Cao Xing picked up the rest of the materials from the ground as well.
Afterward, he headed to the coal mine nearby, full of anticipation.
[Discovered an unclaimed small coal mine. Do you wish to claim it?]
"Yes."
[Claim successful. Acquired: Small Coal Mine*1, Bronze Treasure Box*1.]
[Congratulations! As the first survivor on the entire server to claim a resource point, you have been awarded: Ancient Weapon - Barrett (Purple)*1, 12.7mm Ammo*10.]
Cao Xing: "???."
What the hell?
Barrett?
Did I hear that right?
However, as Cao Xing stared at the snowy ground in front of him, where a pitch-black heavy sniper rifle over a meter long lay, he confirmed his guess.
This really *was* a Barrett!
But after thinking it through, it made sense.
After all, this world was a blend of technology and magic.
*By the late game, even a Cold Iron Mechanic can pilot a Gundam or summon a fleet of bombers. So, what's a Barrett in comparison?*
With this in mind, Cao Xing gleefully picked up the Barrett and the bullets from the ground.
[Ancient Weapon - Barrett (Purple)]
[Quality: Rare]
[Attack Power: 967~993]
[Attack Interval: 2 seconds per shot]
[Attached Effect 1: Armor Penetration (50% chance to ignore 100 points of enemy armor when attacking)]
[Attached Effect 2: Headshot (50% additional damage when hitting the head)]
...
"Holy shit! This is insane!"
Without a doubt, this was a weapon of mass destruction.
Its attack power of over 900 early on was practically unstoppable—*a god-slayer and a Buddha-beater!*
And with those two effects, if they both triggered, monsters below level 20 wouldn't survive a single shot!
*But who says mages can't use a Barrett?*
Unfortunately, Cao Xing had only ten bullets at hand.
Cao Xing pondered aloud, "If I remember correctly, once the territory reaches level 4, new tech buildings will unlock, like [Bullet Factory] and [Small Snowfield Robot Production Workshop]."
"By then, I won't have to worry about running out of bullets!"
With a satisfied expression, Cao Xing stashed the Barrett into his backpack.
It was then that he recalled another system prompt from earlier.
Aside from the coal resources, there was also a bronze treasure box.
In other words, there might really be treasures inside!
So, Cao Xing turned and said, "Saozi, I'm going to check out the mine. Collect the scattered coal outside in the meantime."
Liu Muxue gently nodded. "Okay."
After saying this, Cao Xing jumped right into the mine.
It was just a small mine, extending no more than four or five meters deep.
The surrounding soil revealed some black coal and stones, confirming the abundant resources.
According to the system, over 1,700 pieces of coal could be extracted here.
Based on the exchange rate of 1 coal = 5 wood, these resources would last him a good while!
Cao Xing even considered assigning a few Polar People to start mining immediately.
But right now, all four Polar People in the territory were busy with tasks, and there was no extra manpower at the moment.
*Looks like upgrading the Polar People Hut needs to be prioritized,* he thought.
*I must recruit more laborers—there's no point in having a mine if nobody's around to work it.*
Still, the most pressing matter was finding the treasure box inside this coal mine.
Reaching the end of the mine, Cao Xing spotted a bronze-colored treasure box amidst the darkness.
"There it is!"
The system prompt appeared.
[Discovered an unlocked Bronze Treasure Box*1. Do you wish to open it?]
Cao Xing immediately clicked "Yes."
[Successfully opened Bronze Treasure Box. Acquired: Believer Staff (Green)*1,
[Acquired: Snow Boots (White)*2]
[Acquired: Medical Bag*1, Food*15, Fine Iron*5]
[Acquired: Market Construction Blueprints*1.]
"Huh? Market blueprints?"
Cao Xing's eyes lit up with excitement.
Only by building a market could he trade resources with other survivors.
Even though only a few hours had passed since Cao Xing arrived in this world,
with 7 billion people from Blue Star collectively transported here, that enormous population meant some had already built [Markets].
Cao Xing examined the blueprint's description.
[Market: Once constructed, allows resource trading with other survivors.]
(Note: Until regions are merged, trades are only possible with survivors in the same area.)
[Occupied Area: 20 square meters.]
[Required Materials: Stone*15, Wood*30.]
Cao Xing murmured, "Only with survivors from this region for now, huh?"
"But that's hardly an issue. Area 174 has tens of thousands of people—there should be plenty of resources circulating in the market."
He then began examining the two pieces of equipment he had just acquired.
[Believer Staff (Green). Quality: Fine. Attack Power: 15~18. Spirit +3. Attached Effect: Believer's Grip (20% chance to boost Spirit by +10 on attack.)]
