Morning.
Lucian opened his eyes, breathing lightly. A faint fragrance lingered on his bed, though the beauty from last night was already gone.
Given her strong physique, even though it had been her first time, she still rose early to train.
"This girl…"
Lucian yawned, stretching his body as his bones cracked audibly.
With his [Hero's Strength], boasting over 2100+ constitution, there was no way Zhao Xuanyue could outlast him.
Still, she gave it her all, though it ended with her admitting defeat.
"Hmph! A mere soldier challenging her lord? Ridiculous!"
Lucian scoffed playfully, got dressed, and stepped outside.
He looked up at the blood moon still hanging in the sky. The palace lights illuminated the surroundings with a warm glow.
Casting a glance at the [Time Management Tower], he noted the hour.
8:11 AM.
"I'll delay the quest a bit longer," he thought, deciding to enjoy breakfast first.
Yesterday's exploration of the city had taken a toll on everyone.
Some were injured, others fatigued. Lucian decided not to rush the task until they were fully rested.
By now, with the [White Cloud Pavilion]'s healing speed, even broken bones should be mended, and everyone should be well-rested.
Well… maybe not Zhao Xuanyue. She was probably still exhausted.
At the [Yunying Teahouse], the hall bustled with life.
The maidens of the [Moonlit Palace] helped each other prepare spiritual rice porridge from the [Small World], along with side dishes, creating a fragrant and delectable breakfast.
Meanwhile, the [Spirit Fields], staggered in harvest time, produced crops like carrots, lotus seeds, corn, and cabbage.
However, ordinary crops would no longer be planted.
Instead, the [Spirit Fields] were now exclusively dedicated to spiritual rice, carefully tended by the [Deer Spirit Maidens]. The next harvest promised unparalleled quality.
Under the massive cloud cherry blossom tree, petals drifted down like snow, carpeting the ground in a soft pink layer.
Lucian walked into the hall, greeted by an array of stunning beauties.
The sight of these enchanting women, paired with the aroma of delicious food, was enough to satisfy anyone's soul.
"Master!"
"Lord!"
"Your Majesty!"
The maidens greeted him warmly, their voices carrying various tones—some soft and gentle, others cool and elegant.
The symphony of voices left Lucian momentarily flustered.
He waved his hand and said, "Carry on, don't mind me!"
They obeyed his command without hesitation.
Lucian scanned the room, eventually taking a seat at an empty table.
Before long, Qin Keqing arrived with a tray in hand, her serene smile brightening the room. "Master, let me serve you directly today."
"Every so often, I must indulge in such kindness," Lucian quipped with a chuckle.
She placed the tray down, revealing spiritual rice porridge, a pair of steamed buns, and a glass of warm milk.
The porcelain bowl of porridge emitted a subtle spiritual energy, its fragrance light and refreshing.
The steamed buns were fluffy and freshly baked.
The warm milk, though only filling half the glass, was rich and creamy.
"Why does my breakfast seem different from everyone else's?" Lucian asked, glancing around.
"Because this is a special breakfast made just for you, my lord," Qin Keqing said softly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Unable to resist, Lucian pulled her onto his lap, holding her close.
"Master~"
She murmured shyly but didn't resist, leaning into him with a delighted smile.
"Let's eat together!" Lucian said, handing her one of the buns.
She accepted it with a soft hum, taking small, delicate bites.
At that moment, Lin Daiyu approached with a knowing smile. She set a plate down and said lightly, "Master, Sister Keqing doesn't like buns. She prefers fried dough sticks."
"Oh?"
Lucian grinned, swapping a bun for a fried dough stick and offering it to Qin Keqing.
Blushing, she accepted it and bit into it, her shy demeanor adding to her charm.
After breakfast, Lucian discussed the [Quest Scroll].
Both heroes expressed their readiness.
"The soldiers recovered from their injuries last night," Lin Daiyu stated seriously. "With a full night's rest, they're more than ready for the monster tide."
Her focused demeanor when talking about battle amused Lucian.
He teased, "Don't tell me you've become addicted to fighting?"
"I don't enjoy killing," Lin Daiyu replied with a sly smile. "But isn't there a certain beauty to it?"
Her words weren't a joke.
Lucian: "…"
"Lin Daiyu, you've changed!"
Half an hour later, the entire territory was mobilized.
Even the [Deer Spirit Maidens] prepared to provide buffs for the [Immortal Qin Soldiers].
Although they were only Level 1 and incapable of direct combat, their buffs were incredibly effective.
At the stone wall, Lucian leaned against it, tearing open the quest scroll.
[Notification: You have activated the quest scroll—Betrayer of the Stars!]
[Notification: Lighthouse construction has begun. Duration: 24 hours! The task will be completed once construction is finished.]
In a clearing, a foundation suddenly materialized, followed by the appearance of spectral figures from the Night Star Tribe.
These apparitions seemed to exist in a fragmented timeline, beginning to construct the lighthouse.
They worked with soil, stone, adhesives, and unique materials, the sound of their labor echoing into the silent night.
Simultaneously, the quest's countdown began.
[Doom Points: +10!]
[Warning: The lighthouse will attract dark monsters. Stay alert!]
Lucian turned to his forces. "Prepare for battle!"
"Yes, sir!"
The women snapped to attention, taking their positions with precision.
Soon enough, the first wave of monsters appeared.
The [Mingwa Warriors], remnants of an ancient civilization consumed by the void, were the first to charge.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The [Archer Towers] unleashed a rain of bolts, killing dozens of dark monsters with ease.
Moments later, more creatures arrived, their numbers growing steadily.
The [Child of the Stars Tower], linked with the [Fire Trial Tower], activated its dual fire attacks, sending monsters hurtling through the air in flames and explosions.
Wave after wave came, but the heroes and soldiers remained calm.
Familiar with the rhythm of tower defense combat, they handled the assault with unwavering determination.
The steady stream of monsters posed no real challenge...