Chapter 310: Nagrand (Part 3)

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither would Nagrand be.

The people arranged their vehicles around the spot where Wu Qingsong had planted the banner, forming two concentric circles based on the terrain. They removed the wheels and anchored the vehicles into the ground. They began setting up makeshift tents within the enclosed space, establishing what would become Nagrand’s inner and outer city.

Ling and Liuli busied themselves setting up the tents for the city lord, while Wu Qingsong, Ram, Nina, and Harold walked the land, mapping out a blueprint for the future city.

“We should build trenches and public fountains like in Umber,” Wu Qingsong said. “Sewers need to be planned in advance too. Warehouses, factories, trading posts, a commercial area, a city hall, barracks, and schools. All of these need designated locations.”

“We don’t have mages,” Harold countered, stomping on the hard ground beneath his feet. “The soil is fertile but tough to dig. With our manpower, this plan is too ambitious. I think we should focus on securing our footing first. Once the environment stabilizes and we’ve brought in more people, then we can think about large-scale construction.”

“As for labor, those who died on the battlefield today–” Wu Qingsong began.

“It’s better not to use them,” Harold interrupted. “Even the Silvermoon Wolf Clan is careful only to identify themselves as the Tecks Clan publicly to avoid drawing attention from the Sentalus. Although we’re far from their territory, who knows if those mad dogs would come after us? Also, using the dead might provoke resentment from their kin, which would hinder the spread of faith in Xuanyuan.”

Wu Qingsong nodded slightly.

“Everything else can wait, but the temple must be built first, and it needs to be grand,” Harold suggested, bringing up something Wu Qingsong hadn’t considered. 

Although Harold had never officially converted to the faith of Xuanyuan, he had never underestimated the church’s influence. “A grand temple will boost the morale of our own people and help attract the surrounding tribes. Military conquest carries too much risk and offers little reward. Conquering this wilderness through religion is the best path forward.”

“There’s not enough wood,” Wu Qingsong said helplessly.

The area was excellent, but it lacked timber. While there were shrubs for fuel and reeds near the lake that might suffice as kindling, they were unsuitable as building materials.

The nearest forest was nearly 150 li to the west, and even there, the trees weren’t very tall. For proper beams and pillars, they would need to venture into the mountains to the southwest.

“There’s no other choice. We’ll have to make the most of Feya’s abilities,” Harold said. “If you think about it, building a grand temple here would itself be a miracle.”

“Feya alone would be too slow,” Wu Qingsong replied after some thought. “She’s also responsible for developing seeds. Her workload will be overwhelming. I’ll have Alice identify other beastgirls with similar talents and see if we can find more helpers.”

As he said this, Wu Qingsong couldn’t help but glance at Ram and Nina. However, they didn’t mock him for his idea.

“We also need to establish relationships with the surrounding tribes quickly,” Harold said. “Today’s victory must be turned into a diplomatic advantage to at least ensure peace with them.”

There was so much to do, and Xiela’s absence only added to the burden.

“Diplomatic work is dangerous. I’ll handle it myself,” Wu Qingsong decided. “Harold, focus on assisting Ram with construction and internal management. Nina, I’ll rely on you for security. Ling and Feya can work together to transport timber. We’ll delay the aqueducts, fountains, and sewers for now, but we need to reserve space for them.”

As they deliberated, night began to fall. Family-sized campfires lit up one by one, and the smell of food wafted through the air.

Morin, along with Alice and a group of devout followers, had already erected a simple Xuanyuan temple. Soon, the sound of hymns praising Xuanyuan filled the camp. At first, the chanting was disorganized, but as more people joined in, the voices grew unified.

Ram clutched the “Wu” emblem on her chest and began murmuring prayers. Feeling slightly awkward, Wu Qingsong followed suit, holding his emblem and moving his lips without genuine devotion. Nearby, Harold stood with arms crossed, his expression unchanged, clearly accustomed to the scene. Nina, however, looked a bit embarrassed.

After evening prayers, the camp’s lively energy returned. Liuli came running to inform them that the tents were ready, though the tent intended as the city lord’s hall was still just a frame with poles, lacking the hide covering.

“It’s fine. There’s no rush,” Wu Qingsong said.

The food was the same dried rations they had been eating for days, prompting Liuli to insist they go fishing at the lake tomorrow.

“Careful, or the lake monster will eat you,” Wu Qingsong teased.

“You’re making that up. There’s no such thing.”

“A lake this big must have a monster. Otherwise, why hasn’t anyone been fishing in it?” Wu Qingsong said mischievously.

“That’s something to be cautious about,” Harold added. “Even if there isn’t a lake monster, there might be mermen. When there’s time, we should investigate the lakebed.”

Wu Qingsong nodded. This was clearly his responsibility. While he wasn’t the best swimmer, he didn’t need to surface for air, giving him ample time underwater.

“I wonder what Xiela is up to,” Nina said.

“Who knows? But she should be able to handle herself,” Wu Qingsong replied.

Late into the night, Xiela finally returned, carrying the severed head of a massive bearfolk and a string of bloodied ears.

“What’s this?” Wu Qingsong asked, at a loss for words.

“This is the head of that so-called king. The ears are from Boyle Clan elders, shamans, and chiefs. Aren’t you the Hangman? Use them as decorations outside,” Xiela replied. “There might be a few I missed, but most are accounted for.”

“You killed them all?”

“Of course,” Xiela said.

Wu Qingsong didn’t know what to say. After a long pause, he finally thought of something.

“Are you hungry? I’ll roast some meat for you.”

Xiela was silent for a moment, then nodded.

“Sure.”