Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1381 - 447: Feint to the East, Cai Qiu Prince, Chui Mountain Fruit_3

Though a princely heir from Cai Qiu, possessing a noble lineage and formidable abilities, this individual ultimately lacks a true foothold in the Nine Towns. Consequently, the fifty-odd warriors he brought, skilled in Cold Resistance, have only a very limited capacity to control the unfolding situation.

With Duan Hong’s active collaboration, provided Beishuo doesn't operate overtly, they possess the capability to infiltrate the town with an almost unlimited number of personnel.

In stark contrast to Cai Shiqi, Great Xia commenced its covert operations within Chui Mountain Town shortly after the Hongmen Battle concluded the year before last.

Thus, even with Cai Shiqi's presence in Chui Mountain Town, his grasp of the locale remains significantly weaker than that of Great Xia.

"The Mu Family and the former subordinates of Mu Longhe are offering their full cooperation, enabling our infiltration of Chui Mountain over the past year and a half to be far more profound than you might imagine; otherwise, how could the Minister possibly possess such detailed knowledge of the situation..."

Lin Kai’s eyes held a subtle flicker. After a brief pause, he continued, "Beishuo is currently apprehensive about provoking Cai Shiqi’s suspicion, leading them to secretly dispatch individuals to Chui Mountain Town. While these actions are minor, they haven't escaped our keen observation.

Yang Zhun, bolstered by Chen Cang's backing, is hesitant to overtly annex Chui Mountain at this juncture. His primary concern should not be Cai Shiqi, but rather ourselves, or more accurately, the other seven towns!"

Upon hearing this analysis, Ying Yi’s brow furrowed slightly. However, after a moment of careful consideration, he quickly grasped the implication and nodded in agreement, stating, "In Cai Qiu, Chen Cang can be managed, and Yang Zhun's move to annex Chui Mountain hasn't truly capitalized on Chen Cang's influence. Furthermore, the accusation of colluding with external forces cannot be definitively pinned on him.

However, should he dare to be the first to dismantle a town, it would undoubtedly trigger a unified condemnation from the remaining seven towns. At that point, amplifying his association with Chen Cang would effectively isolate Beishuo from the Nine Towns. Not only the Southern Five Towns, but even Jin Mountain and Wuchuan would likely regard him with caution."

"Precisely!"

Lin Kai offered a smile upon hearing this confirmation and proceeded, "This is currently Yang Zhun's most significant apprehension. Fortunately, Great Xia faces no such dilemma..."

A sudden realization dawned upon Ying Yi, his eyes brightening considerably. A wide smile spread across his face as he chuckled, "Haha, that’s absolutely correct! Great Xia has absolutely no need to assault Chui Mountain."

"It is also thanks to Duan Hong's naivety; his eagerness to integrate with Beishuo, coupled with his obliviousness to the broader context, leaves him only fearing Great Xia and fretting about the vassal towns. Were it not for this, we would never have stumbled upon such a golden opportunity!"

Lin Kai's expression turned rather peculiar as he reflected on Duan Hong's series of actions since the Hongmen Battle. He couldn't help but marvel, with a sigh, at how such an individual managed to reach the Xianyang Level in cultivation.

"Very well, that suffices for our discussion! I..."

Just as Lin Kai was about to dismiss Ying Yi, he sensed something amiss and abruptly turned his head to gaze outside the hall. Ying Yi, feeling it simultaneously, quickly swiveled his head to follow Lin Kai's gaze.

A figure clad in white gradually came into view. Both men looked up to see an elegant silhouette, adorned in a pristine white palace gown and partly obscured by a silk veil, gracefully advancing towards them from beyond the hall's entrance.

Although the veil concealed the wearer's face, Lin Kai and Ying Yi, upon meeting those deep, authoritative phoenix eyes and witnessing the breathtaking palace gown that shifted from white to red with the play of light, instantly recognized her.

"Hongmen Guardian Lin Kai pays his respects to Madam!"

"Hongmen Chief Order Ying Yi pays his respects to Madam!"

"There is no need for such formalities; please rise! I am en route to Chui Mountain Town and happened to pass by this location. Xia Chuan informed me that you possess a substantial amount of intelligence regarding Chui Mountain, which prompted my specific visit. Is there any crucial information I should be aware of at this present moment? I intend to depart shortly."

Lin Kai, realizing Li Xuanling was addressing him, hesitated before responding. Instead of answering immediately, he paused in surprise and inquired, "Madam, pardon my presumption, but did the Minister not state that he himself was proceeding to Chui Mountain Town? Why has this duty now fallen to you?"

"He is currently in seclusion and cannot emerge for the time being."

Upon hearing Li Xuanling’s reply, Lin Kai and Ying Yi were momentarily taken aback. Following this brief astonishment, their faces lit up with evident joy.

The Minister was in seclusion and would not be available anytime soon.

Both men were acutely aware of the significant implications this situation held!