Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely

Great Xia Year 1, early March, just after nightfall.

In the main hall on the second floor of the wooden house, hundreds of people were densely gathered.

In the very center, the entire hunting team, led by Xia Chuan, along with the core members of the gathering team, logging team, camp supply, and artisan workshop, a few dozen people in total, were heatedly discussing.

The surrounding people all perked up their ears, listening to the content of their discussion.

"Why can we only expand southward? Are other directions not possible?"

"Currently, the determined territory of our Great Xia starts from the valley, extending four kilometers north along the mountain wall to the Arrow Bamboo Forest; to the west is Redwood Ridge, where the hunting team has only ventured two kilometers deep for now; the Twin Dragon Mountain to the east is too high, and there definitely won't be any human settlements in the dense forest, so, we can only go south!"

Beside the stove in the main hall, a wooden board was erected, on which the currently determined territory of Great Xia was outlined with coal stones. As Xia Chuan answered, he gestured to the crowd, indicating the territory currently occupied by Great Xia.

"Going south along the mountain wall for about six kilometers, we'll reach the previous settlement of Great Xia, which is the earthen slope. Beyond the earthen slope to the south is an area completely unfamiliar to us!"

Seeing the location of the earthen slope marked on the map, Yuan Cheng and Yue Feng, as well as the earliest members of Great Xia, all showed a slight hint of reminiscence on their faces.

Although compared to their time at the earthen slope, the current Great Xia has seen incredible leaps in both quality of life and their individual strength,

the earthen slope, after all, was their initial settlement, where many of their relatives and friends were buried.

"In short, the territory truly defined by Great Xia currently is roughly ten kilometers north and south along the mountain wall, then starting from the mountain wall, extending west to Redwood Ridge, these five hundred or so meters of snowy ground, plus the two-plus kilometers outside Redwood Ridge, let's say it's three kilometers in length."

That's a total of thirty square kilometers!

After everyone came to this answer in their minds, expressions of disbelief appeared on their faces, remaining silent for more than ten breaths before their expressions gradually shifted to excitement and agitation.

It turned out that, unknowingly, the territory of Great Xia had already become so large!

What is the concept of thirty square kilometers?

Not to mention the smaller camps like Great Xia, Great Stone, Great River, Huang Zhao…

Even the Rogue Camp, at its peak, didn't have such a large range of activity.

No, the current Great Xia hasn't reached its limit yet.

Aren't they currently discussing the expansion of the camp!

For the earliest members of Great Xia, only a little over a year had passed since Xia Hong took over as leader; while for the others, only eight months had passed since Great Xia entered the valley.

In such a short period of time, not only had the territory expanded so much,

their lives had also undergone earth-shattering changes.

Cold beast meat, wooden products, leather products, and even ironware, weapons…

Everything they had never imagined before, now not only did they have it all, but there was also more and more of it. With the continuous replenishment of resources, some things, such as clothing and wooden products… had even achieved widespread availability.

Of course, more importantly, there was their individual strength!

It should be known that the four hundred-plus people currently sitting around the main hall on the second floor were all at the Lumbering Realm or above.

Nearly half of the entire camp had cultivation at the Lumbering Realm or above.

Who would have dared to believe this a year ago?

"Even the former leader probably couldn't have imagined this!"

Remembering Luo Ming, who had left with his son before, Luo Yuan pondered for a moment, then looked up at the third floor, his eyes full of fervor and reverence.

Not only Luo Yuan, but everyone else, recovering from their excitement, all looked towards the third floor in unison, their eyes also filled with intense fervor.

Today, the greatest contributor to all the achievements of Great Xia, without a doubt, was the leader, Xia Hong.

It could be said that without Xia Hong, these people wouldn't have been able to live the kind of lives they have today, let alone break through to the Lumbering Realm or Earth Digging Realm.

Perhaps, whether they could even be alive now would be unknown.

Wooden puppet ghouls, gnawing rat swarms, new ghoul monsters, Mirror Immortal Camp…

Which of these wasn't a life-threatening matter? If Xia Hong hadn't led them through the difficulties time and time again, Great Xia would probably have ceased to exist long ago!

