Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1256 - 416: Secluded Cultivation Breakthrough, A Botched Arrest, Let Your Superior Handle It [Subscribe Request]

"Even if those two feudal towns possess the information, I have no idea how to reach them!"

As he pondered the promise he had made to Li Xuanling last month to reassure her, a look of helplessness flickered across Xia Hong’s face.

Regarding the exact locations of the Chen and Cai feudal towns, he only knew they were situated to the north; beyond that, he was completely in the dark. He could hardly set out on a reckless journey northward, could he?

Possessing a Xianyang Level of cultivation might be considered respectable among commoners, but it was far from sufficient to wander the treacherous Ice Abyss without worry.

The Sumeru Nightmare on Twin Dragon Mountain had been a sobering lesson.

In any unknown territory, rash exploration inevitably demands a heavy price.

Tragedy, even death, is a distinct possibility!

Furthermore, the complete absence of any large-scale migrations from the Chen Cang and Cai Qiu feudal towns southward into the Nine Towns Territory spoke volumes.

Certainly, Cai Qiu had managed to plant covert agents within the Nine Towns Territory, and Chen Cang had dispatched three Xianyang Level experts this April to assist the Northern Three Towns against the Dajue Temple. These two specific incidents suggest that a discreet route exists connecting those northern towns.

The primary dilemma regarding these feudal towns remains identifying that precise path.

The Great Xia has currently detained a Cai Qiu operative, Han Peng, but the complication lies in the fact that he is a native of Jinshan Town and has never actually visited Cai Qiu. Mu Longhe encountered the three Xianyang Level experts from Chen Cang, yet he remains ignorant of the town itself, let alone the route to reach it. He only knows that figures like Yang Zhun, Qin Feng, and Shangguan Yang seem to possess some familiarity with Chen Cang.

"Could it be that I am forced to seek answers from Qin Feng and Shangguan Yang?"

Xia Hong’s brow furrowed slightly; Yang Zhun was completely out of the question. It was highly improbable that Qin Feng or Shangguan Yang would divulge such secrets to him, especially after the humiliation he inflicted upon them at Hongmen last month.

Consequently, questioning that trio about the route was effectively impossible.

"There are two other avenues: the first involves capturing the middle-aged man in black who assassinated members of our Three Towns Chamber of Commerce and instigated unrest in the Nine Towns. He certainly knows the way, but according to intelligence relayed by Xia Chuan, this individual is remarkably cautious and possesses techniques to alter memories, making him elusive. The second option is to squeeze information from Han Peng of Jinyang Village or track down additional secret agents of his caliber!"

Han Peng previously mentioned that he meets his superior from Cai Qiu twice a year—in March and August. Since Lu Yang has already taken Han Li under his protection at East Ridge, Han Peng would surely fear to betray us. When March or August arrives, seizing the superior he meets will undoubtedly reveal the directions to Cai Qiu.

After confirming Han Peng’s status as a Cai Qiu spy, the Great Xia leadership naturally refused to release him. Fortunately, through their dealings with Han Feng, the Great Xia had long monitored the status of Jinyang Village and knew that Han Peng cherished his grandson, Han Li. They had wisely instructed Lu Yang to use a pretext to bring the boy to East Ridge.

Since Han Peng represents the only viable lead to the Cai Qiu feudal town, his treatment has been handled with extreme care to prevent him from rescinding his cooperation.

"Furthermore, there is the newcomer, Chu Yan’er, who clearly possesses the strength to slay deceptive monsters. Her origin remains a mystery; I must see if Xia Chuan can extract useful intel from her!"

Ultimately, there is no need to beg the Northern Three Towns for information. The Great Xia can rely on its current leads and strategies. It may require patience, but once the location of Cai Qiu is confirmed, navigating to the other feudal towns should follow.

"The most pressing matter remains my Cultivation. Before setting out for those towns, I must elevate my strength further!"

To speak precisely, Xia Hong achieved his breakthrough last September. Considering the passage of time, it has been exactly one year. His strength increased steadily from just over 10 jun to 11 jun—a feat that would seem like a fairy tale to those in the outside world.

Yet, one must remember that with the dual influence of the Enlightenment Lotus Platform and the Martial Arts Pavilion, his Cultivation speed was increased eightfold. Additionally, since Mu Longhe and Xiang Fuhai were both incapacitated, he was the sole individual at the Xianyang Level within all of Great Xia capable of normal practice. Thus, every Bone Condensing Pill and Bone Gathering Pill was allocated to him, ensuring resources were never an issue. This was compounded by the amplification from his Twelve Blood Scripture Skills, making his progress even more formidable.

Thus, while it may appear he has practiced for only a year, the actual intensity of his efforts spans much longer.

"By my estimation, two more years are required to reach the middle stage. At present, I am still reliant on Bone Condensing and Bone Gathering Pills. I can only hope that Moao Mountain yields some unexpected treasures..."

Setting those idle thoughts aside, Xia Hong closed his eyes, entered a meditative state, and resumed his Cultivation as the Lotus Platform began to emit a soft, pulsing radiance.

......

While Xia Hong remained deeply immersed in his practice upon the Star-picking Platform, the atmosphere within the North Fifth District of the Outer City grew suddenly oppressive.

The Outer City currently consists of only twenty-two districts, with eighteen situated in East City and four in North City.

The so-called North Fifth District serves as a temporary facility specifically designed to accommodate external settlers.

Since the inauguration of the Hongmen port in July and the Great Xia’s decision to open its borders to the outside world, a steady stream of travelers from distant towns, village-level camps, and even the Outer Domain had flocked to Xia City in admiration. They arrived with diverse intentions—some to visit, others to invest or conduct trade, and a few to gather intelligence in the shadows.

Regardless of their motives, since the Great Xia had committed to opening its doors, it was essential—for both reputation and security—to properly house these guests, which led to the establishment of the North Fifth District.

Naturally, such hospitality comes at a price!

Those bold enough to travel great distances to reach Xia City are invariably capable. Previously, to even secure residency in the North Fifth District, one needed at least the Earth-digging Realm Limit of Cultivation. However, since the eighteenth of last month, the situation has begun to shift.