In front of the Heavenly Blessing Altar, Lucien strode forward and disappeared into the altar!
Watching him leave, Lin Daiyu and Qin Keqing felt a little puzzled and went to the Mysterious Tavern to investigate.
On the platform, Lucien browsed the forum, noticing a few profile pictures, including those of Lady Mistdream and some of Li Bo's friends.
Among his temporary connections were former trading partners as well.
Just as he was about to contact Lady Mistdream, a notification appeared.
Not just one—dozens!
"[Starlight Chamber of Commerce, Wang He] requests to add you as a friend!"
"[Traveling Mage, Ron] requests to add you as a friend!"
"[Elder of the Mountains] requests to add you as a friend!"
The messages flooded in, mostly from merchants and a few figures of notable status judging by the attached notes.
"[Starlight Chamber of Commerce, Wang He]: Respected Lord, I have a business proposal to discuss. Both of us stand to gain—let's connect!"
"[Traveling Mage, Ron]: My lord, oh~ your name sounds so noble. Are you perhaps of royal lineage? I'd like to discuss class talismans with you. Rest assured, you won't be disappointed."
"[Elder of the Mountains]: Class talismans—use or trade. Otherwise, decline."
The conversations revolved around class talismans and potential trades.
Undoubtedly, it was related to the flawed but still golden-tier talisman Lucien had previously obtained!
Lucien sighed inwardly, marveling at how even an imperfect golden-tier talisman could attract such attention.
Unfortunately for them, the talisman had been used to summon the Deer Spirit Maidens, who were perfect agricultural units and not for sale!
After considering briefly, Lucien declined all requests, explaining that the talisman had already been used.
Once his message list was cleared, the meticulous Lucien finally felt a sense of relief and contacted Lady Mistdream.
Lady Mistdream had changed into a white ancient-style long dress and was sipping tea amidst the sea of clouds.
She sat atop a cloud, with a floating table in front of her holding a teapot and tea cups.
Beneath the cloud sea, ancient floods churned. A thousand-foot-long ancient behemoth occasionally revealed its figure, radiating terrifying earth-elemental power.
"The time is short. Perhaps I should take the risk of venturing into the Mythological World."
"But that world is connected to the Classic of Mountains and Seas—it's too dangerous. If I go, I might perish there."
Lady Mistdream's stunningly beautiful face showed a trace of sorrow as she pondered important matters.
Suddenly, her brows furrowed. She stood up, took a step, and instantly arrived at her territory's Multiverse Forum.
At the altar, a notification appeared.
"[Lucien] requests to contact you!"
"Lucien?"
Lady Mistdream was taken aback, her beautiful face full of surprise.
Lucien's name was no stranger to her. Whenever he engaged in mental imagery exercises, she would receive repeated invitations from him.
Whether to join his territory as a servant, become a vassal, or an official subordinate, the options varied.
While such behavior was crude, it wasn't unusual for some unexpected situations to arise.
What truly puzzled her was how a newly ascended lord could conjure mental imagery of her—a celestial entity!
Adding to her curiosity, Lady Mistdream knew Lucien quite well. The only explanation was that he possessed a peculiar talent or had gained something extraordinary during his rookie trial!
Regardless, as Lucien's mentor, Lady Mistdream felt a sense of pride in him.
"Why is he contacting me? Did he realize his mistake and want to apologize?"
Her expression softened as she selected "accept."
In the next moment, she entered the forum, where Lucien's figure slowly appeared.
"Lady Mistdream!"
Lucien greeted her respectfully with a bow. "I hope I'm not disturbing you!"
"It's no trouble at all. Do you need assistance? Is your territory in danger?"
Lady Mistdream's tone was indifferent, her face as serene as ever, though her words were filled with concern.
Lucien smiled and shook his head. "I'm lucky—recently, I explored an ancient civilization and gained a lot of cultural brilliance."
"However," he continued, "a peculiar hero has appeared in my tavern, and I'm uncertain whether I should recruit them."
"Oh?"
Lady Mistdream raised her delicate brows in mild surprise.
Tavern-type buildings were relatively rare, though not exactly precious. Some prominent clans or major forces often had only one tavern.
The fact that Lucien, a newly ascended lord, possessed one was surprising enough.
From his words, it seemed that the tavern had been operational for some time!
"Your development appears to be progressing well."
Lady Mistdream nodded in acknowledgment. "Go on."
Lucien hesitated before elaborating. "The hero in question seems tied to an ancient celestial being from another world."
"It appears to be the reincarnation of a divine progeny."
Hearing this, Lady Mistdream frowned slightly but maintained her composure.
"This isn't unusual. Please, continue," she said calmly.
"You can speak the god's name openly—this is the Multiverse Forum. Even uttering incantations here poses no danger."
"Lady Mistdream," Lucien said solemnly, "it's the daughter of Doumu Yuanjun."
Lady Mistdream paused, her ethereal features reflecting a rare hint of astonishment.
"You're quite fortunate," she finally said, her voice calm.
"In the explored realms of humanity, mythological worlds are not uncommon. Whether it's the incarnation of the Primordial Sovereign, a facet of an evil god, or the disciple of Lord Tongtian—it's not inherently malicious."
"It's merely an offshoot of an ancient lineage—a being revered as the Mother of Stars."
"And you've encountered her daughter."
Lady Mistdream's gaze grew distant, her expression momentarily lost in thought.
Seeing her seriousness, Lucien couldn't help but feel his heart race. Her elegance and composure were captivating.
Lady Mistdream quickly composed herself and continued in her usual serene tone.
"I just consulted with a friend," she said. "Doumu Yuanjun has always shown goodwill toward humanity. As long as you don't deliberately provoke her, there's no cause for concern."
"On the contrary, recruiting her descendant may grant your territory certain benefits.
"The unfortunate part," she added, her lips curling slightly, "is that a hero of such high quality won't directly enhance your territory unless they're of gray-tier quality."
For a fleeting moment, Lady Mistdream smiled—a rare and dazzling sight.
Lucien felt a pang of awe but quickly reined in his emotions.
"Understood. Thank you, Lady Mistdream!"
Taking a deep breath, Lucien bowed again in gratitude.
"You have nothing to fear. Should the need arise, I will protect you."
Lady Mistdream's tone was cool, yet her words carried the warmth of the sun.
"In this era of greatness, our world is no mere name in isolation."
"We..."
"Are not weak."