Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely

Chapter 931: Chapter 348: Schemes and Counter-Schemes, the Five of East Ridge, Zhu Yang’s Threat, and the Dust Settles

"Leader Zhu, what a clever move!"

Lu Yang seemed to finally come to his senses. His words seemed to be squeezed out between his teeth, clearly realizing that he had been set up by Zhu Tong, filled with deep regret and anger.

"Leader Lu, I don’t understand what you’re talking about. Only five remain from East Ridge, please don’t waste Dean Zhu’s time!"

Zhu Tong appeared to be in high spirits, and alongside him, Zhu Da, Zhu Mai and other Cold Resistance level from Zhu Ling, looked at the East Ridge group with pride almost written on their faces.

Lu Yang hesitated for a moment, then finally looked up at Zhu Yang who was already seated above. He cupped his hands and asked in a deep voice, "I trouble Dean Zhu to come all the way from Beishuo just to witness this competition. Since it concerns the Institute Chief Huang’s acceptance of disciples, I boldly ask if Dean Zhu’s action represents personal intent or the will of the Inspectorate?"

Zhu Yang, looking at least in his nineties, exuded an air of decrepitude, yet no one dared to underestimate his strength. Especially with the silver-embroidered "Inspector" on the left chest of his white robe, it caused everyone’s gaze to lower slightly.

The "Inspector" on He Wuyang’s chest was black.

Having been in Beining Mountain for four years, Lu Yang roughly understood the operational mechanisms of Beishuo.

The Inspectorate, is the organization overseeing all camps within Beishuo Town’s jurisdiction, divided internally into three levels: Institute Chief, Dean, and Inspector. Inspectors like He Wuyang with the black mark number at least a hundred; but Deans like Zhu Yang with the silver mark are only seven; as for the Institute Chiefs there are only three, one chief and two vice chiefs, with Huang Tianxing, the Institute Chief involved in this disciple acceptance, being one of the vice chiefs.

Beishuo Inspection Office divides the entire jurisdiction into seven regions, each overseen by one Dean. Beining Mountain falls under the jurisdiction of another Dean named Gu Tianxiong, not Zhu Yang before him, hence, he questioned whether Zhu Yang’s presence was personal or representing the Inspectorate.

When Lu Yang asked, he unwittingly glanced at He Wuyang under Zhu Yang’s seat, a questioning look in his eyes.

Gu Tianxiong was He Wuyang’s superior and someone Lu Yang sought to curry favor with actively. In the past three years, he severely suppressed several Zhu Ling families, avoiding punishment by Beishuo due to Gu Tianxiong’s protection.

The questioning in his eyes asked why Gu Tianxiong wasn’t present but Zhu Yang was.

The thoughts in Lu Yang’s mind, though lengthy, occurred in just an instant.

Zhu Yang showed visible impatience at Lu Yang’s question, clearly unwilling to respond properly. Just as he was about to speak, He Wuyang behind him interjected first.

"Five days ago, Dean Gu was transferred to the Bai Mu District. Now, the entire Jingxi District is under Dean Zhu’s management."

Beishuo’s seven districts are Zhongyang, Dongchuan, Bai Mu, Kuling, He Valley, Linya, and Jingxi, with the eight families of Beining Mountain belonging to Jingxi District.

With Gu Tianxiong’s transfer, the entire Jingxi District now fell under Zhu Yang’s control.

Upon hearing He Wuyang’s words, Lu Yang didn’t display much surprise, but rather suddenly smiled, continuing to look at Zhu Yang, clearly still awaiting his reply.

Zhu Yang obviously didn’t expect Lu Yang to be so tactless. Even after He Wuyang explained, he still awaited Zhu Yang’s response. With this in mind, his impatience grew, and he waved his hand angrily, saying, "I supervise Jingxi for the Beishuo Inspectorate; naturally, my every word and deed represent the Inspectorate. Lu Yang, don’t waste time, let’s begin."

"Alright!"

With this single word, Lu Yang’s expression suddenly changed.

"Since Dean Zhu hails from Beishuo, I believe you to be a man of your word, upholding Beishuo’s reputation. With those words, I feel reassured."

"In that case, let the five talents from East Ridge come up!"

Zhu Tong noticed the change in Lu Yang’s expression but still believed Lu Yang was bluffing, stubbornly insistent, so he couldn’t wait to have the five from East Ridge come up to draw lots.

Unexpectedly, Lu Yang’s next response left him momentarily stunned.

"No need to draw lots, the first round’s arena lords will all be from East Ridge!"

......

It was already night, and around the arena, not only were there the eight family leaders and participants, but many from Zhu Ling Camp had come to watch.

Lu Yang’s words rendered the previously lively venue silent as the grave.

Hong Fan, Zi Jin and other leaders all looked at Lu Yang as if they were looking at a fool.

Since it involves attacks and defenses, endless rounds could not be avoided. The first to step in as arena lords, unless tasting many consecutive victories, would inevitably suffer.

Yet, Lu Yang actually declared that all three first-round masters would be from East Ridge.

Had this person gone mad?

Everyone’s minds echoed with this query, and before long, people whose madness surpassed Lu Yang appeared, as three of the five black-robed individuals beside Lu Yang stepped forward, each taking to one of the three arenas.

"East Ridge’s Luo Cheng, please enlighten me!"

"East Ridge’s Xiao Yan, welcomes all to challenge!"

The five brought by Lu Yang tonight had always been shrouded in black robes, never revealing their faces from start to finish, so when they spoke atop the arena, it was the first time everyone heard their voices.

In arena one, Luo Cheng wielded a long spear, his voice cool, showing he was indeed a serious youth; in arena two, Xiao Yan with a long blade at his waist, spoke with calmness, yet the unmistakable confidence in his words was immediately apparent.