Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1372: 444: Ancient Zither Acquired, True Colors Revealed, Landgrave's Attention

As Xia Hong observed Cai Mengya turning her gaze towards the inner reaches of the White Phoenix Forest, a seed of suspicion was sown. Although he was engaged with the Beast King Level Snow Phoenix, his attention remained acutely focused on the direction further within.

Consequently, the instant he sensed two Xianyang Level auras moving deeper into the forest, he recognized the deception orchestrated by Cai Mengya.

The true objective of her presence in the White Phoenix Forest was the item being pursued by those two Xianyang Level individuals, while his designated role in her scheme was to divert the Snow Phoenix pack.

Naturally, the paramount task was to confront and subdue the most potent Beast King Level Snow Phoenix.

While his initial thoughts were merely conjecture, the sight of Lu Xinghai and Meng Zizhou solidified Xia Hong's certainty.

Lu Xinghai and Meng Zizhou, the two young Silver Armor Generals wielding a sword and saber respectively, harbored identities of considerable significance.

Firstly, their lineage; aside from the Landgrave Cai Qiu's direct family, there were six prominent noble families, including the Lu and Meng clans.

Secondly, their prowess and innate talent; both commanded Xianyang Level power and had not yet reached the age of sixty. Their exceptional abilities would mark them as premier talents not only within Cai Qiu's domain but across the entirety of the Four Vassals.

Thirdly, their standing. Qinghua City's military force numbered ten thousand strong, overseen by the City Lord and the Four Great Commanders, among whom were Lu and Meng.

It so happened that during a banquet held at the City Lord Mansion a month prior, it was these very two individuals who openly contested with Xia Hong for Cai Mengya's favor. This rivalry eventually instigated others to provoke Xia Hong, compelling him to agree to accompany Cai Mengya to the White Phoenix Forest.

“These individuals colluded with Cai Mengya to stage this charade. The preceding animosity was merely a performance designed to lure me here and draw the attention of the Beast King Level Snow Phoenix…”

The moment Xia Hong laid eyes on Lu and Meng, the entire scheme became crystal clear.

A flicker of surprise was absent from his countenance; the provocation employed by Lu and Meng was transparently obvious, and Xia Hong had simply played along to uphold his image as the princely heir of a powerful foreign fief.

What had not crossed his mind was the elaborate nature of their setup, initiated so far in advance.

The ruse commenced from the very instant the provocation occurred…

Regrettably for them, their stratagem had now crumbled!

“Playing mind games with me?”

The colossal rabbit, struck by the Shattering Divine Light, became rigidly frozen in place. It then fragmented like a delicate porcelain vase, cracking and disintegrating, leaving only its five resplendent tails standing defiantly behind.

In a mere three to four breaths, the rabbit’s physical form vanished entirely. Its five tails unfurled and contracted slowly, ultimately erupting in a brilliant flare of light.

Once the radiant luminescence subsided, the rabbit’s body had completely dissipated, leaving behind a two-meter-long ancient zither of five strings. The colors of these strings mirrored the hues of the rabbit’s five tails: gold, green, azure, crimson, and ochre.

“Make your move!”

Upon beholding the ancient zither, Lu Xinghai reacted with immediate urgency.

Meng Zizhou, hearing this, was naturally disinclined to be left behind.

Both disregarded Xia Hong positioned above them and extended their hands to claim the zither.

Ka…

A flash of sword light descended from above; Lu and Meng registered its arrival but had clearly underestimated Xia Hong’s formidable power. Their brows creased subtly, yet they persisted with their attempt to seize the instrument.

As the sword light struck, it instantly cleaved through the flesh of their right hands, the fractured bones emitting a sharp crack. The sheer force propelled their bodies collapsing before the zither, their faces contorted with palpable fear and astonishment.

“You dare attempt to snatch it from me? What possessed you to exhibit such audacity?”

Xia Hong's form plummeted abruptly, positioning himself three to four meters above their heads. He spoke in a low, menacing tone, raising the Shattered Star Sword and resting its tip against their necks, his murderous intent utterly unrestrained.

The unfolding scene appeared novel to them, leaving them visibly stunned.

“Brother Hong, Brothers Lu and Meng are merely assisting Mengya in capturing the Rabbit Fur Beast. What is the meaning of this?”

Cai Mengya arrived after some delay, her brows knitting slightly upon witnessing the tableau. However, she quickly adopted an air of feigned bewilderment.

Xia Hong turned his head to regard Cai Mengya, his expression oscillating between amusement and stern contemplation until her pretense faltered into awkwardness. He then shifted his gaze beyond her towards the black-clad elder positioned behind her, swiftly dismissing the observation with an indifferent air.

“Since they are assisting you, I shall spare their lives!”

Xia Hong declared with a cold chuckle, choosing not to expose Cai Mengya’s ploy. He resheathed the Shattered Star Sword and retrieved the Five-Colored Ancient Zither from the ground.