Death’s Claw landed in front of the Government Hall, and Lin Rui went straight inside to begin deploying the Territorial Essence. This was the final requirement needed for the territory upgrade.
[Ding, Territorial Essence added successfully, the civilization has expanded through integration, obtaining the Trait of a Large Population, the territory will receive 50 poor migrants, please Lord ensure their protection and acceptance]
[Ding, Territorial Essence added successfully, the civilization has expanded through integration, obtaining the Trait of a Large Population, the territory will receive 50 poor migrants, please Lord ensure their protection and acceptance]
[Ding, Territorial Essence added successfully, the civilization has expanded through integration, obtaining the Trait of Expansive Territory, territory area increased by 5 li]
[Ding, Territorial Essence added successfully, the civilization has expanded through integration, obtaining the Trait of Mild Climate, the production output of all buildings in the territory +10%]
As all the Territorial Essence was invested into the base, the blue light of the Territory Base flared brightly. Sixteen golden runes slowly rose, blossoming with dazzling golden light, and then slowly disintegrated, eventually forging into a mystical black-gold text, protruding and embedded in the base, exactly opposite the inscribed yin text from before.
This made Lin Rui feel that this Territory Base was somewhat akin to a bronze cauldron. He wondered if after the next upgrade, golden characters would appear or if some miracle would be nurtured within the cauldron.
But before Lin Rui could think further, a beam of light blossomed from the Territory Base, swiftly sweeping across the entire territory, covering every inhabitant, every building, and the entire 45-kilometer area of the territory.
The system notification sound soon followed.
[Ding, Territory advancement conditions check complete.]
[Ding, Advancement requires Territorial Essence 18/16 fulfilled.]
[Ding, Advancement requires territory population 1659/1500 fulfilled.]
[Ding, Advancement requires territory prestige 278910/10000 fulfilled.]
[Ding, Territory advancement to town conditions all met, requires consumption of Spirit Crystal Coin 400, Realm Coin 40000, stone 40000, iron 40000, wood 40000, upgrade?]
The territory upgrade surprisingly also required 10000 prestige, which is not a small number. But the addition of Holy Spirit-level Wutong to the Golden Pansy Domain provided a whopping 250,000 territory prestige, leaving Golden Pansy Domain far ahead on the prestige leaderboard.
Therefore, upon scanning the upgrade conditions, Lin Rui immediately chose to confirm.
Yet, the expected territory upgrade prompt did not sound, and instead presented a choice Lin Rui had never imagined.
[Ding, the Explorer has led the territory through the vulnerable settlement phase on this perilous land filled with danger, disease, monsters, and disaster. The flame of civilization was born here, driving away a corner of darkness on the continent. The territory has shed barbarism and ignorance; you have proven capable of fulfilling the role of Lord, guiding the direction of civilization’s development for the territory. Please choose one of the following three civilizations as the direction of the territory’s development. (Note: Please choose cautiously, as once confirmed, civilizational correction and change will incur incredibly high costs)]
[One - Hive-mind Civilization: Human civilization does not lack the possibility to establish a hive-mind civilization. Just like each tentacle of an octopus can operate independently, arm can break away and propagate independently. Hive-mind civilization is completely altruistic, devoid of selfish desires, unfraid of death, absolutely obedient. All members unlock the Loyal to Death Trait, Will Attribute effect correction 200%, Wisdom effect reduction 500%]
[Two - Monarchial Order Civilization: Vampires are a branch of human civilization, with blood race ancestors having initial possession over every inhabitant. Human civilization can observe this behavior and establish a Monarchial Order Civilization with absolute order, absolute authority, and absolute control. The Lord can descend to command every inhabitant’s body and will, all members gain Lord Attribute and Trait 1% effect enhancement (current stage), but territory production efficiency -50%]
[Three - Human Empire Civilization: Without human civilization, it’s meaningless. Countless diverse humans together build a vast empire. You cannot control every individual’s thoughts but can perceive thousands of different civilizational consciousnesses. The territory initiates a private property system, inhabitants will have their own wealth while beginning taxation to the Lord. The territory can independently develop buildings, production efficiency +100%]
Lin Rui looked at the three directions with interest—it was indeed quite a difficult choice.
Especially the second option, Monarchial Order; Lin Rui was incredibly curious about what it would feel like to descend and command each inhabitant’s body and will.
Curiosity is truly irresistible. For example, Lin Rui was very curious about what goes on in Audrey’s silly head every day.
But after thinking it over, Lin Rui first excluded this option.
In the Heavens and Myriads of Realms, there are countless wonders. Lin Rui felt that tools for swapping bodies and souls with someone would likely be encountered in the future without incurring the 50% reduction in territory efficiency.
This left only the first and third options available.
To be fair, Golden Pansy Domain’s current state was somewhat like the first.
Lin Rui also felt that the territory had a hive-mind structure; each soldier discarded their brain and completely obeyed Lin Rui’s command, yet remained resolute and fearless.
What tempted Lin Rui even more about the first was the key aspect of unlocking the Loyalist Trait for all members.
With this trait, the issue with Wutong would be completely resolved. The most update n0vels are published on N0veI.Fiɾe.net
If she becomes loyal to death, Lin Rui could manipulate her as he pleases...
Lin Rui suddenly felt his heartbeat accelerate, thinking of being able to manipulate the Empress at will was thrilling — the Empress... she’s too terrifying.