Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1432 - 457: Real and Fake Yang Zhun, Strength and Trial, Team-Up Interlude, Cai Qiu’s Foundations (4)

The younger sister's words ignited a palpable surge of fighting spirit within Su Jing and the others, a tremor of resolve passing through them.

Their third brother, Su Zhi, spoke with evident excitement, relaying gathered information: "A few days ago, I questioned the servants. They informed me that the Cold Beasts inhabiting the Blood Miasma Plain possess unique properties. Their blood, flesh, and bones are all imbued with poison, rendering them unusable for typical purposes. However, the Blood Jade Pearls that form on their foreheads are different. Not only can these pearls be utilized to enhance one's cultivation, but individuals at the Cold Resistance Level can also employ them to reform their Skin Membrane, thereby continuously improving their Battle Body Talent!"

"I also investigated this matter further. Consequently, the trial slots for the Blood Miasma Plain are exceptionally precious. Previously, there were a maximum of 200 slots available. However, since last year, the situation has shifted. I heard that Cai Qiu dispatched a significant number of troops the year before last, successfully clearing out a large safe zone. This allowed for 500 slots last year, and this year, the number has increased even more, totaling 1000 slots. Participants hail from the Four Great Commanderies, alongside the younger generation from the five great cities."

It was apparent that Su Zhi was not the only one who had been diligently gathering intelligence; the second brother, Su Xu, had also been actively investigating.

The mention of a "safe zone" by Su Xu briefly puzzled even Su Xing’er, who quickly inquired, "Second Brother, what exactly does a safe zone signify?"

Su Xu's expression turned serious as he prepared to offer an explanation. However, at that very moment, the door to the main living room quietly swung open.

"When I emerged from the Bone-Eroding Path, I interrogated the soldiers. Weren’t you all present then? How quickly you seem to forget the true nature of the Blood Miasma Plain?"

"Greetings, Master!"

The four Su family siblings promptly offered their respects to Xia Hong. After a brief moment of contemplation, they vividly recalled the details shared by the soldiers in the Evergreen Valley.

The Blood Miasma Plain derives its name from the pervasive, blood-colored miasma that perpetually blankets the desolate, snowy landscape. Within this treacherous expanse, the Cold Beasts and Deceitful Monsters exhibit ferocity and strength that far exceed their counterparts found elsewhere. Furthermore, the crimson miasma blanketing the plains possesses the unsettling ability to disorient the mind, inciting extreme violence and a murderous rage. Inhaling this miasma at the Cold Resistance Level invariably leads to either madness or a swift demise, and even cultivators at the Xianyang Level cannot endure its presence for extended periods.

"The so-called safe zone is an area meticulously cleared by Cai Qiu’s army employing specialized methods, resulting in a significantly reduced miasma concentration. Individuals at the Cold Resistance Level can utilize potent Dan Medicine and the unique properties of silver to sustain themselves within these areas for a limited duration..."

Xia Hong's explanation finally brought clarity to the minds of the four siblings.

However, it was evident that Xia Hong had not yet concluded his discourse.

He turned his gaze towards the four siblings, adopting a facade of stern seriousness, and declared, "I cannot specify precisely how long those at the Cold Resistance Level can endure. Yet, during my meeting with Cai Qiu’s trial participants at the commencement of this month, their combat strength was assessed to be no less than 20 Zong.

I have already made inquiries: the 200 participants in the trial the year before last all possessed strengths exceeding 40 Zong, and the fatality rate stood at 20%. Last year, 500 individuals participated. While their strengths were somewhat lower, still above 30 Zong, the death rate regrettably escalated to 30%..."

He paused momentarily, observing the palpable fear taking root on their faces, and continued with a weighty tone, "This year, with 1000 available slots, even if the mortality rate mirrors that of last year, a minimum of 300 individuals are projected to perish. You, being among the weakest of the participants, are most likely to be counted within those 300."

Upon hearing Xia Hong's grim prognosis, the fear etched on the siblings' countenances intensified.

"I have been invited to accompany the Eldest Prince, Cai Yunlan, on a hunting expedition to the Blood Miasma Plain this time, thus I will be unable to dedicate my attention to your individual concerns... This trial presents an excessively perilous undertaking. I strongly advise the four of you to withdraw!"

After a brief silence, Xia Hong directly proposed that they relinquish their participation in the trial.

Hearing this counsel, Su Jing and the others instinctively clenched their fists. However, a swift recollection of the alarming death rate and their own current strength compelled them to relax their grips, their expressions shifting to a profound gloom.

"Master, Xing’er and my brothers are not afraid. A thirty percent chance of death is merely a statistic. If we are truly destined to perish in the Blood Miasma Plain, it will serve as unequivocal proof that we four siblings are simply unworthy of being your disciples."

'This young girl is truly quite shrewd...'

Su Jing and the rest of the siblings exchanged bewildered glances. However, only Su Xing’er perceived the situation as a direct test. As she articulated her words, she deliberately adopted an unyielding, fearless demeanor. Xia Hong, witnessing this display, could only shake his head, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"Indeed, we are not apprehensive either!"

"Su Xu also harbors no fear, Master. Please permit us to participate in the trial!"

"If our demise is fated, then so be it. Su Zhi willingly accepts the challenge of the trial."

The Su siblings, far from being dense, quickly grasped Su Xing’er's strategy. Hastening to follow her lead, they vocalized their agreement one after another.

It is all a matter of timing. Although Su Jing and the others have somewhat rigid personalities, having Su Xing'er as their sister is indeed a great fortune for them, so Xia Hong refrains from being overly harsh.

"Since you possess the determination, then you shall depart!

However, I must first issue a solemn warning: every word I have spoken previously is the absolute truth. The thirty percent mortality rate is a genuine figure; you are indeed the weakest among all the participants; and my absence to personally oversee your progress is also a fact. Therefore, participating in this endeavor undeniably carries the grave risk of perishing..."

Having concluded his cautionary words, Xia Hong retrieved a Yellow Mustard Bag from behind him and presented eight units of Solidified Fire Oil along with eight Yellow Candles to the quartet. He handed them over, saying:

"This is the Solidified Fire Oil. Upon contact with Deceitful Monsters, it ignites readily. It can be applied to your weapons or directly onto your bodies. The two Yellow Candles can also be employed against Deceitful Monsters. Should you encounter any phenomena that are mysterious and difficult to comprehend, lighting these candles will produce miraculous results. But be mindful, the effective range of their flames extends to three meters, and they can burn for a maximum of half an hour, after which they will instantaneously lose their potency."

This was the first time Xia Hong had ever addressed them in such a somber and serious tone. The four siblings accepted the Yellow Candles and Solidified Fire Oil with utmost gravity, bowing in unison to Xia Hong as they declared:

"Thank you, Master, for these valuable gifts!"

Yet, these items could hardly be considered true treasures within the grand scheme of things...

Recalling the substantial quantity of Solidified Fire Oil stored within the Great Xia Treasury, Xia Hong's expression took on a rather peculiar hue. He shook his head slightly and continued, "Make your preparations and set forth! A considerable number of individuals have already congregated at the gates of the county mansion, and they are likely on the verge of departure. I, on the other hand, must now proceed to the Eldest Prince’s residence."