Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1428 - 456: Young Men and Face-Slapping, The Secret of Five-Yao Tribulation Body, Dark Merchant Invitation, Listed on the Ranking_6...

Despite extensive searches by Qiu Peng and Lin Kai for over a year, even with assistance from the towns of Jiangxia and Muyin, not a single trace of the Dark Merchant could be found.

Consequently, Xia Hong gradually and entirely dismissed the matter of the Dark Merchant.

Who could have predicted that their search across the Nine Towns would yield nothing, only for them to stumble upon this lead in Caiqiu?

"So, this Dark Merchant isn't an organization rooted within the Nine Towns territory at all. It seems for some reason, they simply haven't been active in that region for the past two years. Even the Governor's Mansion has connections, making it easy for them to deliver a simple message to my residence. The crucial question is, how did they know I desperately require a substantial amount of Washing Marrow Pills and Top-grade Bone Shedding Pills?"

Upon opening the invitation, the opening words immediately captured his attention: "This year in Yang City, the market will officially commence on the ninth of December; safeguard this invitation. The secret method for entering Yang City will manifest automatically at that time; those interested in entry should adhere to the guidance of the secret method to join."

The subsequent line stated: "Yang City will offer a vast array of Washing Marrow Pills, Top-grade Bone Shedding Pills, and various other coveted treasures for acquisition."

Xia Hong meticulously re-examined the invitation, his features etched with profound astonishment.

He had tested both Solidified Fire Oil and the Yellow Candle, confirming that the invitation was genuinely crafted from ordinary silver, devoid of any Deceitful Object Energy.

This was indeed peculiar; having spent over a decade in the Ice Abyss, encountering such an anomaly that had no connection to Deceitful Monsters or Deceitful Objects was beyond his comprehension.

"The ninth of December. By then, I should be in the Blood Miasma Plain. First, I must ascertain the nature of this secret method and evaluate any potential risks..."

"Jing jing jing... jing..."

While immersed in deep thought, Xia Hong was suddenly interrupted by the melodious strains of a zither emanating from within the courtyard.

Undisturbed by the interruption, he carefully placed the Yang City invitation into his Yellow Mustard Bag and closed his eyes, concentrating on the hypnotic melody.

The zither's tune flowed with a grandeur reminiscent of distant mountains, its length like a spoken narrative, its rhythm majestic and utterly captivating. As the music swelled to its crescendo, a clear female voice joined in perfect harmony, her song weaving through the instrumental notes.

"The Chu River flows with swift grace, and Yuezhi stands tall and proud~~~~

Bountiful grains fill the fertile fields, and streaks of cooking smoke embrace the rafters~~~~

The music and songs continue unabated, passing down the flame of tradition~~~~

The vibrant scenes of our homeland shine with resplendent glory~~~~"

Within the courtyard, Su Xing’er, adorned in an elegant white gown, concluded her song, her fingers gently silencing the strings. It was only then that she noticed Xia Hong, clad in black, observing her from the doorway, and a flicker of tension crossed her face.

"Not bad at all. Your rendition of 'Chu Wind' is every bit as skillful as Shiqin's!"

Upon hearing Xia Hong's commendation, the tension instantly dissolved from Su Xing’er's expression. Her eyes curved into delighted crescents as she rose and declared to Xia Hong, "If Master finds pleasure in it, Xing’er shall play for you daily."

Xia Hong chuckled and shook his head, his gaze falling upon the Five-Colored Demon Zither in her hands. "I bestowed the Five-Colored Demon Zither upon you not merely for serenading; it is a formidable weapon. Its primary purpose lies in confronting adversaries. You ought to dedicate more time to mastering combat techniques. While playing music for enjoyment is acceptable, becoming consumed by it is not."

Heeding Xia Hong's counsel, Su Xing’er immediately stood straight, clasped her hands in a gesture of respect, and vowed, "Xing’er shall steadfastly remember Master's teachings!"

Nodding, Xia Hong was about to return to his chambers when Su Xing’er called out urgently to halt his departure.

"Master, Sister Shiqin mentioned today that the Governor's Mansion is organizing a trial in the Blood Miasma Plain this November. She extended an invitation to me and my three brothers to participate. I've heard tales of the many valuable gains to be acquired from such trials, and Xing’er wishes to join."

Xia Hong turned back to face Su Xing’er, a hint of surprise in his voice, "Sister Shiqin has invited you to the Blood Miasma Plain trial? Your relationship with Cai Shiqin must be quite close?"

Indeed, this Blood Miasma Plain trial offered significant benefits to cultivators at the Cold Resistance Level. Even some members of the Cai Family were not granted participation, making Cai Shiqin's invitation to all four of Su Xing’er's siblings a rather extraordinary gesture.

Perceiving Xia Hong's astonishment, Su Xing’er replied with a touch of pride, "Naturally, my bond with Sister Shiqin transcends the ordinary."

Xia Hong offered a knowing smile and a shake of his head. "Very well! You may participate. I, too, shall be venturing into the Blood Miasma Plain next month; you and your three brothers can accompany me then."

Master is also going...

Su Xing’er was utterly astonished at first, but her countenance quickly brightened with delight.

A thought struck her then; she retrieved a booklet from her chest, hurried over to Xia Hong, and presented it with the reverence one would show a precious artifact. With a beaming smile, she declared, "Sister Shiqin just sent this to me, Master! You’re now quite the celebrated figure in the Moao River region."

Boldly emblazoned on the booklet's cover were the words, 'Heavenly List'.

The sight of that title sparked an immediate sense of foreboding within Xia Hong.

Yet, Su Xing’er, exhibiting even greater eagerness, swiftly opened the booklet to a particular entry.

[Heavenly List, Rank 46: Hong Yu, Prince of Daqin. On the seventeenth day of January in the year 297 of the Caiqiu Calendar, he narrowly vanquished the Sword Saint Cai Yunzhou of Caiqiu in Qinghua City. His strength is estimated to be in excess of 25 Jun.]

As he had suspected, he had indeed secured a spot on the list.