Similarly, the final blow to kill the Demon Beast was given to Zhou Bai, who not only gained a lot of experience points but also received many resources.
[Congratulations Host, for killing a Level 3 Demon Rat. You received 3 units of rice, 3 units of rat meat, 3 units of rat skin, 30 experience points, and 30 copper coins.]
[Congratulations Host, for killing a Level 3 Demonic Chicken. You received 3 units of rice, 3 units of chicken meat, 3 units of chicken feathers, 30 experience points, and 30 copper coins.]
[...dropped household shoes.]
[...dropped a shirt.]
[...]
Gradually, other special items began to drop, each appearance exciting the family of three immensely.
At least with more shirts and shoes, they could replace what they were wearing.
During times of resource scarcity, everything was a treasure.
As they kept killing monsters, time flew by, and Zhou Bai's level reached Level 5.
[Dear Host, you have reached Level 5, meeting upgrade conditions 3.]
[Upgrade conditions 1, 2, and 3 have all been met. Please return to your territory as soon as you can to promote.]
Receiving the message that promoted him, combined with noticing that the sky was becoming darker, and that the number of Demon Beasts was increasing and becoming denser, Zhou Bai quickly reminded his parents, and the family of three hurried back to their territory.
**
In the open space of the territory, someone had already started a large fire, with most people gathered around it. Some traded resources, others started small fires to roast meat, while some set up small stone stoves to simmer soup. The aroma lingered, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Watching this scene, Zhou Bai couldn't help but sigh silently in his heart.
Human adaptability really was the strongest!
Then the three of them approached the fire pit. After all, as soon as it got dark, the temperature seemed to drop quite a bit as well.
Beside the fire pit, Li Xingteng looked at the family of three who returned late and, with surprise in his eyes, directly said, "You can stay by the fire, but you will need to help provide some wood."
"No problem," Zhou Zhengping stepped forward, "How much should we bring?"
"Each person just needs to provide 10 units, and if it's not enough later, you can add more."
Zhou Zhengping didn't say much and handed it over directly. After seeing others set up stone stoves and pots, he went to inquire about a trade.
When he returned, he immediately stacked a small stove on site, "Someone managed to whip up some with stone, so we'll also make something to eat."
"I'll do it," Ding Qiurou quickly offered. Her biggest hobby was tinkering with food, so even before the end, when the family had money, she was the one who cooked.
"You just rest," Zhou Zhengping said, stepping forward to help, directing his words to Zhou Bai.
Zhou Bai knew he was intentionally giving her some free time to handle territory affairs.
Zhou Bai didn't hesitate, finding a spot next to the fire pit to sit down. Feeling the warmth of the fire, she relaxed a bit. Outside, she had constantly kept an eye on nearby movements, nervously attentive. Returning to the territory, she could naturally be at ease.
After sitting down, she couldn't wait to open the territory's control panel.
[Territory: Hope Village]
[Level: Level 0 Village (Upgrade)]
[Population: 102/100]
[Tax Rate: 10% (Adjustable)]
[Wealth: 80 Gold 12 Silver 33 Copper]
[Buildings: Lord Mansion (Level 1), Fence, Basic Blacksmith Shop, Restaurant]
[Mall: Exclusive to the territory, materials only]
[Current Rank: ***]
[Note: The territory can only be conquered by a Lord, Newbie Protection Period 1 month]
A notification stood out prominently on the system interface when it appeared.
[The territory has fulfilled the conditions for promotion. Would you like to upgrade the Level 0 village to a Level 1 village?]
"No."
Although she wanted to upgrade, Zhou Bai held back. Not long after they returned, if the territory upgraded, it might arouse suspicion in some. She preferred to wait and speak about it slowly later.
Calming down, Zhou Bai turned her attention to the buildings listed above.
Clicking on the Lord Mansion, she immediately noticed that the mansion had accumulated a lot more resources, all from trades with residents. There were hundreds of units each of wood and stone, and various furs and linens. Food was scarce, clearly indicating that everyone understood the importance of filling their stomachs.
For resources, Zhou Bai was never opposed to having more, and continued buying without setting a limit.
After all, she felt that one day all of these would come in handy.
Next was the Basic Blacksmith Shop and the restaurant.
The axes in the Blacksmith Shop were already sold out. The first batch of 10, and then Zhou Bai listed another 10, which also sold out. Estimating the numbers, Zhou Bai directly stocked another 30 axes.
As for the steamed buns, Zhou Bai listed another 200.
Once done, Zhou Zhengping and Ding Qiurou were also finished preparing the food.
A bowl of roasted meat, a bowl of meat soup, plus a few steaming hot steamed buns, the family of three enjoyed their dinner.
After eating and drinking to their heart's content, night had fully set in. The Blacksmith Shop and the restaurant had closed, leaving those hoping to spend the night inside disappointed, and more and more people crowded around the fire pit.
Once it quieted down, many were staring at the fire pit, lost in thought, with no sign of sleep on their faces.
In this situation, who could sleep?
"I wonder what's happening outside now that it's dark?" someone suddenly asked, their voice especially distinct in the quiet night.
Many listened, their gazes turning outside. Darkness swallowed the light, and nothing could be seen, instilling an undefined fear.
They were thinking about this as well.
The appearance of the Doomsday Game was too sudden; they spent the day thinking about how to find a safe place.
The place was found, but other issues followed.
Is this territory safe? How long can it protect them? Are there other territories?
What about their relatives and friends? Are they still alive? Have they found a territory?
Would the environment become harsher outside, necessitating hunting Demon Beasts to survive?
...
There were too many things to consider!
Everyone's thoughts were chaotic, immersed in their own worlds.
With the most important two family members by her side and no worries in her heart, Zhou Bai checked the time, finding it about right, and opened the lord panel again, ready to upgrade the territory!
This time, facing the system's notification, Zhou Bai chose "Yes" without hesitation.