Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1277 - 420: Resting at Fengyang Village, Ambush and Heavy Injury, Hatred and Rage (Part 3)

"The Lord’s attention truly spans the whole Nine Towns. Capturing Bashang and Jiuqu has already stirred anxiety among the towns. Seizing additional territories would truly turn our Great Xia into the target of countless foes..."

Li Longkai grasped the circumstances perfectly. He hesitated briefly, shook his head, then proceeded, "For these folks seeking self-preservation, it’s truly not challenging. They simply head to Hongmen. Refugee centers have been established in the city by the Civil Affairs Department. Serving there for two years grants effortless permanent residency in Hongmen, and they can join Great Xia later provided they obey the laws."

Lin Kai burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Li Longkai had no idea that Lin Kai himself proposed the refugee centers. Director Ying Yi from the Civil Affairs Department implemented them following his advice.

"Brother Ying probably hasn’t shared the information here yet. Upon our return, I’ll urge him to hasten it. Great Xia can’t just take these people; they need to flee to Hongmen on their own for it to seem legitimate. Even if Dragon Valley Town learns of it, they can’t accuse us of wrongdoing."

Zhu Fu and his companions possess Earth-digging Realm cultivation. Reportedly, traveling 40 kilometers along the Bluestone Road to Hongmen poses no great hardship. Evidently, they remain unaware of the Hongmen refugee centers.

"Tell them as we depart! Out of these four hundred individuals, only about twenty are Earth-digging Realm cultivators. Hunting proves tough these days. They barely sustain themselves, but any real hardship spells disaster!"

As he finished, Lin Kai accidentally eyed the nearby attendant and subtly signaled Li Longkai with a glance.

Li Longkai caught on instantly and addressed the attendant who suggested staying in Fengyang Village. With a grin, he remarked, "Cheng Ping, I recall you hailed from Beehive originally, integrated into Xia City by Great Xia in its second year, correct?"

Caught off guard by Li Longkai’s direct address, panic flashed in the man’s eyes for a moment, though he swiftly composed himself and nodded, "A mere subordinate, never thought Lord Li would recall it so vividly."

Li Longkai chuckled and shook his head, "You’re far from trivial. Word is, when the Lord, disguised as Hong Yu, sneaked into Beehive, you fancied his saber and nearly made a move. Is that accurate?"

As Li Longkai brought up that episode, Cheng Ping’s face stiffened. Recalling the ridiculous happening from seven years back, he first offered a wry smile, then bowed to Li Longkai, declaring, "Cheng Ping trembles in fear; I never imagined even that matter reached the Lord’s ears..."

He halted briefly before adding gratefully, "Luckily, the Lord showed mercy and spared Cheng Ping. After Beehive joined Great Xia, this subordinate offered some services.

Owing to those efforts, I settled in Xia City, and my cultivation advanced rapidly, surpassing Cold Resistance Level ahead of schedule. Presently, I serve in the Hongmen Supply Department under Lord Li. Whenever these thoughts arise, Cheng Ping overflows with deep thanks to the Lord, praying for the Lord’s everlasting splendor, and Great Xia’s everlasting splendor..."

Sparked by Li Longkai’s recollection, Cheng Ping suddenly remembered a flood of memories. By his final words, genuine feeling emerged, his tone turning faintly emotional.

Li Longkai nodded approvingly. In Xia City, most folks reacted similarly to Cheng Ping when speaking of loyalty to Lord Xia Hong, so nothing surprised him.

"Without Battle Body Talent, outside Great Xia, forget reaching today’s level 14 power— even attaining Cold Resistance Level would be uncertain..."

Li Longkai paused once more and inquired, "Regarding last month’s incident where your eldest son Cheng Yang met his end. The Prison Department still lacks a verdict. You harbor some bitterness still, don’t you?"

At this query, Cheng Ping’s features tightened, his gaze instinctively flicking toward Lin Kai before he caught himself and bowed his head, answering gravely, "This subordinate trusts the Prison Department will fully expose the facts."

Li Longkai let out a soft sigh, shaking his head, "Cheng Ping, your son bumped into Lord Lin by mishap in South City. Surely you don’t think Lord Lin slew your son?"

"This subordinate dares not!"

Those words prompted utter terror in Cheng Ping, who promptly bowed deeply before Lin Kai.

Witnessing this, Li Longkai shook his head in dismay multiple times.

Lin Kai rested his sword on Cheng Ping’s knee, stopping the kneel.

"If you harbor no suspicions toward me, then rise without kneeling!"

Cheng Ping froze awkwardly, unable to move, and gradually straightened up. He opened his mouth to respond but a knock echoed at the door.

Knock knock knock...

"Sirs, my leader notes your fatigue from the journey and has readied fruits and hot meals, instructing us to bring them for your pleasure."

"Lord Lin just handed out extra silver coins. Leader Zhu sure knows hospitality!"

"Hospitality indeed..."

Lin Kai first smiled and nodded at Li Longkai’s comment, then called toward the entrance, "Enter! I’m feeling peckish right now anyway."

Squeak...

The wooden door creaked open from without. Night had fallen; two middle-aged men clad in simple cotton garments stepped in slowly. The left one bore a skewer of freshly grilled beast meat, the right cradled a wooden platter laden with washed fruits.

As they came inside, savory scents filled the room instantly. Lin Kai and Li Longkai inhaled deeply, their hunger abruptly awakened.

"Your leader shows good judgment—set it on the table here!"

Lin Kai grinned and gestured for them to approach.