In the same way, they let Zhou Bai deliver the final blow to the demon beasts, so Zhou Bai not only gained plenty of experience points but also a good amount of resources.
[Congratulations, host, for killing lv.3 Demon Rat, you received Rice*3, Rat Meat*3, Rat Skin*3, Experience Points*30, copper coin*30.]
[Congratulations, host, for killing lv.3 Demonic Chicken, you received Rice*3, Chicken Meat*3, Chicken Feather*3, Experience Points*30, copper coin*30.]
[...Dropped home shoes.]
[...Dropped top clothing.]
[...]
Gradually, other special items began to drop, each appearance thrilling the family of three.
At least, with the top clothing and shoes, they could change their outfits.
When resources were scarce, everything was a treasure.
And so grinding monsters made time fly by, and Zhou Bai's level reached Level 5.
[Dear host, your level has reached lv.5, meeting the upgrade condition 3.]
[Upgrade conditions 1, 2, and 3 have all been met, please return to the territory to promote as soon as possible.]
Receiving the news of potential promotion, and noticing the sky darkening with demon beasts gathering more frequent and denser, Zhou Bai hurriedly reminded his parents. The family of three quickly returned to the territory.
**
On the open space of the territory, someone had already lit a huge bonfire, most people gathered around it, some trading resources, others starting small fires roasting meat, while some set up a small stone stove to simmer soup, the aroma spreading, sketching a hint of warmth.
Seeing this scene, Zhou Bai couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
Human adaptability was indeed the strongest!
The three of them then approached the bonfire, for as soon as it got dark, the temperature seemed to drop significantly.
By the bonfire, Li Xingteng looked at the family of three returning so late, eyes laced with surprise. He directly said, "You can stay by the bonfire, but you need to help provide some wood."
"No problem," Zhou Zhengping intervened and said, "How much do we need to give?"
"10 units per person will do, and bring more if that's not enough."
Zhou Zhengping didn't say much, directly gave the required amount, and then went to inquire about transactions with others who had made stone stoves and pots.
When he returned, he immediately built a small stove on site. "Someone managed to make it with stone, we'll also make something to eat."
"I'll do it," Ding Qiurou hurriedly said. One of her favorite hobbies was making delicious food, so even before the apocalypse, she always cooked at home despite having money.
"You just rest," Zhou Zhengping stepped forward to help, saying to Zhou Bai.
Zhou Bai knew he was deliberately leaving her free time to handle the territory's affairs.
Zhou Bai wasn't polite, directly found a spot by the bonfire to sit down, feeling the warmth from the bonfire, and relaxed a bit, having been tense outside, constantly alert to the surroundings. Back in the territory, she naturally felt more 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: Territory exclusive, only provides materials]
[Current Ranking: ***]
[Note: The territory can only be conquered by a Lord, with a newbie protection period of 1 month]
Once the panel appeared, a particularly noticeable system notification was present.
[The territory has met the upgrade conditions, would you like to promote the Level 0 Village to Level 1 Village?]
"No."
Even though she wanted to upgrade, Zhou Bai held back. They had just returned, and upgrading the territory might arouse suspicion in those with doubts. She preferred to take it slow.
After calming her emotions, Zhou Bai focused on the buildings.
Clicking on the Lord Mansion, she saw a lot more resources inside, all items exchanged by the residents of the territory with hundreds more units of wood and stone, as well as various furs, linen, etc., though food was scarce, as everyone knew the importance of filling their bellies.
As for resources, Zhou Bai could never have enough, continuing limitless purchases.
After all, she felt these items would come in handy sooner or later.
Then there was the Basic Blacksmith Shop and the restaurant.
The Iron Axes in the Blacksmith Shop had already sold out, with the first batch of 10 gone, and another 10 restocked by Zhou Bai also sold out. Estimating the numbers, Zhou Bai directly stocked 30 more.
As for the buns, Zhou Bai stocked another 200 pieces.
After everything was done, Zhou Zhengping and Ding Qiurou were also finished with their cooking.
A bowl of roasted meat, a bowl of meat soup, plus steaming hot buns, the family of three enjoyed their dinner.
Once full, darkness had completely enveloped the sky, and the Blacksmith Shop and restaurant were closed, leaving those who hoped to spend the night there disappointed, as more and more people crowded around the bonfire.
After quieting down, many were lost in thought staring at the bonfire, with no trace of sleep on their faces.
In this situation, who could sleep!
"Who knows what it's like outside after dark?" Someone suddenly asked, the voice particularly prominent in the silent night.
Many listened, eyes turning outside. The darkness swallowed the light, leaving them blind and stirring a sense of fear.
They were pondering these questions too.
The appearance of the Doomsday Game was too sudden, and they spent the whole day finding a safe place.
While they found a place, other problems arose.
Is this territory safe? How long can it protect them? Are there other territories?
What about their relatives and friends? Are they still alive? Did they find a territory too?
Will the outside environment become harsher, and must they fight demon beasts to survive?
...
There were too many things to consider!
Everyone's thoughts were chaotic, lost in their own worlds.
And with her most important family members by her side, Zhou Bai, with no concerns, knowing it was about time, clicked on the lord panel, ready to upgrade the territory!
This time, facing the system notification, Zhou Bai decisively chose "yes."