"A Green bronze-tier, level 7 city."
Zhao Changshou answered
"How long do you think it would take to create a blueprint of that level?"
Zhou Zhou asked.
"I'm afraid I don't know, my lord."
Zhao Changshou replied, shaking his head.
He couldn't even estimate how long it would take to complete a Black iron-tier, level 9 city, let alone a Green bronze-tier, level 7 one.
"Set the project aside for now."
"We'll proceed once we have at least a thousand Yellow gold-tier architects."
Zhou Zhou said.
"Yes, my lord."
Zhao Changshou bowed and withdrew.
With the matter settled, Hui Teng resumed assigning the subjects.
Within the last 24 minutes, an additional 15 reset cards were used, bringing the number of subjects to 21,735.
Summoning Qin We and Sun Can, Zhou Zhou set off toward the capital of Aurora Kingdom.
'I should be able to get information on how to upgrade my territory from Li Ya.'
He thought.
Ahead of him, Sun Can piloted the winged mechanostrider, while Qin We sat beside him.
..
"Aegon, you and Nezario will handle the Withered Tree Demon Lord."
"You both are the best suited to face the regional scarlet lord."
"Lu Chong, the Undead Knight and the Carrion Vulture are yours."
"Maris, you will deal with the Hollow Ghost, the Mirage Snail, and the Sandcoil Serpent."
"Monica, the Golden Golem and the Steel Talon Ostrich are yours."
"Zhang Xiang, take care of the Iron Sand Scorpion and the Bone Cougar."
"As for me... I'll handle the Sunhorn Antelope, the Dune Hyena, and the Glassfang Cheetah."
Riding atop Nezario, Bai Yung calmly assigned each soldier their target.
Having reviewed the information on their targets, the soldiers nodded.
..
After a 30 minute journey to Fish Spring Town, Zhou Zhou made use of the space teleportation formation stationed there to travel to the capital city of Aurora Kingdom.
"Your highness... what a pleasant surprise."
Caught off guard by Li Ya's presence at the teleportation formation, Zhou Zhou greeted her warmly, lifting her hand and placing a light kiss upon it.
"I could say the same, my lord."
Li Ya replied, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"It's good to see you again, my lord."
Minister Wang stepped forward, extending his hand.
"And you as well, Minister Wang."
Zhou Zhou shook hands with the middle-aged man.
.
"You've arrived earlier than expected, my lord."
Li Ya noted as she rode her horse beside Zhou Zhou.
"Is there something you require of us?"
"I need information on how to upgrade my territory."
"I was hoping your highness could assist me with."
Zhou Zhou said.
"That's quite simple."
Li Ya replied.
"But before that... my father wishes to meet you."
With that, she led Zhou Zhou toward the palace.
After nearly fifteen minutes, they arrived.
Standing before the throne, Zhou Zhou bowed respectfully to the white-haired man seated upon it.
"Your Majesty."
"I have long wished to meet the famed Blazing Sun."
"You are even more impressive in person."
Surrounded by an imposing aura, Li Yuangan smiled as he addressed Zhou Zhou.
"If your majesty continues to praise me, I might begin to overestimate myself."
Zhou Zhou replied with a faint smile.
"You're young. A little arrogance is not a bad thing."
Li Yuangan said calmly.
"I've heard from Li Ya that you seek knowledge on how to raise your territory's rank. I will provide you with all the information you require."
"Consider it a gift."
"Thank you, your majesty."
Zhou Zhou bowed in appreciation.
"Li Ya, take him to the royal library and show him everything related to territorial development."
Li Yuangan said to his daughter.
"Yes, father."
Li Ya accepted the order and led Zhou Zhou away.
.
"Here."
She picked up a scroll and handed it to him.
"Territory fusion certificate."
Zhou Zhou muttered as he read the first words on the scroll.
"The only way to increase your territory's rank is by fusing it with other regional territories."
"The certificate allows you do exactly that."
Li Ya explained.
Zhou Zhou's gaze lingered on the list of fusion certificates, ranging from Black iron-tier all the way to Legendary-tier.
"Is there a fusion certificate capable of merging any territory... regardless of rank?"
He asked.
"There've been rumors of such a treasure," Li Ya replied, handing him another scroll, "but I've never come across one myself."
Zhou Zhou opened the scroll, his eyes scanning its contents.
"So, not only does a territory expand after an upgrade, but the air becomes purer... and the energy grows more potent."
He muttered.
"What kind of energy is this? Is it promotion energy?"
"It's not promotion energy."
Li Ya said, shaking her head.
"We call it life energy. It increases the likelihood of offspring being born with higher potential."
"For example, children bore within the capital possess at least Yellow gold-tier potential.
"Those born outside the capital tend to have lower aptitudes."
She paused briefly before adding,
"That is the true value of a higher-tier territory."
>>>