It felt exceedingly heavy in hand, akin to lifting a substantial iron block, even if he dawned it.

His current physique would render him incapable of engaging in combat.

Once more, he invoked divine presence, controlling a skeletal soldier to attempt equipping the armor.

However, the situation mirrored his own.

The armor's weight hindered normal movement and combat.

There remained a distinct difference between reality and the game.

In the game, any equipment could be worn, but in reality, one had to consider physical strength.

Wearing such armor was akin to bearing the weight of a bull, making combat exceedingly difficult.

Damn it, 10 lbs of protein powder and I still cannot match the strength of an orc.

Fongghao cursed under his breath.

This piece of equipment would have to be stored for the time being.

Once he achieved the requisite physical fitness or acquired higher tier soldiers, he could then dawn the armor.

He instructed the skeleton to wash and dry the obtained garments by the riverbank before he exited the territory.

A few newly unlocked blueprints are ready for prompt fabrication.

Level one ranch, wood, 100, stone 800, thatch 500, hemp rope 200.

Outside the territory, a flat area has been chosen for construction.

The land is enclosed by a wooden fence, and a simple wooden shed has been erected in the center.

However, the ranch remains desolate, devoid of any animals.

It seems that capturing some docel creatures for domestication will be necessary in the future.

With the ranch completed, the search for a suitable site for a lumber mill continues.

Initially, there was a plan to establish the mill at the goblin camp, but upon further contemplation, that idea has been abandoned.

The issue with the orc tribe has yet to be resolved.

It is wiser to proceed with caution.

A location near the woods has been selected for the lumber mill.

Level one lumber mill with 2,000, stone, 1200, thatch 200, hemp rope 550, iron 120.

Description: Lumber mill area.

Wood gathering efficiency 5.

The construction is initiated without delay.

Before long, a lumber mill materializes before the eyes.

Nearby, skeletal labors begin their work, felling trees around the mill.

A few skeleton soldiers are assigned to guard the structure against potential beast attacks.

And then the return to the territory ensues.

Of the three blueprints, two have been successfully constructed.

There remains a torch which Fong Hao feels is unnecessary.

He decides to rest for the night while the skeletons being undead creatures do not require torch light to work in the dark.

If the need arises later, crafting it can be postponed without issue.

In addition to the blueprints and equipment, the most significant gain is the collection of over 1,700 wriggling spines.

This signifies that should Fong Hao choose, he could summon an army of 100,000 skeletons, sufficient to far surpass ordinary lords.

Presently, however, Fonha does not intend to recruit them.

An army of 100,000 skeletons could easily attract unnecessary troubles, which would hinder the current development of his territory.

Having organized everything, the evening is still young.

There is time to further explore the map.

Fong Ho once again employs divine presence, entering the body of a skeleton soldier.

The battle with the orcs has merely begun.

The days ahead promise to be increasingly perilous.

To survive securely in this world, exploration and development must not cease.

Accompanied by 2,000 skeleton soldiers.

He sets forth to continue exploring the surrounding terrain.

Crossing the southern valley, the trees and vegetation grow denser.

Drawing his iron sword from his waist, he cleaves through the branches and thorns ahead.

Fong Hao marks this location as a potential wood gathering point.

Lost in thought, he suddenly halts, instinctively crouching to remain concealed.

All the skeleton soldiers behind him also come to a standstill, though they do not crouch, but remain motionless.

In an open area ahead, a young unicorn goat grazes peacefully, its head lowered to the grass.

The forest teams with wildlife abundant in carnivorous creatures.

It is quite easy to encounter the wild beasts that indulge in gluttony or take leisurely strolls.

Fong how bent down gazing beneath the belly of the unicorn goat.

Excellent.

A female.

Soon there will be goats milk to enjoy.

The ranch has only just been established and the juvenile beast can be captured for domestication.

At that time you'll be able to savor the delightful taste of goat's milk.

Hurry, encircle it and capture alive.

Do not harm it.

Fonggho turned to instruct the skeletons behind him, anxious that his earnest subordinates might rush in and slay it with a single stroke.

The bewildered skeletons, upon receiving their orders, began to slowly disperse, gradually surrounding the creature.

The young goat, peacefully grazing, perked up its ears and suddenly raised its head to survey its surroundings.

In the next instant, it bolted in one direction.

Quickly, capture it," Fonhao shouted.

The encircling skeletons, no longer concealing themselves, pursued the fleeing unicorn goat.

Bang! A dull thud echoed as one skeleton attempting to intercept the goat, was struck squarely in the chest and sent flying backward as if hit by a cannonball, crashing through branches and foliage in a most disheveled manner.

Capturing it alive is far more challenging than killing it.

Chase it.

Seize it.

Capture it alive.

The unicorn goat dashed ahead.

With a throng of skeletons in fervent pursuit.

After nearly 20 minutes of relentless chase, the unicorn goat completely vanished from sight.

Before them stood a castle, ensconced in thorns and roses.

Castle of the shadowy winds.

Chapter 23.

The castle of shadowy winds.

The ancient castle loomed with an air of antiquity.

Its towering gray walls were entwined with dark green vines, evoking a sense of age and foreboating.

The whereabouts of the unicorn had long been forgotten, as all attention was captivated by the imposing structure before them.

After a quick count, it was confirmed that the 2,000 skeletal soldiers had not been lost in pursuit, granting him a measure of confidence.

Open the gate, Fongghao commanded.

With a creek accompanied by a cloud of dust and a shrill sound, the weathered door, corroded and modeled, was slowly pushed open by the collective effort of the skeletons.

Regardless of the dangers that might lurk within this ancient fortress, its proximity to his territory demanded investigation.

Moreover, the sudden emergence of such a solitary castle amidst the dense woods was unsettling.

As the door swung wide, the scene within unfolded before fong house eyes.

Behind the entrance lay the castle's courtyard, strewn with fallen leaves and overgrown grass, weeds clustered around gravestones entwined in vines.

Indeed, this is not a structure of the living, he mused.

Who would have imagined that the courtyard of this castle would resemble a graveyard? It became evident that ahead another wall stood, connected by stone steps and a brick archway.

Suddenly, Fungha's gaze was drawn to a grayish white crystal beside one of the gravestones.

"Shadow stone," he exclaimed instinctively.

"The crystal not far from him, bore an uncanny resemblance to the shadow stone he had acquired through a trade with Dongju, who had mentioned that such crystals were often found in ancient tombs.

" The scene before him indeed echoed that description.

Upon closer inspection, he noticed several more crystals nearby.

Go fetch those shadow stones, Fong Ho instructed.