Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1230 - 410: The Zhao Family Makes a Move, Joy and Inferiority, A Mother’s Deep Love, and the Old Xiang Family’s Pride

"Ah Jiang, I've sorted things out with my brother already. He'll support me in breaking off the engagement to the Zhao family without delay."

Ji Jiang nearly burst with delight at Xu An's announcement. Ji Hong figured that, if he weren't there as an extra, his sister would have rushed right into Xu An's embrace.

Her excitement peaked when Xu An presented the jade pendant bearing Ji Jiang's name; she clutched it tightly, beaming like a fool even after Xu An departed.

Witnessing her in that state stirred envy and frustration in Ji Hong.

Yet above all, he rejoiced for his sister discovering her true path.

As her sibling, Ji Hong grasped her emotions toward Xu An more than anyone. After hearing from Zeng Rou yesterday about Zhao Yuanxiu's aggressive pursuit of love, his intense response stemmed from knowing how deeply his sister cherished Xu An.

Should Xu An decide to wed Zhao Yuanxiu, Ji Jiang could suffer irreparably for the rest of her days.

Aware of this, he refused to allow his sister to suffer at the Zhao family's hands. Thus, after departing Zhao’s Restaurant the previous day, he mustered his resolve to visit the Ministry Building, aiming to speak plainly with Xu Ning.

Predictably, he was denied entry before reaching the interior.

Even with his superior battle body aptitude, Ji Hong remained at just the Cold Resistance Level, rendering access to the Ministry Building a distant prospect.

Luckily, he crossed paths with Lin Kai emerging from the Ministry Building by chance.

Whether Xu An's visit today connected to his plea to Lin Kai yesterday remained unclear. Still, seeing his sister Ji Jiang so elated now filled him with satisfaction.

Rising to his feet, Ji Hong tousled his sister's hair and grinned, "Okay, Ah Jiang, the Dragon Martial Army's departure nears, so I need to head out too."

Ji Jiang recalled her brother's trip to Bashang today. Though expected, stowing the jade pendant brought a touch of sorrow to her features. "Brother, look after yourself well in Bashang."

At her words, Ji Hong's eyebrows lifted, and he chuckled, "Since when do you fret over your big brother? Hongmen City teems with all kinds from Eight Towns. Focus on your own safety here. I've secured a reserve spot in the Dragon Martial Army. A opening will make me official soon. Just prepare for the easy days ahead with your brother!"

Defiance flashed across Ji Jiang's face as she huffed, "Brother, don't look down on me. My business is raking in profits now. You could end up depending on me for cultivation supplies down the line!"

"Hahaha, fine, fine, I'll count on you. Time to go!"

Ji Hong let out several hearty laughs, gathered his gear, and stepped outside.

Ji Jiang escorted him to the entrance, gazing as he passed through the South City gate until his figure faded into the distance, her eyes growing misty.

Exiting the gate, Ji Hong felt a pang in his nose.

After leaning on one another for close to a decade, only the two siblings truly appreciated the strength of their connection. Every parting, no matter the miles or moments apart, proved challenging for them.

"Joining the Dragon Martial Army should bring steady contribution points. I'll push my cultivation hard, grow tougher, rack up merits. With a title under my belt, my standing will soar. That's when my sister and Xu An can build a secure life together, and everything for me will keep improving!"

Drawing in a steadying breath, Ji Hong dashed toward the camp.

Yet, still several hundred meters from the barracks, three imposing silhouettes blocked his path.

Spotting them, Ji Hong's face tightened a bit. He swiftly shifted his route, hoping to sidestep the encounter.

But as he veered, so did they.

Their target was him!

Dread settled over Ji Hong, prompting him to halt and, when they drew near, cup his fists in respect. "Ji Hong of the Dragon Martial Army salutes Commander Zhao, Zhao Shanyu, and Military Preparation Zhao!"

Noting how Ji Hong declared his Dragon Martial Army affiliation and named their positions precisely, Zhao Long's eyebrows twitched upward.

He stayed silent at first, then promptly raised Ji Hong and offered a warm smile. "Skip the formalities, Brother Ji. Word spread early this month about Great Xia welcoming another elite with top-grade battle body talent. You entered the Dragon Martial Army right upon hitting Cold Resistance Level. Now that you've arrived in Hongmen, I, Zhao, naturally wished to greet you. Meeting you today confirms it—Brother Ji, your aura is truly commanding!"

The sudden praise from Zhao Long heightened Ji Hong's caution. He dipped in another bow. "Lord Zhao overpraises me. I need to join the Dragon Martial Army's march to Bashang promptly. Unless there's more, my lords..."

Eager to depart without even chatting briefly?

Zhao Long's forehead creased faintly, irked by the wariness etched on Ji Hong's features. As fellow soldiers, with their trio's prominence, their approach deserved better courtesy.

Recalling his primary goal, however, Zhao Long bypassed chit-chat and cut to the chase since Ji Hong offered no opening.

"Brother Ji, you're 25 now. I'm 22 years your senior, Zhao, so I'll presume the role of elder. Allow me to offer some earnest counsel this time..."

Zhao Long began, then hesitated before pressing on. "You hold a top-grade battle body aptitude, yet lack backing. These years haven't brought wealth, have they? You've had to scrape for cultivation resources for both you and your sister. With plentiful supplies, your talent would have seen you reach Cold Resistance Level no later than your sister, wouldn't it?"