Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely

Luo Cheng was staring at the ranking board, looking very tense.

Next to the board, there were people from the Camp Supply Department holding a coal pencil, ready to update the board as soon as someone from the arena came with a message.

[Rank 84: Luo Cheng, 10 wins, Total time: 382 breaths]

Seeing his son's information on the board, Luo Ming finally felt his heart settle. However, realizing that his son's ranking had already dropped by five places, he immediately felt tense again.

Indeed, the ranking among the top 128 is determined by the time taken to win. If anyone finishes in less than 382 breaths, his son's ranking will continue to drop, and if it falls off the board, he won't make it into the top 100.

"Good kid, you're so strong. You're the only one of the Logging Realm on this list. Even if you don't make the top 100, it's enough to brag for months!"

"Hahaha, not necessarily, not necessarily. We have to see how things go late at night; there might still be a chance. You surprised us all!"

Li Baihe and Shang Ping looked much more excited; they were not as strong as Luo Ming and hadn't made it into the top 128 in the Earth-digging Realm division. If their nephew Luo Cheng could make it into the top 100 of the Logging Realm division, it would really be something to boast about.

However, in the face of praise from his father and two uncles, the eleven-year-old Luo Cheng showed no pride. Instead, he said frustratedly, "The leader personally guided my spear technique for over two months and gave me so many good things. If I can't make it into the top 100, I'll definitely let him down!"

Having arrived in the Great Xia for nearly two months, not only Luo Cheng but Luo Ming and others had learned that Hong Yu from the Beehive was actually Xia Hong.

Luo Cheng clenched his fists. Back at the Beehive, he had tried to perform a disciple's ceremony to Xia Hong, but was rejected, which he didn't understand at the time. After arriving in the Great Xia last month and discovering Xia Hong's true identity, he realized why.

"The number of geniuses in the Great Xia is staggering. During yesterday's preliminary match, there were at least a hundred competitors in my age group within the Earth-digging Realm. My cultivation means nothing in the Great Xia. No wonder the master didn't accept me; I guess my talent doesn't meet his standards..."

Luo Cheng felt somewhat powerless, especially as he watched his ranking on the board drop another two places to 86, his expression growing more tense.

As he had just said, if Xia Hong hadn't taught him spear techniques for two months, it would be impossible for him to break into the top 128 with his current cultivation.

"Liu Peng, Zhao Yuankong, Zhao Yuandao, Zhao Yuanwu, Lu Dong... let's not even mention their strengths. Faced with these people, I'm not much younger either. If I don't strive hard, the gap between me and them will only widen."

Although Luo Cheng was young, he already had a sharp understanding.

His adaptability was quite good, but after all, he had only been in the Great Xia for two months, so he knew few peers. Previously, he always thought his talent would be top-notch in the Great Xia.

But last night's preliminaries made him see himself clearly.

Forget about being top-notch; just in terms of cultivation, there are at least a hundred people in the Great Xia stronger than him. Without the fortune of Xia Hong teaching him spear techniques, he would have no hope of qualifying for the top 128.

"Even in terms of family background, I can't compare to these people. I can't compete normally on resources for sure, so I must go all out in martial arts competitions where strength can win more resources. Only then can I gradually close the gap with them, truly get close to the master, and maybe one day he will truly acknowledge me!"

Luo Cheng clenched his fists tightly, his eyes gradually acquiring a steadfast look.

Though Xia Hong had only taught him for two months, Luo Cheng already considered Xia Hong his master in his heart. But saying such a thing with his current strength would only invite ridicule.

So he could only set goals silently in his heart, believing that as long as his strength was sufficient and he demonstrated an extraordinary talent, Xia Hong would someday truly recognize him as a disciple.

"I have to make it into the top 128. Once I'm in, if I hold out for another round, the top 100 spot is secure. Then I can observe the Cold Resistance Level martial arts meeting, and there's a chance to see the master up close!"

Ironically, even though Xia Hong had taught him spear techniques for two months, Luo Cheng still didn't know what Xia Hong looked like.

Because Xia Hong had worn a mask in the Beehive.

Upon learning this, Luo Cheng became eager to see Xia Hong.

He wanted to know what the Uncle Yu who had taught him for over two months truly looked like.

Unfortunately, after almost two months in Xia City, he hadn't seen Xia Hong even once.

Though he knew Xia Hong was in the grand hall at the top of the main building, he didn't have the qualifications to go there.

The grand hall at the top of the main building is off-limits to everyone except the Minister, the Six Department Directors, and some Cold Resistance level individuals.

Unless Xia Hong summons him.

But such a chance was even less likely.

What reason would Xia Hong have to summon someone from the Logging Realm?

This martial arts competition was a rare opportunity.

As long as he made it into the top 100, he would be able to go to the hall to catch a glimpse of Xia Hong.

"I must make it, I must make it..."

Luo Cheng's prayers seemed to have little effect.

As news kept coming from the arenas, his ranking on the board continued to be squeezed further down, soon dropping from 86 to 100, then to 110.