Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1337 - 435: Yinhe Valley, Bone-Eroding Path, Han Peng’s Decision, At Last Awaited

Han Li laid out 10 Dragon Carp Pills right in front of Han Peng, then kept listing more, "5 Yangyuan Pills, 15 pounds of refined salt, 5 pounds of mid-grade Cold Blood Wine..."

Observing his grandson display one valuable item after another, and listening to descriptions of Xia City's booming prosperity along with its plentiful cultivation resources, Han Peng's face became more and more stunned, his eyes revealing a hint of resolve, evidently having reached a vital decision.

"Li’er, tell Grandpa, how has Lu Yang treated you over this past year?"

Caught off guard by the question, Han Li paused for a moment before his features lit up with thankfulness as he answered, "Grandpa, my master has been incredibly good to me, teaching me martial arts himself, sharing numerous hunting techniques, and passing on plenty of key cultivation knowledge. I've also bonded well with my fellow apprentices, and furthermore..."

In reality, after just one year as an apprentice, Han Li wasn't eligible for the Great Xia's Martial Arts Competition, particularly via the East Ridge Secret Passage to Hanqiong and onward to the Great Xia. At 24 years old, Han Li wasn't naive; upon discovering his master Lu Yang hailed from Great Xia folk, he pieced together quite a bit.

Once he understood it all, his immediate reaction was deep appreciation for his master's faith in him. Looking back on the year gone by, he'd offered little pushback against his master's guidance and support, swiftly embracing his new identity within the Great Xia.

Beyond that, his experiences in Xia City had driven home the truth that aligning with the Great Xia offered the surest path to advancing further in cultivation.

"Grandpa, I've witnessed so much in the Great Xia—let me tell you, it outshines even Jinshan Town. We can't linger in Jinyang Village any longer; not only must we hand over yearly tributes to Jinshan Town, but we live in constant fear of northern bandits. Grandpa, let's lead the villagers straight into the Great Xia. I'll talk to my master; we'll head to East Ridge first, then on to the Great Xia. I'm certain my master will approve."

Listening to his grandson rave about Lu Yang and the Great Xia nonstop, even proposing to relocate the entire village there, Han Peng's look turned complex at first. Then, gazing at the 10 Dragon Carp Pills clutched in his palm, a flicker of ease crossed his face as he spoke gravely, "Li’er, leave these things to me—no need to fret. Grandpa won't take these cultivation resources. Save them for yourself. In a few days, head back to East Ridge to resume training under your master. For the moment, steer clear of village matters."

Stunned by these words, Han Li hurriedly responded, "Grandpa, I brought these Dragon Carp Pills just for you—what will you trade them for if not..."

"That's enough! At my age, even with extra Dragon Carp Pills, I could at best push past 25 Zong. But you're another story—with your Superior Battle Body and talent, hitting over 16 Zong is within reach. Stocked with sufficient Dragon Carp Pills, you might even break 40 Zong someday. Plus, backed by your master in the Great Xia, who's to say you won't climb to Xianyang? Obey Grandpa and hold onto the Dan Medicine!"

With an unyielding tone, Han Peng shoved the Dan Medicine back toward him. Noticing Han Li's bewildered expression, he grinned and shifted topics, "Oh yes, that fellow Hong Yu who traveled here with you—I noticed Li Hu and Yang Zhong showing him utmost respect. He must be a key personage from the Great Xia, eh?"

This query made Han Li's face display clear reluctance right away.

Xia Hong had warned him en route against disclosing his identity.

As he pondered a suitable fib, Han Peng spotted his grandson's struggle, chuckled, and dismissed it with a wave, "Fine, if it's not for sharing, then keep quiet. Absent for a year now, go visit your parents, plus Feng’er and Ling’er. Leave Grandpa to his thoughts for a bit."

With no other option, Han Li nodded and departed to meet his parents and younger siblings.

Han Peng eyed his grandson's retreating figure, then after some quiet moments, let out a soft sigh.

"Relocating sixty or seventy thousand souls all together—such a daunting task. Should Cai Qiu learn I've spilled their secrets, catastrophe awaits. What's more, Great Xia dispatching agents here shows they expect me to keep tabs on Cai Qiu's actions. Even if I wished to depart, escape might prove impossible..."

Han Peng mulled it over briefly, his face gaining a hint of vigor, and he whispered with firm resolve, "Yet opportunity accompanies danger. Great Xia, by pouring so many resources into Li’er, also prizes Jinyang Village’s strategic role. Types like Cai Qiu may be mighty, but they’re quick to anger and tightfisted, seeing us as beneath them. Better to align with Great Xia than toil under such people!

The Feudal Towns hold great power, yet not enough to overwhelm Great Xia. Sending skilled youths like Li Hu and Yang Zhong proves how much Great Xia values my Jinyang. When forced to pick a faction, it’ll be Great Xia!"

With his choice set, Han Peng released a deep sigh, his thoughts finally calming, as he murmured softly, "Li Hu and Yang Zhong are merely scouts. Still, the youth called Hong Yu who arrived alongside Li’er must rank high in Great Xia. No clue how long he’ll linger in Jinyang Village—best to seek him out promptly and declare my loyalty!"

.........

Xia Hong, using the pseudonym Hong Yu, took up residence in Jinyang Village.

By the third night, Han Li had ventured back to East Ridge solo, leaving only Li Hu and Yang Zhong aware of his true identity across all of Jinyang Village.

Li Hu’s Zhaoyuan Squad had reached Advanced Hunting Team status, accommodating up to 100 members fully. He’d brought just 10 along to function in Jinyang Village, dispersing the other 88 throughout various village camps in Yinhe Valley.