Zhou Yan guided Diao Chan through his territory, acquainting her with its layout. The area lacked even a basic fence, a deficiency he noted with chagrin. Constructing one required wood, which meant felling trees or quarrying stone—resources he didn't yet possess. Outmatched by Diao Chan's superior attributes, he retrieved his novice equipment and offered it to her. "This gear will have to do for now," he said. "I'll find you something better later."
"Thank you, my lord," Diao Chan replied, starting to bow.
He stepped forward, clasping her hand to stop her. "No need for that in the future. I prefer things less formal—it feels more natural."
Her cheeks flushed. "Yes, my lord."
"Forget 'lord.' Call me Zhou Yan from now on," he insisted.
"That… doesn't seem proper," she hesitated.
"It's fine. I like it when you say my name."
"Very well, Zhou Yan," she conceded.
Curious, he questioned her about her past, particularly any memories of the Three Kingdoms. She had none. Her existence began here, her skills innate, etched into her mind like instincts—akin to a newborn knowing to nurse. Zhou Yan nodded. Her past mattered little; her future with him was what counted.
The novice territory offered scant furnishings beyond its summoned structures—no tables, no stools. They settled in the Spiritual Bamboo House, the room's aura washing over them, invigorating body and spirit. It felt like basking in a hot spring. Zhou Yan longed to cultivate, but techniques were rare on the Canglan Continent, attainable only through territorial gains. For now, he shared his limited food supplies with Diao Chan. To survive the month-long novice period, he'd need to secure more provisions soon.
Over eight hours, they surveyed the 500-square-meter domain. Beyond its edges, a 50-meter field of vision revealed little; past that, a foggy haze cloaked the unknown. Exploration tempted him, but the risks loomed large. Novices venturing into the mist often met death at monstrous hands. The lord space's peculiar rules barred even mighty lords from bringing their children inside before age eighteen. Thus, all Canglan youths started equal—level zero, attributes modest. Wealthy heirs, however, gained early advantages through cultivation and superior gear, outpacing their peers.
Time slipped by swiftly in Diao Chan's company. Eight hours later, her expression sharpened. She lifted her gaze and said, "Zhou Yan, I sense a monster's presence approaching."
He marveled at her acuity—detecting threats from within the hut. Did that mean she'd always sense his intentions too? "Chan'er, let's face them together and protect our home," he declared, boldly taking her hand with an affectionate look. To let such a celestial beauty slip away would shame his status as a traverser.
She resisted faintly but didn't pull free. With her strength, she could have. Blushing, she murmured, "Mmm," her head dipping.
Smiling, Zhou Yan led her outside. A pack of black wolves charged from the distance, targeting the territory. "Ten monsters?" he exclaimed, startled. Their dark fur gleamed, eyes glinting with bloodlust. Each stood two meters tall, exuding menace.
New lords rarely faced strong foes initially. His twelve years of education taught him that even golden-tier lords encountered no more than three monsters at the outset. Ten defied all logic. "It must be the colorful lord space," he muttered, frowning. This anomaly boded ill. As days passed, the threats would escalate. Without sufficient power, his territory—and his dreams—would crumble.
"I won't let you destroy my home or my future," he vowed, resolve hardening. Glancing at Diao Chan, he found reassurance. She was his strength now. "Chan'er, can you handle ten?"
Her attributes, amplified tenfold, dwarfed the challenge. With bonuses uncounted, she seemed invincible. She turned, offering a smile that dimmed all else. "Rest easy. I'll guard this land."
Her demeanor shifted—grace yielding to steel. Raising her novice sword, she surged forward, swift as lightning, her movements a dance of lethal elegance. Without a fence, the wolves breached the territory unimpeded, drawn to the King Crystal at its heart like moths to flame. Spotting Diao Chan, they redirected their fury, jaws gaping as they lunged.
"Chan'er!" Zhou Yan's heart clenched. Her stats inspired confidence, yet worry gnawed at him. Powerless, he cursed his own weakness, relegated to watching.
The wolves closed in, but Diao Chan's speed surged again. A phantom blur, she wove between two beasts. Her sword flashed, conjuring lotus-like afterimages in the air. Two sharp thuds followed—the wolves collapsed, lifeless, blood pooling beneath them.
Zhou Yan stared, awestruck. Her strength was staggering, an effortless instant kill.