Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely

Chapter 947: Chapter 351: Lu Yang’s Plan, Upheaval in Xia City, Sumeru Nightmare, the Prince’s Golden Words

Only after entering the main building can one truly be considered an East Ridge person.

No wonder there’s a saying circulating inside East Ridge Base: just by observing the people going in and out of the main building, one can discern a trend.

Either they possess Earth-digging Realm Limit Cultivation or Cold Resistance Level, and they are mostly clad in Iron Armor, or they carry a Cold Beast back from outside. Compared to people in other areas of the base, they not only have high cultivation, but also exude a palpable, ominous aura, clearly indicating they are frequent hunters.

Anyone who comes from Baisonghe can’t help but look up at the main building with a sense of yearning, even though under Lu Yang’s leadership, their lives today are vastly different from before.

But people always seek to elevate their status, and currently, the only way to do so in East Ridge is to gain the qualification to enter and exit the main building.

As the crowd gazed at the main building with envy, they had no idea that the leader they revered, Lu Yang, was at this moment relinquishing the main seat, and with an excited expression, was bowing to another person seated at the main position.

”Subordinate pays respects to the Lord!”

Of course, it wasn’t just Lu Yang.

Zhao Hu, Zhu Shun, Wang Tao, Lin Fan, He Ning, and He Xing, the rest of the officials from the Six Departments, were all present, following suit and bowing.

He Ning and He Xing didn’t look particularly excited because they already knew last night that Xia Hong had arrived; as for Zhao Hu and the other four, their expressions mirrored Lu Yang’s, clearly surprised by Xia Hong’s visit to East Ridge.

”You did well with the matter at Zhu Ling last night, Lu Yang. Over these three years, you’ve really grown a lot at East Ridge, quite unexpectedly.”

”Lu Yang thanks the Lord for the praise!”

Realizing that Xia Hong had witnessed his actions at Zhu Ling the previous night, Lu Yang’s expression subtly shifted, and a hint of joy rose within him.

”What are your plans for the Beishan Eight Families next? Tell me!”

Upon hearing Xia Hong’s question, Lu Yang pondered for a moment before continuing to bow and replied, ”Last night, utilizing the gambling duel, I got the leaders of five families to send hostages to East Ridge. We only need one more from Yanggu Camp; Yang Quan will personally bring his youngest son Yang Shan over tomorrow night.

Moreover, in order to lessen their debts, they’ll also send more offspring at Cold Resistance Level as hostages.

Having these hostages will ensure the Zhu Ling Five Families will be much more compliant in the future, allowing me to freely embed Great Xia’s people across all camps along North Mountain’s line.

I plan to first control all the camps along North Mountain’s line, then gradually infiltrate the seven village-level camps with these hostages, ideally transforming the entire North Mountain line into an ironclad area before gradually extending influence throughout the Jingxi District.

Actually, my original plan was different; if Jingxi District continued to be under Gu Tianxiong’s control, I’d truly have been constrained. Gu Tianxiong is quite powerful, with strong connections at the higher echelons in Beishuo, making it hard to handle him. But now that Zhu Yang has replaced him, that’s perfect.”

Lu Yang paused here, his expression growing increasingly enthusiastic as he continued, ”Zhu Yang is getting old, his strength isn’t significant, and he’s gradually losing influence in Beishuo City. Handling him is easy; I’m confident that within a year, I can control the entire North Mountain line.

Regarding whether we should quickly infiltrate Jingxi District afterward, that depends on the Lord’s plan for when to make a move on Beishuo!”

As Lu Yang finished speaking, he looked at Xia Hong, with excitement flickering in his eyes.

He hadn’t forgotten that his primary reason for setting up the base at East Ridge was to pave the path for Great Xia’s expansion eastward.

”No, no, no, no...”

Upon hearing the phrase ”make a move on Beishuo,” Xia Hong immediately waved his hands repeatedly, noticing that not only Lu Yang, but Zhao Hu and the other six, were all visibly excited, causing him to shake his head and chuckle lightly.

”I just returned from Beishuo City, and I’ve already had a confrontation with Yang Fa. The situation at Nine Towns is far more complex than anticipated. The circumstances of the past three years that you experienced firsthand should be more thorough than I understand. The interconnectedness of Nine Towns—where pulling one thread may disturb the whole fabric—won’t be resolved by any other means except with overwhelming force, yet Great Xia currently does not possess such capability.

Reckless assaults, if thwarted, would only alert Nine Towns to be wary, making Great Xia’s chance to expand eastward more difficult.

We have opportunities for eastward expansion both on the southern and northern lines.

For the southern line, if not for Dajue Temple obstructing the way, Xu Ning should be able to make contact with Jiangxia Town. After resolving the silver mine issue upon my return to Xia City, I’ll personally visit Wuyuan to see what’s going on with Dajue Temple.

In the meantime, you in East Ridge should continue to manage the northern line. Although the northern line might not be necessary soon, it will absolutely play a critical role in the future, relying entirely on the efforts of all of you!”

”Lu Yang will definitely lead East Ridge with utmost dedication, paving a smooth path for Great Xia’s eastward expansion, establishing a solid vanguard, and ensuring that the Lord is not disappointed!”

Lu Yang nodded solemnly in response, followed by Zhu Shun, Wang Tao, and the other six, who quickly echoed, ”We will exert all effort to support the Lord!”

Contemplating briefly, Xia Hong recalled his brief encounter with Yang Fa outside Beishuo City and further cautioned, ”That Yang Fa is no ordinary figure. Your plan to control the North Mountain line must be covert; once detected, it will inevitably incite Beishuo’s vigilance. I do not demand speed but steadiness to maintain that secret channel.”

Upon Xia Hong mentioning Yang Fa, Lu Yang nodded solemnly. He had entered Beishuo City several times and indeed heard numerous things about Yang Fa.