Recaps

After returning safely from the swamp with supplies, Lu Heng ate some recovered food and prepared his cave for the worsening cold. Realizing his firewood and winter stores were inadequate, he decided to venture into Frost Forest again before snow blocked the way.

• Lu Heng returned to his cave safely, carrying the swamp chest supplies and herbs.
• Lu Heng ate juice and jam bread from the chest, then decided to use his wild berries before they spoiled.
• Lu Heng layered animal hides over his stone bed and lit a fire to keep the cave warm.
• Lu Heng recognized that his soft firewood would not last through winter and that his provisions were insufficient for the coming cold wave.
• Lu Heng checked his wooden spear and Iron Axe, then prepared to head into Frost Forest to gather winter supplies.

Lu Heng followed a flock of Mosswool Sheep to a natural salt deposit, then discovered and opened a Black Iron treasure chest that revealed the minerals’ uses. He collected salt stones and ink-patterned salt crystals before returning to Frost Forest with a vital winter supply.

• Lu Heng spotted seven Mosswool Sheep, including a Black Iron-grade leader, and followed them instead of attacking the flock.
• The sheep led Lu Heng to an exposed stretch of ground where they licked mineral salt from stones and ore.
• After the flock departed, Lu Heng chose to collect the valuable salt deposits rather than pursue the sheep.
• Lu Heng found and opened a Black Iron treasure chest, unlocking a guide to native mineral salt stone and ink-patterned salt crystal.
• Lu Heng collected the minerals and returned to Frost Forest, more confident about surviving winter.

Lu Heng secured his cave and used materials from his recent hunt to craft protective gear and insect repellent, preparing to explore the wilderness more safely. He set aside the Body Enhancement Potion to test later, once the cave was secure.

• Lu Heng brought his day's supplies into the cave and examined the salt, new crossbow, Swamp Poison Lizard hide, and Body Enhancement Potion.
• Lu Heng decided to wait until night in his sealed cave before testing the potion because its possible side effects could leave him vulnerable outdoors.
• Lu Heng used the Swamp Poison Lizard hide and bone to craft Soft Leather Armor, then tried it on and set it beside his bed.
• Lu Heng processed Cold Mugwort, Bitter Vine Leaf, and Scale-Repelling Grass into two Insect-Repellent Ointment Bricks.
• Lu Heng wrapped one ointment brick to carry on future explorations and kept the other as a spare in the cave.

Lu Heng used the Body Enhancement Potion, washed away the impurities it expelled, and processed salt-bearing ore into coarse salt. A Cave-Nest Spider attacked his cave, and he killed it at the entrance.

• Lu Heng injected the Body Enhancement Potion and endured its painful effects as it strengthened his body.
• Lu Heng washed the foul residue from his skin and clothing in the river, then checked his status and found his stamina, constitution, and agility had risen to 8.
• Lu Heng followed the Purification Notes to grind salt-bearing ore, settle the impurities, and boil the brine into coarse salt.
• A Cave-Nest Spider attacked Lu Heng’s cave entrance, and he fought it with his crossbow and Iron Axe until it died.

Lu Heng killed a Black Iron Cave-Nest Spider and collected its materials, then assessed the damage to his shelter and planned to upgrade it. As a sudden cold wave made the Frost Forest more dangerous, he prepared for the day’s exploration and set out cautiously.

• Lu Heng collected the Cave-Nest Spider’s five materials and stored them separately.
• He examined the damaged wooden windbreak door and learned the shelter required 50 units of stone and one Black Iron material to upgrade.
• Lu Heng planned to prioritize gathering stone, keep an eye out for Black Iron materials, and continue collecting salt-bearing rock.
• He roasted meat with his purified coarse salt, cleaned up, secured the cave, and rested through the night.
• When he woke to a sharp temperature drop, Lu Heng wrapped himself in hides and recognized that the approaching winter could make beasts more aggressive.
• Lu Heng resolved to prioritize upgrading the Shelter and set out cautiously toward the Frost Forest.

During a sudden cold snap, Lu Heng escaped an approaching pack by climbing a tree, but the Blue-Backed Jackals spotted him and surrounded it. He remained trapped above them with only a limited supply of crossbow bolts as the standoff began.

