inventory checks and transaction coordination.

Wu Heng headed straight towards the main cabin at the bow, and the skeletons he encountered along the way stopped their activities and made way for him.

After closing the cabin door, Wu Heng removed the mask, leaned against the bed, and took out his phone to send a message to the Island Lord's Mansion stating 'already boarded.'

Soon, the ship suddenly shook, and a deep ship horn sounded.

The vessel slowly departed the harbor.

Inside the cabin, Wu Heng laid out the map on the table, examining the route to 'Deep Furnace Castle.'

Glenda floated above the map, "Traveling with the Chamber of Commerce will be slower."

Wu Heng said, "Once the route is confirmed, we'll go on our own."

Once the direction is determined, riding a motorcycle will be even faster.

"Okay, that works!" Glenda agreed.

Knock knock knock~!

The door was gently knocked.

Glenda quickly flew over and looked through the wall, then softly said, "It's Retili."

Wu Heng raised a brow, opened the door, and saw Retili standing there smartly.

Golden ponytail, brown leather armor, and a short sword hanging from her waist.

Seeing Wu Heng, she slightly furrowed her brow, examining up and down, seemingly verifying the identity under the mask.

"Come in!" Wu Heng made room, "What are you doing on the ship?"

Retili's eyes lit up at the familiar voice, she swiftly entered the cabin.

With hands behind her back, she showed a cunning smile, "Lady Shanaira asked me about the Chamber of Commerce's route yesterday, and I also happened to go to the Dwarf side to discuss some business."

She said, moving closer, "Just convenient to travel together."