Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely

Chapter 1230: Chapter 410: The Zhao Family Makes a Move, Joy and Inferiority, A Mother’s Deep Love, and the Old Xiang Family’s Pride

"Ah Jiang, I’ve just cleared things up with my brother. He will help me annul the engagement with the Zhao family immediately."

Upon hearing Xu An’s words, Ji Jiang was almost delirious with joy. Ji Hong estimated that if it weren’t for him being a third wheel, his sister might have thrown herself straight into Xu An’s arms.

When Xu An took out the jade pendant engraved with Ji Jiang’s name, she became even more jubilant, hugging the pendant and grinning foolishly long after Xu An had left.

Seeing her like this, Ji Hong felt both envious and angry.

Of course, more than anything, he was happy for his sister finding her belonging.

As her brother, Ji Hong understood his sister’s feelings for Xu An best. After learning about Zhao Yuanxiu forcefully taking love from Zeng Rou’s words yesterday, the reason for his strong reaction was that he knew his sister was profoundly in love with Xu An.

If Xu An truly chose to marry Zhao Yuanxiu, Ji Jiang might never recover from it in her lifetime.

Knowing this, he wouldn’t stand by and let his sister be bullied by the Zhao family, so after leaving Zhao’s Restaurant yesterday, he plucked up the courage to go to the Ministry Building, intending to explain things directly to Xu Ning.

As expected, he was turned away before even getting inside.

Despite his top-grade battle body qualification, Ji Hong was, after all, merely of the Cold Resistance Level, so getting into the Ministry Building so easily was naturally impossible.

Fortunately, he happened to encounter Lin Kai coming out of the Ministry Building.

He wasn’t sure if Xu An’s coming today had anything to do with him seeking out Lin Kai yesterday. Nonetheless, with his sister Ji Jiang now so happy, he was content.

Ji Hong stood up, ruffled his sister’s hair, and said with a smile, "Alright, Ah Jiang, the Dragon Martial Army is about to depart, so I should be leaving soon as well."

Ji Jiang knew her brother was leaving for Bashang today. Even though it came as no surprise, after putting the jade pendant away, a hint of sadness appeared on her face. "Brother, please take good care of yourself in Bashang."

Hearing his sister’s words, Ji Hong’s brows raised, and he smiled, "When did it become your turn to worry about the old brother? Hongmen City is filled with all sorts, everyone from Eight Towns is there. Make sure to take care of yourself here first. I’ve already become a reserve for the Dragon Martial Army. Once there’s a vacancy, I’ll be an official member. Just wait to live the good life with your brother!"

Ji Jiang’s face immediately showed a hint of defiance, snorting, "Brother, don’t underestimate me. My shop is making money hand over fist now. You might even have to rely on me for your future cultivation resources!"

"Hahaha, alright, alright, I’ll rely on you. I’m off now!"

Ji Hong laughed a few times, packed up his weapons, and walked out.

Ji Jiang saw him off all the way to the gate, watching him exit the South City archway until she could only see his back, at which point her eyes slightly reddened.

As Ji Hong walked out of the archway, his nose turned a little sour.

Having depended on each other for nearly ten years, only the siblings knew how deep their bond was. Each separation, regardless of distance or time, was never an easy affair for them.

"Once I’m in the Dragon Martial Army, contribution value shouldn’t be too lacking. I’ll hurry to cultivate and become stronger, accumulate military merit. Once I am titled, my status will rise. Only then will my sister and Xu An be more settled together, and my life will get better and better!"

Ji Hong took a deep breath and sped toward the barracks.

However, when he was still five or six hundred meters away from the barracks, three tall figures approached him.

Seeing the three, Ji Hong’s expression changed slightly. He immediately altered his course, trying to avoid them.

But as he changed direction, the three also altered theirs.

They were coming for him!

A sinking feeling hit Ji Hong, so he simply stood still and, once the three approached, clasped his hands and saluted, "Ji Hong of the Dragon Martial Army greets Commander Zhao, Zhao Shanyu, Military Preparation Zhao!"

Hearing Ji Hong not only claiming to be of the Dragon Martial Army but also accurately calling out their ranks, Zhao Long’s brows slightly raised.

But he didn’t say anything, quickly helped Ji Hong up, and smiled, "No need for formalities, Brother Ji. I heard at the beginning of the month that our Great Xia has gained another top-grade talent with a battle body qualification. You were taken into the Dragon Martial Army as soon as you reached the Cold Resistance Level. Having finally come to Hongmen, naturally I, Zhao, wanted to meet you. Today I’ve finally seen you. Brother Ji, you indeed have an impressive presence!"

Zhao Long’s immediate flattery made Ji Hong’s expression grow wary. He bowed slightly again, "Lord Zhao flatters me. I must hurry to join the Dragon Martial Army in departing for Bashang. If there’s nothing else, my lords..."

Not even willing to exchange a few words before leaving?

Zhao Long’s brow furrowed slightly, especially seeing the alertness on Ji Hong’s face, making him a bit displeased. They were campmates, after all, and given the stature of the three, approaching him willingly, Ji Hong’s response wasn’t quite appropriate.

But not forgetting his main purpose, Zhao Long, seeing Ji Hong not giving any opportunity for small talk, got straight to the point.

"Brother Ji, you’re 25 this year. I, Zhao, am 22 years your senior, so I dare say I’m your elder. I’ll shamelessly play the senior card this once, hoping you’ll heed some good advice..."

Zhao Long prefaced, paused, then continued, "Though possessing a top-grade battle body qualification, you lack support. I know these years have not been affluent, needing to earn cultivation resources for both yourself and your sister. If there were ample resources, given your qualifications, even aiming for a top-grade battle body, you shouldn’t have broken through to the Cold Resistance Level later than your sister, correct?"