Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely

Chapter 1674: Chapter 529: Hostility, Wild Imagination, Cai Qianshan Arrives in Person (Part 2)

“Lord Xia probably has been to the feudal town, perhaps even set foot in the territory of Cai Qiu, believing he understands the strength of Cai Qiu, isn’t that right?”

Cai Qiuhu’s rage was so intense that he continued before Xia Hong could answer, “Aikou City should not see war in the short term; I’ve already heard about East Valley City. Presumably, Lord Xia thinks the Wuchuan Town is now within grasp…”

He paused, revealing a smile and continued, “It seems I am hasty today, coming unprepared to talk to Lord Xia. Perhaps Lord Xia should first observe whether the Xia Army can capture Wuchuan Town before I come again another day. I hope Lord Xia will still be as confident then.”

Speaking out threats.

It implies Cai Qiu won’t abandon Wuchuan, so the fifty thousand troops Qin Feng sent out of the city surely have more in store.

“Lord Xia, then I’ll take my leave!”

“Wait…”

Xia Hong frowned deeply, interrupting Cai Qiuhu as he cupped his hand in farewell, then raised his hand to point at Cai Shiqi behind him.

When stopped, Cai Qiuhu’s expression turned sour, especially upon seeing Xia Hong point at Cai Shiqi, his face became even angrier.

“Everyone else can go; his life belongs to Great Xia!”

Enlisted by Xia Hong, Cai Shiqi’s face showed no hint of fear but instead grew flushed with anger. Clearly, he had no concern for his safety, only the disgrace of being singled out publicly.

“Lord Xia, indeed you want to tear off all pretenses with Cai?”

Cai Qiuhu’s voice was extremely low and furious.

I won’t bring up that Cai Shiqi is a descendant of the Landgrave’s Lineage, his own kin. Even if Xia Hong had named an ordinary Xianyang Level today, I couldn’t simply leave someone behind in front of so many people.

This amounts to a demand Xia Hong knew couldn’t be agreed to, thus he directly asked Xia Hong if he really intended to break off relations with Cai Qiu.

“Break off relations?”

Xia Hong first quietly questioned back, followed by a cold smirk, then sharply said, “Little Landgrave Cai wouldn’t be unaware of the direct reason behind Great Xia’s initiation of this battle, would he?”

The core reason for Great Xia’s northern expedition is expansion, whereas the direct cause was on the night of the twenty-sixth when Yang Jian led more than twenty Xianyang Level from the two vassal towns trying to abduct Xia Yusheng outside of Xia City.

Inside the tent, everyone knew the reason and immediately turned their gaze toward Li Xuanling and her three children at Xia Hong’s side, finally fixing their eyes on Xia Yusheng.

Xia Yusheng was the center of attention, feeling tense inside but showing no change in expression. At such a young age, possessing this resolve made Xia Hong view his young son with a new regard.

Seeing Cai Qiuhu silent for quite some time, Xia Hong pointed at Cai Shiqi again and said, “As far as I know, six people participated in the abduction that night, including this Cai Shiqi…”

Xia Hong paused here, scoffing: “To target a child under ten years old, the illustrious name of Caiqiu Fan also engages in such despicable acts. I initially planned to uncover this person after taking Aikou City and skin him alive myself. Since Little Landgrave Cai has brought him, I, as Lord, shall be generous for once, considering those stupid acts as solely individual behavior, unrelated to Caiqiu Fan.”

Cai Qiuhu’s expression instantly grew impossible to look at.

Not only him, but most of the fifty Xianyang Level from Cai Qiu also displayed displeased looks.

Due to Ice Abyss’s harsh environment, early humans primarily needed cooperative survival, which led to the establishment of numerous camps. Because of such cooperation, the collective nature of camp inhabitants became extremely strong.

In any organization, the bigger it gets, the more individuals within care about face, even more so when it ascends to the organization’s face. Everyone naturally maintains it, tolerating no negligence.

To attack a child, such furtive despicable actions—not that Cai Qiu wouldn’t engage in them—in the civilized breakdown of Ice Abyss, means justifying the means to achieve aims was all too common.

The crux is the failure of Yang Jian’s group, which resulted in significant casualties—such botched schemes are discouraging enough, not to mention offering others fodder.

With these words, Xia Hong directly pinned responsibility on Cai Qiu.

Cai Qiu’s Xianyang Level attacking a child under ten—if this news spreads, would Cai Qiu’s reputation remain? In the future, can those who become enemies with Cai Qiu also feel free to target key figures’ offspring?

That said, Cai Qiuhu could no longer afford to not take matters seriously.

Of course, surrendering Cai Shiqi was certainly impossible!

Cai Qiuhu first glared at Cai Shiqi, then turned to Xia Hong, speaking softly, “It’s wrong for Cai Shiqi to abduct a child. Cai is willing to apologize to Lord Xia on his behalf; however…”

“No need for fuss, leave him, and you may depart. Unwilling to leave him, you all might have to leave more than him behind.”

Interrupting Cai Qiuhu, Xia Hong’s expression slightly dimmed, gazing up.

The group behind Cai Qiuhu also lifted their heads to stare at Xia Hong, their faces full of hostility and fury.

Thump thump thump……

As soon as the main tent fell silent, faint footsteps sounded outside.

Though silent, Cai Qiuhu and company slightly altered their expressions.

They knew exactly what that noise was.

Clearly, a large number of soldiers were swarming towards the main tent.