After getting Rain Tree Resin from Zhong Yongnian's group, Zhou Bai didn't head to Cloud Mist Forest, planning to return straight to the territory. But just then, the system issued a notification.
[Lord of Hope Village, there are refugees entering the territory of Hope Village. Please prepare to accommodate them as soon as possible.]
Hearing this news so suddenly, Zhou Bai couldn't help but freeze for a moment.
Ever since saving that batch of survivors on the second day, it was immediately followed by a Demon Beast city attack, unlocking new buildings, welcoming NPCs, and now abnormal weather today—one thing after another. She basically had no time to consider what was happening outside the territory.
Of course, she had never received news of refugees entering.
That's why she was so surprised now.
The next moment, Zhou Bai quickly checked and saw that a cluster of small green dots had appeared within the territory, and these dots were continuing to increase.
This meant that a group of survivors was steadily heading toward Hope Village.
No matter where they came from, having people arrive was a good thing.
Though she wasn't planning on leveling up right now, "not being able to upgrade" and "not wanting to upgrade" were two different things.
Afterwards, looking at the torrential rain pouring down overhead, a trace of worry flashed in Zhou Bai's eyes.
She had no idea how these survivors' Life Value was, whether they could withstand the rate at which rain was depleting their Life Value.
Instinctively, Zhou Bai glanced at the location of the soldier team on the territory map.
They'd clearly split into three squads outside, with the nearest squad not far from these people.
Zhou Bai made a snap decision and issued a task.
[Task: Rescue Refugees]
[Type: Time-limited Task]
[Introduction: After four days of development, new refugees have arrived at Hope Village, currently trapped by torrential rain.]
[Reward: Loot belongs to individuals]
[Assigned to: Soldier team and all residents (voluntary)]
After posting the task, Zhou Bai quickly rushed toward the territory—so many people, best to deliver the materials first.
Meanwhile, the soldier team and residents who received the notification had mixed expressions.
Inside Hope Village.
Many residents had also received the news, but as they had no equipment, they couldn't rescue anyone.
"New survivors are here again. Wonder how they're holding up?"
"It's a rainstorm now, Life Value drops. Just hope their Life Value is high enough so they can make it to the territory safely, otherwise…"
"Only a few dozen can head out today, manpower isn't enough!"
"If I could go out, I'd go rescue people right away."
"You're so good, huh?"
"Think about it, all us residents were originally from City C or nearby. Who knows if the new survivors are our family members."
"That's true!"
"Message just came in from the tailor shop—a batch of equipment is ready. Anyone with higher Level can buy gear and lead a team outside."
"Sure, I can go, I'm Level 6!"
"My Level's low, better not head out and make trouble, otherwise I'll be the one needing rescue, not doing the saving."
As everyone discussed, Ding Qiurou quickly reminded, "Even if we can't go outside, we can still prepare. Everyone boil some extra hot water at home! It just costs a bit of wood."
After she said that, everyone instantly responded, ready to do what they could.
"Okay! I'll go boil some now."
"Boiling hot water's simple enough."
"Could make some hot soup too—mushroom chicken soup."
"..."
*
Cloud Mist Forest.
"Captain Zhou, the rescue refugee task is here. Should we go save them now or finish off this boss first?" A soldier couldn't help but ask.
Just in this short outing today, they'd run into several Level 9 Demon Beasts. After killing the first one, they realized High-level Demon Beasts dropped equipment and attribute points much more often.
This morning, they took down two Level 9 Demon Beasts, scoring a Green Equipment for Defense and 2 agility attribute points, so now they call Level 9 Demon Beasts "bosses."
Comparatively, fighting High-level Demon Beasts was more rewarding.
At this moment, they were surrounding a Level 9 Demon Beast, just about to strike!
Finding a Level 9 Demon Beast isn't easy—it cost them a lot of time and effort!
To just let it go would be a waste!
Anyway, there are other teams on rescue—if they finish off the boss first, they'll probably make it in time.
"You forgot what we saw last time?" Zhou Zhengping retorted.
That comment made everyone recall the tragedy of the last rescue mission; the misery was still fresh in their minds.
"Captain Zhou, I was wrong!"
"Let's go! The faster we get there, the more people we might save." Zhou Zhengping said firmly.
*
Bamboo forest.
After getting the news, Zhong Yongnian's eyes were thoughtful, his movements slowed a bit.
Unable to hold back, he asked, "Do you guys think we should join the rescue effort?"
"For residents, this task seems optional. We've still got a lot of Wind and Rain Orchid and bamboo strips here—worth quite a bit!"
"There are other teams anyway. Soldier teams are definitely going."
"Exactly. Soldier team members even get territory wages, so it's their duty to help. For us, it's optional!"
"Rescuing a person only gives 1 copper coin, but gathering a single Wind and Rain Orchid nets us 5 copper coins!"
"Kind of not worth it!"
A few people babbled, clearly reluctant to leave their resource-gathering spot now.
They just wanted to earn more copper coins, to make their lives better. They weren't thinking any further ahead.
But soon, someone voiced a differing opinion.
"We're all compatriots—helping each other isn't a big deal."
"We're the lucky ones, with a territory that gives us shelter, food, and the equipment we need to live safely. If outsiders haven't found a territory, they're suffering for sure."
"Exactly! And the territory needs more people. I don't know if there are better places outside, but as long as Hope Village can protect us, I'll never leave. I want our territory to grow stronger, which means we need more people for development. Helping others also helps the territory—I still want to go rescue."
"I agree to go, too."
"I was once a survivor rescued by the territory's soldier team. Seriously, if not for them that day, I'd be dead. Now I can help, so I want to save people too."
After speaking, both sides looked straight at Zhong Yongnian.
Looking at them, Zhong Yongnian pressed his lips together. Zhou Bai's words and deeds flashed through his mind, and his gaze grew determined.
"The resource spot is right here, it won't run away. We save people and come back afterwards." Zhong Yongnian looked around and said, "Anyone who disagrees can stay and keep gathering."
"We'll follow you." Those who'd disagreed saw Zhong Yongnian's decision and quickly spoke up.
Well, what's done is done!
The leader's going, others follow—how could they not?
Just going with the flow.
"Alright, let's go!" Zhong Yongnian decided firmly.
...
Similar scenes played out everywhere. Countless people rushed toward the locations marked on the map for the task.