"Young Master, do you need something from me?"
Qin Keqing, flustered, quickly tried to change the subject.
Her mesmerizing eyes looked at Lucian.
Lucian sighed and handed her the Portrait of Fate he had just acquired.
Qin Keqing paused, then looked at the portrait in surprise. "This... is mine?"
"Of course. Use it," Lucian replied with a smile.
Without hesitation, Qin Keqing activated the portrait. A shimmering light enveloped her as it merged into her body.
The transformation was instantaneous.
Radiant clouds swirled around her, encasing her in a divine aura.
Moments later, she opened her eyes, her face glowing with joy. "Young Master, I feel much stronger!"
Lucian nodded, his eyes scanning her updated stats panel.
[Qin Keqing]
Level: 7
Constitution: 620 + 50 (Base 60, x1000%, +Equipment 50, +Bond 20)
Spirit: 620 + 240 (Base 60, x1000%, +Equipment 240, +Bond 20)
Her stats had skyrocketed. Both her basic attributes and growth potential had been significantly enhanced.
Unlike Lin Daiyu, who specialized in sheer offensive power, Qin Keqing's improvements were well-balanced. She now excelled in both physical resilience and spiritual strength.
"I might need to get her a cultivator transfer certificate at level ten," Lucian mused.
Transfer certificates were a rare commodity, but after 21 days, he had accumulated a fair amount. Though he hadn't found much use for them yet, Qin Keqing's battle style suggested she'd benefit greatly from specializing as a cultivator.
Her ability to summon Six Heavenly Lightning was already imbued with celestial energy—it aligned perfectly with a cultivator's path.
"By the way, I've summoned a new hero. You might know her," Lucian mentioned casually.
"Who is it?" Qin Keqing asked curiously.
"Jia Yingchun."
Qin Keqing's expression shifted slightly, and she murmured, "Ah, the Second Young Lady."
After a moment, she added softly, "Given her temperament, being summoned here is probably the best outcome for her."
Lucian chuckled.
Heroes summoned from The Dream of the Red Chamber were experiencing a complete transformation. From mundane mortals to legendary figures, their fates had been rewritten.
When he explained Jia Yingchun's unique buffs, Qin Keqing's eyes brightened. She tested her own Heavenly Lightning, discovering its power had indeed been significantly enhanced.
"She's like a living miracle," Qin Keqing remarked.
Just as they chatted, Lucian slyly pulled her into an embrace.
Suddenly—
BOOM!
The ground shook violently, followed by a chilling howl.
A moment of silence ensued, then more sounds of chaos erupted.
"Monsters are invading!"
Lucian's expression turned sharp as he grabbed Qin Keqing's hand and rushed to the walls.
The territory now spanned 8,000 square meters, with its Thundercloud Enchantment Stone Walls upgraded to level 8.
Twenty-three defensive towers also stood at level 8, their combined firepower capable of turning the night sky into day.
But something was off.
The enemy's approach had paused.
Lucian found a group of Qin Elite Warriors stationed on the walls. "What happened?" he demanded.
One warrior stepped forward and saluted. "Your Majesty, we've shot down a reconnaissance drone. It's over there."
"A drone?"
Lucian's eyes narrowed. "Bring it here."
Two Qin Elite Warriors leapt off the wall and, with almost inhuman strength, carried the drone back.
THUD!
The massive drone crashed onto the stone floor, its body bent but largely intact.
Lucian inspected it closely, his face twitching in disbelief.
"This is... a modern UAV?"
The drone's advanced design, bristling with weaponry and sensors, was unmistakable.
"Today's monsters are from a technological civilization?"
Lucian took a deep breath, his gaze shifting toward the misty horizon.
Tension gripped the domain. The Qin Warriors stood tall, and the ladies of the Moon Palace prepared their spells.
Everyone braced themselves.
The mist parted, revealing their enemy.
Marching toward the domain was a mixed force of futuristic war machines and armored soldiers:
Exoskeleton Soldiers: Humans encased in advanced, bulky armor.
Mobile War Fortresses: Towering mechanical beasts equipped with multiple weapon systems.
J-73 Combat Drones: Swarms of sleek, deadly UAVs armed with missiles and machine guns.
Lucian activated his Identification Skill to get more details.
[Exoskeleton Soldier]
Race: Human/Void.
Level: 15.
Constitution: 50.
Spirit: 50.
Armor: 300/300.
Skills: [Exoskeleton Armor], [Rusty Blade], [Malfunctioning Rifle].
Description: Survivors of a galactic war, now corrupted by the Void.
[Mobile War Fortress]
Race: Human/Void.
Level: 15.
Armor: 2000/2000.
Skills: [Multi-Alloy Armor], [Shockwave Shield], [Missiles], [SG-75 Rockets].
Description: Once a tool of war, now a soulless husk controlled by the Void.
[J-73 Combat Drone]
Race: Artificial Machine/Void.
Level: 15.
Armor: 100/100.
Skills: [Recon Radar], [Mini Missiles], [Mounted Cannon].
Description: Do you want to experience the terror of a swarm?
The Endless Void was a graveyard for countless worlds. Among them were technologically advanced civilizations that had perished in their quest for progress.
Lucian frowned. "So, we're up against a sci-fi army today?"
While the stats of the exoskeleton soldiers weren't particularly high, their advanced armor and weapons made them formidable foes.
"Alright. Fire at will!"
The defensive towers opened fire.
Flame Towers spewed scorching fire.
Lightning Towers unleashed devastating chain lightning.
Arrow Towers rained down deadly projectiles.
But the enemy's formation was strategic.
The exoskeleton soldiers retreated behind the mobile fortresses, using them as shields.
BOOM! CRACKLE! WHOOSH!
Flames and lightning bombarded the fortresses. While some damage was dealt, the fortresses' multi-layered alloy armor absorbed much of the impact.
The war fortresses continued advancing, their shields absorbing hits. Exoskeleton soldiers moved in sync, maintaining formation behind their mechanical guardians.
"It's like fighting infantry supported by battle tanks... but the tanks are sentient," Lucian muttered, his brows furrowing.
This would be a battle of strategy.
He needed to find a way to break through their defenses!