• Lu Heng heard several beasts approaching the cave and decided not to retreat into the Shelter.
• He tried and failed to climb a nearby tree, then calmed himself and reached a branch fork.
• Lu Heng used his bracelet to identify the pack as Blue-Backed Jackals led by a Black Iron-grade leader.
• The leader spotted Lu Heng, and the pack surrounded the tree instead of continuing toward the cave.
• Lu Heng loaded his hand crossbow and prepared to wait as the jackals refused to leave.

Lu Heng fought to survive a siege by Blue-Backed Jackals while trapped in a tree, using his hand crossbow to wound their leader and kill one of the adults. The pack’s attack briefly faltered, but he still had no safe way down, and he remembered the poisonous things in his storage bracelet.

• Lu Heng counted his seven remaining bolts and realized that cold, the unstable branches, and the jackals’ attacks could leave him helpless.
• Lu Heng decided to target the Black Iron-grade leader and fired, but the bolt only grazed its shoulder, enraging the pack.
• Lu Heng waited for an opening and struck the leader beneath the ribs, weakening it and disrupting the jackals’ formation.
• Two adult Blue-Backed Jackals renewed the assault, so Lu Heng shot and killed the one closest to the trunk.
• The other jackals recoiled from their dead companion, giving Lu Heng a brief respite, and he remembered the poisonous things in his bracelet’s storage space.

Lu Heng used Cold Stiff poison to paralyze the Blue-Backed Jackal pack that had trapped him in a tree, then dismantled the fallen beasts and received a Bronze Treasure Chest for clearing the Frost Forest outskirts. He headed back to the Stone Cave Shelter as night approached, with supplies to process and repairs to make.

• Lu Heng coated his remaining arrows with Cold Stiff poison and shot the jackals, paralyzing three and driving the young jackal away.
• Lu Heng climbed down after confirming the pack could no longer attack, then dismantled the fallen Blue-Backed Jackals for meat, hides, bones, and sinews.
• Lu Heng received a Bronze Treasure Chest after the bracelet announced that the beast pack occupying the Frost Forest outskirts had been eliminated.
• Lu Heng checked his supplies and set off for the Stone Cave Shelter before the falling temperature and darkness put him at risk.

After surviving a pack of Blue-Backed Jackals, Lu Heng opened a rare bronze treasure chest and gained shelter upgrades, a cultivation method, and new equipment. He established a private bedroom and bound an energy core to the Shelter, but the lighting remained unusable until he found energy materials.

• Lu Heng returned to the Stone Cave Shelter after killing the Blue-Backed Jackals and secured the entrance before recovering by the campfire.
• Lu Heng opened the bronze treasure chest and obtained a Dimensional Bedroom Blueprint, a Basic Breath Cultivation Method, a Bronze Hunting Blade, a Resilient Spirit-Protective Cloth Outfit, and a Basic Energy Storage Unit.
• Lu Heng used the blueprint to create an enclosed bedroom with a bed, bathroom, and storage cabinet, then spread his animal hide over the bedboard.
• Lu Heng learned the Basic Breath Cultivation Method, inspected the bronze blade and protective outfit, and stored the outfit in the bedroom wardrobe.
• Lu Heng bound the Energy Core to the Shelter and bedroom, but the ceiling light stayed dark because the device had no energy materials loaded.

Lu Heng activated his shelter’s electricity with a spider marrow crystal, settled into his new bedroom, and discovered that water use steadily drained its limited energy. He went upstream to search for food, found four edible wild radishes, and planned to cultivate one for seeds while continuing to look for more.

• Lu Heng identified the spider marrow crystal as energy material, connected it to the shelter core, and switched on the bedroom lights.
• Lu Heng tested his bronze hunting blade and Basic Breath Cultivation Method, then slept comfortably on beast skins in the bedroom.
• Lu Heng learned that the water supply consumed 6% of the energy core each day and decided he needed more energy crystals.
• Lu Heng explored an unfamiliar upstream riverbank, appraised a wild plant as an edible Cold-Resistant Wild Radish, and found three more.
• Lu Heng planned to preserve one radish to observe its seed production and stored all four before continuing upstream.

