Chapter 293: Fulfilled Wishes

The underground plain was vast, with nearly all the surrounding tunnels inevitably leading back to it. For Wu Qingsong and Nina, the only challenge was finding the interconnected pathways among these caves.

After extensive practice, Wu Qingsong developed the ability to command and control undead within a two-kilometer radius, receiving feedback from them. Though the information conveyed was simple, it was enough for directing beetle undead to scout the terrain.

Before long, they mapped out the layout and connections of a sprawling five-square-kilometer cave system. The labyrinthine network of caves was dizzyingly complex, with countless small and large pathways.

Wu Qingsong soon discovered that the beetle insectoids were organizing their lesser kin to block off certain caves, planning to cut off his routes for guerrilla strikes. This led to immediate skirmishes, with Wu Qingsong’s forces intervening to thwart their plans.

Similar actions were likely taking place elsewhere.

This realization marked the first wave of undead-led assaults. Thousands of insectoid laborers were killed, but the Flame Demon Lord quickly deduced Wu Qingsong’s control range and position from the movements of his undead forces. Ambushes became harder to execute successfully, and at best, Wu Qingsong’s troops only managed to catch stragglers who couldn’t escape in time.

However, this did nothing to dampen Wu Qingsong’s resolve. On the contrary, the Flame Demon Lord’s defensive maneuvers confirmed that it was being forced into his rhythm.

“Nina, the next phase depends on you,” Wu Qingsong said.

He meticulously examined his body and soul, trying to locate any trace of the Flame Demon Lord’s meddling but came up empty. Begrudgingly, he acknowledged how much more he had yet to learn about magic.

Fortunately, he had Nina by his side.

Wu Qingsong led his undead troops along select pathways to raid the edges of the underground plain. Predictably, each time they emerged, the Flame Demon Lord’s forces responded with heavy ambushes. Meanwhile, Nina would strike from another direction, inflicting significant damage before retreating just as the Flame Demon Lord’s reinforcements arrived.

The Flame Demon Lord was left powerless to counter this strategy. If it didn’t personally oversee the ambushes and suppress Wu Qingsong’s spirit, those ambushes quickly turned into farces. None of its beetle warriors were a match for Wu Qingsong’s spiritual attacks, and their deaths only swelled his undead ranks.

But its elite troops were equally outmatched by Nina, especially when she tapped into her awakened potential. Without timely intervention, the destruction she caused rivaled that of the undead army.

The Flame Demon Lord attempted traps, but Nina never revealed herself unless its location was confirmed. Wu Qingsong never ventured beyond narrow caves, where his two-kilometer control range allowed him to wreak havoc. 

Wu Qingsong lost only time in these skirmishes, while the Flame Demon Lord continually lost soldiers and resources.

The insectoids were eventually forced to migrate their nests deeper into the plain. However, given the extreme scarcity of resources in the underground world, the Flame Demon Lord could not afford to abandon even a two-kilometer radius lightly. If Wu Qingsong persisted, the areas he threatened would encompass a range the Flame Demon Lord simply could not endure.

“Tagraedi of Orgrimmar,” came a sudden, non-hostile message from the Flame Demon Lord as Wu Qingsong once again approached the plain with his undead. “Let us end this farce.”

“Then, will you tell me the path to the surface?” Wu Qingsong asked.

“I do not know the exact passage. I can only point you in a general direction. With your abilities, you should have no trouble finding the exit.”

“Flame Demon Lord, you must know the consequences of giving me false information, don’t you?”

“I just want you to leave,” The Flame Demon Lord’s tone carried palpable anger. “Tagraedi, do not mistake my tolerance for weakness.”

“Then, tell me the way,” Wu Qingsong said.

Carefully maintaining his spiritual defenses, he received a series of images transmitted by the Flame Demon Lord. From these, he pinpointed the likely cave. It required a detour, but it was accessible.

“Flame Demon Lord, my sole purpose from the start was to leave this place,” Wu Qingsong said. “It was you who first broke the peace. I believe you owe me an additional price.”

A wave of immense spiritual energy surged at him, slamming against his mental defenses.

“You insatiable worm!” the Flame Demon Lord roared furiously.

“I want to know how you awaken the potential of your beetle warriors,” Wu Qingsong said while holding his defenses. “This isn’t some closely guarded secret, is it? Flame Demon Lord, share this method with me, and you will gain my friendship. From now on, as long as you do not threaten my safety or interests, I will never become your enemy. If you ever need it, I could even fulfill one of your wishes, provided it’s within my power and does not harm my interests or safety.”

“You shameless scoundrel!”

“Will you prolong this war over such a matter, Flame Demon Lord?” Wu Qingsong countered. “I hold you in great respect. Your strength commands my awe, and I have no desire to continue fighting you. Sharing a minor piece of knowledge to secure peace between us, along with a solemn promise, what could be more reasonable?”

A long silence followed. Finally, a flood of images rushed into Wu Qingsong’s mind. He remained on high alert, prepared for an ambush, but carefully recorded everything.

“Leave my territory!” came the Flame Demon Lord’s final, seething command.

“Flame Demon Lord, I hope you will never need to call upon me, but as long as your information proves accurate, my promise will always stand.”

Both sides retreated in mutual agreement. Wu Qingsong returned to the rendezvous point with Nina, analyzing the implications of the images he had received.

“Wu?” Nina appeared beside him several hours later.

“The Flame Demon Lord gave up,” Wu Qingsong said, pulling her into an embrace and planting a firm kiss on her cheek. “We can finally return to the surface!”