The teamwork between the two heroes was seamless.
As the Rotten Swamp Raven fell to the ground, Lucian finally exhaled in relief.
Simultaneously, a notification echoed in his mind:
"The battle is over!"
"Calculating rewards…"
[Battle Rewards]:
Enemies: 4,320 Swamp Monsters, 1,720 Elite Swamp Monsters, 1 Rotten Swamp Raven.
Rating: SS-level.
Basic Rewards: 6,041 Void Essence Stones.
Bonus Rewards (SS-level): 10,000 Void Crystals, 10,000 Void Essence Stones, 1 Packet of [Spirit Rice Seeds], 1 Territory Building [Arrow Tower], 1 Territory Building [Medical Hall], Equipment [Touch of the Swamp].
The day's monster invasion had ended.
Lin Daiyu returned to Lucian's side, her clothes still stained with faint traces of blood. Despite this, her graceful figure exuded an air of valor and elegance.
"Young Master, fortunately, I did not fail your expectations," Lin Daiyu said as she bowed slightly, her voice calm.
"Indeed, it's over for today," Lucian replied with a nod.
Only then did Lin Daiyu and Qin Keqing breathe a sigh of relief.
"With today's battle ending so early, we sisters can finally have a proper rest," Qin Keqing said softly, a rare smile lighting up her face.
Lucian nodded in agreement. "Very well. First, collect all the slaughter chests outside. Then, you can wash up and eat."
"Yes, Young Master," the two replied with a smile, quickly moving to organize the post-battle tasks.
Outside the territory, the bloodied ground was littered with Slaughter Chests.
The Swamp Monsters weren't weak. Lucian had studied their stats, but they became easy prey when removed from their home terrain.
The Great Qin Warriors and the disciples of the Moon Palace leaped down from the stone walls, methodically gathering the spoils of war.
With the Microcosmic World, the task was efficient. The glowing light of the warehouse enveloped the area, collecting the chests with ease.
Meanwhile, Lucian washed his face with Moonlight Liquid, the cool, moonlit water refreshing his senses.
With the battle over, Lucian began sorting through the rewards.
The SS-level rating brought a hefty bounty. Among the rewards were two new Territory Buildings. The Arrow Tower and the Medical Hall.
Lucian placed the Arrow Tower and immediately upgraded it. A burst of five-colored holy light surrounded the structure.
When the light dissipated, the Arrow Tower had transformed.
Atop the tall defensive structure stood a solemn statue in a Daoist robe, its face bearing a striking resemblance to Lucian himself. The figure wielded a long sword, its gaze piercing forward with a sharp killing intent.
[Sword Qi Tower]
Type: Defensive Tower.
Level: 1 (0/200).
Function: Fires Sword Qi (1 per channel).
Range: 1,000 meters.
Stock: 100/100.
Description: "One sword to rule the world."
"This will be another significant source of firepower," Lucian mused as he upgraded the Sword Qi Tower to Level 5 in one go.
Next, he examined the Medical Hall, deciding to place it between the Lake and the Palace.
[Healing Center]
(+) Available for upgrade.
Lucian activated the upgrade without hesitation. Holy light enveloped the area, and when it faded, the Medical Hall stood tall.
Passing by Mirror Lake, Lucian was momentarily stunned by the lively scene.
The normally serene lake was now bustling with activity as a group of stunning women—disciples of the Moon Palace and warriors of the Great Qin—laughed and played in the water.
Their voices, crisp and cheerful, echoed across the lake.
The warriors of the Great Qin, bold and confident, stood tall and proud, their sharp gazes occasionally meeting Lucian's without a hint of shyness.
In contrast, the Moon Palace disciples were far more reserved, sinking deeper into the water with only their heads visible, their faces flushed with embarrassment.
The beauty on display was mesmerizing.
Each woman possessed her own unique charm, whether tall or petite, slender or curvaceous. The diversity made Lucian understand why beauty couldn't simply be reduced to numbers.
"This territory of mine… truly amazing," he murmured, a hint of awe in his tone.
As his thoughts wandered, Lucian found himself drawn closer to the lake.
But just as he took a step forward, his gaze landed on a blood-stained robe lying on the shore.
Reality hit him like a cold breeze. Lucian blinked, sobered by the sight, and quickly turned away.
"A long-awaited visit… perhaps another time," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.