The second overall upgrade, the haze and fog disaster begins. (5200)

This blessing significantly increased the loyalty of the newly joined Dragon Blood Warriors, wandering swordsmen, and even the plague priestess.

Cao Xing was very satisfied.

The Eternal Power was as overbearing as ever.

No matter how arrogant or conceited you are, you would be shocked by the wonder and power of this force.

The priestess Farnaz sighed inwardly: "So… in addition to having so many powerhouses, you also possess this kind of miraculous power…"

"No wonder the creatures in this territory are so strong and loyal to you."

"If you grow for a while longer, with your strength, you might be able to go to that dangerous place and figure out the reason for the disappearance of Mensis…"

At this moment, Cao Xing felt the surging power within him and was very satisfied.

In this way, dealing with the monster siege tomorrow would be simple.

Therefore, he quickly said: "Alright, everyone go back."

"It is currently foggy outside, and the situation is quite complicated."

"Without my orders, no one is to leave the territory. Try to keep your activities within the territory boundaries."

"Yes!"

In the blink of an eye, everyone left.

Including those War Ancient Trees, the robot army, and the Blood Spider army, all dispersed.

Cao Xing used the time at night to go to the Mage Tower and absorb a [Magic Crystal (Gold)].

Meanwhile, outside the kingdom's border, in a bone-chilling no-man's-land.

The temperature here is permanently below minus eighty degrees, and the extreme cold seems to freeze everything.

In this frozen area, there was a hidden palace.

The interior of the palace was pitch black, and shadowy figures could be seen moving about.

In the central area of the palace, fourteen pillars of light descended from above. Beneath each pillar of light was a stone chair with a unique design, carved with special patterns.

However, today, only two figures were sitting on these stone chairs.

One of them, whose figure was shrouded in a layer of blood mist, making it impossible to see their face clearly, spoke: "Are you saying that the Otherworld Lord killed Taside?"

"And also killed three of our Hero-level powerhouses?"

On the stone chair opposite, there was another figure with a vast aura, whose face was also unclear.

"That's right."

"This person is extremely strong. I estimate he has at least the strength of a Tier 7 Leader, and he also has Master and Hero-level subordinates."

"Based on the growth rate of these Chosen Lords, I predict that before long, he will even be able to threaten the Legendary!"

Hearing this, the atmosphere in the entire palace froze slightly.

Threatening a Legendary was a very high evaluation, especially for an Otherworld Lord!

This existence continued: "The Otherworld Lord has been in this world for less than four months, and he already possesses such powerful strength."

"I suggest raising his threat level to S, and directly sending a Legendary creature to capture him alive and bring him into our Watchers."

"If he doesn't agree, then execute him!"

The existence on the opposite chair pondered: "S-level… he is indeed a target we need to resolve as soon as possible."

"However, does anyone know his location?"

Just then, a figure slowly walked out from the corner of the room.

He wore plain robes and held a staff, and had a young face. In his hand, he held a glowing holy tome, illuminating the dark palace.

"I know."

Everyone turned their gaze towards him. This man was the Seed of Light.

At this moment, the Seed of Light continued: "This person's name is Cao Xing, and his territory is located in the Gale Snowfield region."

"It is also him who has been hindering our Church's operations, causing the descent of the God of Light to be repeatedly delayed."

On the black stone chair, the existence with the vast aura stared at the Seed of Light.

"Since you knew this person was a threat, why didn't you kill him when he was weak?"

"Why wait until now?"

"What are you people in the Church of Light doing?"

Hearing the last sentence, the Seed of Light stiffened slightly and explained: "He… he is too cunning. Before this, he never showed any flaws."

"No one expected an Otherworld Lord to be this strong, and to have the ability to disguise himself as a demon."

"By the time we discovered it, it was already, already…"

The existence on the stone chair glanced at him indifferently: "Doesn't that just prove you are useless?"

"An Otherworld Lord developed right under your noses for so long, and no one noticed. Even the God of Light didn't know of his existence. Only now that he has become a threat are you conducting these investigations."

The Seed of Light hurriedly explained: "Our Church has been concentrating the vast majority of our forces to deal with the Ice Crystal Kingdom's army at the border. No one paid attention…"

"Shut up."

"Failure is failure. One must admit their own incompetence."

The existence on the stone chair did not give him any face at all. Although the Seed of Light felt very stifled, he didn't dare to say a word.

He knew that among the Watchers, those qualified to sit on such stone chairs were at least Legendary combatants. For existences of this level, let alone scolding him, even if they crushed him to death on the spot, no one would dare to say anything.

The God of Light is strong, but what is the use if he cannot come out?

At this time, the existence on the other stone chair said: "I have learned about the strength of this Otherworld Lord today. He has several strong subordinates who are estimated to have the combat power of Tier 8 Heroes."

"Plus that woman and her dragon, it is a rather powerful force."

"If I take action, I can wipe him out in a short time."

The existence next to him shook his head: "You can't go either."

"The old Ice Crystal King must know that we will take action against this Otherworld Lord."

"From his attitude today, it can be seen that the old King is likely prepared to fight us to the death."