Lu Heng explored farther upstream, found supplies and useful plants, and narrowly survived an attack by a venomous Blue-Spotted Snake. He discovered ripe persimmons but was still checking whether they were safe to eat.

• Lu Heng found a chest containing bread, clean water, and a thermal blanket, then stored the supplies and continued upstream.
• Lu Heng wrapped tough grass around his exposed legs and used his Wooden Spear to fend off and kill an ambushing Blue-Spotted Snake, narrowly avoiding its venomous bite.
• Lu Heng collected the snake's materials and identified two useful wild plants after scanning the riverbank vegetation.
• Lu Heng spotted ripe persimmons on a tree and appraised it before approaching, intending to confirm the fruit was harmless.

Lu Heng gathered a small number of wild persimmons, then stopped harvesting them after considering the health risks of eating them alongside his other supplies. He found edible water celery and medicinal plantain by a waterfall, where he spotted a blue treasure chest underwater.

• Lu Heng appraised the wild persimmons and picked seven or eight, intending to eat some and try making vinegar.
• A flock of Light-vented Bulbuls tried to drive Lu Heng from the tree, but he left the remaining fruit to them after deciding not to risk eating too many persimmons.
• Lu Heng followed the river upstream to a waterfall and appraised patches of wild water celery and plantain.
• Lu Heng harvested the vegetables and herbs, then leaned over the pool to fill his water bottle.
• Lu Heng noticed a blue treasure chest wedged between rocks beneath the clear water.

Lu Heng explored upstream, gathered wild vegetables and herbs, and risked a freezing dive to retrieve a Springwater Treasure Chest. Its rewards improved his Shelter, while the ice cellar module remained unusable until he found ice-attribute ore.

• Lu Heng picked several wild persimmons, then left the rest for the Light-vented Bulbuls after recalling that persimmons could be dangerous to eat with other foods.
• Lu Heng gathered wild water celery and wild plantain beside a cold pool and spotted a blue treasure chest underwater.
• Lu Heng submerged with his Wooden Spear, briefly mistook fish for snakes, and retrieved the chest before returning to the Shelter.
• Lu Heng opened the Springwater Treasure Chest and received a Water Soul Crystal, the Flowing Water Blade Art, a water purification device, and a Clear Spirit Water-Pattern Necklace.
• Lu Heng installed the water purification device but could not build the ice cellar without ice-attribute ore, so he planned to search the pool for the material later.

Lu Heng searched for ice-attribute ore in the first snowfall, then fought and killed a faster-than-normal Cold Stiff. After collecting its materials, he heard multiple creatures approaching and hid in a tree.

• Lu Heng inspected his treasure chest loot, practiced the Flowing Water Saber Technique, and went to sleep in his cave.
• Lu Heng woke to the year's first snowfall and searched the Cold Pool's banks for ore to build an ice cellar, but found none.
• A fast-moving Cold Stiff ambushed Lu Heng on his way back, and he killed it with a thrust from his Bronze Hunting Blade.
• Lu Heng collected a Poison Claw and a Cold Crystal from the Cold Stiff's remains.
• Lu Heng heard snow being disturbed from several directions and climbed an old tree to hide.

Lu Heng fought a group of Cold Stiffs in the Birch Forest, killing their Black Iron leader and retrieving its crystal core. After realizing the area held far more monsters than expected, he hurried toward the Cave Shelter before the noise attracted more.

• Lu Heng shot two ordinary Cold Stiffs from a tree, but his bolts failed to injure the Black Iron Cold Stiff, which shook the tree with its attacks.
• With his ammunition spent, Lu Heng leaped into the snow and fought the Cold Stiffs with his Bronze Hunting Blade, studying the Black Iron Cold Stiff’s attack rhythm.
• Lu Heng exploited the Black Iron Cold Stiff’s slow movements and damaged its joints before driving his blade into its central energy channel, killing it.
• Lu Heng finished off the remaining Cold Stiffs and recovered a gray-black crystal core and scattered bolts.
• Seeing more Cold Stiffs moving through the Birch Forest, Lu Heng left quickly and headed toward the Cave Shelter.

