Chapter 187

Shen Xing pondered for a moment, then carefully examined the updated content.

"The first update increases the probability of encountering refugees and merchants."

"It seems the system has taken into account the large number of new lords entering the game recently, whose territories are entering a development phase and require a large number of workers for resource mining and daily maintenance."

"But because work units such as refugees or slaves are relatively difficult to obtain, this update was introduced."

Then he looked at the second update.

This is also a significant update; you can now directly view the citizens' qualifications through the panel.

I was analyzing the aptitude levels of various troop types in my territory yesterday, and I didn't expect to be able to see the data directly today.

Shen Xing looked up at an orc passing by in the distance, and a unit panel appeared before his eyes.

Orc Infantry

[Level: 8]

[Potential: Elite ★★]

[Qualifications: 6+10 (Excellent)]

"I can see it now."

"And just like what's described on the forum, the initial aptitude of the Orc unit is below 10 points, which is the 'Common' level."

Then, he looked at a small skeleton archer on the city wall.

Skeleton Archer

[Level: 9]

[Potential: Elite ★]

[Qualification: 4+10 (Excellent)]

Next, Shen Xing examined most of the troop types and got a general understanding of their skill levels.

The Common unit types, including orcs, skeleton archers, and Dretch, are all between level 4 and 8, which is the 'Common' level.

Only the werewolf's score is slightly higher, around 11-15, which is considered 'excellent'.

However, thanks to the [Golden Child] bonus, their aptitude will be greatly improved.

"The qualifications of these Common soldiers are indeed not very high, but I wonder what the qualifications of the generals are?"

Shen Xing activated his overhead view and looked at a large skeleton patrolling the city wall.

Its entire body was a frosty white skeleton, and it carried a longbow of ice on its back. Every step it took left a mark of frost on the ground.

[Frostbone Executioner - Black Arrow]

[Level: 13]

[Potential: Boss One Star ★★★]

[Qualification: 32+10 (Excellent)]

"Oh? Black Arrow starts with 32 aptitude points, not bad!"

Shen Xing was overjoyed and then looked at the Black Moon Knights patrolling in the distance.

The lead knight rode a skeletal warhorse, his entire body covered in gray-black armor, emanating an aura of death.

[Black Moon Death Knight - Xiao Hei]

[Level: 13]

[Potential: Boss One Star ★★★]

[Qualification: 41+10 (Chosen)]

"Initial aptitude of 41 points, even higher than Black Arrow!"

Shen Xing was overjoyed again, and at the same time noticed the aptitude level listed later— Chosen.

From this perspective, the classification of troop qualifications is quite similar to that analysis post on the forum.

The only difference is the name.

1-10 is Common, 11-30 is excellent, 30-50 is Excellent, and 50-70 is the Chosen.

As for what's above that, Shen Xing hasn't seen it yet.

Even Hellscream's aptitude is only 55 points, and with the 10-point bonus, it's 65 points, which is almost at the limit for the 'Chosen' level.

"The so-called 'Chosen,' as the name suggests, are individuals Chosen, each one a unique existence."

Even an orc with extraordinary talent like Hellscream was only at the peak of the 'Chosen' level.

"I wonder what realm lies beyond that, and what kind of heaven-defying abilities or talents creatures at that level possess."

Shen Xing pondered to himself, then added, "However, with the Golden Ancient Tree, improving my aptitude shouldn't be difficult."

"If we give it another few hundred years to age, Excellent talents, even Chosen ones, will appear in large numbers throughout the territory."

"Even a prodigy like Hellscream can break through to a higher level."

He thought expectantly, then continued to check the third update: Rain God Clay Statue.

This is quite simple; it's basically about some event chests spawning in the wild, which players might encounter while exploring if they're lucky.

And then the last update: the new secret realm 'Lotus Pond'.

It seems like you need some kind of 'Rain and Dew Pearl' to enter; the reward sounds pretty good.

However, this secret realm will not open for another two weeks, and the specific rules have not been introduced, so it's essentially a preview.