"Holding a demigod artifact, combined with his powerful strength, he really has the ability to take down two or three of our Legendaries."

"Perhaps, the old King is preparing to join forces with this Otherworld Lord, waiting for us to go over, and then catch us like turtles in a jar."

Hearing this person's analysis, everyone present was shocked. After all, this was not impossible.

The Ice Crystal King looks kind and benevolent, but he has been able to control this kingdom for thousands of years, step by step developing it into one of the largest surrounding kingdoms—it would be impossible without some means.

If we really rushed over and fell into their trap, that would be a huge joke.

"Then what do you mean…"

This person shook his head and said: "Let's wait. We need to ask the leader about this matter first."

"Moreover… the Settling Mist Disaster has recently appeared on the continent. This disaster is not simple, and we need to reduce our activities in the near future."

The Seed of Light next to him felt a stir in his heart upon hearing the words 'Mist Disaster'. As a Survivor, he had also seen the discussions on the world forum and was very curious about this thick fog.

Therefore, he couldn't help but ask: "My lord, is there any danger in the Settling Mist Disaster? Why can't even the powerful Watchers operate within it?"

The other party glanced at the Seed of Light indifferently, seemingly not wanting to answer him at all. Another person answered the Seed of Light's question.

"We don't know exactly what the danger is, but based on the experience of every appearance of the Mist Disaster, this thick fog causes people to lose their way."

"Even Legendary creatures, if they operate in the fog for a long time, will gradually become disoriented."

"And once you get lost, the consequences will be very serious…"

"At least, so far, I have never seen anyone who got lost in this thick fog come back out."

Hearing this, the Seed of Light's gaze became heavy. He cupped his hands and said: "Thank you for the clarification, my lord."

This Watcher Legendary waved his hand. "Alright, while the Mist Disaster has not yet reached a new stage, you should go back first."

"Yes."

After speaking, the Seed of Light obediently left. After he left, this Watcher Legendary looked at the person opposite and said.

"Is it not good for us to treat this spokesperson of the God of Light like this?"

But this person snorted coldly: "What is not good about it?"

"A bunch of crazy cultists who usually even target civilians for large-scale blood sacrifices!"

"If it weren't for the fact that everyone has to deal with the Ice Crystal Kingdom recently."

"These guys would be the first target we would destroy!"

"As guardians of humanity, our purpose in overthrowing these corrupt dynasties is to ensure that the ordinary people of this world are no longer oppressed and ruled by these guys!"

"Even if the world hates us and questions us, we must carry this belief through to the end!"

"We want the world to know that only in blood can a rebirth be ushered in!"

At this moment, a look of fanaticism appeared in the eyes of all the figures in the entire palace!

The night passed quickly. The next day… A system notification appeared.

[All Survivors please note, you have reached the fourteenth day of the development period. The second round of monster sieges will begin at midnight tonight.]

[Attention! Due to unknown reasons, a special disaster: Smog Fog Disaster has appeared. The Survivor mini-map function is disabled. Moving in the heavy fog will reduce movement speed by 20%.]

[The Smog Fog Disaster is a special natural disaster. Please minimize going outside to avoid losing your way in the heavy fog; otherwise, you will be completely lost in the fog.]

[Additionally… as time passes, the Smog Fog Disaster will enter a special phase tomorrow—the Silent World.]

[During this phase, please try to minimize making noise or bright light, otherwise it may attract some special creatures in the fog…]

[Today's weather: Heavy fog, temperature is -63℃ ~ -68℃…]

…

The moment the long notification ended, the entire chat channel instantly exploded.

"Holy crap! So this heavy fog is a type of natural disaster. I was wondering why it was so eerie, even the mini-map stopped working!"

"This is a bit ridiculous. As long as the heavy fog exists, we can only move within our territories; there's no way to go out at all."

"I don't think that's all. Didn't you see the system prompt? They say this fog disaster will worsen and turn into the Silent World phase. In this phase, we can't make noise or produce bright light, which means everyone's campfires might not be usable."

"Damn it… can't make noise, can't light a fire, I might as well freeze to death!"

The entire chat channel was filled with gloom and despair.

Just then, one of the Survivors named Lin Tao said.

"Don't panic, brothers. Didn't the system also prompt that it won't enter the new phase of the fog disaster until tomorrow? This means we still have time to prepare today."

Hearing this, the others also realized something.

"That's right, hurry up and prepare!"

"Although campfires can't be used, furnaces are still okay. The light emitted by a furnace is very weak. Those who haven't upgraded to a furnace should act quickly."

"Exactly. Besides upgrading furnaces, everyone can also stockpile wood and food in their rooms. When the time comes, use the stoves to keep warm. Remember to seal the doors and windows, leaving just a small gap is fine!"

"Basements are also a good place. Remember to leave ventilation holes; it's a natural shelter."

Everyone came up with various ideas.

For a time, Survivors all over the world began to take action.

Meanwhile.

Cao Xing and Liu Muxue also opened their eyes.

"A fog disaster?"

"This is a bit troublesome."

Cao Xing vaguely remembered seeing movement in the fog while he was high in the sky last night.

Looking at it this way, he hadn't misread it; there really were monsters in the fog.

