Previously on Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely...
The Mu brothers learn about the Junior Martial Arts Competition's rules. Competitors from outer towns will face Great Xia's powerful scions without the restrictions of previous years. The Mu brothers and their rivals realize the immense strength of last year's top contenders, who have grown even stronger, dashing their hopes of winning.
“There’s no need to ponder it; it’s either already settled on Zhao Yuandao or someone else. Last year, Yuan Bai, who held a top-ten rank in the youth division, also achieved the strength of 31 manes. Xiao Hen, Zhou Ying, Zhao Yuankong, Meng Qing, and Xiahou Qingqing – the weakest among them possesses the strength of 29 manes.”
“Xiao Hen, who is Xiahou Qingqing’s husband, is 24 years old this year and holds the strength of 31 manes, positioning him as a formidable contender for the championship.”
“This year, there are no restrictions for the young disciples of Great Xia. My father mentioned that for someone from an Outer Town to secure a spot within the top one hundred would be akin to divine intervention. I harbor no other grand ambitions; my sole wish is to break into the top one hundred.”
“Even making it into the top one hundred is considered a lofty aspiration!”
“How can Great Xia possibly possess so many talented individuals?”
“Talented individuals? There’s no such thing as talent in Great Xia. I’ve resided here for nearly a year and have yet to encounter anyone labeled as a genius.”
“There are geniuses! Isn’t the young master considered one…”
.........
Mu Yunhua and Mu Yunshu were so profoundly taken aback internally that they ceased to register anything Jiang Yiye and the others were discussing.
They now fully comprehended why Jiang Yiye had faltered when mentioning the phrase, “Mu Family Twin Heroes.” He was likely amused by their perceived inadequacy.
“While your talents might be deemed exceptional on Chui Mountain, in the grand scope of Great Xia, they are simply insufficient. Make your way to Xia City and participate in this year’s Martial Arts Competition to broaden your horizons! Do not remain on Chui Mountain for too long, like a frog content at the bottom of a well!”
The words their great-grandfather, Mu Longhe, had imparted to them before their departure for Xia City suddenly echoed in their minds. They exchanged a look, their faces etched with wry smiles and a sense of helplessness.
Upon first hearing these words before setting off, they hadn't given them much credence, believing their great-grandfather was merely attempting to temper their expectations.
Now, they grasped the true weight of his counsel. His words were not intended to suppress them but rather understated to preserve their dignity.
Setting aside the young disciples of Great Xia for a moment, even when comparing themselves to peers from Jiangxia and Muyin Towns, the disparity was glaring.
Zhao Yuandao, 23 years old, possessing 32 manes of strength!
They ought to recall that their own fathers, the third generation of the Mu Family, aged between 50 and 60 on average, currently exhibited strengths exceeding only 30 manes.
“Second Brother, perhaps we should withdraw from the competition…”
Mu Yunshu voiced, his expression bitter. He felt such profound defeat that the notion of withdrawing from the competition had entered his thoughts.
Mu Yunhua felt no better. The mere display of prowess from these young individuals from Jiangxia and Muyin Towns had already deeply discouraged him. Now, the aspiration of victory seemed remote, and he began to fret about how he would explain to their great-grandfather, Mu Longhe, if he failed to even secure a spot within the top one hundred.
Prior to leaving Chui Mountain, he had confidently declared his intention to achieve a commendable ranking to honor their great-grandfather.
“Withdrawal is not an option. Could Great Xia truly be this formidable?”
The accounts from everyone present far exceeded Mu Yunhua’s comprehension. He rejected his younger brother’s suggestion to withdraw and started to question if Jiang Yiye and the others were fabricating their statements.
“Is it possible these individuals are attempting to intimidate me into forfeiting the competition?”
Mu Yunhua directed his gaze at Jiang Yiye and the others, his brow furrowing deeply.
If Jiang Yiye and his companions were privy to Mu Yunhua’s current train of thought, they would undoubtedly erupt in laughter.
As Mu Yunhua’s suspicions took root, Jiang Yiye and the others continued their conversation.
However, at that very moment, a stir erupted on the third-floor Cultivation Field. Numerous individuals abruptly ceased their cultivation and hastened towards the exit downstairs.
News spread like wildfire, from one person to ten, then to a hundred, and soon, more than half the people on the third floor were rushing downstairs.
“What is taking place?”
Jiang Yiye and the others naturally took notice of this sudden commotion. Murong Jiao, the youngest and most inquisitive among them, quickly intercepted a middle-aged man to seek an explanation.
“Uncle, it is still far from dawn; why is everyone descending?”
“Reportedly, the Second Prince has arrived and is practicing martial arts on the first floor. I must hasten to catch a glimpse; I’ve never even seen what the prince looks like!”
The middle-aged man was clearly in a hurry and offered only a brief response to Murong Jiao before continuing his rapid descent.
Murong Jiao, initially taken aback, followed the middle-aged man downstairs.
The remaining individuals exchanged glances and quickly joined the throng.
Though Mu Yunhua couldn't quite fathom it, his innate curiosity compelled him to investigate. Furthermore, he'd never encountered the title "Second Prince" before, prompting him to join the throng descending the stairs.
"Brother Jiang, who exactly is this Second Prince?"
As they made their way down, he didn't fail to pose the question to Jiang Yiye.
"He is the eldest son of the Lord, Xia Yusheng!"
Upon receiving this revelation, Mu Yunhua and his brother's countenances shifted dramatically, their curiosity erupting to an unprecedented level. They instantly grasped the reason behind the general excitement.
If one were to identify the most celebrated figure throughout the entirety of the Nine Towns at this present moment, it would undoubtedly be Lord Xia Hong of Great Xia.
The Great Xia Lord, possessing unparalleled might on Moao's South Slope, serving as the Alliance Hierarch for the Nine Towns Alliance, and recognized as the Sovereign of the Nine Towns of the South Slope, held numerous prestigious titles. Among these, perhaps the Great Xia Lord was the least significant.
The offspring of such a renowned individual, particularly his eldest son, would inevitably become the focal point of attention wherever they appeared; this was an indisputable fact.
"It is widely known that Lord Xia Hong of Great Xia has not yet reached the age of forty this year. To merely call such a person a genius would be an understatement; his innate talent is likely unmatched within the entirety of the Ice Abyss. His son, estimated to be around fifteen or sixteen this year, must possess extraordinary abilities..."
Mu Yunhua's expectations continued to escalate as he descended to the first floor alongside the assembled crowd. Fortunately, the Martial Arts Pavilion maintained a degree of exclusivity, and despite the dense gathering on the ground level, he managed to find a space to stand.