"You should all be aware of the reason why the leader is eager to expand, right?"

What else could it be but that Mirror Immortal Camp?

A giant camp with over ten thousand people and hundreds of Earth Digging Realm experts…

The situation of the Mirror Immortal Camp had already spread throughout the camp, and everyone knew it.

The revenge for those eight Lumbering Realm cultivators last time had already been taken, and according to the hunting team, Xia Hong had even fought against the Frost Resistance level expert on the other side, and it was said that he even had the upper hand…

Even after hearing these things, everyone was still clear about one thing:

The strength of the Mirror Immortal Camp still surpassed Great Xia's.

No matter how strong Xia Hong was alone, it was impossible for him to crush a giant camp with over ten thousand people.

To avoid being at a disadvantage in the competition and conflict with the Mirror Immortal Camp, the number of Earth Digging Realm cultivators was the most crucial.

And coincidentally, what Great Xia currently lacked the most was Earth Digging Realm cultivators!

Out of the entire camp of over a thousand people, there were only seventeen Earth Digging Realm cultivators so far.

To quickly increase the number of Earth Digging Realm cultivators, there were two key points:

First, the speed of cultivation.

This problem had actually already been solved, and that was the Martial Arts Arena.

The Martial Arts Arena was only put into use on the 20th of last month, and it had only been thirteen days so far. The effect hadn't manifested so quickly yet, but as time went on, it would definitely take effect.

Second, the population base.

This didn't need explanation. The Lumbering Realm and Earth Digging Realm were built up with cold beast meat, and there was basically no threshold. The more people participating in cultivation, the more Earth Digging Realm cultivators there would naturally be.

The camp's cold beast meat had been in a state of surplus for a long time, especially after acquiring the ability to hunt intermediate cold beasts, the reserves were even more astonishing.

Although the cold beast meat wasn't afraid of rotting in the icy and snowy weather, the excess portion was useless to keep, and it was better to use it to support more people.

After all, lying there, it was just a pile of non-rotting meat.

But if it was used by people, raising a few more Lumbering Realm and Earth Digging Realm cultivators,

the benefits to the camp would be immeasurable!

Especially now, when facing the threat of the Mirror Immortal Camp with a population of over ten thousand, the population base was even more important.

"Population is our biggest problem right now!

This time, for the outward expansion, whether it's pioneering or finding people, the contribution point rewards given are set very high because,

first, exploring unfamiliar areas is inherently dangerous. It's no exaggeration to say it's a one-in-ten chance of survival. Setting it high will give you motivation.

Second, I also hope that you can all carefully explore the southern area, which can both expand the territory and population of the camp, and earn you more contribution points, which can be considered a win-win situation!"

As soon as Xia Chuan finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent.

But this silence only lasted for three or four breaths before it was broken.

"Lord Xia Chuan, don't underestimate us. How can pioneering be more dangerous than you hunting intermediate cold beasts? Since the leader has given the order, we will complete it even if we die!"

And as soon as this person spoke, the hesitation that had just appeared on the faces of the others immediately disappeared, and instead became firm.

"That's right, contribution points, in the end, are for contributing to our Great Xia. We Lumbering Realm cultivators usually can't help much, so if we're even timid about this little thing, then are we still human?"

"Just pioneering, if we don't even dare to do this, then the cold beast meat that the leader hunted for us would have been wasted. Not to mention for contribution points, even if it's for the sake of the leader's order, I will risk my life to go."

"Afraid of death, what kind of Great Xia people are you if you're afraid of death!"

"Pioneering, expanding the population, making the camp stronger, in the end, the leader is still doing it for the safety of everyone. Lord Xia Chuan, don't worry, although we are not strong, we will never be afraid of death!"

"Whoever is afraid of death, stand up, I will be the first to not spare him!"

"Those who are afraid of death, the cold beast meat they eat on weekdays has all gone into the latrine, right?"

