"Five thousand monsters?" Zhou Yan exclaims.
"Unexpected, but weak—level 6 at most," Diao Chan says. "They're just soul coin gifts."
Zhou Yan trusts his territory's defenses—thorn vine fences and five potent towers hold firm. Soul coins, amassed over three days, hit 200,000.
"Two hundred thousand!" he marvels.
"We've been hunting," Diao Chan explains. "Zhen Mi and I alternate leading teams. She's out today; I guard."
"Well done," Zhou Yan says. The coins fuel his plans.
He heads to the White-Robed Ghost Barracks, hitting the altar:
[Territory Prompt: "Spent 1,000 soul coins, summoned White-Robed Ghost Soldier."]
…
[Territory Prompt: "Spent 1,000 soul coins, summoned White-Robed Corporal."]
A corporal emerges, attributes slightly above soldiers'. Zhou Yan summons 20, leveling them to 10—120,000 coins spent, 80,000 left. His population climbs to 68.
"Train up," he orders, departing.
"Spirit spring's piling up," Diao Chan notes. "No storage left if unsold."
"I'll check for tanks," Zhou Yan says. Spring water sells fast, but with 68 residents, internal demand grows. Funds are tight—Mystery Store prices sting.
Spiritual fruits, stored by Diao Chan, promise profit. With territory management rights, she's bought useful store items, skipping unaffordable ones.
"Three new defense towers?" Zhou Yan spots them ringing the territory.
"Trial rewards," Diao Chan says. "Zhen Mi's luck pulled them. Towers are our need—each strengthens us."
The trio: Flame Tower, Blade Tower, Poison Gas Tower, all level 20. Zhou Yan knows Flame Tower; he inspects the others:
[Building: Blade Tower]
[Level: 20]
[Upgrade Requirements: 30,000 spirit coins, 50 one-star gold ore]
[Quality: S (0/1)]
[Defense: 10,000/10,000]
[Special Attribute 1: Blade storm, area attack]
[Special Attribute 2: Sky sword every two hours, devastating single-target strike]
[Attack Range: 100 meters]
[Introduction: Blades shred all.]
Solid, though less potent than SSS-tier Storm Tower. Its sky sword suits high-level foes.
[Building: Poison Gas Tower]
[Level: 20]
[Upgrade Requirements: 60,000 spirit coins, 100 two-star poison sacs]
[Quality: SS (0/2)]
[Defense: 20,000/20,000]
[Special Attribute 1: Poison mist, group poisoning]
[Special Attribute 2: Poison powder every 30 minutes, slows enemies]
[Attack Range: 200 meters]
[Introduction: Toxic creation of dark minds.]
"Poison mist kills fast," Diao Chan recalls. "Monsters in range drop dead."
"Tomorrow's test," Zhou Yan says, intrigued.
At the spirit spring, today's yield waits. Zhou Yan opens the trading hall—no bamboo from Little Darling. He adds her as a friend.
Elsewhere, Little Darling sees the prompt from "Heavenly Court" and accepts.
[Territory Prompt: "Added Little Darling as friend."]
Curious, she checks the hidden profile, then sees his message:
Zhou Yan: "Why no bamboo sales?"
"Bamboo!" she replies. "You're my buyer?"
"Yep. Need lots—got stock?"
"You stopped for three days; I thought you were done," she says.
"Same price, all you've got," Zhou Yan urges.
Thrilled, she lists thousands of stalks. "Can you handle it?"
Zhou Yan pays swiftly.
"Domineering!" she sends.
"Keep chopping—I need more," he replies, closing chat.