The Endless Void's mechanical voice echoed in Lucian's mind as he processed the rules of the Rookie Trial
"New Sovereign, your first descent into the Endless Void automatically places you in the 'Rookie Trial' phase. This is both a challenge and a reward for newcomers!"
"Survive for 30 days, and you will receive the Void's rewards. The better your performance during this time, the greater the rewards will be!"
Lucian's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Thirty days to prove myself. With the Mechanical Kidney, this might actually be fun."
He turned his attention to the Red Pavilion, the transformed Shrine standing proudly in his territory. The golden plaque above its entrance gleamed faintly, the words The Twelve Beauties of Jinling etched in elegant calligraphy.
"It looks more like an antique mansion than a summoning shrine," Lucian muttered, his curiosity growing.
The Mechanical Kidney's modifications had already exceeded his expectations. If the Red Pavilion was as unique as its appearance suggested, then his territory might gain an edge that most Sovereigns could only dream of.
Lucian stepped into the Red Pavilion, the aroma of sandalwood greeting him as he entered. The interior was simple yet refined, with polished wooden floors and crimson drapes that framed the walls. In the center of the room stood a single table and chair, a porcelain teapot and two white cups resting atop it.
He seated himself and retrieved ten Void Crystals from his inventory. The crystals shimmered faintly, their energy pulsing as if eager to be used.
"Let's see what this place can do," Lucian murmured, placing the crystals on the table.
As soon as they touched the surface, the crystals dissolved into radiant motes of light. A low hum filled the room as an ethereal scroll materialized before him, its surface adorned with intricate ink-like patterns. Shadowy figures began to take shape within the scroll, their outlines shimmering in shades of bronze, silver, and gold.
Lucian's eyes were drawn to the golden figures. Though they were few, their radiance set them apart, exuding an air of unmatched potential.
The scroll froze suddenly, focusing on the image of a slender woman leaning gracefully against a snow-covered tree.
"Hero selected: [Lin Daiyu]," intoned a soft voice.
The scroll dissolved, and the ink faded into nothingness. Moments later, the air within the Red Pavilion shifted. A gentle breeze carried a faint melody, as though the room itself were preparing to receive a guest of great importance.
From the center of the room, a figure began to take shape.
She was breathtaking.
Lin Daiyu's almond-shaped eyes glistened with unshed tears, her delicate features framed by soft strands of raven-black hair that cascaded down her back. Her porcelain-like skin glowed faintly under the pavilion's dim light, and her slender frame was draped in flowing silks that shimmered like morning dew.
Her gaze landed on Lucian, and she offered a faint, melancholic smile. Her voice was soft yet clear, like a melody carried on the wind.
"Though the east wind bears no malice, it still scatters the blossoms."
Lucian froze. Memories from his previous life surged to the forefront of his mind—Dream of the Red Chamber, a classic novel he had read in his youth. Lin Daiyu, the fragile and tragic heroine, had captivated readers for generations with her poetic beauty and sorrowful fate.
But here she stood before him, not as a character from fiction, but as a summoned hero.
"This has to be a joke," Lucian muttered under his breath. "She's… too delicate. How is she supposed to fight Void beasts?"
Lin Daiyu noticed Lucian's conflicted expression and tilted her head curiously.
"Does the lord know me?" she asked softly, her tone carrying both curiosity and caution.
Lucian hesitated, then sighed. "I know a little."
Her faint smile returned. "Then you must know of my past sorrows. Yet now, in this new life, I hope to leave them behind."
Her words carried a quiet strength, and Lucian's doubts began to waver.
"Let's see what you're capable of," he said, opening her stats panel.
[Lin Daiyu]
Role: Hero
Race: Human
Grade: Golden Legendary
Level: 1
Bloodline: [Scarlet Pearl Grass] (+1)
Talent: [Crush Mountains, Overthrow the World] (+1)
Bond: [The Twelve Beauties of Jinling]
Attributes:
Physique: 200 (Base: 20, Multiplier: 1,000%)
Spirit: 11 (Base: 1.1, Multiplier: 1,000%)
Description: Determined to live life anew, Lin Daiyu has cast aside her tears, embracing a path of overwhelming strength and indomitable will.
Lucian's jaw dropped as he read the panel.
"Physique 200… with a 1,000% multiplier?" he muttered. "She's… a powerhouse."
Lin Daiyu, the delicate beauty known for her frailty, now possessed the raw strength to crush mountains and break armies.
He couldn't help but laugh at the irony. "I take it all back. You're perfect."
Daiyu blinked, her expression softening. "Have I met your expectations, my lord?"
Lucian grinned. "More than met them."
With Lin Daiyu now part of his territory, Lucian's confidence soared. Her overwhelming potential, combined with the enhancements provided by the Mechanical Kidney, meant his territory was no longer a simple patch of land—it was the foundation of a future empire.
As the first day of the Trial drew to a close, Lucian stood at the edge of his fence, gazing out into the starless expanse of the Void. Behind him, the Red Pavilion's crimson lights glowed softly, and within, Lin Daiyu prepared herself for the battles to come.
"Day one complete," Lucian murmured, his fists tightening with determination. "Let's see what the Void throws at us next."