Cao Xing directly collected the items from Tong Guangrong's relic chest.
Then he looked at everyone and said, "All right, let's hurry back to the territory."
They followed the route they had taken here and headed toward the camp.
This return trip took them nearly two hours.
There was no helping it. With more people, their marching speed had slowed down.
In fact, Cao Xing and the others were the ones slowing Assam and Andrew down.
One rode a Frost Wolf, while the other moved on all fours. Their speed across the snow could reach at least thirty kilometers per hour.
As for Cao Xing and the others, it was already decent if they could manage five kilometers per hour.
Traveling through the snow was also a major problem.
Cao Xing pondered, Is there any way to move faster through the snow?
He began recalling his experiences from playing the game.
A moment later, Cao Xing thought, At present, there are two ways to increase travel speed in the snow.
The first is to tame wild creatures and turn them into mounts. The stronger the creature, the faster it can travel through the snow.
The second method is to develop technology, unlock the Technology Research Institute as soon as possible, then use blueprints to build snow bicycles, motorcycles, transport vehicles, and so on.
Yes, you heard that right.
In the midgame of this game, all kinds of technology could be built.
Besides those vehicles, after surviving 448 days in the game, Cao Xing had even built his first helicopter.
That had also been the longest save file he had ever played.
In short, this world was real and filled with limitless possibilities.
By the time Cao Xing and the others returned to the territory, it was nearly dark.
Cao Xing looked up at the time above him.
Time until nightfall: 0 hours 50 minutes... Newbie Protection Period remaining: 3 days 12 hours... The survivors were about to finish their third day of exploration.
The Polar People, along with Big Flower and the others, also spotted the large group of figures.
When Big Flower saw those familiar faces, she immediately cried out in shock.
"God! You really came back!"
She excitedly rushed over, and both sides began talking as though they had survived a disaster.
At that moment, Dazhuang also approached Cao Xing with a hammer in hand.
"Lord, the Campfire has been successfully upgraded, and your Lord's Hut is also being upgraded at an accelerated pace."
Cao Xing nodded, then looked toward the blazing campfire at the center of the camp.
Campfire: Level 5 Campfire Effect: Raises the temperature by 10–20°C within a 160-meter radius Consumption: 4 wood per 10 minutes, or 2 coal per 25 minutes. Materials required for next level: Stone ×60, Wood ×40, Iron ×20.
Under the scorching flames, the snow-covered ground around them gradually emerged.
Only on this exposed ground could they construct more buildings and plant various crops.
Therefore, the Campfire's level determined the size of a territory.
However, once the Campfire was upgraded into an Energy Tower later on, its heating range alone could cover an entire city.
By continuously constructing all kinds of buildings and developing their territory, survivors could even possess a city of their own in the future.
Cao Xing nodded in satisfaction. "Dazhuang, well done."
"Next, take Wuzhuang and Liuzhuang to continue gathering resources."
"Focus on that coal mine. The upgraded Campfire will consume a great deal of coal, so we need to ensure the camp stays heated."
Dazhuang the Polar Person immediately straightened up and replied respectfully, "Yes, honored Lord!"
Then he hurried off to work.
Cao Xing called Erzhuang over. "Erzhuang, take Qizhuang and Bazhuang and quickly build more small shelters, dining halls, and so on. Try to finish before dark."
"Make sure our new members have somewhere to eat and sleep."
"Yes, Lord!"
Erzhuang accepted the order as well and left with his men to work.
Cao Xing continued giving orders. "Sanzhuang, come here."
The bearded Sanzhuang came to Cao Xing's side.
"Sanzhuang, you don't need to build too much. Before nightfall, just take Sizhuang and construct a Basic Elemental Arrow Tower."
Sanzhuang also said respectfully, "I guarantee the mission will be completed, honored Lord."
For a time, the Polar People became busy once again.
By then, the newly joined humans had also finished talking among themselves.
When they saw the Polar People working throughout the camp, the slightly older Cao Yi's eyes flickered.
Cao Yi quickly led the other refugees over and said respectfully, "Lord, please assign more tasks to us as well."
Cao Xing nodded. "No rush. I know you probably haven't eaten for several days."
"Before working, you should fill your stomachs first."
The newly joined territory members exchanged glances, each seeing surprise and relief in the others' eyes.
It seemed this was the first time they had encountered such a considerate lord.
Cao Xing continued, "There isn't a dining hall yet, so make do with some bread for now."
Cao Xing glanced at Liu Muxue beside him.
Liu Muxue understood and took out more than a dozen loaves of bread from the territory resources.
She gave each newly joined territory member two pieces.
At that moment, Cao Yi, Four Flower, and the others looked at the bread in their hands with tears welling in their eyes, deeply moved.
Then they all dropped to their knees.
"Thank you, kind and generous Lord!"
"Thank you, beautiful and kind Second Lord!"
The next moment, numerous system notifications appeared beside Cao Xing and Liu Muxue's ears.
Due to your generous charity, territory member 'Cao Yi's' loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 80 Due to your generous charity, territory member 'Four Flower's' loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 78 Due to your...
After that wave, all the newly joined refugees had gained five to ten points of loyalty.
Cao Xing nodded in satisfaction.
Tong Chuchu and Xia Yanni, standing nearby, swallowed as they stared at the white bread in the territory members' hands.
They had been hungry for quite some time and craved food just as much.
Cao Xing took out four pieces of bread from the territory resources and handed them to Xia Yanni.
"Eat something first."
The tall woman bent slightly, accepted the bread, and said gratefully, "Thank you... thank you..."
Tong Chuchu, beside her, also smiled innocently. "Thank you, big brother."
Cao Xing smiled.
After they finished the bread, everyone's satiety increased somewhat.
Only then did Cao Xing slowly say, "Cao Yi."
Cao Yi immediately replied, "Lord, I am here."
Cao Xing said, "From now on, the group you brought will be under your command."
"Your next tasks are to continue upgrading the Campfire and gathering resources."
"Wood and stone both need to be collected. Since we have more manpower now, help Dazhuang and the others construct some basic buildings."
Cao Yi hurriedly nodded. "I accept the order!"
Then Cao Xing looked at Big Flower.
"Big Flower, I'm giving you this batch of wheat seeds. Take someone to find a spot near the territory, clear some farmland, and plant this wheat."
Big Flower took the seeds from Cao Xing's hand and gently stroked them.
"These are excellent wheat seeds. They will surely grow into a batch of high-quality wheat..."
She nodded. "Lord, I will complete the task you assigned me."
Then the newly joined territory residents also began working.
Cao Xing looked at the bustling scene throughout the territory and nodded in satisfaction.
His territory had grown from a small campfire into a place with so many territory members and an increasing number of buildings.
This was the joy of building up a territory!
Before you continue