Li Mufan continued issuing orders with a focused expression. "A Shou, your team can head into the jungle to subdue the wild beasts. The northern part of the camp will be designated as your pasture."
"Understood! Master!" A Shou replied eagerly, still struggling to adjust his speech.
"Zhang Tie, you can select a site near the mountain to the east of the camp as a quarry. For now, it will remain open-air."
"Got it!" Zhang Tie responded enthusiastically, ready to scout for the best location.
After laying out the initial plans, Li Mufan addressed the group. "Everyone, this is our temporary layout for the camp. If there's nothing else to report, let's get to work!"
The group responded with affirmations, then began to disperse. Liu Long, looking thoughtful, approached Li Mufan. "Your Majesty, about the cave…"
Li Mufan shook his head gently. "This is a matter of great importance, but we must keep it confidential. Inform everyone, but let's not discuss it further."
Liu Long paused, taking a moment to process the request. After exchanging a glance with Fan Qingyue, he nodded and hurried down the mountain.
Eight days passed, and the effects of the elixirs began to manifest.
Since the *Tiger Wolf Pill* could only be consumed upon reaching the Body Refining Realm, only Liu Long and three others were able to take it. Remarkably, in just a week, the four of them had gained the strength equivalent to that of a wolf!
Although this extra strength didn't lead to a breakthrough in their cultivation realms, it proved incredibly valuable in combat.
In addition to the *Tiger Wolf Pill*, every soldier took the *Pei Yuan Pill*, which bolstered their foundation and enhanced their blood vitality. Though not as immediate as the Tiger Wolf Pill, the effects were longer-lasting and could be taken repeatedly. Soon, Li Mufan was confident that most of the troops would break into the Body Refining Realm one after another!
An army composed entirely of warriors in the Body Refining Realm? The thought sent a thrill of excitement through him.
Thanks to everyone's increased strength, their work efficiency soared. Under Aqiang's leadership, the construction team completed a sturdy three-story barracks in just six days. The structure, crafted entirely from stone bricks and reinforced with poured cement, was impressively solid.
Now, the construction team was focused on building the central administrative center and Li Mufan's residence, with progress suggesting completion within a month.
On one particular day, while sketching out plans for the future city in his quarters, Fan Qingyue burst in, brimming with enthusiasm.
"Your Majesty! General Aqiang reports that the barracks are complete and everyone is waiting for you to inspect them!"
Li Mufan's face lit up with surprise and delight. "So soon? Let's go take a look!"
A short time later, they arrived at the southeast corner of the camp.
As he surveyed the newly constructed barracks, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. Built from robust blue and white stone, the structure imitated the design of the PLA barracks from his previous life. Each of its three floors could comfortably accommodate a hundred people, with modern amenities like restrooms and conference rooms included.
"Qingyue, please inform everyone that we'll be moving into the barracks today," he instructed.
Fan Qingyue's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, Your Majesty!"
Early the next morning, the soldiers busily packed and cleaned in preparation for the move. By noon, they excitedly settled into their new barracks.
After a quick lunch with the troops, Li Mufan intended to return to his blueprint drawing. However, Fan Qingyue approached him again, urgency in her voice. "Master, our scouts just reported they've explored the forces within a 300-mile radius of the mountain."
"Alright, tell me what you've found," Li Mufan replied, intrigued.
"The nearest tribe is a goblin clan, numbering about 1,500. A bit further is a human village with around 1,000 residents. Beyond them are a demon tribe and a dog-headed tribe, each with populations exceeding 2,000. Additionally, several bands of robbers lurk in the nearby mountains, frequently descending to pillage."
Li Mufan raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "I didn't expect to find so many factions in this area. Have you assessed their combat capabilities?"
"The villagers consist solely of adult men and lack any organized military force. The four villages often engage in skirmishes over water sources. As for the bandits, we currently lack detailed information about their strength," Fan Qingyue explained.
After pondering this for a moment, Li Mufan made a decisive choice. "Go inform Liu Long that I'll lead a combat team out of the mountain."
"Ah, Master? Are you planning to raid again? We're still on the wanted list!" Fan Qingyue exclaimed, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Don't worry about that. Just go quickly!" he insisted.