Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1364 - 441: Three Surprises, the Four Vassals’ Class Structure, First Lesson_3

Yet, the current situation within Qinghua City distinctly formed a hierarchical pyramid.

Consider the circumstances in Evergreen Valley; it was evident just by observing it.

The lowest echelons – slaves, those of humble birth, and even the sacrificial roles Su Jing and his siblings jokingly mentioned – comprised the vast majority. Lacking access to cultivation resources, they were compelled to submit to the system and endure the exploitation and oppression from the four upper tiers.

People, inherently, do not passively accept subjugation. Aren’t individuals like the Hu brothers actively seeking ways to escape their lowly slave status?

Naturally, without sufficient power, their only recourse was to operate within the existing framework. This meant pilfering registration documents, accumulating funds, or absconding to Qinghua City to alter their standing when their masters weren't vigilant, all in the hope of changing their destinies.

The Hu brothers’ predicament was merely a reflection of these three strata of people.

This issue extended beyond them, encompassing Su Jing and his four siblings as well. Had they not encountered me, their demise at the entrance of the Bone-Eroding Path would have been certain, illustrating that the plight of those without a recognized status in Evergreen Valley was even more dire than that of slaves and commoners.

The bottom three tiers, conditioned by the long-standing feudal town system and the resultant mental inertia, coupled with their inherent lack of strength, largely refrained from harboring thoughts of rebellion. However, the yearning to elevate their social standing was undoubtedly present and remarkably potent.

The Four Vassals of Moao River employed the Six-class System, as did Cai Qiu, suggesting that the conditions in the other three feudal towns were likely no better.

This implies that the Four Vassals of Moao River, despite their current outward prosperity, were in reality a large steamer simmering over intense heat, with the four upper classes firmly pressing down the lid to prevent an imminent explosion.

The moment additional fuel was introduced from below, or something disruptive was tossed into the steamer, triggering a volatile reaction, the entire structure would undoubtedly detonate!

Xia Hong’s eyes gleamed with increasing intensity as he glanced at Su Jing and his four siblings, noticing their attention fixed upon the pill bottle in his hand. A smile played on his lips as he inquired softly, "Cai Yunzhou mentioned at the feast that he personally dispatched someone to deliver registration documents to the four of you. Is that accurate?"

The four siblings snapped back to attention, their expressions instantly brightening. They then carefully retrieved their silver-inscribed registration tokens and golden registration books, presenting them before Xia Hong.

"Ah, noble status, quite respectable!"

Xia Hong grasped the depth of Su Jing and his siblings’ fixation on registration, even recounting how their parents had perished in pursuit of it. Observing their actions, he initially chose to tease them gently before looking at them with a chuckle and asking, "You must all feel this is a dream realized. I inquired with Cai Yunzhou in the City Lord’s Mansion – there are fewer than a hundred thousand individuals with second-class noble status throughout all of Cai Qiu. To achieve this status overnight, how does it feel?"

Upon hearing Xia Hong’s question, Su Jing and his siblings exchanged rapid glances, their faces then displaying a complex mix of emotions as they remained silent.

After approximately ten breaths, the eldest sibling, Su Jing, finally stepped forward, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect. He began, "Were it not for your esteemed presence, sir, how could we four possibly attain such treatment? Rest assured, sir, Su Jing..."

Sensing Su Jing's imminent outpouring of gratitude and fealty, Xia Hong promptly raised a hand to halt him, shaking his head repeatedly. "My ears have heard such pronouncements so often they've practically calloused. Cease this repetitive discourse. I sought your genuine sentiments, so speak them plainly."

Interrupted mid-sentence, Su Jing exhibited immediate distress, his words catching in his throat.

However, Su Xing’er, standing somewhat behind them, recalling the look in Xia Hong’s eyes when they had reverently presented their registration books, lowered her head for a moment. Gathering her courage, she declared, "The reason Qinghua City bestowed noble status upon us is entirely attributable to the formidable strength you demonstrated at the city gates.

Regarding your inquiry about our feelings towards this noble status, Xing’er believes these so-called registration books are naught but wasted parchment. For, as long as one possesses true strength, registration documents will be willingly bestowed even without their existence.

The noble status that Xing’er and my three brothers have received is ultimately a reflection of your brilliance, bearing no connection to our own capabilities.

From this day forward, Xing’er shall dedicate herself to diligent cultivation, never wavering. One day, I aspire to achieve such standing that, like you, people will willingly present registration books to me based on my own might!"

Following Su Xing’er’s bold declaration, she observed Xia Hong’s eyes filled with evident admiration and satisfaction. This filled her with immense encouragement, her expression becoming exceptionally animated.

"Not bad! In my opinion, registration books are truly a waste of paper; strength is what fundamentally matters. I have kept you by my side for months, and aside from offering you cultivation resources and teaching you martial arts, I haven't imparted much else. Consider today's lesson as the first real one—just those six words, "Strength is fundamental..."