"Tomorrow it will enter a new phase: Silent World."

"In this phase, you cannot make noise or emit too much light, otherwise it will attract unknown creatures."

"What are the creatures in the fog?"

A bunch of questions popped up.

Liu Muxue's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"A-Xing, do we need to make preparations in advance today?"

Cao Xing nodded slightly and said, "We certainly do. Although we have energy stations in our territory that won't emit bright firelight, the heating issue can be resolved."

"But we still need to prepare enough food in case this fog disaster lasts too long."

"Now, let's both get up."

"Mm-hmm!" The beauty beside his pillow nodded gently.

Soon, Cao Xing and Liu Muxue climbed out of bed together.

"Creak!"

The gates of the Lord's castle were pushed open, and a vast, white world immediately appeared before them.

Last night in the territory, his vision could still penetrate one or two kilometers.

But now, visibility did not even exceed five or six hundred meters.

As for the staff, it went without saying; in this heavy fog, visibility was not even more than ten or twenty meters.

Cao Xing frowned slightly, "Has it really reached this point? It's a bit too ridiculous."

"And this is just inside the territory; the fog disaster outside must be even more severe."

"Tonight's monster siege is taking place outside the territory."

"In this foggy environment, everyone will be blind and unable to see anything, which effectively increases the difficulty."

However, Cao Xing quickly thought of a countermeasure.

That was to use the [Giant Strength Vines] to move the lighthouses in the territory, then concentrate the lighting range to illuminate the battlefield area.

Thus, he took a deep breath.

Then he said, "Everyone assemble."

Hearing the voice, over three thousand people took two minutes to gather together again.

Cao Xing said quickly, "I think you have all seen the current situation; this fog disaster is very severe and prevents everyone from going out."

"So, from now on, without my order, no one is allowed to leave the territory."

Everyone's expressions gradually became serious; they also knew this heavy fog was unusual.

Cao Xing continued, "Now, I will begin issuing today's tasks."

"Dahua."

A woman in her forties stepped forward and said, "Lord, please give your orders."

"Today, you will lead all the canteen staff to prepare as much bread, dry rations, and other meat as possible."

"Yes, I will go immediately."

After speaking, Dahua quickly left.

Cao Xing continued to instruct, "Cao Yi, your task today is to lead all staff to fully build more basements."

"Then, prepare more living supplies in the basements, including wood, clean drinking water, energy water storage devices, and so on."

Receiving the order, Cao Yi said respectfully, "Yes, great Lord!"

After speaking, he took over a hundred staff members and began a busy day.

"Du An, take some men and move these four Neros Cannons and Destroyer Siege Crossbows; one for each of the four city gates."

"Understood!"

Cao Xing continued, "Village Chief Zelko, this fog disaster might last for a long time. You lead the villagers of Puteng Village to make the corresponding preparations."

"Ensure that the crops in our territory do not suffer any damage."

"As for the specific arrangements, discuss it among yourselves; I think you are more experienced in this area than I am."

The old village chief's expression became serious, "Understood, Lord!"

"We will definitely protect the crops in the territory with care."

After speaking, he also led all the villagers to take action.

At this point, all staff had tasks.

Cao Xing said, "The rest of the combatants, do not go out recently either. Those who need to train, train; those who need to rest, go rest."

"Understood!"

After giving these orders, Cao Xing thought for a while, and after confirming there were no omissions.

He let everyone disperse again.

By now, everyone in the territory began preparing to deal with the fog disaster, appearing quite busy.

And in the world outside the territory, it appeared very quiet.

Not only the Survivors, but even the beasts in the jungle, the Molemen in the caves, the Troglodytes, and so on, all stayed honestly in their rooms.

Creatures that could survive in this world all had a certain sense of crisis.

They would all prepare food for a period of time in their nests or caves to cope with sudden snowstorms or other disasters.

Those who didn't have this sense had almost all been eliminated.

Cao Xing also began to make some preparations.

He first controlled the Giant Strength Vines to move the lighthouses, concentrating them in the North and South gate areas of the territory.

Then he transferred a portion of the arrow towers to the East and West gate areas.

Cao Xing's wall structure was similar to the Eternal Frost Main City, which was a thick wall with a large gate opened in each of the four directions: East, West, South, and North.

After doing this, he went to the mechanical factory and handed the blueprint for the Neros Cannon shells to the goblin Locke, asking him to make some shells when he had free time.

Afterward, he went to the library to read a few books, increasing his attributes a little.

At the same time, he also learned more about the history of this world.

Time flew by, and it was around six o'clock in the evening.

It was now mealtime for the territory.

Everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, waiting quietly for the arrival of midnight.

Time quickly reached 23:55 in the evening.

There were 5 minutes left until the start of the second round of monster sieges.

At this moment, more than thirty advanced lighthouses in front of and behind the territory illuminated the battlefield two or three kilometers ahead.

This range was already very large, enough for the warriors to see the situation around them during the battle.

The warriors arrived one after another outside the city gates, ready for battle.

Meanwhile, the time reached 00:00 at night.

[All Survivors please note, the first round of monster sieges is about to begin, please be prepared!]