"Hahahahaha!"

… … … … … … … …

Hearing the rising and falling voices below, a touch of warmth flashed in Xia Chuan's eyes.

He knew that everyone had understood his meaning.

Pioneering was indeed an extremely dangerous thing.

It was definitely not an exaggeration to say it was a one-in-ten chance of survival.

Over the years, so many camps had appeared around Redwood Ridge, but their range of activity had always been limited to the eastern side, which was proof of this;

if it was really so easy to expand outwards, and the population could come casually, then Redwood Ridge wouldn't have only seen the previous Rogue Camp and the current Great Xia, two medium-sized camps, over the years.

The only truly pioneering action that Great Xia currently possessed was hunting, but this action was personally led by Xia Hong, and it gathered the strongest seventeen people in the entire camp.

But this time's pioneering was different.

The camp didn't have any extra people to do these things anymore.

Last night, as soon as Xia Hong made that decision, Xia Chuan knew that he had to mobilize these Lumbering Realm cultivators in the camp to do this.

At least, before there were enough Earth Digging Realm cultivators, this was the only way.

According to the rules of the Ice Abyss World, Lumbering Realm humans had only just acquired the qualifications to go out and lumber.

Pioneering was too difficult and too dangerous for them.

Not to mention cold beasts and ghouls, even the unfamiliar human camps in the wilderness that they had never encountered were extremely dangerous.

The camp currently had a total of seventeen Earth Digging Realm cultivators, and they were basically in a state of overload, hunting low-level and intermediate cold beasts, maintaining Redwood Ridge's territory, and mining. It was definitely impossible to hand over the pioneering to them.

But the problem is, the Mirror Immortal Camp won't give that much time.

Just as Great Xia knows that the biggest gap with the Mirror Immortal Camp lies in population.

The Mirror Immortal Camp must also be well aware of this!

Xia Chuan was very clear about the reason why Xia Hong was eager to expand, so he didn't offer any suggestions, but spent a whole night thinking about what to do.

The first step, of course, is to dispel the fear in the hearts of these Lumbering Realm cultivators.

Setting extremely high contribution point rewards, and the words he had just said, were a preliminary test.

Fortunately, the result of the test was very good.

There are no fools in this world, and everyone knows the dangers of pioneering.

No matter how many contribution points are given, you must at least have a life to spend them.

Obviously, he underestimated the cohesion and dedication of these people in the camp.

More importantly, he underestimated Xia Hong's influence in the hearts of these people.

The people who spoke just now mentioned in their words that as long as it was Xia Hong's order, they would definitely do it even if it meant risking their lives.

Just from this point, Xia Chuan immediately realized why Xia Hong made the expansion decision so decisively and confidently last night.

Because the eldest brother has the qualifications and the appeal!

Since this is the case, then the next step can be carried out.

Xia Chuan looked at everyone and said loudly:

"Okay, with your words, I can rest assured..."

After speaking, he paused for a moment before continuing:

"After all, pioneering is too dangerous and not suitable for too many people to go out together, so I plan to create a Pioneering Department in addition to the existing five departments.

The Pioneering Department is responsible for all matters related to the expansion of the camp, including but not limited to exploring the surrounding areas, drawing the Great Xia map, searching for other human camps..."

"This department will initially recruit thirty people. These thirty people will receive separate contribution points, and all supplies for going out will be provided free of charge by the camp's supply department."

Another new department is going to be established.

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Pioneering Department!

Xia Chuan's words fell, and everyone was silent for a moment.

Then a few people with extremely keen senses immediately scrambled to speak.

"I want to join the Pioneering Department."

"I want to join too."

"Lord Xia Chuan, I want to join too."

.........

For a time, not to mention thirty, I am afraid that one or two hundred people spoke.

Seeing the scene of everyone scrambling, Xia Chuan's face suddenly showed a smile.

Last night he was still worried that if no one wanted to join, he would only be able to draw lots.

Now it seems that he was overthinking it.

