Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1332 - 434: Making Friends, Setting Out, Beining Sword Master, Arrival at Jinyang (Part 2)

When Lu Dong precisely named their surnames, Lu Yun along with the other six instantly displayed traces of astonishment on their faces, all obviously baffled.

"Hahaha..."

With a booming laugh, Lu Dong declared, "Big Brother already informed me about all of you and noted it’s your initial visit to Xia City. He stressed that I should host you properly. We’ve been occupied with the Martial Arts Competition lately, preventing me from seeking you out. You’ve now made it into the Inner City tonight, and with the competition concluded, I’ve had my sister-in-law set up a grand feast in the main hall for you. Come along; we’ll dine first. Post-meal, I’ll guide you on a stroll through the Inner City!"

He didn’t pause for the seven’s reply, instead forging ahead straight to the main hall.

Exchanging looks, Lu Yun and his six companions revealed hints of shock, yet they swiftly trailed after him.

Their master’s younger sibling, Great Xia’s genius, turned out far more affable than they’d first imagined.

In particular, Lu Yun leading the group couldn’t suppress his thoughts while gazing at Lu Dong’s retreating figure, reminiscing about the arrogant rich heirs from Beishuo City,

"Unlike those haughty folks in Beishuo who look down on everyone, this true young master embodies the essence of noble lineage!"

Even the typically calm and collected Han Li felt a surge of favor towards Lu Dong up front;

"Brother Lu, how vast exactly is Great Xia’s domain? We journeyed more than a hundred kilometers via the East Ridge Secret Passage to arrive at Xia City, and Master claimed this is merely a small fraction of Great Xia’s lands. Does that hold true?"

"Brother Lu, Master commands a Dongyang Army. On the day we arrived at Hanqiong, we spotted no fewer than five hundred Cold Resistance Level troops. Master insists the Dongyang Army stands as the weakest among Great Xia’s forces. Is that accurate?"

"I refuse to accept it. With half their soldiers at Cold Resistance Level—that power eclipses even Beishuo’s Defensive Army. How can it be the weakest? Master’s surely downplaying it."

......

The remaining five, Zhu Baixu included, chimed in without hesitation, hurrying after Lu Dong while eagerly inquiring about Xia City matters.

"Great Xia’s lands span more than twenty thousand square kilometers. Since Big Brother escorted you here to Xia City for the Martial Arts Competition, you’ll uncover details bit by bit. Regarding the Dongyang Army’s position, it probably ranks lowest indeed. Great Xia boasts fifteen armies altogether right now..."

As Big Brother Lu Yang had ushered his seven pupils into his Inner City dwelling, they counted as full-fledged Great Xia affiliates now. Thus, Lu Dong held nothing back, promptly responding to Zhu Baixu’s query.

His words elicited shocked looks from Lu Yun and the rest, deepening their grasp of Great Xia’s might as they fired off further inquiries.

Guiding the seven into the main hall, Lu Dong had them settle at the table, continuing his candid revelations to fully quench their thirst for knowledge.

"Cheers first, everyone. Once we’ve feasted, I’ll show you seven around the Inner City’s key spots. Big Brother directed that you all bunk here tonight; Sister-in-law readied rooms for guests."

Raising his goblet, Lu Dong drained it in a single gulp, observing the seven lift theirs and sip, a subtle emotion rising within him.

"Martial Arts Competition’s done, so I’ll enlist officially in the Dongyang Army. Big Brother’s bound to assign me to the Reconnaissance Camp, and later I’ll work undercover as someone else in East Ridge. Better to bond early with Big Brother’s seven disciples for smoother ops there."

.........

Ninth year of Great Xia, August 6th, daytime.

Xia City’s northern reaches, Arrow Bamboo Forest zone.

Four figures pressed slowly northwards, enduring the biting chill.

At the forefront in a black cotton jacket, the leader bore a yellowish-tan pack. Though plainly attired, his actions radiated commanding presence. Glancing back at his follower trailing by half a step, he grinned: "Xia Chuan mentioned you snagged the Beining Sword Chief honor, famous across Beishuo lands. True?"

"A flashy moniker from fame-hunters, making Lord chuckle!"

At Lu Yang's humble response, Xia Hong bursts into laughter and waves his hand dismissively: "No need to be modest. With your current 46-maned strength, excluding the Holy Pattern, few in the Northern Three Towns can surpass you, except for those at the Xianyang Level. The Beining Sword Chief title doesn’t carry enough prestige. I’d say it should at least be the Jingxi Sword Chief, or perhaps boldly, Beishuo Sword Chief wouldn’t be out of the question, hahaha..."

During their departure from the pass the previous night, Xia Hong had observed Lu Yang’s 46-maned strength. In cultivation terms, scarcely anyone in Great Xia—save for Xia Chuan’s 57-maned and Yuwen Dao’s 54-maned—could firmly overpower him at the Cold Resistance Level. Yuan Cheng and Xu Ning’s powers align closely with his own, showing minimal disparity.

To no exaggeration, when accounting for the Great Xia Sacred Pattern, Lu Yang’s genuine might within Beishuo Town reigns supreme below the Xianyang Level.

Awarding the Beishuo Sword Chief title to him wouldn’t inflate his abilities in the slightest!

These words sparked a flicker of assurance on Lu Yang’s features, but sensing Xia Hong’s underlying intent, he swiftly delivered a cupped-hand salute: "Rest assured, Lord. Despite my title being Beining Sword Chief, my penetration range into Beishuo over the past six years with the East Ridge crew far exceeds the Beining Mountain area alone..."

As Lu Yang elaborated on his exploits across six years in East Ridge, Xia Hong’s gaze intensified with brilliance, his satisfaction toward Lu Yang becoming ever more pronounced.