Crossing the wilderness to survive, starting with a broken kitchen knife.

Everyone knew that even though the behemoth had been subdued, the island's tranquility still needed constant protection. Zhang Shi led his soldiers in a comprehensive upgrade of the island's defenses. They reinforced the coastal watchtower, replacing the original wooden structure with a more durable stone and metal composite. A new type of magic telescope was installed atop the tower, allowing for clearer observation of distant sea movements and expanding the warning range several times over.

The tower's magic attack system has also been improved. Ge Dalong worked with several island magicians to redesign the magic gathering array, increasing the tower's attack power by nearly 50% and significantly shortening the firing interval. Furthermore, magic traps have been set up in the shallow waters surrounding the island. If unidentified ships or creatures approach, the traps will trigger, releasing paralyzing currents or stirring up huge waves to block them, thus ensuring the island's safety from all angles.

Zhao Feng volunteered to form an elite patrol team, regularly dispatching specially designed warships. These vessels were painted with intimidating magical runes, offering a degree of protection against seawater erosion and magical attacks. The patrol team sailed the waters surrounding the island, eliminating any sea monsters or pirate gangs that might threaten its safety.

During one patrol, they discovered a group of pirates attacking a merchant ship. At Zhao Feng's command, the patrol quickly launched an attack. Using their superb combat skills and the advantages of their warship, they defeated the pirates and rescued the merchant ship. The merchant ship's captain, overwhelmed with gratitude, sent a generous gift of supplies as a token of gratitude. These supplies further enriched the island's reserves, allowing the island to steadily move forward on the path of protection and development.

……

Although the old man had warned that the secret treasure in the volcano should not be taken, Zhang Shi's curiosity grew like weeds and was difficult to suppress, which prompted him to make a series of risky actions.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Zhang Shi summoned Ge Dalong and Zhao Feng. On a dark and windy night, they quietly packed their simple bags and weapons and set out for the ancient volcano. The island at night was treacherous, and the path was difficult to navigate. Relying on his memory and the faint moonlight, he carefully navigated the dense jungle. The constant roars of nocturnal beasts in the jungle broke him into a cold sweat, but curiosity got the better of him, and he gritted his teeth and pressed on. As he approached the volcano, the scorching ground softened beneath his feet, and every step was filled with steam, as if he might plunge into boiling lava at any moment. He braved the danger and climbed the steep path, attempting to explore hidden corners of the volcano under the cover of darkness, unseen during the day, hoping to find clues to the Lizardmen and the hidden treasure.

The three of them finally reached the crater in the darkness. In the moonlight, the pitch-black entrance resembled the gaping maw of a giant beast, hinting at unknown danger. Zhao Feng frowned and lowered his voice, "Shi Tou, do we really want to do this? It's pitch dark here, what if something goes wrong..." Zhang Shi's gaze was firm, and he gently patted Zhao Feng's shoulder. "Brother Feng, I have an idea. This time, maybe we can solve the mystery that's been bothering us for so long." Ge Dalong silently mobilized his magic power, gathering a small ball of soft blue light in his palm to illuminate the group.

As they approached the crater, a gust of hot wind, carrying a pungent smell of sulfur, lashed out, causing everyone to cough. Zhang Shi, suppressing the discomfort, crouched and walked in first. After a few steps, a slight tremor suddenly erupted beneath his feet, as if something had awakened underground. Ge Dalong's expression froze, and he spoke with alarm, "Something's wrong! The flow of magic power within this volcano seems to be becoming disordered. Everyone, be careful." Even before he finished speaking, strands of dark red magma slowly seeped out from the surrounding rock walls, winding down like strange vines.

Zhao Feng quickly swung his battle axe, holding it horizontally before him. A golden aura of magical energy flickered on the blade, ready to chop down any incoming attack. Zhang Shi, on the other hand, executed Shadow Step, moving like a ghost through the treacherous passage, attempting to uncover the ancient runes obscured by the lava. Soon, he turned a corner and discovered a stone wall densely engraved with symbols. These runes were even more complex and mysterious than those he had seen before, faintly emitting faint magical fluctuations.

Just as Zhang Shi leaned in for a closer look, Zhao Feng suddenly exclaimed from behind him. Turning, he saw a winged, lizard-like monster, blazing with dark blue flames, burst forth from the earth. Its maw opened wide, and streams of searing flame erupted. Ge Dalong reacted swiftly, his hands dancing. In an instant, he erected a thick wall of ice in front of them. The flames sizzled against the ice, and the wall melted away at a visible rate.

"What the hell is this!" Zhao Feng roared, charging at the monster. His battle axe, brimming with powerful magical energy, struck fiercely at its head. The monster dodged with agility, its long tail sweeping across, knocking Zhao Feng back several steps. Seeing this, Zhang Shi seized the opportunity, his sword flashing with cold light, and unleashed a sharp sword strike, piercing the monster's vital abdomen. However, the monster possessed the same miraculous healing ability. The blade only scratched its skin, sending a few faint blue sparks flying before its flesh quickly healed.

Amidst the fierce battle, Ge Dalong cast defensive spells for his teammates while taking a moment to observe his surroundings. He noticed that each time the monster attacked, certain runes on the ground would briefly illuminate, seemingly tied to the source of its power. "Zhang Shi, Zhao Feng, pay attention to the runes beneath your feet while attacking it!" Ge Dalong shouted.

The three of them worked in perfect harmony. Zhang Shi focused on attacking the monster's lower body, using his agility to disrupt its movements. Zhao Feng, seizing the perfect moment, swung his axe with all his might. Ge Dalong continued to use magic to contain and protect. After several rounds, the monster gradually showed signs of fatigue, and its flames grew weaker.

Just as everyone thought they were about to subdue the monster, a deep rumble erupted from the depths of the volcano, followed by a powerful surge of magical energy like a tidal wave. The ground shook violently, rocks tumbled, and the entire interior of the volcano seemed on the verge of collapse. Zhang Shi's face changed drastically: "Oh no! We've triggered a seal deeper within the volcano! Let's go!"

The three of them didn't dare to delay, running with all their might towards the exit. Zhao Feng wielded his battle axe, splitting the tumbling boulders and clearing a path for them. Ge Dalong, behind them, continuously cast ice magic, slowing the flow of magma and blocking the surging heat that threatened to engulf them at any moment. Zhang Shi, using Shadow Step, scouted the path ahead, searching for the safest and quickest escape route.

However, the mountain path was rugged, and his vision was obstructed in his panic. Zhang Shi stumbled and nearly fell. At that critical moment, Zhao Feng was quick to grab him and yell, "Shitou, be careful!" But the delay allowed the lava behind to surge towards him. Ge Dalong's magic power was over-depleted, and the ice magic barrier became increasingly weak.