Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1368 - 442: Slave Village, No Way Out, Su Xing’er’s Ingenious Mind

Su Xing’er received a clear confirmation, and after a period of deep contemplation, she promptly rose and departed, leaving Du Rou without further interaction.

She proceeded to the other two annexes, rousing her third brother, Su Zhi, and her second brother, Su Xu. Eventually, her eldest brother, Su Jing, was located within the primary annex. The four siblings convened in the main hall of the annex.

Su Jing and his two brothers were somewhat perplexed. Having been tasked by Xia Hong with specific objectives, they were diligently focused on their cultivation, striving to utilize every moment. Thus, they were puzzled by Su Xing’er’s sudden summons.

"Uncle Hu paid us a visit today..."

Following Su Xing’er’s explanation of Hu Tiejiang's circumstances, the expressions of the three siblings grew somber.

"Little sister, you aren't considering intervening to help this Hu Tiejiang, are you?"

"After all, we only traveled with him for a short duration. We know nothing of his past dealings or the predicament he finds himself in, so perhaps there is no obligation for us to assist him, is there?"

"Furthermore, even if we wished to aid him, we are incapable of doing so alone. We would inevitably have to lean on our master’s reputation, which might only invite trouble for him, wouldn't it?"

In response to her brothers’ sentiments, Su Xing’er refrained from immediate speech. Instead, she turned to Su Jing and inquired, "Big brother, considering our journey with Uncle Hu and his kin, do you perceive them as wicked individuals? Moreover, would individuals of ill intent typically bring their wives and children along, enduring the biting cold and snow, all while fearing pursuit from evildoers, as they hurried towards the city?"

The three Su Jing brothers’ countenances flickered with uncertainty upon hearing this, their gazes averted somewhat.

Having shared the road with them, they possessed distinct memories of the two Hu Tiejiang families. Not to mention, they recalled Hu Tiejiang mentioning his escape from Slave Status during their time in Yakou Village.

The three harbored a clear understanding that the two Hu brothers were certainly not nefarious characters. Indeed, they could deduce that the dire circumstances they now faced likely stemmed from their attempt to break free from Slave Status.

The fundamental reason for their earlier pronouncements was their reluctance to embroil Xia Hong in difficulties and their desire not to impede their own cultivation progress.

"Little sister, numerous individuals within Evergreen Valley endure dire circumstances. If you possess the capability to render aid to others, your elder brother would never stand in your way, but..."

"Big brother, the Hu Uncle’s two families deliberately chose to travel alongside us from Yakou Village; do you not believe our master could discern this intention?"

Su Jing, his words cut short, was momentarily taken aback by his younger sister's probing question.

Eight days prior, in Yakou Village, Hu Tiechuan had purposefully initiated contact with them before setting out for Qinghua City. Such overt actions were too deliberate; even they had noticed. How could Hong Yu have missed it?

However, what remained elusive to him was the reason behind Su Xing’er’s present inquiry.

Perceiving the bewilderment in Su Jing’s eyes, Su Xing’er marshaled her thoughts and continued, "Big brother, second brother, and third brother, after spending over four months under our master’s tutelage in Evergreen Valley, followed by these seven days of travel towards Qinghua City, what do you believe is our master’s general disposition towards those residing in Evergreen Valley without official registration, as well as those under Slave Status and of humble standing?"

Upon the articulation of this question, the three Su Jing brothers swiftly recalled their more than four months alongside Xia Hong in Evergreen Valley and the discourse they had engaged in seven days prior.

"Sympathy, compassion!"

It was ultimately the third brother, Su Zhi, who provided the answer.

Su Jing and Su Xu immediately assented to this declaration with nods.

"Precisely, it is sympathy and compassion. He rescued the four of us and facilitated the transformation of our destinies out of this very sentiment. Our master possesses a benevolent aura, and Hu Uncle’s deliberate decision to join our entourage was something he could undoubtedly perceive; his lack of objection stemmed equally from this compassionate outlook..."

