Within Taiyin City, a small river suddenly appeared!
The river's surface shimmered with water of three colors, its rippling waves radiating a purifying aura.
Wu Chi curiously checked the property panel of the newly added building.
[Three-Light River](+)
Naturally, the river could be "upgraded."
But before making any changes, Wu Chi carefully examined its functions.
At first glance, it seemed to be just a small river. Why, then, did it receive such high praise from Fairy Luo?
After reading its detailed description, Wu Chi suddenly understood.
This river had the extraordinary ability to "cleanse impurities" and "enhance" anyone who bathed in it.
In terms of game mechanics, it strengthened physical bodies, provided additional experience points, and facilitated level progression!
However, it differed from the infamous Tree of Marriage in one critical aspect.
The river's ability to cleanse impurities was indeed remarkable, but its effects were not as overwhelmingly potent as the tree's.
The experience boost provided by the river varied between 1% and 15%, depending on the level.
For example:
Bathing after leveling up from 1 to 2 granted an additional 10% experience for the next level.
While impressive, the river's benefits didn't match the terrifying effects of the Tree of Marriage, which could grant massive experience boosts or even directly level up units regardless of their rank.
By comparison, Wu Chi's initial excitement over the Three-Light River diminished slightly.
"It's valuable, sure… but compared to the treasures I already have, it doesn't seem as critical," he muttered, shaking his head.
Still, he wasted no time in activating the river.
Five-colored divine light burst forth, enveloping the small river entirely.
Moments later, the radiance faded, leaving the river clear and sparkling.
At its source, three shimmering illusions materialized:
A blazing sun,
A silvery moon,
A radiant field of stars.
The celestial visions flowed into the river, blending their golden, silver, and starlit waters to create a tri-colored current.
The river's transformation elevated its already impressive presence to new heights.
Wu Chi opened the upgraded property panel.
[Sun, Moon, and Stars]
Type: Internal River
Level: 1 (0/1000 EXP)
Function: Level 1 heroes or units can bathe in the river, cleansing impurities and gaining 1%-15% experience based on their level.
Capacity: 100/100 (Each use consumes 1 capacity point.)
Description: "The sun, moon, and stars—the endless three lights, boundless and eternal."
"Three Lights, huh? It fits the name!" Wu Chi mused, nodding thoughtfully.
He recalled reading myths about Three-Light Divine Water in ancient texts.
However, this river bore no direct relation to those legendary waters.
Even so, with the potential to provide up to 15% experience boosts, the Sun, Moon, and Stars river was undoubtedly a rare and precious treasure.
In a world where resources and advantages meant everything, its value was self-evident.
Satisfied, Wu Chi decided to test the river further.
He activated the building's upgrade system, consuming Void Source Stones to enhance its capabilities.
Void Source Stones Consumed:
1,000 → Level 2
1,500 → Level 3
2,000 → Level 4
In total, Wu Chi spent less than 40,000 Void Source Stones, raising the Sun, Moon, and Stars river to level 15.
Now, heroes and units up to level 15 could benefit from its effects, making it an invaluable addition to his territory.
At that moment, Lin Daiyu and several other women approached.
Clad in nightgowns and plush slippers, their faces lit with curiosity.
The river's radiant celestial phenomena—its fiery sunlight, soft moonlight, and twinkling starlight—drew their attention immediately.
"Darling, is this a territorial building?" Lin Daiyu asked, linking her arm through Wu Chi's.
Wu Chi nodded with a smile. "Yes, it's called the Sun, Moon, and Stars! From now on, every time you or the soldiers level up, you can bathe in it to gain an extra 1%-15% experience boost!"
"That's incredible! It'll save so many Void Source Stones!" the women exclaimed, their faces lighting up with delight.
Miaoyu, who was still at level 1, clapped her hands in excitement. "I'll go right away! This will help me catch up to the others!"
Pan Jinlian and Jia Yingchun, who had already reached levels 6 and 8 respectively, were less eager.
Thanks to daily enlightenment sessions, they knew they would reach higher levels naturally with time.
Qin Keqing, on the other hand, smiled mischievously.
"It may be called a river, but isn't it more like a pond?"
She playfully jabbed Wu Chi in the side, her voice low and teasing.
"Master, have you grown tired of Mirror Lake and decided to visit this little pond instead?"
"Cough, cough! Stop spouting nonsense!" Wu Chi glared at her, though he couldn't suppress a grin.
Their laughter filled the air, the women clearly enjoying the moment.
After some playful teasing, Wu Chi relented, scooping Lin Daiyu into his arms and leaping into the river.
"Let's see how well this cleansing of impurities works!" he declared.
The Sun, Moon, and Stars river, while more akin to a shallow pool, was undeniably magical.
Its tri-colored waters shimmered with divine beauty, radiating tranquility and mystery.
As Wu Chi and Lin Daiyu leaned against the riverbank, Wu Chi smirked.
"You'll always be a step behind me, you know."
Lin Daiyu rolled her eyes but smiled. "Master, beating me means nothing. Your real challenges lie elsewhere."
After a brief rest, Wu Chi refocused on his tasks.
First, he retrieved the Storage Ring, extracting the one million Void Crystals stored within.
He sent the crystals, along with the ring itself, to his Little Cosmos for safekeeping.
Next, he expanded Taiyin City's layout, increasing its size to 400x275 and adding new defensive walls and tower placements.
Finally, Wu Chi turned his attention to the Golden Hero Decree in his hands.
It was time to see what awaited him.