The reason why these people are so enthusiastic and support Xia Hong's decision to expand is only part of the reason, and there is another part of the reason that Xia Chuan sees very clearly.

Obviously, many people have taken a fancy to the leading position of this Pioneering Department.

Not to mention, although Great Xia currently only has more than a thousand people, the gap in status has already become very obvious.

The Hunting Team is the first echelon;

The leaders of the five departments are considered the second echelon;

Further down, the members of the five departments are the third echelon;

The fourth echelon is the ordinary people who have not yet broken through to the Lumbering Realm.

The eldest brother said before that a moderate gap in hierarchical status can serve to motivate people, and it is indeed true.

"Lord, I also want to join the Pioneering Department!"

Shi Ping, who was standing next to Xia Chuan, couldn't help but speak at this time.

Xia Chuan's expression froze slightly, showing some resistance.

Not to mention, Shi Ping handles affairs prudently and meticulously, and his management ability is also very strong. The camp's supply department has received the most help from him.

In contrast, Yuan Cheng, who was appointed as a camp supply officer by Xia Hong along with him, basically doesn't come to the camp's supply department.

Of course, Yuan Cheng himself is not interested in the affairs of the camp's supply department, and coupled with the fact that he has no talent for material data, over time, he doesn't want to come, so Xia Chuan simply ignores it.

But looking at Shi Ping's eager eyes, Xia Chuan still suppressed the resistance in his heart, neither agreeing nor refusing, just nodded, and then looked at everyone:

"Pioneering is not like collecting lumber, there are many unknowns and more dangers, reaction ability and strength are indispensable, since so many of you want to join, then let's have a fair selection, like the Hunting Team members before, fight against the wooden training dummy, the thirty people who last the longest will join the Pioneering Department!"

Roar.........

As soon as Xia Chuan's words were finished, a beast roar immediately sounded behind him.

Many people were startled, and a few members of the Hunting Team changed their expressions drastically, and even couldn't help but grab their knives and stand up directly.

"It's okay!"

Xia Chuan's expression remained the same, and after comforting everyone, he looked back at the Snow Mane behind him, with a smile on his face.

"Pioneering Department, not bad, let's start the selection tonight!"

Xia Hong's broad voice suddenly came from upstairs.

He clearly did not show up, but his voice echoed on the second floor, like a god.

Everyone looked up at the third floor, with a hint of surprise in their eyes.

Sure enough, the eldest brother had been listening upstairs all along.

Hearing Xia Hong's praise for the Pioneering Department, the smile on Xia Chuan's face grew stronger, and he nodded heavily to the third floor, saying: "Yes, leader!"

"All outdoor activities in the camp can proceed normally, but the Lumbering Team and the Gathering Team can only operate in the middle and south of Redwood Ridge."

Hearing that they could go out, everyone's faces suddenly showed joy.

They had all been suffocated by staying in the wooden houses in the valley for the past six days.

"In addition, Hunting Team, give you half an hour to prepare, go!"

Xia Chuan, Luo Yuan and the other seventeen members of the Hunting Team, hearing these words, knew that Xia Hong was going to take them out, and were even more delighted. They immediately stood up from their chairs and nodded in obedience, saying: "Yes, leader!"

After nodding and agreeing, the Hunting Team dispersed directly, and all quickly went to the third floor to their rooms to start packing their things.

"Shi Ping, you will be responsible for the selection tonight."

"Yes, Lord!"

After Xia Chuan finished speaking, he also went directly to the third floor.

.........

"Xia Chuan is becoming more and more skilled in management!"

On the third floor, Xia Hong sat alone in the room, with a look of appreciation on his face.

From the extremely high contribution point rewards formulated last night, to the test tonight, to the final announcement of the decision, and the idea of establishing the Pioneering Department, all of these are enough to show that Xia Chuan's ability is no longer limited to being a camp supply officer.

How could he not know the difficulty of pioneering, but expanding the population is imperative.

Without enough Earth Burrowing Realm cultivators, then only the Lumbering Realm cultivators can go first.

Xia Hong's original intention was to use his appeal and prestige to forcibly advance the expansion of the camp.

