Chapter 365: The Best Candidate

While the Sea Draconians puzzled over the eerie calm at Gale Island, Wu Qingsong was busy scouring the newly named Seven Isles for massive sea beasts that could help him counter the Sea Draconians. One by one, he transformed them into undead minions.

From the fishmen’s perspective, this was a brutal invasion and massacre. But to Wu Qingsong, at least at this moment, they were not creatures worthy of equal treatment. Like the insectoids, they were primitive, savage, and bloodthirsty beasts—not beings with whom he could reason. He felt no moral burden in exterminating them.

The birdfolk, especially the penguins, trusted him and followed his lead. In return, he had to find ways to give them a better life.

He once heard a saying: A politician cannot be judged by the morals of an ordinary person. If a politician acts according to their personal morals instead of prioritizing the interests of the people who trust and support them, then they are desecrating their position and betraying those they serve.

Wu Qingsong didn’t know if this was right or wrong. But in the ruthless world he lived in, where bloodshed was the norm, showing morality and mercy to his enemies—especially to creatures like insectoids and fishmen—was not just a crime. It was stupidity.

For two days, he tirelessly hunted down and converted every sea monster he could find. Then, ordering them to head toward Gale Island, he and Ling took flight toward the north.

---

Winter in Nagrand continued at its usual sluggish pace. Days passed in an unhurried rhythm, as if nothing had changed since they left.

Wu Qingsong gathered his people and briefed them on what had transpired at Gale Island.

“Morin, you’re coming with me. I need you to mediate between the harpies and the other two races. The younger priests aren’t capable of handling this, you’re the only one who can.”

“But the Northern Wastelands…” Morin hesitated.

“Alice will oversee the church’s progress here,” Wu Qingsong reassured him.

“If that is your will, my lord, then I shall not refuse,” Morin said solemnly.

“Do you need our help?” Nina asked.

“Yeah, should we go with you?” Liuli chimed in.

“No, Gale Island is important, but Nagrand needs you more,” Wu Qingsong said.

“If you leave, can Morin really keep Queen Gale in check?” Harold asked. He no longer participated in active duties, instead offering Wu Qingsong counsel based on his experience and wisdom. Since being granted his title, he had devoted himself to mentoring Angus, seemingly grooming the level-headed hunter to be his successor.

This saddened Wu Qingsong somewhat. It felt as if Harold was fulfilling his final duties before willingly facing death.

But there was nothing he could do about it. Harold was nearly sixty, an old age for a wolfman—especially one who had lived recklessly, accumulating wounds as a mercenary. If not for Alice and Nina’s healing light, he might have already succumbed to his old injuries.

Pushing these disheartening thoughts aside, Wu Qingsong said, “I’ll bring Boulder to Gale Island.”

“Boulder?!” Everyone was shocked—especially Morin, who nearly screamed.

“In that case, there should be no problem,” Harold nodded, dropping any further objections.

Boulder had never participated in battle since becoming a lich, but given what Wu Qingsong had seen with Raman, he was confident the undead shaman was at least as strong as he had been in life. In fact, at this moment, Boulder was likely the most powerful individual in Nagrand.

When Wu Qingsong approached Boulder with his request, the lich remained silent. Then, without a word, he stood, pulled his hood over his face, and prepared to leave.

“No need to rush,” Wu Qingsong sighed. “Ling needs to rest, and Morin has preparations to make. If you need anything, let me know, and I’ll arrange it for you.”

“Then inform me when it is time to depart,” Boulder replied, before sitting back down.

Wu Qingsong studied the undead shaman, unsure what went on in his mind or what he sought to achieve. He didn’t know if his decision to send Boulder was right or wrong. But at the very least, Gale Island provided a place where Boulder wouldn’t have to hide in the shadows. His intelligence and power could be instrumental in defeating the fishmen and claiming the Seven Isles.

“I hope this won’t take up too much of your time,” Wu Qingsong addressed Boulder. “Morin will handle most matters. I’ve instructed him to only seek your assistance in critical situations, and he must seriously consider any advice you offer. Of course, if you wish, you may take any action you deem necessary to secure the church’s foothold and ensure the safety of our people.”

“Any action?” Boulder asked from the darkness.

“I trust your wisdom and strength to make the best decisions for Nagrand,” Wu Qingsong said. “If you prefer, Morin can act as your deputy.”

A long silence followed. Then Boulder spoke.

“No need. The current arrangement is fine.”

---

Since the journey would last at least a year, Morin packed two maids and a heap of supplies. However, as a rabbitfolk, his needs were modest—he ensured his baggage remained practical and not excessive.

Priests in this world did not abide by strict ascetic rules, and Wu Qingsong had no intention of turning his clergy into a group of celibates. However, they were still expected to maintain dignity and avoid scandal. As the High Priest, Morin upheld these standards and set an example for others.

With Boulder present, the trip was uncomfortably silent. The oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on everyone. When they finally landed at Gale Island after flying through the night, even Wu Qingsong and Ling rushed to leave the plane as quickly as possible.

“This is…?” Queen Gale’s sharp gaze immediately sensed the power hidden beneath the hood.

“A reclusive ascetic,” Wu Qingsong answered vaguely before pushing Morin forward. “This is Morin, High Bishop of the Icefield Diocese and leader of the Xuanyuan Church.”

“A pleasure,” Queen Gale smiled politely and nodded.

But in her mind, she had already dismissed Morin as a mere figurehead. The frail rabbitfolk possessed no power of his own. No—the true force Wu Qingsong had brought, the one meant to keep the harpies in check, was undoubtedly this nameless ascetic.

She would have to keep a close eye on him. Very close.