Shen Xing didn't pay much attention to it.

"Human Lord... Human Lord..."

A soft, flowing voice broke through Shen Xing's thoughts.

Turning my head, I saw a girl with fair skin on her upper body, a head of black hair that cascaded down like flowing water, and her lower body tucked into a seashell, swimming quickly towards me.

"Nimue, is something the matter?" Shen Xing asked.

"Reina... Leina is awake..." Nimue said breathlessly, "She... she said she wants to see you..."

Chapter 140: The Humanoid Scanner, with Absurd Exploration Efficiency!

"Leina is awake?"

Shen Xing looked at the clam-shaped girl in front of him and asked in confusion.

"Yes," Nimue nodded gently. "She was very emotional just now, constantly saying it was all her fault. I had to comfort her for a long time."

Shen Xing didn't say much, and immediately pushed the wheelchair towards the outer city area.

Soon, they arrived at Leina's private residence.

At this moment, a stunningly beautiful figure leaned against the bed, her long red hair flowing down her shoulders like a blazing fire.

Upon seeing Shen Xing at the door, her ruby-like eyes trembled slightly.

Then, she quickly threw off the thin blanket and walked briskly towards him.

"Leina, you..."

Before he could finish speaking, that beautiful figure had already rushed into his arms.

It felt like a furnace had been thrust into my arms, instantly bringing a scorching heat.

A pair of warm little hands held him tightly, squeezing harder as if afraid he would disappear at any moment.

"Thank goodness, you're not dead... Thank goodness..."

The red-haired woman in his arms had a sob in her voice, and her shoulders trembled slightly.

Shen Xing didn't say anything, just let her hug him, gently patting her back with his right hand.

Nimue stood in the doorway, her large, watery eyes wide with surprise.

After a moment, Leina finally calmed down and slowly released Shen Xing from her arms.

"I'm sorry... Lord, please forgive me." Her cheeks were flushed, and her small, fair hands gripped the corner of her robe tightly.

Shen Xing smiled and said, "It's alright. As a lord, it's only right that I take care of the feelings of my territory's members."

"No... that's not what I meant..." Leina looked up, her eyes filled with even stronger guilt. "I shouldn't have distrusted you, shouldn't have been wary of you."

"If I had used the power of fire from the beginning, you wouldn't have died protecting me..."

"You trusted me so much and helped me, and yet I..."

Shen Xing paused slightly, then shook his head and said, "There's no need to blame yourself, Leina. I know you have your own reasons."

"I don't know what you've been through or what you've endured."

"But once you join my territory, you become my subordinate, my family."

"I won't let my family suffer."

"Family..." the red-haired woman murmured softly, her shoulders suddenly trembling.

Then, as if she had suddenly realized something, a determined light appeared in her eyes.

"My lord, I understand." She took a deep breath. "From now on, I am your family, and you are the most important person to me."

I will do everything in my power to protect you and ensure that no danger comes near you.

She paused, then her voice turned icy. "Even if it means using those sinful flames, even if it means destroying the entire world, I will not hesitate!"

Uh... there's no need to go to that extent.

Shen Xing cleared his throat, trying to make his expression as serious as possible. "Leina, if releasing that kind of flame is painful for you, you don't have to force yourself."

"No, it's necessary!" Leina firmly refused, her crystal-clear eyes fixed on Shen Xing: "I've always been running away, always hiding in the past."

"It was because of my cowardice that my family and friends died one by one, and everything I had was taken away."

"But it will never happen again. If anyone touches anything around me again, I will burn them to ashes!"

Shen Xing could sense that when this woman said those words, some terrifying power seemed to be awakening within her body.

Of course, what's even more terrifying is the way she looks at me.

Those crystal-clear eyes were bloodshot, and held an emotion that was hard to describe.

It's like... treating yourself as some kind of exclusive property, someone who touches you will die.

Shen Xing had no idea why the woman had changed so much after waking up, nor whether this change was good or bad.