With unwavering determination, they began painstaking excavation work around their homes, vowing to build a solid defensive perimeter. Under the scorching sun, men wielded shovels and hoes, turning up the earth spade by spadeful, sending gravel and dirt flying everywhere. The relentless sound of digging shattered the previously tranquil atmosphere. Sweat dripped from their foreheads like rain, soaking their clothes, but their tools never stopped working. After days of tireless toil, a deep trench gradually took shape. Wide and deep, it resembled a gaping maw of the earth. Its base was lined with sharpened wooden stakes. These stakes, meticulously selected and processed, were sharpened to an impossibly sharp point. Densely packed within the trench, they resembled fangs hidden in the darkness, waiting to deliver the fatal blow. To ensure its stability, the stakes were driven deep into the soil at the bottom of the trench, connected with ropes and wooden bars. From afar, the rows of sharp wooden stakes are chilling. The placement of the stakes was meticulously executed, paying close attention to every detail. The angles and spacing of the stakes were carefully adjusted, ensuring no gaps for an enemy to easily penetrate. When the breeze blew, the trenches wafted with the delicate fragrance of wood, mingling with the scent of earth. But behind this seemingly tranquil scene lay a deadly danger. These deep trenches and densely packed wooden stakes formed the home's first line of defense, silently waiting to thwart any enemy who dared to approach, safeguarding the peace and hope of this land.

Xiao Yi, with his exceptional organizational skills, quickly assembled a large number of skilled craftsmen. These artisans, filled with love for their homeland and a determination to protect it, threw themselves into the construction of the city wall. They first sorted and sifted through the various solid materials they had gathered, carefully arranging the massive stones, sturdy timbers, and thick iron plates. After selecting the base for the wall, the craftsmen began their industrious work. Using thick ropes and massive levers, they hoisted the heavy stones and carefully positioned them in their designated positions. Each stone required precise measurement and adjustment to ensure the wall's stability. Timber was fashioned into massive beams and columns to support the wall's structure. Using skilled mortise and tenon joints, the craftsmen tightly connected these beams and columns to form a sturdy framework. Iron plates were cut to the appropriate size and inlaid onto the wall's surface, enhancing its defensive strength. Xiao Yi was constantly on-site directing and coordinating the construction process. He discussed any problems encountered with the craftsmen and continuously optimized the construction plan. Over time, the wall rose gradually, gradually revealing its majestic presence. Tall and solid, it stood like a giant, imbuing the city with an unparalleled sense of security. The top of the wall was designed to be wide and flat, allowing soldiers to patrol and defend. Arrow slits and lookouts were also provided, providing convenient observation and attack opportunities. As the setting sun shone upon the newly constructed wall, its golden glow illuminated the tired yet accomplished faces of the people. This tall, thick wall was not only a solid physical defense but also a spiritual symbol of the people's commitment to protecting their homeland.

Atop the city walls, watchtowers towered like the eyes of giant steel, vigilantly watching the surroundings. Constructed of sturdy wood and heavy stone, these towers were sturdy enough to withstand strong winds and enemy attacks. Atop the towers was a spacious platform, surrounded by half-man-high wooden railings, providing a safe observation area for the defenders. Climbing the towers offered an incredibly broad view. With binoculars in hand, the defenders peered into the distance, watching for any suspicious movement. From the shadows of distant mountains to the subtlest movements on the plains, they could all be seen. Firing holes were densely distributed along the city walls. These holes were intricately designed and angled. Some high, some low, some straight, some oblique, they formed a tight network of fire. The interiors of the embrasures were spacious enough for the defenders to comfortably operate their weapons. When an invading enemy appeared, the defenders quickly took their positions, thrusting their bows, arrows, muskets, and other weapons through the embrasures. They took aim, pulling the trigger or releasing the bowstring without hesitation. A hail of arrows and bullets, unleashed from the slits, flew towards the enemy like angry wasps. These precise and deadly attacks inflicted heavy casualties before the enemy even approached the city walls. Even in peacetime, the watchtowers and slits were never neglected. The defenders regularly practiced observation and shooting techniques, ensuring they could respond swiftly and effectively to any threat at a critical moment. These watchtowers and slits became a vital component of the city wall's defensive system, providing a solid guarantee for the safety of their homes and allowing people to live and work in peace.

To further bolster the city walls' defenses, they meticulously planned and executed a formidable array of barbed wire and traps. Some distance from the walls, workers began laying barbed wire. These entanglements, composed of interwoven, tough wires, formed an impenetrable barrier. Studded with sharp barbs, they gleamed coldly in the sunlight, a warning to any intruder. Workers carefully fastened one end of the wire to a deep-buried wooden stake, then unrolled it in coils, ensuring there were no gaps. They tightened the wire with pliers, securing it securely. The traps were even more ingenious and dangerous. Some, covered with a thin layer of branches and dead grass, appeared to be indistinguishable from the surrounding ground, but beneath lay deep, unfathomable pits studded with sharpened wooden stakes. Any enemy who stepped on them would instantly fall into them, pierced by the sharp stakes. Some traps were trigger-activated. When an enemy set foot on a specific area, hidden mechanisms would be triggered, releasing giant wooden spikes or unleashing deadly crossbow bolts. The placement of the barbed wire and traps took the terrain and potential enemy attack routes into account. They were densely deployed in key locations, forming a deadly line of defense. Once complete, the area became a dangerous and forbidden zone. The barbed wire and traps worked together to form a formidable defensive barrier, adding a powerful layer of protection to the city walls.

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