Chapter 307: The Icy Sea

“If you do this, Marquis Osaga will probably guess it was us, and he might also figure out we went north,” Ram said, gazing at the faint glow of firelight below.

Many blamed Orgrimmar’s troubles on Marquis Osaga, harboring deep hatred for him, but Ram did not share that view.

Wu Qingsong’s absence for months was bound to arouse suspicion. This was unlike the time they traveled to the imperial capital for his ennoblement, where delays along the way and in the capital were understandable.

After being granted his title, Wu Qingsong had the duty of safeguarding his territory and could not leave without reason. There was no way they could conceal his disappearance indefinitely.

Being discovered by Marquis Osaga was terrible, but it was the best outcome they could hope for.

If the Riniconians had discovered the truth first, they would undoubtedly have mobilized their army to surround Orgrimmar and seize everything. Without Marquis Osaga stepping in to mediate and prevent the use of force, Orgrimmar’s people might have won the first battle or even the second, but without Wu Qingsong’s support, their ultimate fate would have been sealed.

“He might guess, but he’s unlikely to chase us,” Wu Qingsong said with a sigh. “The Osaga Marquisate is far from the Northern Wastelands. It’s unlikely he’ll cross borders to chase us down.”

“What if he comes alone?” Xiela asked.

Wu Qingsong paused, then shook his head. “I hope he doesn’t.”

If Osaga came alone, he wouldn’t be much of a threat. At worst, Nina could hold her own against him when awakened. With Xiela, Ling, or even Feya or a member of the beastfolk sisterhood assisting, the outcome would be decisive.

But if Osaga brought the mage and magic archer who had helped him deal with the Esola insectoid tide, the situation would become difficult. The battle’s result might depend on whether Wu Qingsong could detect their approach in time and whether Xiela could deal with the mage.

In such a case, the attention of the Elven Empire’s upper echelons would inevitably turn toward them, forcing them into another escape—a scenario they all wanted to avoid.

Their strength was still far too weak.

Wu Qingsong couldn’t help but sigh.

The massive propeller at the rear of the airship spun rapidly, pushing it northward at a speed of forty miles per hour. This route had been traveled many times before, with the Tecks Mountains’ northern slopes on the left and the vast Batiz Desert serving as reference points. There was no risk of losing their way.

In the deserted wilderness, there was no need to worry about witnesses, allowing them to adjust their flight schedule according to Ling’s mental state and the weather. 

At most, they would reach New Silvermoon City in two days.

Ling’s importance was now beyond question. She was irreplaceable.

Compared to caravans or camel teams that needed to find paths, water, food, and rest while defending against bandits, sandstorms, and getting lost, all Ling needed was a detailed map, a predetermined marker, or a signal fire. What would take ten days or half a month on the ground due to quicksand, rugged terrain, or water sources, Ling could cover in a single night with a direct flight—and she required no help except from Wu Qingsong.

Whether transporting people or smuggling goods, she was undoubtedly the best choice.

This had subtly changed everyone’s attitude toward her. No longer seen merely as Wu Qingsong’s servant, she was now indispensable. But for Ling, she was simply happy to be able to do more for Wu Qingsong and to spend more time with him.

“You should all rest for a while. I’ll stay and talk with Ling,” Wu Qingsong said.

“No need,” Ram replied. “We rested during the day and aren’t tired. Let’s all chat together so you two don’t get bored.”

“Alright,” Wu Qingsong said, glancing at Ling, who showed no displeasure.

The harmony among them seemed intact, and he sincerely hoped it would remain that way forever—free from the scheming and infighting of a palace drama.

***

“We need to leave this area and continue north,” Wu Qingsong said to the gathered group inside a tent made of wood and sheepskin. “Staying here won’t allow us to maximize our strengths or expand our power.”

New Silvermoon City was the wolfkin’s territory. While Daryl and Nina didn’t mind sharing this hard-won land, Wu Qingsong didn’t want to stay.

In the short term, there wouldn’t be any problems, but over time, conflicts between the wolfpeople clan and their people were inevitable.

Resources, authority, status, and most importantly, differences in faith.

Rather than risking a gradual deterioration of their relationship, it was better to address the issue immediately while everything was still unsettled.

“What’s the target?” Harold asked.

“The Icy Sea,” Wu Qingsong replied.

He and Ling had already surveyed the surrounding area, marking major tribes and identifying potential resources.

The plains around New Silvermoon City might be suitable for the wolfpeople, who thrived on hunting, but they were too barren and dry for the farming-dependent deerfolk, ratfolk, and rabbitfolk.

While there were scattered water sources nearby, they were barely sufficient for drinking, let alone for agriculture.

The only viable option was the Icy Sea, about 300 miles northeast of New Silvermoon City. Known as a sea by desert inhabitants, it was actually a large lake. The longest stretch measured about 120 miles from east to west, with the widest point just under 80 miles from north to south. It teemed with animals, waterfowl, and beastfolk.

The cold, northern climate had likely deterred development. Wu Qingsong saw no signs of farmland around the area.

The beastfolk living there still relied on primitive methods—pastoralism and hunting—and even fishing seemed rare due to the lack of materials for making boats.

While the beastfolk lacked the capability to cultivate cold-resistant crops, Wu Qingsong, with Feya’s help, was confident in transforming the area into fertile northern land capable of supporting a larger population.

“There are several major tribes around the lake, each numbering in the tens of thousands. They won’t welcome us,” Harold said, having gathered intelligence from the wolves.

“We’ll try to negotiate first. If that fails, we’ll do what’s necessary,” Wu Qingsong said.

They might see them as invaders, but once they experienced the better lives Wu Qingsong planned to bring, he believed everything would change.