Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1290 - 423: Shadow Demon Insect, Xiang Liang’s First Merit, Cheng Ping’s Regret

Indeed, with the demon worm's ability to fly, the trio had no shot at engaging it up close. Given its confined movement area, taking it down with bow and arrows was clearly the most secure option.

That demon worm's velocity was shockingly rapid. Bear in mind, Lin Kai's initial arrow had inflicted considerable harm, but against the relentless barrage from Yuwen Dao's powerful bow, it dodged over ninety percent of them.

Swish swish swish...

Endlessly, the three unleashed arrows, steadfastly blocking the demon worm from nearing the Yellow Candle, as its dodges grew increasingly labored—the result was plain to see.

"What do you reckon, what's the draw weight on those Silver Wing Bows wielded by the three lords?"

"It's obvious from watching! The Camp Needs Department's finest Silver Wing Bows top out at 30 pounds. Given the might and wealth of the three lords, they're definitely using 30-pound versions."

"No surprise the arrows whistled so thunderously that folks across South City heard it."

"Hurry, scatter the crowd, stop them clustering here."

"Quick, collect the arrows fired by the three lords, don't let nearby folks grab them all."

......

Having loosed more than a hundred arrows combined, the three left the demon worm with just its head and core torso. Though its rear transparent wings still thrashed wildly, their pace had slowed dramatically. Sharp-eyed observers could tell it was utterly spent.

Poof...

Ultimately, Lin Kai's Iron Arrow struck true on the demon worm's head.

Hiss...

Thicker black smoke billowed from the demon worm's head. As flames erupted brighter, it froze rigid in the sky.

Once the blaze faded, a translucent spherical insect egg hung in the air. Oddly, the demon worm's back wings persisted in fluttering, holding the egg aloft.

At the same time, the black speck encircled by the Yellow Candle shifted after the demon worm perished. Losing its dread of the Yellow Candle, it morphed into dark mist and sped toward the insect egg.

Whizz...

Upon devouring the black vapor, the once-clear insect egg swiftly turned a lustrous black jade hue.

Lin Kai vaulted off the wall, snatched the insect egg, and touched down, eyes gleaming as he eyed it in his grasp.

"The Head Cutter Monster is finally taken care of!"

Gripping the insect egg, Lin Kai exhaled deeply, facing the near two hundred souls who'd battled the beast that night, his visage beaming with grins.

"Brothers, you've toiled hard these last days. I'll promptly direct the Camp Supply Department to compensate you per your efforts. After the Xia City Camp Needs Department evaluates this insect egg's worth, all in tonight's mission get a cut!"

Joy lit the features of those who'd labored for days; Zhao Bao and the Prison Department crew, in particular, sighed in relief and gazed at Lin Kai plus the other two with profound thanks.

Then Lin Kai pivoted to Xiang Liang, brimming with praise, declaring, "Vice Chief of Punishment Xiang, who baited the Deceitful Monster with his own body, deserves top honors tonight. I'll seek rewards for you from the Minister myself—no concerns."

Xiang Liang's face lit up instantly; fists subtly tightening in his sleeves, he bowed swiftly to Lin Kai and voiced deep appreciation: "Thank you, Lord, for the advancement!"

Right now, none thrilled more than Xiang Liang himself.

His idea it was to dispatch folks via shadowy lanes to lure the Head Cutter Monster out.

The prior four days saw over a hundred sent as lures, yet the Head Cutter Monster stayed hidden, nearly crushing Xiang Liang's hopes—until triumph struck tonight.

Plus, pure chance had the Head Cutter Monster fixate on him.

First merit!

Those words made the peril he'd braved that night all worthwhile.

"Okay, all, clear out. Patrollers, resume duty; this mere first Deceitful Monster means no easing up."

"Understood!"

Lin Kai sent off the Prison Department and Cloud Dragon Army folk, then faced nearby Yuwen Dao and Yuan Cheng, cupping hands in thanks: "Grateful for your aid tonight, both of you!"

"The Minister tasked me with overseeing Hongmen—it's my responsibility!"

Yuwen Dao responded courteously, but Yuan Cheng, tight with Lin Kai, ditched protocol, just nodding at the insect egg and grinning, "Not thinking of using this insect egg?"

In Great Xia, it's common knowledge: some Deceitful Monsters yield abilities on death, others drop items, and fusing those items bestows powers too.

Lin Kai slew this insect egg, granting him prime claim.

Yet his prior remarks showed no intent to claim it, prompting Yuan Cheng's question.

Hearing that, Yuwen Dao showed interest too, chuckling, "That demon worm's shadow-killing technique was impressive—doesn't suit, Lord Lin?"

At Yuwen Dao's words, Lin Kai shook his head vigorously, helpless-faced toward Yuwen, replying, "Director Yuwen, no teasing. Had you truly wanted this insect egg, I couldn't have touched it!"

Yuwen Dao chuckled at Lin Kai's witty retort.

Laughing heartily, yet he didn't refute Lin Kai's claim!

True enough, his power meant if he coveted the egg, Lin Kai stood no chance.

In truth, Yuwen Dao had a fair inkling why Lin Kai shunned fusing this insect egg.

"The Lord mentioned before: one lifetime, one Deceitful Monster item merge, so pick wisely. I aim to upgrade my Top-grade Battle Body Talent, demanding utmost care. This demon worm's a Demon Monster, no tie to talent boosts—pass!"