Unlike ordinary altars, the Red Pavillion offered only a chance to summon heroes.
Previously, Lucian had spent 2,000 Void Crystals in one go, only to end up with clothing, accessories, and other mundane items.
Ensuring his stockpile of Void Crystals was sufficient to sustain prolonged battles, he didn't dare to recklessly gamble. Typically, he would allocate a small portion after each battle to try his luck.
"This is just like a gacha game," Lucian muttered, shaking his head.
The most baffling part was that Lin Daiyu had been summoned during his first ten-pull, yet no other hero had emerged from subsequent attempts.
Instead, he had drawn items like simple dresses compared to silk robes adorned with jade ornaments—utterly ordinary.
It was a love-hate relationship. Lucian loved the Red Pavillion because every hero it produced was a perfect match for his imagination: captivating and elegant. But he hated it because his funds were limited, preventing him from summoning the entire cast of The Twelve Beauties of Jinling.
Still, his habitual nature kicked in. After some deliberation, Lucian used 10 Void Crystals for another attempt.
The ink-painted scroll unfurled, ethereal figures appearing amidst clouds and mist like a celestial realm.
"Notification: Acquired Copper Mirror x1."
"Notification: Acquired Osmanthus Cake x1."
"Notification: Acquired Towel x1."
...
"Notification: Acquired Hero—Lin Daiyu."
"Notification: Acquired Palace Attire x1."
...
"It's mostly junk again," Lucian muttered, his disappointment palpable.
But just as he prepared to give up, a golden glow emerged from the scroll. His breath caught in his throat.
Could it be...?
Another Lin Daiyu?
Lucian's eyes widened as he scanned the room. To his surprise, no second Lin Daiyu appeared. Instead, a golden scroll lay on the table, radiating an aura of majesty.
He picked it up and unfurled it, revealing an exquisite portrait of Lin Daiyu.
The scroll came with a detailed attribute panel.
[Destined Portrait—Lin Daiyu]
Type: Fate Portrait.
Quality: Golden Legendary.
Effect: When used by Hero [Lin Daiyu], increases hero quality, enhances base stats, improves attribute growth, and evolves innate talents and bloodline.
Description: As the owner of Hero [Lin Daiyu], you have obtained her exclusive portrait.
"So that's how it works!"
Lucian's mind raced.
Could a Golden Legendary hero ascend even further?
His curiosity burned. Instead of rushing to Lin Daiyu immediately, he decided to test his luck further.
"If the first ten-pull yielded a Golden Portrait, maybe my luck hasn't run out yet..."
After some hesitation, Lucian glanced at his remaining Void Crystals. Gritting his teeth, he spent 2,900 more on additional summons.
An hour later, Lucian stumbled out of the Red Pavillion, dazed and empty-handed.
In the lavish bedroom of the Star Palace, Lin Daiyu rested on a fragrant chaise lounge.
Suddenly, her eyes opened, sensing Lucian's approach.
She sat up gracefully as Lucian entered the room.
"Are you done, Young Master?" she asked with a soft smile.
"Mostly," Lucian replied, his lips curving into a smile. "I've brought you something good!"
Intrigued, Lin Daiyu tilted her head. "What is it?"
Lucian handed her the Destined Portrait.
Lin Daiyu carefully examined the scroll, her delicate eyebrows furrowing.
"This looks like... my portrait?"
"Try using it," Lucian encouraged with a mysterious smile.
Trusting him implicitly, Lin Daiyu activated the portrait without hesitation.
The scroll dissolved into radiant light, its particles merging with Lin Daiyu's body.
Her aura intensified as a golden brilliance enveloped her.
[Lin Daiyu]
Quality: Golden Legendary (1/9).
Innate Talent: [Earth-shattering Grace] +2.
Bloodline: [Red Pearl Celestial Grass] +2.
Physique: 1010 + 21 (Base: 90, Skill Bonus: 10, Multiplier: 1000%) (Gear Bonus: 21, Synergy Bonus: 10).
Spirit: 240 + 7 (Base: 13, Skill Bonus: 10, Multiplier: 1000%) (Gear Bonus: 7, Synergy Bonus: 10).
Lucian's eyes locked onto the updated stats.
(1/9)?
If the portrait system advanced Lin Daiyu's quality in increments, what would she become at 9/9?
What lies beyond Golden Legendary?
Lucian's thoughts spiraled.
Such information wasn't taught in schools, nor could it be found online.
Was it because no one had ever reached this pinnacle in the era of global lords? Or was it a forbidden secret, deliberately hidden from the masses?