The next moment—
Ten Eerie Stones on the ground instantly shattered, transforming into a milky white liquid that flowed into the Eerie Fire in the heart of the camp. At the same time, a panel slowly materialized in front of him.
Eerie Fire has reached Level 2. Safe range increased to a diameter of 20 meters. Deterrence against Eerie Creatures enhanced.
Please choose an upgrade direction.
1: Safe range increased to 30 meters.
2: Deterrence against Eerie Creatures moderately improved.
3: Slight reduction in energy consumption when activating defensive structures within the camp.
"..."
Chen Fan narrowed his eyes slightly. He had consumed 10 Eerie Stones to upgrade the core structure, Eerie Fire, to Level 2. While its basic effects were enhanced, he was once again presented with three upgrade directions.
He was somewhat curious: the native Architects of this world definitely couldn't see this panel when upgrading structures. How did they decide on their upgrade direction?
Completely at random?
After a moment of contemplation, he chose the third direction.
With the presence of two Level 2 Archery Towers, he was fairly confident in the safety of his camp for the time being. There was no immediate need for the Eerie Fire to have a stronger deterrence against Eerie Creatures. As for the first option, while practical, from a long-term perspective, the highest returns undoubtedly lay in the third direction.
The energy consumption of the Archery Towers wasn't excessively high.
During the defensive battle the previous night, the two Archery Towers had only consumed one-tenth of the Eerie Stones embedded in each. However, more defensive structures would certainly be built in the future. Choosing this upgrade direction would significantly reduce his consumption, directly strengthening the camp.
Upon his choice, the Eerie Fire began to change slowly. Its base grew quainter, as it extended two milky white energy veins along the ground, like blood vessels, all the way into the bottoms of the two Level 2 Archery Towers.
"Phew..."
Chen Fan puffed out a soft breath. His camp's safe range had now expanded to a diameter of 20 meters, which was sufficient for the time being. Upgrading to Level 3 would require 50 Eerie Stones.
Without further delay.
He immediately consumed 2 more Eerie Stones to create a farmland plot, placing it at the edge of the camp.
Measuring five meters by five meters.
A square farmland.
As the illusory image of the farmland solidified in the air, a square, already cleared and tilled plot of land appeared at the camp's edge.
If planting ordinary crops, like wheat, it would slash the growth cycle. However, in the case of Seed-type treasures, it would not shorten the maturity period.
But that was of little consequence.
The two batches of seeds he had in hand both had relatively short growth cycles.
"Crippled Monkey!"
Chen Fan shouted toward Crippled Monkey, who was squatting by the Eerie Fire studying the two white veins."Time to work! Haul all the Monkey-Head Ghost corpses from behind the hut and bury them in the farmland."
"Got it!"
...
By the time all the corpses were buried in the farmland, it was already midday.
Chen Fan took out the Monkey Head Mushroom seeds and the Eerie Stone Vein seeds from his pocket, sowing them one by one in the farmland. There was no need to water them—at least the panel didn't mention it, so presumably, it wasn't required.
A while later.
"Whew..."
Chen Fan wiped the sweat from his forehead and heaved a long breath. Farming was indeed physically demanding work. There were 17 Monkey Head Mushroom seeds in total.
And 12 Eerie Stone Vein seeds.
It was hard to say exactly how much he would harvest.
However, this reminded him of something: in the future, he would undoubtedly acquire more and more seeds, and each seed's growing conditions would differ.
For example, Monkey Head Mushroom seeds didn't require Eerie Creature corpses as fertilizer, while Eerie Stone Vein seeds did.
As the farmland expanded, he and Crippled Monkey alone definitely wouldn't be able to manage everything.
So, he needed to build a force and find people to help farm his land.
But... he glanced sideways at Crippled Monkey, who was loosening the soil nearby with the God-Slaying Spear, and narrowed his eyes slightly. Loyal and hardworking subordinates like Crippled Monkey weren't easy to find.
"Young Master."
Crippled Monkey, having finished his work, limped over. His movements looked somewhat comical as he grinned and reported, "Just now, I found a few seeds under the bed in the hut. Couldn't tell what crop they were, so I buried them in a corner of the farmland."
"Maybe they're fruit tree seeds or something. That way, we won't lack fruit to eat in the future."
"..."
Chen Fan smiled without saying anything. They were probably wheat seeds or something similar. After so long, it was questionable whether they would even sprout. But he wouldn't say that to dampen Crippled Monkey's enthusiasm.
Right at that moment—
"Station Master Chen?"
A surprised voice reached his ears. It was Station Master Wang, who had arrived at the edge of the camp with his subordinates, though Chen Fan hadn't noticed when.
"Has it only been two days since we last met? What's all this..."
Wang Kui stood within the camp's range, looking at the unmistakable Level 2 Eerie Fire and the two Archery Towers that appeared formidable. His eyes were full of confusion and bewilderment.
What was going on...?
Wasn't Chen Fan an illegitimate son of the Chen Clan, sent to the wilderness to die as a result of persecution?
What of the Archery Towers?
And two of them?
He'd rarely seen any stations with Archery Towers. Stations were temporary resting places, scarcely faced with the threats of Eerie Creatures. Who would spend a great deal to build Archery Towers? They were usually placed within a Clan's main territory or at important hubs.
If Chen Fan weren't an illegitimate son, it might be understandable—perhaps the Chen Clan had sent him down to vault him higher in the Clan and arranged for the Level 5 Architect to build two Archery Towers for protection.
But as things stood now...
A flash of understanding, as if it were only natural, crossed Wang Kui's eyes. The situation was clear now. Chen Fan's mother had indeed left him a contingency plan, and it was likely related to Architect.
If that were truly the case.
The Chen Clan would probably regret this to the core.
His mind raced with countless thoughts, but his face betrayed a mere trace of helplessness. "Station Master Chen, you've really kept me in the dark. I thought you... but look at you now..."
"..."
Chen Fan glanced at the two large vats on the cart behind Wang Kui and chuckled lightly. "Here to return things again? It seems my predecessor, the station master, borrowed quite a lot from your station?"
"Station Master Chen, please don't make fun of me." Wang Kui averted his gaze, embarrassed. "It seems the bit of goodwill I finally mustered up turned out to be pointless."
"Not at all."
Chen Fan shook his head and said softly to Wang Kui, "Station Master Wang, I remember your kindness. The things you sent last time truly helped me a great deal."
"If the opportunity arises in the future, I will repay you generously."
"Good, good, good..."
Wang Kui couldn't help but let a hint of excitement seep into his tone."Then I'll head back to the station first. If you need anything, send someone for me anytime."
Leaving the cart behind, he led his subordinates back toward his own station, his steps almost floating with excitement. This time, he had truly staked on something right. Chen Fan had likely already become an Architect.
Five Eerie Stones, in exchange for an Architect's favor.
Could there be a more worthwhile deal than this?