Su Xing’er paused at this juncture, then resumed, "Prior to our departure from Evergreen Valley, our master inquired about the Six-class System prevalent in Cai Qiu, asking whether it was equitable; you all should recall this significant conversation;

Seven days ago, before entering his seclusion, our master further remarked: that Cai Qiu monopolizes all cultivation resources, and within the hundred thousand souls inhabiting Evergreen Valley, a considerable number endure hardships far more severe than our own, with many possessing innate talents that greatly surpass ours..."

"Little sister, are you implying..."

The third brother, Su Zhi, now sensing a dawning realization, interrupted Su Xing’er. A flicker of astonishment crossed his face, after which he lowered his voice and stated, "The master intends for us to rise against Cai Qiu?"

The utterance of those final three words caused Su Jing and Su Xu’s expressions to stiffen abruptly.

Upon hearing this, Su Xing’er’s expression remained impassive. She simply gave a slight nod and stated with gravity, "There are no favors given without reason in this world. While residing in Evergreen Valley, I’d always pondered the true objective of our master. I even posed this question before, but he consistently deflected, citing our weakness and never offering a direct answer."

A determined glint flashed in her eyes as she elaborated, "It wasn't until seven days ago, after the master uttered those words before entering his seclusion, that I finally grasped his intent. What the master desires from us in the future is to rebel against Cai Qiu!"

The final three words, "rebel against Cai Qiu," were spoken by Su Xing’er not only with a profound certainty but also with a resolute conviction, as if these very words were already imprinted upon her soul.

"Only this explanation makes sense; otherwise, there’s no logical reason for him to pour so many resources into our development. Individuals with greater talent than ours are abundant. If he truly sought disciples, they wouldn't be limited to Cai Qiu—even Qinghua City likely harbors numerous geniuses vying for attention."

Su Xing’er tightened her fist and continued her patient guidance, "Naturally, with our current level of strength, uttering these three words would be nothing short of a laughable endeavor. However, that doesn't imply we are powerless. Our focus should be on drawing in those who possess Slave Status, those from the lower echelons of Cai Qiu, and individuals like us who were previously unregistered. People such as Uncle Hu fall into this category."

The immense impact of those three words seemed to linger, as the shock and apprehension on the faces of Su Jing and the others persisted for a considerable duration. Yet, recalling the four months they had spent in close proximity to Xia Hong, the trio managed to regain their composure and clenched their fists, a clear indication that a decision had been reached.

Su Jing solemnly declared, "Little sister, you have always possessed a sharp intellect. Elder brother acknowledges your conjecture, but ultimately, these are merely your own speculations. We cannot be entirely certain if the master genuinely harbors such intentions..."

"Then let us use the matter of rescuing Uncle Hu as a trial. We shall extract him directly and observe the master’s reaction upon emerging from his seclusion; from that, we shall know."

Despite her framing it as a 'test,' the decisiveness in Su Xing’er’s tone unmistakably conveyed that she had already arrived at a firm conclusion in her heart.

Her unwavering resolve also resonated with Su Jing and the others, who, after exchanging meaningful glances, nodded in agreement.

"Very well, we shall proceed with your suggestion. We will head to the Law Enforcement Department at once to first ascertain the circumstances surrounding Uncle Hu’s family. If they have indeed been unjustly treated, we will secure their immediate release."

Following Su Jing's statement, he couldn't help but shake his head inwardly.

Having resided in Evergreen Valley for over a decade, the four siblings were intimately familiar with the petty conflicts within the village. Based solely on the conversation during their journey, they could already infer the majority of Hu Tiejiang’s predicament.

They felt almost certain that this was another age-old tale of village strongmen oppressing the weaker folk, a common occurrence within the village-level camps of Evergreen Valley.

With the decision to rescue them solidified, the four siblings, following a brief deliberation, changed into appropriate attire and enlisted the help of Butler Zhou Qing to guide them. They then set off towards the Law Enforcement Department in the Inner City to seek someone.

Unbeknownst to the four siblings, as they departed from the annex, in a quiet room situated behind the main building, Xia Hong, who was meditating with his eyes closed, sported a subtle smile at the corners of his mouth.

"As anticipated, the fourth child exhibits remarkable perceptiveness; she has indeed divined my intentions with considerable accuracy. To rebel against Cai Qiu... to rebel against Cai Qiu. Were these three words her own deduction, or do they originate from within Cai Qiu itself..."