Chapter 351: Confrontation

Wu Qingsong almost asked the same question again.

Can Wu Qingsong trust him?

Of course, he didn’t trust Boulder.

Compared to his other summoned undead, this one was exceptionally disobedient. Though it had never outright defied him, Wu Qingsong could constantly feel its resistance and contempt.

In life, it had harbored a deep-seated hatred toward them. It had died at their hands, struck down by their combined efforts. Then, all memories and emotions of its past were erased, leaving it as an undead.

Had it not regained those memories, Wu Qingsong might have barely been able to trust it.

But now—

It calmly acknowledged its past. It casually named its killer. Without a trace of emotion.

That sent a chill down Wu Qingsong’s spine.

Maybe it really was researching a way to awaken beastgirls without him. But how could he be sure it wasn’t looking for a way to break free from him entirely?

It had been a powerful shaman in life.

Wu Qingsong had no doubt that if it studied the Book of the Dead, it could become an equally powerful necromancer.

Its intellect, patience, and unshakable will would ensure it succeeded.

Wu Qingsong even believed it had the mental fortitude to resist the corruption backlash that necromantic magic inevitably brought.

Would he risk that?

“I can give you a copied version of the Book of the Dead, but that will take time.”

“No problem,” Boulder replied.

“Soul stones can only be used under my supervision. You are not allowed to keep them.”

Wu Qingsong stared at its expressionless face. Its eyes, now nothing more than ashen flames, revealed nothing.

“That’s fine,” Boulder spoke without hesitation, then immediately sank back into silent thought.

Wu Qingsong picked up the scroll of parchment, stepped out of the room, and closed the door.

“My Lord?” Morin was still faithfully standing guard. “Assign someone to watch this room, only those you completely trust.”

“Understood.”

“Also, read this. Be careful. It’s best if Alice and Nina are nearby when you do and I should be there too.”

Morin flinched.

Was it that serious?

“If it’s that dangerous, should I even read it?”

“It’s Boulder’s compiled method for shamanic training.” Wu Qingsong said. “Don’t try anything yourself yet. If there are no obvious issues, pick a few priests to test it. Report back immediately.”

Morin’s nervousness turned into excitement.

“Understood!”

“Go.”

Wu Qingsong remained outside the chamber, lost in thought.

***

As craftsmanship improved and more apprentices joined the forges, iron quality and production had visibly improved.

Meanwhile, Mahaan’s prototype muskets, based on Wu Qingsong’s designs, were steadily advancing—becoming closer and closer to his vague memory of firearms.

Maybe in one or two more months, this world’s first flintlock muzzleloader would be completed.

And it wouldn’t just be any flintlock.

It would use paper cartridge ammunition—a technological leap that would skip over a century or two of trial and error in firearm development. With this, even the weakest mousefolk could stand against powerful beastmen.

Population and industry would translate directly into military strength. He would have the power to sweep across the tundra.

But that was it.

Even if he could produce muskets, making cannons wouldn’t be much harder.

And yet a cannon might kill one or two unsuspecting elves, but beyond that was impossible to truly oppose them.

This was a world where extraordinary beings ruled.

Muskets would give him an edge in mass battles—wearing down elite forces before the final confrontation. But victory would always come down to the clash of top-tier powerhouses.

Wu Qingsong had no other choice.

His fear and anxiety stemmed from his own lack of strength.

His lack of knowledge.

His inability to keep Boulder under control.

But if he couldn’t even face Boulder, how could he face stronger enemies?

“Sir?”

Morin had returned, bringing two young mousefolk with him.

“It’s up to you now.”

Wu Qingsong smiled and walked away.

***

A few days later, Wu Qingsong returned to Boulder’s chamber.

“Here are the first ten pages of the Book of the Dead. I’ve also included a Batiz-to-common translation sheet for the words I’ve deciphered. I’ll copy the rest as soon as I can. Anything else you need?”

“This will suffice for now.”

“There are two mousefolk standing guard outside your door, round the clock. If you need anything, tell them or write a note and slide it under the door. If Morin can’t handle it, he’ll bring it to me immediately.”

“Understood.”

Wu Qingsong nodded and turned to leave.

He had already decided he would never show hesitation in front of Boulder again.

Hesitation was weakness. He wouldn’t give it that advantage.

“Oh, and one more thing,” Boulder suddenly spoke. “I believe your body has become different. You possess some kind of extraordinary power now. To bear a child infused with such power, the mother’s body must also be equally strong.”

Wu Qingsong paused for a moment—then nodded.

“Thanks.”

The ashen flames in Boulder’s eyes flickered out. It had already closed its eyes.

***

What did that mean?

Leaving the sanctuary, Wu Qingsong kept replaying Boulder’s words in his mind.

“An equally strong mother?”

“Meow~ Wu, aren’t you coming to bed?”

It was Liuli’s turn tonight. She lay there excitedly, tail swishing back and forth.

Liuli, in her normal state, wasn’t physically powerful. But in her transformed state, she absolutely fit the description of strong and resilient.

And yet, they had already tried before.

Could it be that her transformation duration was too short? Or was it just bad timing?

“Wu?”

Liuli tilted her head, ears twitching in curiosity.

Wu Qingsong sighed inwardly. He couldn’t tell her. Liuli longed for children more than any of his other wives.

If he mentioned Boulder’s words, she would happily and eagerly dedicate herself to trying even harder.

If it worked, she would be the happiest of them all.

But if it didn’t…

This was just a theory—a baseless guess from Boulder. Wu Qingsong refused to give her false hope, only to crush it later.

It was better to let things happen naturally. For now, he would just pay more attention and be mindful.