After killing a Black Iron Cold Stiff, Lu Heng carefully returned to his cave Shelter and treated his wounds while planning how to improve his defenses and combat skills. His brief safety ended when a group of Cold Stiffs tracked his scent to the entrance.

• Lu Heng killed a Black Iron Cold Stiff, then evaded hunting and wandering Cold Stiffs as he made his way back to the cave.
• Lu Heng sealed the cave entrance with stones and checked his injuries on the Survival Bracelet.
• Lu Heng treated his torn palm and frostbitten forearm with crushed herbs, then reviewed his mistakes in the fight.
• Lu Heng decided to reinforce the entrance, install the Black Iron Water Purifier, practice the Flowing Water Saber Technique, and gather crystal cores.
• The Survival Bracelet warned Lu Heng as a group of Cold Stiffs reached the cave entrance, following his scent.

Lu Heng recovered in his cave after escaping the Cold Stiffs, then set out through the worsening snowfall to gather stone and reinforce his Shelter. He reached the Dry River, where exposed rocks lay scattered along the banks.

• Lu Heng barricaded the cave entrance, tended his graze by practicing the Basic Breath Cultivation Method, and reviewed his shortcomings in combat while the Cold Stiffs pounded outside.
• The Cold Stiffs eventually fell silent, and Lu Heng spent a restless night guarding the entrance before waking to heavy snowfall.
• Lu Heng decided to gather stone before the blizzard worsened and carved high notches into trees so he could find his way back through the snow.
• Lu Heng carefully followed the tree markers toward the Dry River, using its dead trees as landmarks through the obscured forest.
• Lu Heng reached the snow-filled river channel and spotted exposed rocks along its edges.

Lu Heng searched the Dry River for stones to upgrade the Shelter but encountered two territorial Coldrock Bears upstream and retreated. He found a safer rocky shoal downstream and began prying stones free.

• Lu Heng struggled to pry three usable stones from the frozen riverbank before giving up on the inefficient stretch.
• He spotted a Coldrock Bear feeding in an icy pool and hid when a second, larger Coldrock Bear arrived, leaving the two beasts facing off across the river.
• Lu Heng retreated downstream along his marked route to avoid provoking the bears.
• He found a broad, quiet shoal covered with suitable stones, checked the area for danger, and began prying a large rock loose with his Bronze Hunting Blade.

Lu Heng uncovered lightning-struck wood and two treasure chests while collecting stone, gaining supplies and equipment that improved his survival prospects. When a bluestone block collapsed and crashed down the slope, the tremendous noise left him tense about what it might attract.

• Lu Heng struggled to pry rocks from the frozen ground until he uncovered lightning-struck wood that eased his chill and could ward off cold corruption.
• He found two buried treasure chests and wondered whether their flood marks meant the land had existed long before the survivors arrived.
• Lu Heng opened the chests and collected food, a spy bug, a portable growing box, protective gloves, and an anti-inflammatory pill.
• He put on the gloves and resumed quarrying, working more efficiently as he gathered stone for the cave walls.
• The ground beneath a large bluestone block collapsed, sending it crashing down the slope and making a loud rumble that put Lu Heng on alert.

After a boulder crash drew a Spotted Leopard from Frost Forest’s middle layer, Lu Heng tried to flee toward the outskirts but was attacked. He wounded the leopard with his Bronze Hunting Blade and realized he would have to fight it to the death.

• Lu Heng stored the fallen slab of bluestone and hurried away, fearing the noise might attract the Coldrock Bears upstream.
• A Spotted Leopard emerged from the woods and began herding Lu Heng toward the denser middle-layer forest.
• Lu Heng ignored the leopard’s attempt to block his route and ran toward the outskirts.
• The Spotted Leopard leaped onto Lu Heng and pinned him in the snow.
• Lu Heng slashed the leopard’s muzzle, escaped its weight, and decided he had no choice but to fight.

