On the map, the two landmarks, Xing River and Xing Valley Pass, have already been clearly marked. As everyone’s eyes gathered on these two locations, Xia Hong began to continue his speech.
"The width of the Xing River is about five li. On the north side along the shore, which is our side, there is an upward-sloping hill stretching from west to east. The slope is dense with tall trees and connects to the mountain wall. I’ve been to this area before. If nothing unexpected, this large area should have quite a few human camps."
Xia Hong pinched a piece of coal stone and outlined the slope upward along the mountain wall from the north shore of Xing River all the way east.
"If I’m not mistaken, heading east from here should connect to the external world on the eastern side of Twin Dragon Mountain. If He Yuanhun wasn’t lying to us, this stretch should be at least 200 kilometers."
North shore of the Xing River, over 200 kilometers, connected to the outside...
For a moment, everyone gathered around the stove froze their gaze.
The curiosity for the unknown and the desire for exploration are inherent in human nature.
Even though the Ice Abyss World is perilous, it still cannot extinguish this nature.
Whether it’s the people of Great Xia or Yuwen Dao and others, upon hearing this information from Xia Hong for the first time, their eyes invariably lit up with keen interest.
"The Pioneer Department, established some time ago, currently focuses on pioneering this large area north of the Xing River. Of course, it’s not to have you explore over 200 kilometers all at once. Proceed and expand eastward gradually according to your abilities."
Considering the vast range of over 200 kilometers, it’s risky even for Xia Hong to venture out personally, so quick exploration is out of the question.
"The Pioneer Department was established half a month ago, but it was delayed for a long time due to He Yuanhun’s incident. I remember selecting thirty people before..."
Xia Hong paused at this point and looked over at the people from Great Xia.
From the sixty to seventy people, a large group soon stepped forward one after another.
Xu An, Shi Ping, Liu Yuan, Li Yuankun, Hong Mu...
Xia Hong immediately recognized the familiar faces leading the group.
Counting the total number standing out, he found exactly thirty, and Xia Hong slightly nodded, understanding in his heart.
Half a month ago, when there was a plan to form the Pioneer Department, there weren’t many in the Earth-digging Realm, so selections had to be made from the Logging Realm, using the same selection process as the first batch of the Hunting Team — battling against wooden mannequins.
Those chosen were already outstanding in the Logging Realm, and it was reasonable for them to be the first to break through during the subsequent Earth-digging Realm boom.
Which is quite convenient, saving a lot of trouble!
"Pioneering is no less dangerous than hunting. Previously, because there weren’t enough Earth-digging Realm members in the camp, selections were made from the Logging Realm out of necessity. Now that we have enough people, it’s time to set a rule: Anyone aspiring to join the Pioneer Department must have at least Earth-digging Realm cultivation, just like the Hunting Department."
Everyone had no objections to this, but upon noticing Xia Hong’s gaze scanning the crowd after saying this, the tension among them heightened.
As with the other departments, once the general plan for the Pioneer Department is outlined, the next step is naming the Director.
Clearly, Xia Hong was looking for candidates to assume the position of Director.
After searching for a while, Xia Hong’s gaze finally landed behind Yuwen Dao.
Hong Guang, Hong Tian, Meng Yi, Zhu Ling, and Zhu Yuan, feeling Xia Hong’s gaze upon them, couldn’t help but puff out their chests.
As Xia Hong just mentioned, the dangers of pioneering are no less than those of hunting.
As such, the strength of a Director candidate is undoubtedly a crucial factor.
In terms of strength, these five were evidently the most suitable candidates.
However, honestly, picking one from these five might stir objections among Xia Chuan and the others on the left.
Currently, although Great Xia is nominally the Six Ministries, in terms of strength, the Hunting Department and Pioneer Department clearly surpass the other four ministries.
Yuwen Dao already heads one Hunting Department, and if someone from the newly integrated Mirror Immortal Camp takes charge of the Pioneer Department too, Xia Chuan, Luo Yuan, and others would certainly have objections.
Noticing the hesitant expressions on Xia Chuan, Luo Yuan, and others, Xia Hong thought for a moment, swallowing the impending appointment.
"Here’s what we’ll do; no direct appointment. I don’t have a suitable candidate for now. The primary goal of the Pioneer Department is to increase the camp’s population. For one month, Xia Chuan will temporarily take charge. After one month, whoever brings more people to the camp will earn the position of Pioneer Department Director. What do you think?"
"I agree; the leader’s suggestion is sound. Pioneering originally aims to increase the camp’s population. While strength is important, the skill of winning people’s hearts is equally vital. Let’s compare for a month, and whoever is more suitable shall assume the Director’s role."
As soon as Xia Hong’s words dropped, the first person to voice agreement was surprisingly Yuwen Dao.
Nobody had anticipated this, causing all the Earth-digging Realm members to turn their heads.
Hong Guang and the other five, initially showing a hint of discontent upon hearing Xia Hong’s proposed competition, expressed even more bewilderment when Yuwen Dao spoke up.
Even the people from Great Xia were surprised, as anyone with sharp eyes could see that Xia Hong avoided direct appointment due to the pressure from them, making it hard to comprehend why Yuwen Dao would agree.
"I also agree; only through comparison can we determine who is more fitting!"
Only Xia Chuan also opened up to Discover more novels on NovelHub - your gateway to endless stories.
"Foresight, not bad!"
Xia Hong didn’t show much reaction, only complimenting Yuwen Dao internally before slowly speaking again:
"After addressing the affairs of the Six Ministries, I have another personnel announcement regarding the camp today..."
The group from Great Xia immediately focused their attention on Xia Chuan.
Xia Chuan’s position in the Camp Supply Department had already been revoked, and the Pioneer Department leadership is only temporary for a month, leaving him without a position currently.
Recognizing their attention, Yuwen Dao and others realized a position was about to be granted to Xia Chuan, sparking their curiosity.
Already informed of Xia Chuan’s relation to Xia Hong, they naturally wondered what position the leader Xia Hong would assign to his brother.
"Henceforth, the camp will establish a Minister position to handle all internal and external affairs of the Six Ministries in my stead. In my absence, the Minister will be my representative, and everyone must obey his commands..."
Xia Hong paused, then clearly announced:
"The position of Minister will be held by Xia Chuan!"
Upon this final appointment, the faces of the group from Great Xia on the left instantly filled with joy, looking at Xia Chuan with respect and congratulations.
Evidently, they were extremely satisfied and Discover more novels on NovelHub - your gateway to endless stories.
Contrastingly, Yuwen Dao and others on the right showed a different reaction.
Particularly Hong Guang, Hong Tian, Meng Yi, Zhu Ling, and Zhu Yuan, who were recently bypassed for the Pioneer Department Director role, displayed a distinct trace of discontent on their faces.