Zhou Yan quickly looked towards another building.
Not far from the fence, a tower emitting flames appeared. This was a very rare elemental tower, its attack power undoubtedly terrifying.
[Building: Flame Tower]
[Level: 1]
[Upgrade Cost: 100 Spirit Coins]
[Defense: 500/500]
[Special: Flame Attack]
[Attack Range: 20 meters]
[Description: Can unleash a blast of flame to attack enemies, bringing them nightmares.]
"Awesome!"
Obtaining such a powerful elemental defense tower at the start was of immense significance to Zhou Yan.
Elemental defense towers possessed truly astonishing power, far surpassing that of arrow towers.
Crucially, the [Flame Tower] was also an area-of-effect defense tower. Such towers were battlefield powerhouses, essential for protecting the entire territory.
He currently had limited Soul Coins and Spirit Coins, preventing him from upgrading buildings or heroes even if he wished to.
Therefore, Zhou Yan began to set his sights on areas outside his territory.
It was generally not recommended to do so during the beginner phase.
However, Zhou Yan dared to take this step due to Diao Chan's exceptionally strong attributes.
Coupled with his own enhanced stats, which far surpassed normal human levels, he felt capable of handling the dangers outside.
"Chan'er, you've seen it too. With just the two of us, protecting such a large territory requires an immense amount of resources. I want to venture outside to find some."
"Of course, no problem."
Diao Chan also desired the territory to develop well. Picking up her beginner sword, she walked with Zhou Yan to the territory's entrance. The fence here formed a gate, allowing them passage.
Within fifty meters outside the territory was a grassland.
Beyond fifty meters lay a mist, requiring the territory's inhabitants to explore it themselves.
Exploring the misted areas was something that should typically be done after the beginner trial concluded and sufficient strength was attained.
But Zhou Yan did not want to waste time.
Zhou Yan was fortunate that this was not a desert or similar barren land.
Beginner trials randomly transported players to various locations, making it impossible to know where one would end up.
Furthermore, few people dared to venture out and explore unknown areas during the trial; it was an act of courting death.
No one could predict what dangers lay within the mist. However, during the beginner trial, monster strength was not excessively high.
Relying on the formidable Diao Chan beside him, and his own boosted stats, Zhou Yan resolutely stepped into the mist-shrouded area.
To become stronger, one could not remain stagnant. Active offense was necessary. He needed to capitalize on the month of unprecedented drop rates during the beginner phase to acquire more resources and rewards.
Diao Chan's perception was quite keen.
Zhou Yan had previously asked her how she knew about approaching monsters, but Diao Chan herself was unsure. She merely felt something with hostile intent approaching.
Zhou Yan surmised this was related to Diao Chan's innate talent, especially since she was an RRR-tier hero, the highest possible quality.
In Xia City, where he was located, no one had ever heard of a hero of such quality being obtained.
However, Diao Chan mentioned that her perception weakened significantly once they were outside the territory, able to sense only movement within a few meters. Thus, they needed to be extra cautious.
"Perception weakened?"
"This must be related to the territory. The territory can enhance a hero's perception and strength."
Zhou Yan mentally noted this information, as it was not mentioned in any textbooks.
The two cautiously surveyed their surroundings, continuously venturing into the misted region.
After several hundred meters, they discovered a forest. His territory was encircled by this forest.
This presented both advantages and disadvantages for Zhou Yan.
The bad news was that if the entire territory was surrounded by forest, monsters could attack from various directions.
Fortunately, he now possessed the evolved Thorn Vine Fence, greatly enhancing the territory's safety.
However, the Level 1 Thorn Vine Fence was not very high, and he lacked the resources to upgrade it.
Moreover, during the beginner trial, monsters did not appear all at once; they would increase gradually, which was a protective benefit for new territories.
He should be grateful for his Thorn Vine Fence, as its upgrade did not require wood, only sufficient Spirit Coins, which was excellent news.
Spirit Coins were valuable indeed.
They inherently contained "spiritual energy," not only for upgrading buildings and trading with other lords but also for cultivation.
This was, of course, provided one obtained a cultivation technique first.
The good news was that the forest was abundant in wood, allowing him to collect enough lumber.
However, felling trees required tools and manpower.
He did not have time to waste on logging at the moment.
The two entered the forest and began exploring. So far, they had encountered no immediate danger.
But this forest was certainly not devoid of peril.
The next moment, Diao Chan stopped and took Zhou Yan's hand.
"Careful, a monster is hiding."
Diao Chan sensed the monster's presence and her beautiful eyes fixed on the left.
"Swish!"
A dark shadow shot out towards them.
Diao Chan raised her sword and easily cleaved.
A snake, as thick as an arm, fell to the ground, cleanly severed in two by Diao Chan.
A wooden treasure chest appeared on the ground.
[Killed Level 1 Black Scale Snake. Bonus reward: 2 Soul Coins.]
A Level 1 Black Scale Snake!
Zhou Yan looked at the fallen creature. He had seen such monsters in books.
He had not expected their speed to be so formidable in reality.
An ordinary person would undoubtedly be unable to react to such a sudden attack. Fortunately, Diao Chan was present.
"As expected, killing monsters outside the territory during the beginner phase yields extra rewards."
Zhou Yan's eyes gleamed. This was undoubtedly a major benefit for newcomers, but obtaining it required corresponding strength.
Had it been any other lord, without absolute certainty, who would dare venture into the forest like he did, risking their life?
Even during the beginner trial, dying to a monster outside the territory meant actual death; this was no joke.
Therefore, besides him, no other lord would gamble with their life.
"Chan'er is amazing!" Zhou Yan praised.
"Not at all," Diao Chan replied, a blush coloring her cheeks as she smiled.
[Congratulations on obtaining +2 Soul Coins.]
Diao Chan had once again produced 2 Soul Coins. He now possessed 55 Soul Coins. However, Diao Chan's leveling was exceptionally demanding; reaching Level 1 required a staggering 100 Soul Coins.
Soul Coins, containing potent soul energy, were essential for all heroes and lords to upgrade.
Generally, a person would only need 10 Soul Coins to advance from Level 0 to Level 1.
But Zhou Yan discovered that not only did Diao Chan require 100 Soul Coins for her advancement, but he himself also needed 100 Soul Coins to reach Level 1.
This was quite frustrating.
Soul Coins were already difficult to obtain. If each of his heroes required ten times the Soul Coins for an upgrade compared to an ordinary person, the future expenditure of Soul Coins for his heroes would be a terrifying number.