Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1237: 412: Outer Realm People, Demon Dragon's Strength, Confident Chu Yan'er, Hou Ming's Skills

The development level of humans in the Moao South Slope Region isn't actually that low.

Commerce between the Eight Towns has continued steadily, allowing basic items such as clothing to blend gradually among the towns. Although premium materials remain distinct, the everyday apparel of common folk—from mid-range to basic levels—shares much in common regarding design and fabric across these areas.

However, with Great Xia's recent addition to the Moao South Slope Territory, the vibrant hues and refined designs of Xia clothing make it strikingly noticeable compared to those in the Eight Towns.

Naturally, following Hongmen's port opening back in July, Xia garments have proliferated throughout the Eight Towns. Nowadays, spanning from the eight urban centers down to village camps, certain spots are embracing the Xia clothing fashion. As demand surges, supply follows suit, and with Great Xia open to all visitors, skilled artisans focused on crafting Xia attire have appeared in several locations.

No matter the shade or fabric, Xia clothing excels over other towns in detail and style diversity. Based solely on these aspects, it's just a question of time until it overtakes the customary garb of the Eight Towns.

The rapid sprouting of Xia Clothing Workshops in Hongmen’s South City, much like bamboo shoots after spring rain, signals this very shift.

Although Xiang Liang notices these transformations, his attention right now shifts away from them toward the six individuals who have just come down from the third floor and settled at their table.

All six wear white outfits. Xiang Liang can't pinpoint the exact fabrics, yet he determines they're cotton-derived and far from luxurious quality. What truly stands out is how their fashion diverges sharply from both Great Xia and the Eight Towns styles.

“Wuchuan favors black, Muyin goes for red, Jin Mountain leans toward cyan, Jiangxia chooses gold, but only the Beishuo folk truly prefer white the most…”

While Xiang Liang mulls over this, his coworker Bai Shanning murmurs softly next to him. It dawns on him then that he's not alone in watching them; the remaining three Silver Order Prison Wardens are also scrutinizing the group.

This sight doesn't catch Xiang Liang off guard at all.

The Prison Department handles law enforcement across all of Great Xia, dealing not just with investigations, arrests, and prisoner transports but also blocking harmful outsiders from sneaking into Great Xia lands. That's precisely why Prison Wardens, bearing their tokens, enjoy unrestricted movement inside Great Xia Territory.

Spotting obvious outsiders falls under their job responsibilities, a habit common to Xiang Liang and his three companions.

Bai Shanning's familiarity with the clothing preferences of different towns comes as no shock.

Over the five-plus years since its founding, the Prison Department has solidified its protocols and operations. New recruits train for a full month at the Inner City Prison Department, where they commit to memory the regional customs and practices throughout the Moao South Slope.

“Go inquire with them.”

“Got it!”

Bai Shanning's order prompts Xiang Liang to nod right away.

The quartet consists of Silver Order Prison Wardens, with no official rank differences among them, but as the least powerful and most junior, Xiang Liang ends up handling extra duties without question.

He rises and heads directly to the table occupied by the six.

Spotting his approach, the six offer friendly smiles and nods. As they see him coming straight their way, subtle shifts appear in their faces.

Yet they hold back further responses, remaining seated until he nears, then promptly getting to their feet. The leading middle-aged man fumbles a cupped-hands salute and inquires, “Sir, how may we assist you?”

Xiang Liang remains unfazed by the group's unease or the man's clumsy manner, aware that his uniform and silver token reveal his role to anyone.

Producing his token, he greets them with a grin and cupped hands: “I'm Xiang Liang, a Prison Warden of Great Xia, conducting a standard check. No need to be so formal. Sit down, please!”

The token's sight eases the middle-aged man's tension noticeably, and he swiftly pulls out a Hundred Forged Token along with a paper from his belongings, passing them to Xiang Liang.

[Holder: Chu Dongning, originating from Chenggu Village in the Extreme North Outer Domain, journeying to Xia City for admiration's sake, accompanied by six others: Chen Qing, He Yang, Zhu Dong, Chen Yu, Chen Huang, Chu Yan’er. Descriptions…

Issuer: Hongmen Guardian Lin Kai

Date Issued: September 18th, late evening]

Viewing the token puts Xiang Liang at ease instantly. Being a Prison Warden, he's well-versed in such travel permits. Moreover, Chu Dongning's smooth handling implies prior checks at spots like Dragon River and Jinbi.

Nevertheless, Xiang Liang scans the document fully and verifies the six's looks against it. Satisfied, he questions, “You have a female companion listed. Where is she?”

Chu Dongning responds at once with a smiling cupped-hands gesture, “My daughter possesses weak cultivation and grew weary from the travels. She's resting upstairs. If you doubt it, I'll fetch her now…”

With those words, he pivots as though calling for her.

“That's unnecessary. If she's worn out, she should recover properly! Sorry for bothering you—this is just protocol.”

“You're overly polite, sir; I wouldn't presume!”

Chu Dongning's over-the-top response obviously feels rehearsed. Given possible prior encounters with wardens along the route, Xiang Liang dismisses it casually and departs with a friendly smile.

Back at his spot, Xiang Liang meets the gazes of Bai Shanning and the rest. He promptly recounts, “They're visitors from an Outer Realm village camp, here to tour Xia City much like ourselves. Coming via Hongmen City, they've got proper papers endorsed by Lord Lin Kai. All seems in order.”