Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1258: 416: Secluded Cultivation Breakthrough, A Botched Arrest, Let Your Superior Come [Subscription Requested!]
Previously on Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely...
Chapter 416: Secluded Cultivation Breakthrough, A Botched Arrest, Let Your Superior Come [Subscription Requested!]
Who could have predicted that such a routine introduction would ignite such a chaotic situation!
“Chu Yan’er and her circle of seven represent a grave threat—they have even drawn the attention of the Lord. Chu Yan’er was taken into custody at the Yuan Mansion and is currently held within the Prison Department’s main hall. The Minister has personally ordered us to apprehend the remaining six immediately.”
This was the urgent report delivered by Hou Ming as he summoned the team at the Prison Department.
Xiang Liang felt his heart tighten with apprehension. Despite his anxiety, he dared not voice any inquiries, choosing instead to trail closely behind Hou Ming. Shortly thereafter, the contingent of prison wardens arrived at the rented residence belonging to Chu Yan’er’s party.
“Surround the premises!”
Though the houses in the North Fifth District were designated for temporary rentals, they followed the strict architectural regulations of other urban zones, anticipating potential city expansion. Each villa maintained precise dimensions of ten meters by ten meters.
Obeying Hou Ming’s command, over a hundred Cold Resistance Level prison wardens fanned out. Some scaled the courtyard walls, others breached the front entrance, while teams swept through the rear and climbed to the second floor, effectively sealing every exit.
“Chu Dongning, Chen Qing, He Yang, Zhu Dong, Chen Yu, Chen Huang, your associate Chu Yan’er has engaged in illegal activities within the Inner City and has been apprehended by Director Yuan of the Governance Department. As the Chief of Punishment, I insist that you six surrender peacefully and accompany me to the Prison Department. If you provide a full and honest account of your origins and motives, I will ensure matters remain manageable for you!”
After delivering this ultimatum, Hou Ming sent a signal to his subordinates.
Whoosh…
All one hundred and fifty prison wardens, Xiang Liang included, swiftly unslung their Divine Arm Bows, nocked their arrows, and pulled the strings taut, leveling their aim at the building.
Swish…
“Taken by Director Yuan himself?”
“They must be playing for keeps.”
“There are 150 wardens here, and every single one is at the Cold Resistance Level!”
“Observe the Chief of Punishment, Hou Ming. It is whispered that his cultivation strength reaches at least 24 manes; he is unrivaled across the North Fifth District!”
“Even those 23 Silver Order wardens possess strength exceeding 8 manes.”
“And the Iron Order troops are just as formidable!”
The sight of 150 wardens readying their arrows provoked waves of shock from the gathering onlookers.
These Cold Resistance Level wardens were largely drawn from various village-level camps; to them, this display was a truly intimidating demonstration of force.
“Our group of seven hails from a remote corner of the Outer Domain; we have been in Xia City for less than a month. If Great Xia intends to arrest us without justification, so be it, but to levy such slander against us—is this what your camp calls hospitality? It is laughable!”
A booming, irritated voice of a middle-aged man echoed from within the house.
Upon hearing this, Hou Ming realized the man was playing to the crowd, and his expression hardened.
“Whether the arrest is wrongful or not, you six need only accompany me for an impartial confrontation. In the presence of everyone, it would be difficult for me, Hou Ming, to manufacture such claims.”
“Ha! Once we are inside your Prison Department, what chance do we have for a defense?”
“Fire arrows! Breach the entrance!”
Recognizing that he could not allow the verbal posturing to continue, Hou Ming directed his men to force the door open.
Bang…
A volley of over a hundred iron-tipped arrows slammed into the structure, shattering the main entrance instantly.
“Silver Order wardens, follow me in to secure the targets!”
Recalling Xia Chuan’s warning that these six were concealing their true prowess, Hou Ming opted against a full-scale rush, ordering only the 23 Silver Order wardens to enter with him.
With his long blade drawn, he led the contingent into the dwelling.
Clang…
The door exploded inward, but as they stormed the inner chamber, Hou Ming and his elite squad were left paralyzed with confusion.
The room was entirely barren. Not a soul remained.
“Where are they?”
“They were just talking—how could they have vanished so quickly?”
“The room is confined; they couldn't have slipped past us.”
“Is there a hidden crawlspace?”
“Ridiculous. Every building in Xia City was commissioned by the Craftsmen Department. Besides, who has the capacity to construct a hidden tunnel beneath this city?”
Amidst the growing confusion of the wardens, Hou Ming’s gaze locked onto the wall of the main hall.
Sixteen paintings were mounted there. Fifteen were conventional portraits, while one depicted a stark, desolate landscape.
The scene captured a dark, frozen forest at night. Towering, snow-laden trees stood like iron statues, unbothered by the whistling winds. The level of detail was hauntingly realistic—from the grainy snow underfoot to the faint silhouettes of Cold Beasts lurking in the distant canopy.
“That landscape looks like Redwood Ridge, doesn’t it?”
“Indeed, it must be. Look at the uniformity of the trees!”
“Is that a Golden Frost Tree? Cold Beasts are famous for nesting in them. The details are matched perfectly; this is undoubtedly Redwood Ridge!”
Hearing his men, Hou Ming’s brow furrowed. He stepped forward and pulled the landscape painting from the wall, barking, “Confiscate every painting in this room. Xiang Liang, you are tasked with transporting these directly to the Inner City Prison Department headquarters.”
“Yes, sir!”
Xiang Liang responded at once, a chilling realization dawning on him. Initially skeptical, witnessing six individuals evaporate into thin air convinced him that Chu Yan’er and her associates were far more dangerous than assumed.
“Given their methods, they are likely involved with the Deceitful Monster—we are in deep trouble!”
Inner City, Prison Department Headquarters.
Inside a sequestered side chamber, Chu Yan’er sat composed at her desk, wielding a black brush, completely entranced by her own work as she painted.