After touring the villa, Zhang Shi and the other three sat on the sofa and discussed the future plans for the island.

“We have now stabilized, but we must continue recruiting soldiers. I suggest setting up barracks directly at the landing point on the island, with the soldiers stationed nearby during normal times.”

Zhang Shi nodded, agreeing with Ge Dalong's suggestion. Now that they finally had a secluded environment, it would be a waste not to develop their strength in peace.

"There are quite a few resource points on the island. If you have time, you can take some people to collect them. Gunpowder production should also continue. Let Gong Yi do whatever he wants. Provide him with whatever resources he needs and try to increase the weapon's lethality to another level. Otherwise, we will be too weak against these high-level monsters."

The group agreed on a general plan, then dispersed to get back to their tasks.

Zhang Shi placed various mineral resources on the hillside in the center of the island, hoping to accumulate them so that the craftsmen could quickly level up and unlock higher-level forging materials.

Zhao Feng, on the other hand, was busy with his fishing and hunting business. In the early stages of the wilderness world, he had easily passed the novice period with just a fishing rod and a small river. Fishing and hunting were even easier for Zhao Feng now that he had a boat and the sea.

Zhao Feng first began building a port on the north shore of the island, and then commissioned craftsmen to manufacture fishing nets in large quantities. Because the ark was too huge and not very convenient to move around, he also observed the trading market, wanting to buy a few ready-made fishing boats, but was shocked to find that any watercraft was in short supply, and even a small wooden boat was being sold at an exorbitant price.

Zhao Feng had no choice but to give up and try his luck at the research center. Unexpectedly, there were indeed craftsmen who could build fishing boats, but it would take a lot of time. Zhao Feng's fishing and hunting business had to be put on hold for the time being, and he could only resume it when he had all the necessary tools.

Wu Qing had long admired the garden outside the villa. She even placed the Shennongjia (a mythical creature) directly in the center of the garden, with a giant sunflower guarding it, while she picked up a pair of shears and began pruning. Thanks to the blessing of Shennongjia and the nourishment of its spiritual energy, the plants in the garden grew rapidly, developing a trace of spirituality. The air around the entire sanctuary was filled with a faint fragrance of grass, and a deep breath could even invigorate one's spirit.

Ge Dalong built a small outpost around the mysterious stone tablet. This was one of the entrances to that mysterious secret realm. Fearing that something unexpected might happen inside, or that monsters might be teleported out to cause trouble, he arranged for soldiers to guard it, with shifts changing 24 hours a day. Any unusual activity would be reported to him by the soldiers immediately.

As time went by, the island where Zhang Shi lived gradually prospered, brimming with life and vitality. The establishment of the barracks made soldier recruitment and training more systematic. Under the guidance of veterans, the newly recruited soldiers quickly adapted to life on the island and began rigorous military training. Their presence provided a solid guarantee for the island's security.

In the ore-rich area, miners and craftsmen worked tirelessly day and night, their skills constantly improving as the ore accumulated. Finally, after a week of hard work, (Zhang Shi checked in) they successfully unlocked a higher-level forging material—forged steel—providing a more solid foundation for weapon manufacturing.

Gong Yi also made a breakthrough in gunpowder production. He developed a new type of explosive with far greater power than before, which filled everyone with confidence for the upcoming battle.

Zhao Feng's fishing and hunting ventures finally saw a turning point. Thanks to the efforts of the craftsmen, several brand-new fishing boats were successfully launched. Zhao Feng frequently led a team out to sea to fish, returning each time with a full catch. The fresh fish not only satisfied the needs of the island's soldiers but also became an important commodity for their trade with the outside world. Furthermore, Zhao Feng also explored other resources at sea, opening up new avenues for the island's development.

Wu Qing's efforts in the garden yielded remarkable results. Under her meticulous care, the plants grew more lushly, and the air was filled with a richer, more fragrant aroma. The presence of Shennongjia seemed to imbue the plants with a spiritual quality, causing some rare flowers and herbs to take root and sprout. Wu Qing also used these plants to make herbal ointments and essential oils, providing additional benefits to the island's residents.

Ge Dalong kept a close eye on the mysterious stone tablet's movements. Every three days, he led a squad of soldiers into the instance to investigate, ensuring that no slightest disturbance escaped their notice. However, as time passed, the stone tablet showed no unusual activity. Ge Dalong, still vigilant, continued to train his troops while maintaining a high level of alertness.

Under the leadership of the four men, the soldiers on the island worked together, quickly reaching a strength of 800. They contributed their efforts to the development of the island, not only improving their living conditions but also gradually establishing the beginnings of civilization and order. In this isolated environment, they found their own way of life and their own way of dealing with the world.

However, just as the island was gradually prospering, a sudden crisis shattered its tranquility. A gigantic sea monster suddenly appeared in the waters near the island, roaring as it charged towards it, seemingly intent on destroying everything.

This was a giant octopus with countless tentacles. Zhao Feng noticed something amiss from afar as soon as he set sail and quickly turned back. Sure enough, the sea monster followed Zhao Feng and clung to the back of the island. Several enormous tentacles wriggled in the water, and a pair of small eyes peeked out from the surface, glaring menacingly towards the harbor.

Faced with the sudden appearance of the giant octopus-like sea monster, Zhang Shi and the others quickly gathered all their soldiers to prepare for battle. They knew that the appearance of this sea monster was no accident; it was likely attracted by some kind of aura or resource on the island, and most likely, like the situation on the Ark, it was drawn by spiritual energy.

However, spiritual energy has many benefits, and the physical condition of everyone on the island is constantly improving under its nourishment. Zhang Shi has not given up on the idea of ​​spiritual energy, so they must do their best to protect their homeland.

Ge Dalong immediately ordered his soldiers to move the new explosives and heavy weapons to the beach, preparing for a long-range attack on the sea monster. He knew that the sea monster was enormous, and close combat would undoubtedly put them at a disadvantage. At the same time, he also ordered his soldiers to prepare several small boats for any eventuality.

Zhang Shi and Zhao Feng had already set up giant cannons on the coastline. These cannons were made of a new type of forged steel and engraved with array patterns inside. Each shot would trigger a magical fluctuation, making them more than capable of dealing with such large monsters.

Wu Qing also brought the giant sunflower with her, just in case. If the sea beast really broke through, they would have a second line of defense to slow down its invasion.