Chapter 350: Progress

After leaving that small chamber, Wu Qingsong forced himself to forget about it.

It might seem cold-hearted, but he had already decided to use this place as his personal outlet for venting emotions.

Boulder was his summoned creature. It shouldn’t betray him, at least not unless a more powerful warlock or mage appeared. It could keep secrets and had enough intelligence to understand what he said—perhaps even provide some useful feedback.

Of course, to protect his own secrets, Wu Qingsong would never allow it to leave this chamber. And if a truly powerful enemy ever came, he would destroy it immediately.

This might not be the worst fate for an undead creature that preferred to sit in the darkness, lost in thought.

***

Over in Silvermoon Wolf Clan, preparations were underway.

Daryl had finally come to terms with the reality. His sister was marrying a half-elf, and not only that, she wasn’t the only wife, nor was she even the highest-ranked.

With this fact accepted, the entire Silvermoon Wolf Clan shifted into full preparation mode.

Wu Qingsong had originally planned to seek out and notify the Batiz people in the desert.

But Xeila stopped him.

“I don’t need anyone to prove anything for me.”

“I don’t want to prove anything for others.”

“And I don’t want to live under any kind of label.”

“I already have what I wanted, that’s enough.”

Wu Qingsong could only shake his head.

Xeila didn’t even want a wedding, but Wu Qingsong firmly believed that this would be one of the most important moments of their lives. It would surely become one of their most cherished memories.

He refused to let Xeila’s memories lack this piece while others had it.

Ling and Liuli volunteered to prepare Xeila’s wedding dress, and this subtly improved the relationship between them.

Perhaps it was an instinctive reaction—after all, Nina and Ram were unshakable allies, and Silvermoon was their shared support.

But Ling, Liuli, and Xeila?

They were all alone.

Wu Qingsong hoped his family would not have such divisions, but he also knew that some things wouldn’t just disappear simply because he wished them away. Even those involved might not have control over it.

***

Meanwhile, Wu Qingsong had met several times with the jeweler Mahaan Kifus. He presented the blueprints he had painstakingly drawn, trying to explain what he wanted to create—and whether it was even possible.

At first, Mahaan worked with easier materials like copper and wood to create prototypes.

The initial results weren’t quite right, but as he kept refining the models, Mahaan gradually understood Wu Qingsong’s intentions.

However, material limitations still posed challenges, and he was still experimenting and adjusting.

“Don’t rush,” Wu Qingsong reassured him.

“If you need anything, just ask. I’ll do my best to provide it. I promise once we succeed you’ll be well rewarded.”

As the snow began to melt once more, the brief yet vibrant and hectic season of the tundra was about to arrive.

It was then that Morin came to see him—discreetly.

“My Lord… the one in the hidden chamber… he wishes to see you.”

There was a hint of unease in Morin’s voice.

Boulder had worn a cloak when meeting him.

But who knew if someone else had seen?

Unlike the thick-furred undead bison and moose, whose skeletal nature was hard to distinguish, a lich was instantly recognizable as something evil.

At a time when the Xuanyuan Church was thriving, Morin did not want any misunderstandings caused by this creature’s presence.

Wu Qingsong was surprised.

This was the first time Boulder had requested to see him.

Had it really made a breakthrough?

It had, after all, been a full month since their last meeting.

Wu Qingsong hurried toward the Xuanyuan Sanctuary, with Morin jogging behind.

Finally, Morin found an opportunity to speak, “My Lord… surely you don’t intend to keep that evil…” He caught himself. “I mean… that easily misunderstood being in the sanctuary forever?”

“Is there a problem?”

“Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but the sanctuary now has many dedicated clergy. And there are always devout followers praying inside. My Lord, I mean no offense, but in such a situation, is it really worth the risk?”

“Keeping it here is the only way I can be at ease.” Wu Qingsong responded Alice’s power can suppress it, or even destroy it outright. As long as it remains under your watch, I can rest assured it stays in Nagrand. Do you understand?”

Morin’s expression changed.

Then he nodded enthusiastically. “Understood, My Lord! Leave it to me—”

“Shhh.”

They had arrived at the hidden chamber. Wu Qingsong raised a finger to his lips.

Morin nodded firmly, stepping aside to stand guard.

Wu Qingsong shook his head slightly, knocked twice on the door, then entered.

Boulder was still sitting in the same place.

Had Morin not just told him it had left this room, he would have doubted whether it had moved at all in the past month.

He placed a candleholder on the table, shut the door, and asked, “Any progress?”

“A lot.”

Boulder’s eyes opened, and the ashen flames flared up once more in the darkness.

“First, the shamanic teachings you requested.”

It gestured toward the floor.

Wu Qingsong now noticed a rolled-up parchment lying there.

“These priests worship Xuanyuan, not the natural spirits. Shamans gain power through communion with nature, that method won’t work for them. So I’ve adjusted and modified the approach. Whether it actually works, that still needs testing.”

“That’s fine.”

Wu Qingsong had already expected this issue.

He hadn’t been too optimistic, so any progress was already a pleasant surprise.

“The other matter. I have an idea. I need soul stones. And the Book of the Dead.”

Wu Qingsong stared at it for a long time.

Soul stones were crystals of pure, intact soul energy—created using rituals from the Book of the Dead on devout followers after death. Their value was obvious for an undead like Boulder.

And the Book of the Dead?

For Wu Qingsong, it was even more important. Almost everything he knew about necromantic magic came from that book. But so far, he could only decipher small portions of its contents. It was hidden away in the most secret place, known only to him, Ram, Ling, Xeila, and a select few.

A lich asking its summoner for the Book of the Dead…

It was like a hostage telling the robber, “Give me a gun, and I’ll help you fight the police.”

“You said before you’ve recovered some of this body’s memories?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know who killed you?”

“Xeila.” Boulder’s voice was calm.

“And you still want the Book of the Dead?”

“Yes.”