Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1307 - 428: Xiang Chong, Martial Arts Competition Finals, and the Start of the Ancestral Rite

The ninth year of Great Xia, eighth month, fifth day, just after dusk fell.

Inner City, Xiang Mansion

"Fine, fine, we're only setting up simple offerings, nothing extravagant. No need for your assistance; the kitchen's filled with smoke. Don't let it bother Chong'er, get out, get out."

"Yes, big brother, leave now, don't disturb sister-in-law and me at work."

"All right, all right, I'm going, I'm going!"

Xiang Liang, cradling his two-month-old son, had barely entered the kitchen when his wife Wang Yuxiu and sister Xiang Rong chased him away.

He felt no irritation, instead gazing down at the child in his arms, whose big eyes stared back curiously. This cute expression drew a hearty laugh from him as he gently nuzzled his son's tiny nose.

In truth, two months earlier, news of his wife's delivery reached him at Hongmen, informing him of fatherhood, yet the distant message didn't stir deep emotions. Only upon returning to the Inner City at dawn and laying eyes on his son Xiang Chong did the reality sink in.

He had truly become a father!

Eight years prior, that reckless youth had nearly died in Northern Wuyuan Mountain's Logging Realm. Yet now, he had advanced to Cold Resistance Level, possessed the power of a Three-maned warrior, earned the Ninth-rank Marquis title, established a sacrifice in the Sect Temple to elevate the Xiang Family among Great Xia's minor sects, served as Vice Chief of Punishment at Hongmen—a fifth-rank official—and welcomed a robust baby boy from his wife!

These transformations were nothing short of monumental, no hyperbole needed.

Reflecting on that perilous night eight years back, when he staked his life with Cold Marrow Iron to pave Hefeng Camp's entry into Great Xia, Xiang Liang now brimmed with fulfillment, gratitude, and ease.

With his son in arms, Xiang Liang strolled leisurely to the main hall, spotting a pile of unopened congratulatory presents on the table. Glancing at the boy, he sighed emotionally, "You little one, your fortunes far surpass mine; your future shines with endless bright days."

When Hefeng Camp integrated into Great Xia eight years ago, it brought over a thousand souls. Though they had scattered across Xia City's districts, their shared origins and his father Xiang Ping's past leadership as Hefeng chief kept bonds alive.

Honestly, in earlier days, a few might have sent gifts for a child's one-month rite, but never in such abundance.

Xiang Liang knew well: his marquis conferment last year and Vice Chief of Punishment role at Hongmen this year had thrust him into Great Xia's official nobility, prompting this wave of favor-seekers.

Human nature leans practical, and rising from humble roots himself, Xiang Liang held no grudge against it.

Particularly after his time at Hongmen, immersing in Great Xia's politics for nearly a year, he had grasped the intricacies of its upper echelons.

At the year's Cold Yuan Banquet, Lord Xiao Kangcheng of Ba Shang Hunting Bureau Mountain Yu—the Minister's father-in-law—had eagerly approached him, signaling the Wuyuan System's invitation.

Factions form wherever people gather. Even Hefeng Camp's thousand-plus had fractured into cliques; imagine Great Xia's 2.6 million souls today.

Even officials seek alliances for mutual support, let alone common folk.

This flood of gifts for his son aimed to build ties, banking on his aid for themselves or their kin.

Eyeing the presents, Xiang Liang saw through it all clearly. He murmured, "From my half-year observations, the Wuyuan System holds sway only in Great Xia's mid-levels, with limited clout. They crave new talent. Should promising Hefeng veterans arise, aiding them fits perfectly—gifts aside, bonds are what count."

Pushing thoughts away, he claimed the main seat, grinning as he played with his son.

"Big brother!"

Yet his fun was short-lived; his second brother Xiang Yan stormed in from outside, face darkened with frustration, voice subdued in greeting.

"Did the rankings dash your advancement hopes?"

Xiang Liang read the cause from his brother's look.

His second brother Xiang Yan, shy of eighteen, qualified for this year's Martial Arts Competition youth division and seized the chance. By late May, like Xia City's youths, he headed to Hongmen for the bouts.

Thus, the siblings shared over two months at Hongmen until five days prior, post-semi-finals. Victorious Xiang Yan rushed back to Xia City for finals, while Xiang Liang came home after the prior rite.

The finals kicked off on the first, employing ring-timed matches: five rounds per fighter. Top 200 with flawless five wins and quickest times progressed; youth and young adult groups ran parallel, wrapping in five days.

Xiang Yan completed his rounds on the third, fortunate with five straight victories.

But his cumulative time topped half an hour, landing him beyond 180th in youth rankings when posted that day—further progress hinged on others faltering.

Thus, two nights running, he checked North Fifth District's list at dusk. His quick return with dejection showed elimination.

A shadow crossed Xiang Yan's face as he nodded, "I likely dropped off last night; the 200th spot now holds just over 600 breaths for five wins."