Having imparted this, Xia Hong paused, then solemnly declared, "Systems and rules are merely chains for the weak. The more powerful you become, the greater your freedom. When your strength reaches a certain pinnacle, you won't need to lift a finger; others will readily make concessions for you."

Acquiring benefits from me can only be a temporary measure, not a permanent solution. As you witnessed on the Bone-Eroding Path, I originate from an Outer Realm and will not remain by your side indefinitely. My departure is inevitable someday, and at that point, you will have to depend on your own capabilities.

Your registration books are all tied to me, implying that without my presence, others will not give you due consideration. These books offer no true guarantee."

Upon hearing Xia Hong mention his eventual departure, Su Jing and his siblings’ faces immediately clouded with worry. At his last statement, they lowered their heads, each nodding in agreement as they gazed at the Hong Yu characters inscribed on their registration books.

"Cai Qiu governs all cultivation resources, and within Evergreen Valley, there are easily over a million individuals facing circumstances far worse than yours; their numbers are countless. Many possess talents superior to yours, yet they lack the fortune of encountering someone like me.

Over the next three months, I shall remain in Qinghua City, providing you with a full supply of cultivation resources. After this period, whether you can accompany me on my journey will hinge entirely on your progress..."

As he spoke, Xia Hong paused, observing the four before him. He then pointed at Su Jing and his three siblings, stating, "For you three, the minimum requirement is 7 manes."

Finally, he indicated Su Xing'er and declared, "As for you, the target is 9 manes."

Hearing the targets Xia Hong had set, Su Jing and his three brothers’ expressions instantly became rigid with shock.

To improve by 5 manes in merely three months—how could this possibly be achieved!

For Su Xing'er, the task seemed even more insurmountable; advancing by 6 manes within three months felt like an utterly unattainable aspiration. She even harbored the suspicion that Xia Hong was intentionally planning to cast them aside, and her eyes immediately welled up.

"Very well, you may all depart now! Do not seek me out unless it is absolutely necessary."

Perceiving their dismayed expressions, Xia Hong immediately shook his head, refrained from further commentary, and simply gestured for the four of them to leave.

The quartet, who had intended to clench their teeth and voice their protest, could only nod and bow as they retreated, observing Xia Hong rise and proceed towards the tranquil chamber situated behind them.

This entire situation is a matter of perspective. For Su Jing and his siblings, hailing from Evergreen Valley, leaping forward by 5 manes in three months appeared an impossibility within their current understanding.

However, from Xia Hong’s vantage point, the situation presented a different calculus. The rapid advancement achievable in the early stages of Cold Resistance cultivation, when one pushed their physical limits sufficiently hard, could be substantial, especially when resource scarcity was not a concern.

Of course, it was not as straightforward as it seemed!

For Xia Hong’s stringent goals to be met by the four of them, they would need to dedicate these entire three months exclusively to cultivation, leaving them with only a slim chance of success.

"If true potential and unwavering perseverance are present, further investment is undoubtedly warranted. However, if they become easily distracted by the allure of the city, then so be it; I shall simply consider it an act of charity..."

Xia Hong entered the quiet room and, after a brief period of contemplation, extended a hand slightly towards the plush bed.

A silver Twelve-Petal Lotus Platform, standing five meters tall, materialized silently.

The Yangxu Tripod would remain in Xia City to safeguard the headquarters, thus it was not brought along. However, the Enlightenment Lotus Platform was essential to transport, being a divine artifact possessing a fivefold cultivation enhancement. Furthermore, it was useless to anyone else even if left behind in Xia City.

"Four months spent in Evergreen Valley, focused on healing and cultivation, resulted in minimal improvement—merely an approximate increase of 1-catty in strength. Now, a significant surge should be achievable.

With the Washing Marrow Pills and 20 Top-grade Bone Shedding Pills, according to my cultivation schedule, they should be depleted in approximately three months. Hopefully, this will further augment my strength, enabling me to face Lin Chu County with greater confidence!"

This decision to depart was made after Xia Hong calculated that he might need to reside in the feudal town region for an extended duration. Coupled with Mu Dong’s recent development of the Yellow Mustard Bag, he had packed a considerable amount.

The cultivation resources alone were substantial: 500 Bone Condensing Pills, 300 Bone Gathering Pills, and even 200 Blood Ginseng Pills. The strength increase of approximately 1-catty over the preceding four months was largely attributed to conventional cultivation methods combined with the synergistic effects of the Twelve Blood Scripture Skills and the Blood Ginseng Pills.

With two out of three essential components now bolstered, the gains this time unquestionably surpass previous enhancements!

Ascending the silver lotus platform, Xia Hong consumed the Dan medicine and immediately shut his eyes, entering a state of cultivation.