Chapter 42 - Chapter 42: Chapter 42, Gold and Silver Processing

Chapter 42: Chapter 42, Gold and Silver Processing Shopl Translator: 549690339 One by one, the skeletons picked up the iron spears and held them in their hands. Seemingly due to the weight of the iron rod, the shoulders of the skeletons seemed to sag slightly, and their movements appeared slightly strenuous. After having the skeletons attempt thrusting movements, they seemed relatively fluid, without any significant issues. Next, a few of the skeleton warriors were instructed to pick up the hay forks that were purchased last night. Only after confirming that they could also perform forward thrusting movements with the hay forks did he feel relieved. He was genuinely afraid that these skeletons, having picked up the hay forks, might go downstairs to weed instead. There were 25 skeletons with wooden pole spears, 22 with iron pole spears, and 5 with hay forks. Standing together, with spears towering high, it looked like a genuine spear array. With the weaponry aspect resolved, he took out the local map once again for a glance. The original plan was to directly conquer the business street and scavenge the gold shops and banks there. However, after observing the situations there yesterday, he was slightly hesitant. The numbers of zombies were slightly high. If they were to attack directly, there might be risks. A detailed plan needs to be formulated, to come up with an approach that could allow for lesser loss in conquering the business street. “I remember there is a gold and silver processing shop nearby.” Wu Heng suddenly remembered. There was a jewelry processing shop in a small alley located outside the western market. The older generation liked taking their gold and silver there to be crafted into bracelets and rings. It could be considered a well-established shop. It seems to have been struggling recently as the younger ones preferred to buy ready-made jewelry. If the business street was out of reach, this shop would be the first stop. After devising his plan, he issued an order to the skeletons, “Follow me.” Clatter, clatter! The skeletons started moving and followed him downstairs. Heading west, passing through an alley of the marketplace. Past the alley of the business street. After clearing off zombies nearby, Wu Heng started to organize the skeleton formation. The hay fork soldiers were at the forefront, behind were ranks of spear-wielding skeleton warriors. Layers of spears pointing forward, forming a wall bristling with lethal spikes. On nearing completion of the preparations, Wu Heng instructed, “Basen, lure the zombies in front here.” Basen squeezed his way out of the crowd and dashed towards the front. Very soon, Basen’s figure once again appeared in sight. Behind him were dozens of grimacing zombies baring their teeth and claws. Approaching the skeleton party, Basen sidestepped the spears and squeezed into the back rows of the skeleton party. The zombies behind him on the other hand, crashed directly onto the skeletons’ spears. The densely packed spears pierced through zombie after zombie, eliciting screams of agony. The skeleton warriors kept thrusting their spears in and out, repeating the simple movements. The zombies in the front, being forcefully shoved forward by the ones behind them, stumbled and crashed onto the spears, meeting their ultimate demise. Nuyi and Nuer from behind occasionally shot out a couple of crossbow arrows, killing some zombies that squeezed into the formation. [Experience gained +4.] [Summoned creature – Skeleton Warrior, experience +3.] [Summoned creature – Skeleton Warrior, experience +3.] [-.] [Summoned creature – Skeleton Warrior, level increased to Level 3, vitality +1.] The notifications continuously displayed, adding up the kill experience. Upon reaching level 4, Wu Heng noticed that killing a zombie only yielded 4 experience points, making his leveling speed much slower. In the midst of the battle, the levels of some of the skeleton warriors increased continuously, many reaching level 3. The battle continued. The clamor and fight noises drew more zombies, continuously charging towards them. Wave after wave, the number kept increasing. Wu Heng stood in the center of the formation, observing the battle in front. Suddenly, the window on the third floor by his side shattered and amidst the scattered glass, three dark figures lunged towards him from above. Wu Heng raised his magic wand, firing a blue witchcraft arrow. After hitting the first shadow accurately, the arc scattered and hit another two shadows. The shadow’s body twitched in mid-air before falling straight downwards. With a smack, it landed on the ground. A couple of skeleton dogs were the first to react, pouncing quickly and pinning down the fallen shadow, their jaws tearing, shaking their heads viciously. In a series of sharp ‘squeaks’ and struggles. The shadow was torn into pieces by the skeleton dogs. After it quieted down, Wu Heng approached to inspect the shadowy figures that had tried to strike amidst the chaos. They were three large black rats. Their fur was glossy black, and their size was nearly that of an adult cat. “These aren’t mutated creatures?” Wu Heng wondered. The rats before him weren’t as exaggeratedly large as the mutants. They still looked like rats, and remnants of zombie flesh can be seen stuck on their protruding teeth. They still looked like rats from the outside but were influenced in some ways. Their size increased, and they showed strong aggression. Actively attacking humans was not good news. If rats were just developing mutations due to zombification, then it was still manageable. If they managed to retain their original species characteristics and achieve something like evolved changes, then it was horrifying. Given the rate at which rats reproduce, they’d soon be attacking any living creature in groups. While observing the rats, the battle ahead had also ended. The zombies had been killed, and the skeleton warriors had returned to standby mode. Wu Heng contemplated for a while, then decided to use his Bone Manipulation Skill on the rats on the ground. Their flesh began to fall off, and skeletal rats emerged. “[Skeleton Rat (Level 1)]” The rating was just Level 1. There was no Soul Fire appearing within the hollow skeleton. Using a spear, he searched through the flesh that fell off the rat but couldn’t find any meaty substance similar to a ‘Corpse Core’. Stubbornly, he released the Bone Manipulation Skill again on the other two rats. Although skeletal rats appeared, he still didn’t find any Corpse Core. It seemed these rats didn’t possess something like a Corpse Core. He quickly took a breather. Wu Heng then led its team of skeletons and continued moving towards their destination. Fuheng Silver Store. The small shop was less than 30 square meters. The storefront’s glass was pasted with advertisements advertising high prices for gold and silver. There were only a few gold and silver bracelets and rings in the showcases inside the shop. The number was low, piled up in a mess. “There’s still some loot.” He opened the display counter and began removing the bracelets and rings inside, stuffing them into his backpack. Not to mention selling at jewelry prices, the gold in these bracelets alone were a significant fortune. Once he got to Black Stone Town, even if he didn’t do anything, based on the lifestyle of ordinary people in crowded areas, he could live well for the better half of his life. He could also help the skeletons acquire more weapons and equipment. The only problem was finding a reason to buy weapons on a large scale. Once he emptied the showcase, he continued searching the shop. There should be more than this. After all, it’s quite an established shop. He went into the back room and found a safe under a desk. He opened it with a bronze key. Inside the safe, gold and silver jewelry sealed in plastic appeared. The quantity was much more compared to what was on the counter. Coming here was indeed the right choice. Wu Heng immediately began stuffing them into his backpack. Just as he was extracting piece after piece, stuffing them into his backpack. Suddenly, a tender voice came from behind. “Uncle, what are you doing here?” Wu Heng was startles at first, and right after, he felt a chill up his spine, goosebumps raising on his skin..</p