Chapter 383: The Heirs

“The situation on the Stampede Plateau is far more complex than that of the Icy Sea.”

After being relieved from the demands of daily affairs, he became Nagrand’s “Minister of Nothing.” On the one hand, his energy and stamina were no longer sufficient for handling highly specific tasks; on the other, Wu Qingsong also hoped he could relax and do things he enjoyed.

Aside from spending time with the children and occasionally offering guidance to Angus, who was becoming increasingly adept at managing his responsibilities, he now devoted most of his attention to interacting with merchant caravans from surrounding regions. Through this, he had gathered considerable intelligence about the neighboring areas.

In this era, conducting intelligence work was exceedingly difficult—especially for a relatively closed-off region like the Stampede Plateau. Those without the necessary skills found it nearly impossible to infiltrate, while those who did possess such skills were too valuable to be sent to such a place. Bribing locals was equally challenging, as opportunities for doing so were scarce. And even if such opportunities arose, sending messages back remained a formidable obstacle.

Thus, most intelligence came from traveling merchants, who were often more than willing to supplement their income by gathering information alongside their legitimate trade.

The reliability of these reports varied depending on the size and familiarity of the merchant caravan. However, as Nagrand’s population grew, its workshops and production output steadily increased. This allowed it to leverage its geographical advantage and lower prices to outcompete smuggled goods from the south, gradually becoming the primary choice for more and more merchants. In the process, Harold had indeed identified several reliable informants.

Their information helped Wu Qingsong and his team form their initial impression of the Stampede Plateau.

The landmass of the plateau was roughly equivalent to that of the Icy Sea plains. However, numerous east-west mountain ranges within the plateau blocked the cold winds blowing down from the northern ice fields. This created a climate far more favorable for beastfolk survival than the Icy Sea. Dense forests, numerous streams, and warm valleys provided far more resources than the Icy Sea plains, yet at the same time, they divided the region into many small, isolated, and difficult-to-traverse pockets.

As a result, despite having a far larger population than the Icy Sea, the Stampede Plateau was fragmented into many smaller clans and tribes, each surviving through intense competition.

The clans in the northern river valley plains had relatively larger populations, but no single faction held absolute dominance. Meanwhile, the tribes in the southern mountains had profited significantly from smuggling with the Elven Empire but also bore greater risks as a result.

This division led to the formation of two major alliances on the Stampede Plateau. The one they were currently in contact with was the northern alliance, led by the Sarl Clan.

“They have gained substantial benefits from trading with us,” Harold continued, “to the point where they’ve somewhat freed themselves from the control of the Pasadena Alliance. I believe this is our opportunity to drive a wedge between them and win them over. If we can offer them a stable and long-term source of profit, they may lean toward our side and allow the church to begin missionary work on the Stampede Plateau.”

Wu Qingsong had no intention of outright conquering the northern wilds. This last remaining beastfolk domain stretched across thousands of li, featuring vast plains, dense forests, towering mountains, expansive lakes, mighty rivers, and deep valleys—its terrain was incredibly complex, and its population vast.

Perhaps the elves truly had left this region alone simply because of its harsh environment and apparent lack of strategic value.

But who could say for certain what their real reasons were?

Even securing just the Icy Sea region had taken him five years. He had neither the patience nor the time to wage war against potential allies, spilling rivers of blood and reducing the beastfolk’s strength to nothing, only to have to rebuild from scratch.

Nagrand and the Icy Sea followed one model—establishing a firm foothold to accumulate enough strength to enter the game as a player rather than a piece. The isolated Gale Island followed another model. Due to the lack of formidable external threats and its relatively simple environment, he was able to take a more direct approach.

Wu Qingsong hoped to establish a third model for the Stampede Plateau—something in between. A model that would allow the Xuanyuan Church to grow and attract more believers while simultaneously securing the support of the various clans and swiftly uniting the beastfolk’s power.

In the world he had once known, how had various religions secured the backing of rulers?

Was it through benefits? Through power?

And what could he offer them?

“I hope we can find a candidate with enough ambition, enough potential, and a willingness to embrace change,” he said to everyone. “But no matter what, the step we take three months from now will be crucial.”

***

The busy seasons of spring and summer passed in a flash.

But for Nagrand, the most significant event was that it had finally welcomed its own heirs.

In early summer, Ram safely gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Not long after, Xeila also delivered a baby boy.

“He’s healthy, without any defects.” The attendants joyfully informed Xeila.

But it was only when she personally held her child, touching and inspecting him herself, that she finally let go of her lingering fears.

“Just like little Beth, he doesn’t have a tail,” Liuli exclaimed in wonder as she cradled the infant. “He looks exactly like Wu.”

Elves did not have tails, but most half-elves inherited at least some traits from their beastfolk mothers, often retaining some animal features.

Yet this newborn boy showed no trace of Xeila’s feline ancestry—no pointed elven ears, barely any body hair, and almost no visible beastfolk characteristics.

He was, through and through, a miniature copy of Wu Qingsong.

As the people fussed over him, the baby waved his tiny arms in dissatisfaction, crying loudly.

Xeila hurriedly took him into her arms, gently soothing him.

Although Wu Qingsong had only recently experienced the joy of becoming a father, he still felt lightheaded, entirely consumed by happiness. He simply stood there, staring at his child with a goofy smile, unable to think of anything to say.

“You worked hard,” he murmured, holding Xeila’s hand gently.

“I feel very happy,” she said with a smile, shaking her head.

She no longer wore a veil. After people had grown accustomed to her astonishing beauty, they no longer lost their composure in her presence. But now, with the serene joy of a mother glowing on her face, she seemed almost radiant—causing those around her to fall into a daze once more.

“What should we name him? Have you decided?” Nina asked.

“He’ll probably be really handsome, won’t he?” Wu Qingsong said with a silly grin. “Then let’s call him Daniel. Daniel Wu.”