Lu Heng fought the Spotted Leopard at close quarters, using his blade and leather armor to survive its attacks before wounding its hind leg and pinning it with a throw. The chapter ended with both of them exhausted, Lu Heng still locking the leopard’s head in place.

• The Spotted Leopard attacked Lu Heng in a fury, biting his blade and striking his armored chest against a tree.
• Lu Heng identified the leopard’s exposed lower body and cut its left hind thigh as it pounced.
• The wounded leopard struck Lu Heng’s wrist with its tail, knocking the Bronze Hunting Blade into the snow.
• Lu Heng wrapped his arms around the leopard’s neck and pinned it as it struggled and clawed at him.
• Lu Heng used the leopard’s attempt to roll over to throw it onto its back, then locked its head with his arms and legs.
• Both Lu Heng and the Spotted Leopard were left exhausted, with Lu Heng still holding the leopard down.

Lu Heng struggled to keep the Spotted Leopard pinned while his strength failed, then used the Everyday Bone Dagger to inflict a fatal wound. The dagger shattered, but the wounded leopard lost its ability to fight, leaving Lu Heng holding it down in the snow.

• Lu Heng realized he could not reach the Bronze Hunting Blade or use the Iron Axe without releasing his hold on the Spotted Leopard.
• As the leopard gathered strength to break free, Lu Heng deliberately loosened his grip to make it twist and expose its flank.
• Lu Heng retrieved the Everyday Bone Dagger from his Tattoo Space and drove it into the leopard's abdomen.
• The bone dagger snapped under the force, but Lu Heng pushed the broken tip deeper and twisted it through the leopard's internal organs.
• The Spotted Leopard collapsed, unable to counterattack, while Lu Heng kept his arms locked around it in the falling snow.

After killing a Spotted Leopard, Lu Heng concealed his trail and returned to the Shelter, where he collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion. Once awake, he checked his supplies and dismantled the leopard, gaining its core, hide, bones, meat, and fangs.

• Lu Heng confirmed the Spotted Leopard was dead, stored its corpse, and hurried back through Frost Forest while concealing his footprints.
• Lu Heng reached the Shelter as Cold Stiffs battered its door, barricaded himself inside, and fell asleep from exhaustion.
• Lu Heng woke chilled and weak, lit a fire, ate and drank to recover, and checked that he had 35 units of stone, one short of the next Shelter upgrade.
• Lu Heng moved the Spotted Leopard corpse into the ventilated main chamber and dismantled it, obtaining its core, hide, bones, meat, and fangs.

Lu Heng swallowed a Leopard core and woke with improved attributes, healed wounds, and greater strength. After killing a Cold Stiff at the cave entrance, he gathered the stone and firewood he needed and returned to upgrade his Shelter.

• Lu Heng swallowed the Leopard core, fell into a deep sleep, and woke feeling refreshed as his strength, agility, and stamina rose from eight to ten.
• Lu Heng opened the cave door and killed a Cold Stiff with one slash, then stored its remains.
• Lu Heng found Coldrock Bear tracks at the riverbank and realized the bears had followed the scent of his battle before heavy snow covered it and drove them away.
• Lu Heng carefully quarried the last of the stone needed for his Shelter upgrade and gathered dry branches for firewood.
• Lu Heng confirmed that no fresh bear tracks remained and headed back to the cave to upgrade his Shelter.

After his body was strengthened by the Spotted Leopard Core, Lu Heng upgraded his Stone Cave Shelter into an Advanced Shelter with a refrigerated cellar and a hidden escape passage. With a secure home and a new goal of reaching Black Iron-tier, he prepared for the next stage of survival.

• Lu Heng returned to the Stone Cave Shelter with all the materials needed for its upgrade.
• Lu Heng used the Black Iron-tier Water Soul Crystal to upgrade the shelter, unlocking a Constant-Temperature Refrigerated Ice Cellar and reshaping the second level with a concealed escape passage.
• Lu Heng checked the requirements for a Black Iron-tier Shelter and resolved to gather the materials, including a Black Iron-tier special material.
• Lu Heng crafted a new bone dagger from Spotted Leopard bones and roasted stored leopard meat inside his upgraded shelter.