The limitations of the Shadow Sword became apparent immediately.
As an 11th-level golden legendary weapon, its power was undeniable. But the requirement of 200 Spirit was almost insurmountable for most.
Under normal circumstances, even a hero or lord would need to reach at least level 20 or 30 to accumulate enough Spirit points.
Without meeting this requirement, wielding the sword would be a death sentence. The shadow energy within it would erode the user's soul over time, with dire consequences.
"It's a fine weapon, but alas, I can't use it."
Lucian clicked his tongue, placing the sword aside. "I'll let Lin Daiyu take a look later."
He then turned his attention to the other rewards.
Two new territory structures stood out.
Lightning Enchantment Stone Wall
A much sturdier upgrade from the wooden wall, this structure came imbued with lightning enchantments. Any enemy that dared to attack it would suffer paralysis and electrical damage.
Sanitation Facility (Bathhouse)
While it appeared to be a mundane addition, having a communal bathhouse was a welcome luxury. With 13 residents in the territory and more recruits expected, a proper bathing facility was becoming a necessity.
Lucian's thoughts lingered on the Lightning Wall.
"If the Golden Finger can enhance this, who knows what it might become? The Fire Rain Tower turned into the Fire Trial Tower, after all."
Eager with anticipation, Lucian placed the two structures in the southern section of his territory.
[Lightning Enchantment Stone Wall] (+)
[Bathhouse] (+)
The familiar glowing "+" symbol appeared. Lucian didn't hesitate, immediately activating the enhancement feature.
A surge of radiant energy enveloped the structures. Moments later, the transformation was complete.
The Lightning Wall now towered 15 meters high, etched with dense, glowing purple patterns that formed thundercloud motifs.
The Bathhouse had evolved into a tranquil Mirror Lake, complete with a small pavilion, willow trees, and a serene mist hovering over the water.
The lake's crystal-clear surface mirrored the sky, creating an atmosphere of profound calm.
Lucian took a deep breath as he gazed at the transformed buildings. "This feels... refreshing."
[Lightning Enchantment Stone Wall: Stormcloud Edition]
Type: Defensive Wall
Level: 1 (0/200)
Functions: Comprehensive protection
Durability: 1,000/1,000
Barrier Effect: Stormcloud (Level 1)
Reserve Charges: 100/100
Description: Attack the wall, and lightning strikes. Multiple bolts at once, even better!
Lucian studied the stats with interest.
"1,000 durability at Level 1? Impressive."
The Stormcloud ability particularly intrigued him. It was a high-tier spell typically seen in advanced spellcasters, yet now it was built into his territory's defenses.
However, leveling the wall proved costly.
"200 Void Origin Stones just to go from Level 1 to Level 2?"
Lucian winced. The joy of earning a trove of Void Origin Stones was quickly overshadowed by the realization of how rapidly they could disappear.
Still, the upgraded wall was leagues ahead of the old wooden one, making the expenditure worthwhile.
Lucian dismantled the old wooden walls and replaced them with 300 segments of the Lightning Wall. Each segment cost 10 Void Crystals, totaling 3,000 Void Crystals.
Biting the bullet, he further upgraded the wall to Level 5.
Void Origin Stones spent:
Level 2: 200
Level 3: 500
Level 4: 1,000
Level 5: 1,500
At Level 5, the walls reached towering heights and boasted a durability of 10,000 per segment. The Stormcloud ability also reached Level 5, significantly amplifying its destructive potential.
"If the Three Buddhas tried to attack now, they wouldn't even scratch the walls."
Lucian turned his attention to the Mirror Lake, his expression softening.
[Mirror Lake]
Type: Bathhouse
Level: 1 (0/200)
Area: 500 square meters
Functions: Bathing, hot spring relaxation, mental purification, fatigue relief
Reserve Capacity: 10/10
Description: Flowing spring water to soothe your weary soul.
Though it was essentially a bathing facility, its serene aesthetic and practical benefits made it a valuable addition to the territory. For now, Lucian decided not to upgrade it further.
With the new structures in place, Lucian returned to the Palace to rest for the night.
The Next Morning
Lucian awoke at dawn, feeling refreshed. The previous day's battles had been exhausting, but the gains were undeniable.