He fastened the timbers one by one, ensuring the platform could bear his weight and be stable enough. He also raised the sides of the platform to provide a wider view.

When the frame was completed, Xiao Yi found some old wooden boards and laid them on the frame to form a flat table. He also installed a simple railing around the lookout to increase safety.

Finally, Xiao Yi stood on the observation deck he had built with his own hands, looking into the distance, his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment. At this time, he could observe the situation in the distance more clearly, adding a guarantee for his survival.

Xiao Yi decided to dig a hidden cellar in the house. He did it right away and found a worn but still sharp shovel.

He first chose a spot in a corner of the house, a relatively inconspicuous spot near the wall. Xiao Yi bent down, gripped the shovel tightly, and dug hard into the ground. At first, the soil was relatively soft, and the excavation went relatively smoothly, but as the depth increased, the difficulty increased.

Every time he dug, he had to exert great effort. The mud splashed on his body and face, but he did not bother to wipe it off. His clothes were soaked with sweat, but he did not stop working.

In order to make the cellar spacious enough, Xiao Yi continued to expand the scope of excavation. He carefully avoided the supporting structure of the house, fearing that it would affect the stability of the entire house.

After digging a certain depth, he began to repair the walls of the cellar, tamping the soil with a shovel to make it as smooth and flat as possible.

At the entrance to the cellar, Xiao Yi carefully designed a camouflaged lid. He found a wooden board that was similar in color to the ground, and covered it with a layer of dirt and debris, making it look no different from the surrounding ground.

In order to ensure air circulation in the cellar, he dug a few small holes near the top and covered them with gauze to prevent dust and insects from entering.

Inside the cellar, Xiao Yi placed several shelves to store important supplies. He also spread some hay in the corner as a simple bed for emergency shelter.

When the entire cellar was completed, Xiao Yi stood inside, carefully examining every detail, feeling a sense of security. This hidden cellar would become his last line of defense and a safe haven for his vital supplies. After days of tireless work, the once dilapidated, ramshackle, empty house had undergone a dramatic transformation, gradually becoming a sturdy shelter capable of withstanding wind and rain and defending against danger.

The walls of the house, after Xiao Yi repeatedly filled and reinforced them with mud and stones, no longer had any gaps that allowed air to leak through, making it able to withstand strong winds. The holes in the roof were carefully covered with new wooden boards and thatch, so there was no need to worry about leaks even in a downpour.

The fortifications at the gate have evolved from simple obstacles into solid barrier walls, covered with spikes and traps, deterring any enemy who attempts to break in.