[Building: Yin Cao Di Fu]
[Level: 20]
[Required for Upgrade: 100,000 Spirit Coins, 1,000 Soul Coins, 1 Three-Star Yin Ming Stone]
[Quality: rrr]
[Defense: 100000/100000]
[Special Attribute 1: Increases all residents' attributes by 30%.]
[Special Attribute 2: Resurrection (After a territory resident dies, they can be resurrected by spending a certain amount of Soul Coins.)]
[Special Attribute 3: Reduces damage taken by all residents by 30%.]
[Special Attribute 4: Reduces soul-type damage taken by territory residents by 10%.]
[Description: A peculiar structure that governs the entire Yin Cao Di Fu, possessing immense power.]
After upgrading the [Yin Cao Di Fu] to level 20, the requirements for further upgrades changed, and Soul Coins were now necessary.
Although the current amount was not large, only a thousand Soul Coins, this building was only level 20. Who knew how many Soul Coins would be needed for subsequent upgrades?
However, the capabilities of this building were truly formidable. The ability to resurrect territory residents was undeniably god-tier.
He wondered if other lords possessed similar buildings.
He had never heard of such a structure before.
This building was vastly different from others. It exuded a dark aura, appearing eerie and desolate, like a lifeless palace.
Zhou Yan led everyone inside. The [Yin Cao Di Fu] seemed small from the outside, but upon entering, they discovered it was larger than the entire territory.
Despite the surprise, he reasoned that as a special building, such characteristics were to be expected.
Although vast inside, it contained little. Everyone felt a chilling aura, and the entire [Yin Cao Di Fu] was filled with an eerie, cold, and deathly stillness that they disliked.
Everyone except Nie Xiaoqian.
Being a "ghost" herself, her inherent power was Yin energy. She naturally favored such a place.
Within the [Yin Cao Di Fu], it felt like a world of its own, yet many things were still missing. Upon reaching certain areas, they could not proceed further, likely due to the low level and un unlocked sections.
He went to the rear of the [Yin Cao Di Fu] and found several altars. One was named [Ju Hun Chi] (Soul Gathering Pool), used to condense the souls of territory residents.
Another was named [Zhuan Sheng Chi] (Reincarnation Pool), used for reincarnation.
The last one was the [Fu Huo Chi] (Resurrection Pool), used for resurrection.
Much of the [Yin Cao Di Fu] had yet to manifest. This required him to collect materials to level it up and reveal its true form.
This building had many functions. With only a few days left before the newcomer trial, he planned to search for information on Yin Ming Stones after leaving, hoping for a breakthrough.
"Lord, I wish to cultivate here."
Nie Xiaoqian looked at Zhou Yan. This place was ideal for her cultivation, far more effective than her [Ling Qi Zhu Wu] (Spiritual Qi Bamboo House).
"You can come whenever you wish," Zhou Yan replied.
"That's wonderful!" Nie Xiaoqian was delighted.
Everyone left, leaving Nie Xiaoqian to cultivate alone.
The group returned to the [Ling Qi Zhu Wu]. After Zhou Yan made arrangements for the territory, he began to upgrade his people.
First, he leveled himself up, reaching level 30 in one go.
Territory Notification: "Soul Coins -7000, your level has increased from 20 to 21."
Territory Notification: "Soul Coins -8000, your level has increased from 21 to 22."
Territory Notification: "Soul Coins -9000, your level has increased from 22 to 23."
...
Next were Diao Chan, Zhen Mi, Nie Xiaoqian, Sun Shangxiang, Si Teng, and Hua Yuerong.
Upgrading each of them from level 20 to 30 required 115,000 Soul Coins.
Heroes of higher quality consumed the most Soul Coins for leveling.
Soldiers required fewer Soul Coins individually, but with their large numbers, the total cost was still significant.
With over twenty million Soul Coins, he couldn't upgrade everyone to level 30. The rest would have to wait.
He retained one hundred thousand Soul Coins for unforeseen needs.
Even those who had adventured on the Lord Continent for a year would not possess territories comparable to his.
The benefits of this newcomer trial were immense.
The bonus Soul Coins alone were a substantial reward.
He did not arrange for anyone to undergo inheritance trials in the [Chuan Cheng Shen Dian] (Inheritance Divine Hall).
The newcomer trial would end in just three days.
The final three days of the newcomer trial would be more intense than the previous onslaughts.
He had made thorough arrangements for tomorrow's defense, with no adjustments needed; everything would proceed as usual.
He had upgraded all buildings that could be upgraded. The remaining materials were unavailable in the newcomer trial and could only be acquired after its conclusion.
With matters settled, everyone else went about their business, and those without tasks began to cultivate.
"Zhen Mi, stay behind," Zhou Yan called out to Zhen Mi.
The others smiled, understanding the Lord's subtle intentions.
"Yes."
Zhen Mi was not foolish and had guessed some of it, yet she still felt nervous, her heart pounding faster.
"Lord..." As Zhou Yan slowly approached her, Zhen Mi became even more flustered.
Zhou Yan embraced Zhen Mi and said, "Tell me about your job change trial."
"Mhm."
Zhen Mi's face flushed. She allowed Zhou Yan to hold her soft form and recounted her experiences in the trial grounds.
It was a world of ice and snow, where she encountered a woman named the Frost Fairy. It turned out to be her immortal abode, and she became the Frost Fairy's disciple, learning various immortal arts and undergoing trials.
The trials were extremely strict and difficult, which was why it took her so long to successfully change jobs.
Each trial was arduous, and only those who succeeded did so through their own strength and perseverance.
"It's good that you succeeded," Zhou Yan said, looking at Zhen Mi with burning eyes.
Zhen Mi's face flushed again. Before she could react, Zhou Yan kissed her lips, and then...
A wondrous moment unfolded.
With a surge of immense spiritual energy, both Zhou Yan and Zhen Mi benefited greatly.
Zhou Yan's realm continuously broke through, advancing from the thirtieth level of martial arts to the thirty-fifth.
The higher the realm, the more spiritual energy required.
Zhen Mi also gained significantly, directly advancing to the fifteenth level of martial arts.
On the [San Sheng Shi] (Three Lives Stone), Zhen Mi's name appeared once more.
Newcomer Trial, Day Twenty-Seven.
The final three days would be the most challenging period of the entire newcomer trial.
Her teacher had once said that many newcomer lords would have their crystals shattered by monsters during these three days, thus ending their newcomer trial.
Therefore, these final three days were the most crucial and the most difficult in the entire newcomer trial.
Monsters began attacking the territory at 4 AM.
The territory was now running smoothly. Even without Zhou Yan, it could operate normally.
Diao Chan and the others were already in position for defense on the city walls, and he soon joined them.
(Author: It's very cold at home, everyone please keep warm. There will be two more updates tonight, and three if time permits.)