Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1285: 422: Ji Jiang's Predicament, True Sibling Affection, the Decapitator Strikes Again (Part 2)
Previously on Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely...
For instance, when the goods arrived at the end of January, the Xia Clothing Workshop launched the Blood Jade Fox Fur for the very first time. She knew instantly that these garments would become a massive success. Right after completing her stock-up, she started acquiring Blood Jade Fox Skins across the city, and alongside her store assistants, they labored around the clock to craft more than 300 pieces. This single effort alone delivered her a minimum of 1,500 taels in profits.
“Simply buying them up offers too slim a profit margin. It looks like I must carve out time for hunting trips. That way, I can gain Contribution Value by turning in Beast Meat, retain the Beast Skin for crafting clothes and restocking the shop, and sell the remaining scraps in the city for extra cash…”
Seated in her chair, Ji Jiang lowered her head in deep thought, quickly devising a plan.
Earlier this year, the Camp Supply Department rolled out fresh rules. Henceforth, personal hauls from hunting in Great Xia no longer require full submission. For Low-level Cold Beasts, just the Beast Meat needs handing over, while for Intermediate and Advanced Cold Beasts, only Beast Meat, Beast Blood, and Beast Bone are mandatory. The rest can be turned in for Contribution Value or kept for oneself—the decision rests fully with the hunter.
“That’s the plan. My hunting know-how is quite limited, so I’ll steer clear of Intermediate and Advanced Cold Beasts for now. Targeting Low-level Cold Beasts near Beining Mountain should pose no issue, and I can collect dyeing materials from the mountains too, slashing my clothing expenses. Unable to alter the city’s gloomy economy, I’ll focus on trimming costs and widening margins to push my monthly income past 10,000 taels!”
Ji Jiang, midway through Cold Resistance Level with Seven-maned strength, would leave others speechless if they learned she’d use it solely for Low-level Cold Beasts.
This inevitably recalls the profound care from her brother!
A decade back, right after their parents’ passing, Ji Jiang was merely nine, and Ji Hong fourteen. As minors, the siblings stayed home without venturing out. In Great Xia’s first year, Ji Hong hit fifteen, attaining adulthood. He shouldered all household duties, covering living costs and cultivation supplies, all procured through his Hunting Team labors.
By Great Xia’s fifth year, Ji Jiang reached fifteen. Blessed with solid talent, she aimed to join Ji Hong’s Hunting Team. Yet he rejected her outright, banning her from hunts and assigning her to the Camp Supply Department instead. Her exceptional clothing skills secured her spot in the Craftsmen Department’s Xia Clothing Workshop.
Two years prior, upon breaking into Cold Resistance Level, Ji Jiang could wait no more. She proclaimed her breakthrough yet admitted never laying eyes on a Cold Beast. After endless nagging at Ji Hong, he relented, escorting her thrice to Redwood Ridge for hands-on Cold Beast hunts.
Fresh at Cold Resistance Level with 2.6-maned power, she dispatched Low-level Cold Beasts with ease. Aware that camp Cold Resistance cultivators typically grouped for Advanced Cold Beasts, post two Low-level kills, she proposed tackling an Intermediate one.
Renowned in the Inner City, she frequently thrashed Zou Ping, Liu Peng, Lu Dong, Zhao Yuankong, and fellow young lads. Backed by her cultivation prowess, despite zero hunt experience, she trusted her might would snag Intermediate Cold Beasts effortlessly.
Yet reality struck hard: her 2.6-maned force proved futile solo against an Intermediate Snow Mane. In dire peril, timely brotherly aid spared her grave wounds.
There, Ji Jiang grasped the immense sacrifices her brother endured yearly for her sake;
Naturally, that fiasco drew Ji Hong’s harsh reprimand, firmly instructing her to limit solo hunts to Low-level Cold Beasts henceforth.
Ji Jiang heeded her brother’s advice faithfully. Despite her current 7-maned might, she resolved to pursue only Low-level Cold Beasts.
“First off, I need to build hunting expertise. Charging at Intermediate Cold Beasts recklessly would be foolish. Getting hurt means splurging on Healing Pills and fretting my brother—pointless trouble!”
After brief reflection, Ji Jiang rose, intent on gathering the strewn silver from the table. Midway, a voice echoed from beyond.
“Shopkeeper, how come there’s zero clothing in the shop?”
The voice froze Ji Jiang briefly. Recognition dawned, joy flooding her face. She set down the jar swiftly and dashed outward.
Bursting into the front room, Ji Jiang spotted a strikingly handsome youth in black summer garb, positioned centrally in the store, gazing at her with tender eyes. None other than her long-absent brother, Ji Hong!
“Wow… Brother, it’s truly you!”
Spotting Ji Hong, Ji Jiang yelped in ecstasy, arrowing into his arms like a bolt.
“Easy now, you’re grown up. Why act so childish still?”
Ji Hong’s face beamed with indulgent warmth as he stroked her head, inwardly noting their maturity yet clinging to brotherly airs.
Straightening up, Ji Jiang pouted tearfully, “Brother, nearly five months without a visit. Had your letter not barred me from leaving the city, I’d have rushed to Bashang multiple times for you.”
Her reddening eyes melted Ji Hong’s resolve; softly, he replied, “I’ve just entered the Dragon Martial Army reserves. Bashang Military Camp keeps me swamped—no time even if you came. But look, first free moment, here I am, right?”