Meanwhile, on the island, Gu Xi and the others were not idle.

Although the specifics of the conspiracy are unknown, Sun Yiming's intelligence network has already begun to take effect.

Some of the reconnaissance operations on the perimeter, though well disguised, still aroused the vigilance of the island's patrol teams.

"Sister Xi, there's been an increase in unusual activity around the island lately," Sun Yiming reported to Gu Xi. "Several times we've spotted unidentified creatures loitering in the distance, only to immediately retreat as soon as they get close. It seems like they're conducting reconnaissance."

Gu Xi's eyes sharpened. "Are they the rats from the conference?"

“Very likely.” Sun Yiming nodded. “It’s understandable that they’re unwilling to accept this. But don’t they know that spiritual power can detect such things?”

At this point, Gu Xi showed sympathy, "It seems that not all deep-sea creatures or sea beasts possess this skill."

“However,” Gu Xi added, “we cannot let our guard down.”

“That’s right, this is just preliminary reconnaissance,” Lorraine reminded him. “The other side may just be probing. The real attack will likely be more covert and sudden.”

“We can’t just sit here and wait to die,” Gu Xi said. “We must accelerate the defense upgrade. Sun Yiming, prioritize strengthening the defenses around the island’s edge and the airspace above. The airspace above, in particular, is a blind spot. Although it’s difficult for the Deep Sea Clan to operate in the air, it is also their potential point of attack.”

“I’m already working on it,” Sun Yiming said. “The defense towers in the edge areas are equipped with various energy cannons. The sky above has also been equipped with the latest research on mental energy sensing network, which will immediately sound an alarm if a large creature approaches rapidly. However, the mental energy sensing network consumes a lot of energy and cannot maintain its highest power for a long time.”

"Then we can activate them in rotation, or focus our defenses on key areas only," Gu Xi said. "In addition, our mobility is our biggest advantage. If the enemy launches a large-scale encirclement, we cannot engage in a head-on confrontation. If the enemy outnumbers us too much, we will relocate."

"Relocate?" Sun Yiming frowned. "We can't have too many islands. If we relocate, what will happen to the islands?"

“Relocation is not about running away, it’s about tactics,” Gu Xi explained. “Being trapped in one place and becoming a sitting duck is the most dangerous thing. But when they think they’ve won, we’ve surrounded them, which is like trapping a dog in a cage.”

Lorraine pondered for a moment, "The use of various defensive structures and weapons on the island requires training, and it's impossible to learn them in a short time. As long as we can launch a counterattack on the island within a certain period of time, Gu Xi's plan is not impossible."

“Yes,” Gu Xi said, “Having another way out is better than having none. The most important thing is to maximize the island’s defenses and our combat capabilities.”

"As for the sea beasts, because we made a significant contribution to abolishing the sea beast slave system, many sea beasts often appear in the vicinity, and their morale is very high now," Flame Scale interjected.

"They were all holding back their anger, wanting to let those deep-sea creatures know that they were no longer slaves to be bullied."

"Very good." A hint of relief flashed in Gu Xi's eyes. "Tell the sea creatures that we are one family. If we fight, we fight together! If we defend, we defend together!"

The island's residents are carrying out defense preparations in a tense but orderly manner.

Engineers inspected the energy devices, maintenance workers reinforced the island's structure, and soldiers cleaned their weapons.

The sea creatures, lured by the Flamescale Fish food and aided by the Hope Filter, engaged in tactical drills with it.