But no matter how good the idea is, it still needs people to implement it.

From last night to now, he has not communicated a word with Xia Chuan, nor has he given any advice, just wanting to see how Xia Chuan would promote this matter.

Extremely high contribution point rewards;

Using tests to dispel the fear in everyone's hearts;

Establishing the Pioneering Department to provide a new channel for advancement;

And then using strength to speak for the thirty places.

Under these four measures, the enthusiasm of the people has been completely mobilized and stimulated, and they have even begun to scramble to join the Pioneering Department.

With such enthusiasm, it can be foreseen that, barring accidents, the subsequent effect of the camp's expansion will definitely be very good.

"Talents are not born, they can be found anywhere if you are willing to spend time cultivating them!"

Xia Hong couldn't help but sigh like this.

When he first took over the position of leader, Xia Chuan was not as powerful as he is now.

Even when Xia Chuan was first appointed as a camp supply officer, he still had to ask him for advice on many things, and he even had to do some things himself.

Now it's different, Xia Chuan can't be said to have completely grown up.

At least, for the current Great Xia camp of more than a thousand people, his management ability is already more than enough.

"It's not just him, Luo Yuan, Yuan Cheng, Yue Feng, Lin Kai, Bai Dongying, Cheng Feng, Mu Dong, the Zhao Long brothers, Qiu Peng, Lu Yang, Xu Ning... these people, as long as they are willing to spend time cultivating them, they are all talents!"

Xia Hong lowered his head and pondered. As the saying goes, even though the sparrow is small, it has all the vital organs. Although the Great Xia camp only has more than a thousand people, there are many internal miscellaneous affairs, and the things to be managed are increasing, so the number of departments needed is naturally increasing.

If Xia Chuan hadn't mentioned it, he himself wouldn't have realized that establishing a new Pioneering Department was necessary. From this, it can be seen that the development of the camp cannot rely entirely on him, the leader.

As the strongest combat power of Great Xia, his most important task is cultivation.

And if he wants to devote more time to cultivation, then there must be someone to help him share the management affairs of the camp.

"In the future, I will participate less in these things. I would rather make some mistakes than cultivate these people first, otherwise, when there are more people in the future, I will still have to spare energy to manage these things!"

After making up his mind, Xia Hong's brows relaxed slightly. He quickly packed his luggage, and finally looked at the giant axe and ceremonial knife on the weapon rack in the room. After hesitating for a moment, he still brought both weapons with him.

With his current strength, in fact, neither weapon is suitable anymore, but he can't forge new weapons in a short time.

"Ten-forged weapons are no longer suitable for me, I have to start trying to forge hundred-forged weapons!"

Recalling the hundred-forged wild goose feather saber in Li Hu's hand before, Xia Hong's eyes narrowed slightly. He couldn't see it at the time, but now that he thinks about it, Li Hu's basic strength at that time should not have reached the limit of 30,000 catties.

With such cultivation, he can be equipped with a hundred-forged weapon. The richness of resources in that North Shuo Town is probably far beyond his imagination.

"Half a year has passed in a flash. Those two people have probably forgotten about this small place like Redwood Ridge!"

Of course, Xia Hong doesn't want these two to come to him for trouble again, but when he thinks of his painstaking efforts over the past half year, he has finally developed Great Xia to its current level.

Even today's Great Xia, compared to that North Shuo Town with a population of over one hundred thousand, is probably still like an infant compared to a strong man, not worth mentioning.

"Chieftain, we are all ready and can set off."

"Understood!"

After packing up, Xia Hong walked straight out and saw the seventeen hunting team members outside the door, a smile appearing on his face:

"Tonight, follow me north first and see if the people from the Mirror Immortal Camp dare to come again!"

Upon hearing this, a trace of excitement appeared on everyone's faces.

After repelling Yuwen Hu last time, they didn't go out for six consecutive days.

They really wanted to see if the people from the Mirror Immortal Camp dared to come again.

Sorry, something came up tonight, I'm late!