The power of the Ascended Qin Warriors left Lucian both thrilled and a little nervous.
It wasn't until he left the Qin Warriors' barracks and dismissed Zhao Xuanyue that he finally let out a small sigh of relief.
"The Ascended Qin Warriors are incredible! Should I have traded for 13 more Unit Quality Upgrade Symbols instead?"
The thought crossed his mind but was quickly dismissed with a shake of his head.
Thirteen upgrade symbols sounded tempting, but wasn't it similar to exchanging for 11 golden heroes?
"Sure, it makes my army stronger, but it's still a shortsighted move."
In fact, he had already considered upgrading just three units. Given the potential dangers ahead, this was the safer choice.
As the red-robed teacher had warned, it was entirely possible for a domain to drop into a demon's lair or land in the territory of some mighty being right upon descent.
One careless mistake could lead to obliteration by divine storms or destructive spells. In that moment, even a single second of hesitation could spell doom.
"Descending into the Endless Void is always a gamble."
While some lords might soar to great heights, many would perish unnoticed.
This was why Lucian had exchanged for a Legendary Defensive Formation Set. It was an insurance policy, ensuring he could flee in case of catastrophic danger.
Of course, dwelling too much on potential perils wasn't ideal. Who's to say he wouldn't find an injured goddess in need of rescue upon landing?
At the Moonlit Palace, the place was eerily quiet.
Most of the girls preferred lounging by the Mirror Lake or wandering near the palatial quarters rather than staying here.
As Lucian approached the Inn, he spotted a young girl happily munching on pastries.
Her cheeks were dusted with crumbs. Upon noticing him, she hastily wiped her mouth and blinked innocently.
"Master! I didn't steal anything!"
"I never said you did!"
Lucian's expression darkened.
The girl froze for a moment before nervously clasping her hands and fidgeting with her fingers.
Her innocent and endearing appearance softened Lucian's heart.
"What's your name?" he asked gently.
The girl tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "I'm Xiaocao!"
"No family name?" Lucian raised an eyebrow.
Xiaocao shook her head. "The world was about to end. Even outer disciples like me were thrown into the battlefield. Names didn't matter much."
"But now that I'm with you, Master, I'm not afraid anymore!" She scratched her head and laughed sheepishly.
The Lunar Palace had once been home to powerful immortal cultivators who fought valiantly against their world's destruction. The fact that Xiaocao was still alive spoke volumes about her abilities.
Lucian's gaze softened further. "From now on, you'll share my surname. I'm Lucian."
"Really?!" Xiaocao's eyes lit up with joy. "Alright! My name is Wu Xiaocao!"
The pair chatted as they made their way to the Lunar Palace.
Lucian let Xiaocao step aside as he retrieved another Unit Quality Upgrade Symbol.
"Do you want to use the [Unit Quality Upgrade Symbol] on [Lunar Palace Disciples]? This item can elevate them to Golden Legend quality."
"Yes!"
The talisman in Lucian's hand dissolved into light and was absorbed by the palace.
The entire structure underwent a remarkable transformation.
The previously modest white jade halls expanded, radiating an air of opulence and grandeur.
Inside the temple, the disciples were enveloped in radiant energy.
When the light faded, Xiaocao floated in midair, her eyes wide with shock and awe.
"Master, look! I've changed!"
Lucian opened the system panel to examine her new attributes.
[Lucian Celestial Palace]
Type: Barracks.
Level: 10 (0/5000).
Recruitable Units: Moonlit Celestial Disciples (1,000).
Current Units: Lunar Celestial Disciples (100).
Description: "Here come the little fairies!"
[Lunar Celestial Disciple]
Level: 10+2 (0/1,500).
Quality: Golden Legend.
Talent: [Lunar Body] +1.
Bloodline: [Immortal of Guanghan] +1.
Attributes:
Physique: 320+100 (Base: 32, multiplied by 1,000%).
Spirit: 950+100 (Base: 95, multiplied by 1,000%).
Skills:
[Mark of Divine Strength] (Lv. 14).
[Mark of the Blood Moon] (Lv. 14).
[Mark of Binding Immortals] (Lv. 14).
[Mark of Falling Moon] (Lv. 14).
[Lunar Body] +1
Quality: Golden Legend.
Effect: Grants access to secret arts of the Moonlit Celestial Palace, enhancing cultivation speed.
Unlocked Skills: Mark of Divine Strength, Mark of the Blood Moon, Mark of Binding Immortals, Mark of Falling Moon.
[Immortal of Guanghan] +1
Quality: Golden Legend.
Effect: Enables third-stage activation of lunar techniques.
Description: Rumored to be the handmaidens of the Moon Goddess herself.
[Mark of Divine Strength]
Level: 14.
Effect: Bestows allies with increased physique (+140) and 32% enhanced damage.
Duration: 130 minutes.
[Mark of the Blood Moon]
Level: 14.
Effect: Channels blood moonlight to strike enemies, dealing 280 + Spirit x 28% damage.
[Mark of Binding Immortals]
Level: 14.
Effect: Creates lunar bindings to restrict enemies for 130 seconds.
[Mark of Falling Moon]
Level: 14.
Effect: Concentrates lunar energy into a devastating strike, dealing mental shock damage.
Damage: 14 + Spirit x 14%.
Stun Duration: 14 seconds.
The Lunar Celestial Disciples had undergone a dramatic transformation, but their role differed from the Ascended Qin Warriors.
They leaned toward support and versatility, excelling in a wide range of skills.
Individually formidable, their battlefield performance depended on the situation.
Against a concentrated assault, the Ascended Qin Warriors outshone them. But in a supporting role, the disciples were invaluable.
"Master, look!"
Xiaocao's excited voice broke Lucian's train of thought.
He turned to see her floating gracefully in midair, three glowing seals spinning in her hands.
"I can activate three marks at once!"
Her delight was palpable.
Lucian chuckled, shaking his head at her childlike enthusiasm. "Even with these marks, you wouldn't stand a chance against an Ascended Qin Warrior."