(Note: The staff of fanatical believers. When fighting, shout: 'Black Stockings Are Justice,' and unexpected things might happen~)
*Who the hell would shout that?!*
*White stockings are justice, okay?!*
Feeling exasperated, Cao Xing thought the system's notes seemed oddly unserious.
Next, he checked the second piece of equipment.
[Snow Boots (White). Quality: Common. Armor: None. Special Effects: None.]
(Note: Sturdy snow boots with decent cold resistance, allowing you to travel better in icy terrains.)
"Another piece of anti-cold gear," he noted with a smile.
There were two pairs of these boots—perfect for him and Liu Muxue.
He took off his black leather shoes and replaced them with the fur-lined snow boots immediately.
The gentle warmth enveloped his nearly frozen feet.
Feeling satisfied, Cao Xing nodded to himself.
Inside the treasure box, there was one more item.
[Medical Bag (White): Can be used to treat injuries or common ailments, restoring 100 Life Value.]
(Note: A basic medical bag that can address weather-induced conditions such as colds, fevers, frostbite, etc.)
This was valuable as well. Without a [Medical Room] yet, a medical bag was a lifesaver!
After all, some ailments couldn't even be cured by an Aurora Knight's [Purification Skill].
After thoroughly checking the mine and confirming there was nothing else left, Cao Xing prepared to leave.
But before departing, he decided to dismantle the treasure box just in case.
[Successfully dismantled Bronze Treasure Box. Acquired: Copper*5.]
...
Cao Xing crawled out of the mine.
Seeing him emerge, Liu Muxue said softly, "Axing, I've collected all the scattered coal—there's a total of 112 pieces, enough to last us a long time!"
The joy of accomplishment shone on her face.
Cao Xing nodded. "Good job, Saozi."
"Here, these snow boots are for you."
He placed a pair at Liu Muxue's feet.
Noticing her legs were red from the cold, trembling uncontrollably, with her delicate toes tightly curled, he knew they had to act fast.
If they didn't return to the bonfire within minutes, her legs might suffer lasting frostbite.
Although Liu Muxue longed for the boots, she also understood their immense value in such harsh conditions.
"Are you sure these boots are for me?" she asked tentatively.
Cao Xing chuckled. "Of course. I already have a pair, and Yilena doesn't have legs. Who else but you could wear them?"
Relieved, Liu Muxue whispered shyly, "Thank you... Axing."
Cao Xing waved it off and motioned for her to wear them quickly.
Just then, Liu Muxue hesitated and said softly, "Axing… could you help me? My legs aren't cooperating."
Her cheeks flushed to her ears as she spoke.
Without hesitation, Cao Xing approached and let her rest a hand on his shoulder.
The faint scent of a floral fragrance entered his nose.
As she clung to his neck, Liu Muxue struggled to lift her right leg.
Seeing her condition, Cao Xing realized her legs had gone stiff from the cold.
"Let me help you put them on."
Before Liu Muxue could respond, he lifted her leg, which was wrapped in white stockings.
"Ugh..."
Liu Muxue's body quivered, her eyes widening instantly.
Focused and swift, Cao Xing helped her into both pairs of boots before crouching down slightly.
"Saozi, I'll carry you back to camp."
Embarrassed but unable to refuse, Liu Muxue nodded softly. "Thank… thank you."
She wrapped her arms around his neck while strong hands supported her thighs.
Feeling unexpectedly soft skin beneath his hands, Cao Xing thought to himself, *"Jeez… she's... really soft..."*
With Liu Muxue on his back and Yilena slithering beside them,
the trio made their way back to camp.
The comforting warmth from the bonfire enveloped them once again, easing their stiffness from the cold.
After ensuring Liu Muxue was settled,
Cao Xing glanced at the sky, which was growing darker.
There were only thirty minutes before nightfall.
He needed to construct a small shelter for Yilena to sleep in for the night.
After all, if the residents of his territory suffered through a frigid night, their Loyalty would drop.
In addition, he needed to build the [Market] for trading resources with other survivors.
Looking over the territory's resources, he saw:
[Food: Bread*50, Snake Meat*17, Wolf Meat*134]
[Wood*97, Coal*112, Stone*62]
"Not bad. I've got enough materials to build both the Logging Factory and the Market, plus a small shelter."
He called out into the distance, "Dazhuang, Erzhuang, come back!"
The Polar People dropped their tasks and shivered their way back toward the bonfire.
"Lord, what do you need?"
Cao Xing nodded and began issuing orders. "Dazhuang, Erzhuang, you two work on building the Logging Factory."
"Sizhuang, the Market is your responsibility."
"Sizhuang, build a small shelter."
Adding one last note, he said, "Once you've completed these tasks, you can eat."
At the mention of food, the four Polar People's eyes lit up.
"Don't worry, Lord—we'll finish before nightfall!"
"Yeah, you can count on us, Lord!"