The skill book dissolved into specks of golden light and surged into Lin Daiyu's body.
She closed her eyes, her expression calm yet focused, as though she were comprehending some profound mystery.
Sitting nearby, Lucian leaned back in his chair, resting his arms on the table while observing her.
Lin Daiyu had always been gentle and serene, but there was a sharp edge to her, a cleverness that often left him speechless. Her tongue could sting like a whip, yet her voice remained so soft and captivating that he couldn't stay angry for long.
But now, as she sat still, an air of tranquility surrounded her, adding a layer of mystery to her beauty.
Time passed in silence until Lin Daiyu's eyelashes fluttered, and she opened her eyes. A gleam of intelligence and insight flickered within her gaze as though she had grasped something profound.
"Young Master?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of confusion.
Lucian coughed awkwardly, breaking out of his reverie. "How do you feel after learning the technique?"
Lin Daiyu smiled gently. "It's incredible. This skill enhances my strength significantly."
As she spoke, her gaze shifted toward him, a playful glint appearing in her eyes. She seemed to realize that he had been staring at her earlier. Puffing up her cheeks, she pouted and glared at him, half in jest and half in mock anger.
Lucian, oblivious to her expression, immediately brought up her status panel to inspect the results.
Lin Daiyu's Updated Stats:
Skills:
Eight Extremes Fist (Level 3)
Swallowing the Sky (Level 1)
Skill: Swallowing the Sky
Type: Martial Secret Technique
Quality: Gold (Legendary)
Level: 1/9 (0/1000 EXP)
Passive Effects:
+10 Constitution, +10 Spirit
+1% Movement Speed
Active Effects:
Devour Mode: Temporarily enhances attacks to deal bonus true damage based on (Physical Attack + Spirit) x 0.1.
Sky Devouring Strike: A powerful burst that consumes all Devour Mode energy to unleash devastating true damage. 24-hour cooldown.
Description: "With one breath, slay enemies, destroy cities, and rend the heavens."
Lucian's jaw dropped slightly as he read the description.
"This… isn't just a skill—it's a game-changer!"
He sucked in a sharp breath, startled by the combination of passive and active effects. This wasn't something one could compare to an ordinary technique.
"Legendary, indeed."
He glanced over at Lin Daiyu, who was watching him intently with a mischievous smile.
"What's the matter, Young Master?" she teased, clearly aware of his amazement.
"Nothing," Lucian replied quickly, coughing again to cover his awkwardness. But his attention shifted back to her attributes, and his heart skipped a beat.
Constitution: 460 + 21 (Base: 35, Skill Bonus: 10, Multiplier: 1000%)
Spirit: 150 + 7 (Base: 4, Skill Bonus: 10, Multiplier: 1000%)
The numbers spoke volumes.
Her Constitution and Spirit had both received a noticeable boost from the skill, making her an even more formidable force.
"Lin Daiyu…" Lucian began, his voice tinged with awe.
"What is it, Young Master?" she asked innocently.
"You've become strong enough to annihilate yesterday's monsters with ease," he said.
Lin Daiyu tilted her head, her delicate features softening into a warm smile. "I think so too, Young Master. That skill is remarkable."
The tension from the previous day now felt like a distant memory. Lin Daiyu's newfound strength brought a sense of security to Lucian.
"This is how battles work," he thought. "You fight, grow, and keep climbing."
"Rest assured," Lucian said, his voice steady. "We'll keep getting stronger, step by step. Soon, nothing will be able to threaten us."
"Understood, Young Master," Lin Daiyu replied, her tone filled with both reverence and warmth.
Time flew by, and it was soon lunchtime.
Despite Lucian's attempts to reclaim his role as chef, Qin Keqing insisted on preparing the meal herself. He relented begrudgingly.
While Lucian prided himself on his ability to cook passable meals, his self-awareness told him that Qin Keqing's culinary skills were likely superior.
The dining area of the Cloud Sakura Inn was lively.
Lucian sat at a large table with Lin Daiyu, Qin Keqing, and ten of the Great Qin Warriors. The sight of the disciplined warriors, seated elegantly and eating in silence, contrasted amusingly with the playful chatter of his two heroines.
Most striking, however, was the sheer beauty that filled the room.
Heroes and warriors alike were exceptional in appearance, their charm enhanced by the territory's beauty bonus. Lucian couldn't help but admire the scene before him.
"Who knew my territory would become a gathering of unparalleled beauties," he thought with a chuckle.
For now, though, he could enjoy the peace and strength they had built together.