Chapter 44

The golden light persisted for about half a minute before gradually dissipating.

As their vision cleared, Li Qingxuan and Li Feifei simultaneously inhaled a breath of cold air.

The scene before them had completely changed; the originally distinct fortress and city walls lost their boundaries, replaced by a massive, seamless rock fortress.

It was no longer a simple assembly of structures; it was more like the two had been reshaped and fused at their very essence.

The fortress's outline was enlarged nearly double, its base seemed to merge with the city walls' foundations; sturdy stone ramparts extended from the fortress's base, winding upward, eventually merging seamlessly with the original city walls, forming a new defense system that was more majestic and heavier.

On the wall, the fortress's Defense Runes intertwined with the city walls' rugged stone patterns, like natural veins, faintly revealing an introverted yet powerful energy glow; the aura emitted by the entire structure was as heavy as mountains, impregnable.

The system prompt sounded simultaneously in both of their minds.

【Ding! Fusion Successful】

【Shelter: Panshi Fortress】

【Bound Person: Li Qingxuan】

Level: Level 4 (Fusion Enhancement)

Occupied area: 4500 square (fortress occupied area 800 square)

Protection Value: 4000/4000 (original fortress 2500 + each wall segment 1500)

Trait: Earth Affinity (slowly draws earth vein energy, automatically repairs non-structural damage, repair speed 1%/hour) Trait: Weak Energy Resistance (fortress external defense greatly increased, slight weakening effect on low-level attacks)

Upgrade Conditions: Stone Material, Iron Block, Wood, Energy Stone

Upgrade Effects: Protection Value *2, overall strengthening, rune effect enhanced

Description: A preliminary fortress formed by the fusion of fortress and wall, possessing defensive power and self-repair capability far surpassing a single structure.

"Success! Really succeeded!" Li Feifei's voice trembled, heart overjoyed, "The walls can auto-repair! And the Protection Value far exceeds double!"

Li Qingxuan's tightly clenched fist slowly relaxed, his palm even slightly sweaty; he heavily exhaled a turbid breath, and finally a relieved smile appeared on his face.

The troubling wall repair issue was surprisingly resolved! The sense of security brought by Panshi Fortress is far beyond what a mere wall can compare!

However, gazing at those demanding upgrade conditions, the bitterness in his heart deepened, not knowing when he could meet the upgrade conditions.

【World Announcement: Congratulations Li Qingxuan for opening a New System Shelter, reward: Diamond Treasure Chest +1】

【World Announcement: Congratulations Li Qingxuan for opening a New System Shelter, reward: Diamond Treasure Chest +1】

【World Announcement: Congratulations Li Qingxuan for opening a New System Shelter, reward: Diamond Treasure Chest +1】

The two exchanged a glance, hearts filled with astonishment; this Diamond Treasure Chest came at just the right time, though they had no idea where these materials would come from.

"Diamond Treasure Chest! Qingxuan, hurry and look!" Li Feifei's voice trembled with excitement; the bitterness over the upgrade conditions was instantly washed away by immense anticipation.

Li Qingxuan took a deep breath, suppressed his surging emotions, and communicated with the System Backpack via thought.

Indeed, a diamond treasure chest shimmering with seven-colored light and distinct edges hovered there, exquisitely carved; just looking at it made Li Qingxuan unable to contain his excitement.

Just then, Zhang Hao sent Li Qingxuan a message, urging him to quickly check the Regional Channel, where the channel's information was scrolling wildly like a tide!

【Regional Channel, number of people: /】

【Zhang Dachui: Holy crap! World Announcement! Diamond Treasure Chest? Li Qingxuan big shot, awesome!】

【Qian Duoduo: Diamond Treasure Chest?! Li Qingxuan, you must be cheating! What good stuff did you get? High-price purchase.】

【Zhao Ling'er: Congratulations, big shot Qingxuan! Big shot, if you get good stuff later, remember to look after your little sis!】

【Wang Tiezhu: Brother Li Qingxuan, how's the consideration for the mechanism door core going? Seeing the announcement, I can give a better discount.】

【Luren Jia: Big shot, seeking to cling to your thigh! Will you take a little brother? The kind that shouts 666.】

【Luren Yi: New System? Could you explain a bit? I also want a Diamond Treasure Chest! Big shot, what monstrous construction did you actually build?】

【Sun Xiaoqian: Hmph, it's just sheer luck…】

【Liu Yidao: What's there to be sour about? If you're capable, go get a Diamond Treasure Chest and announce it three times? Big shot, please share some experience.】

……

The information scrolled by too fast, leaving people dazzled.

Envy, jealousy, shock, flattery, probing… various emotions surged like a tide in the text.

Li Qingxuan and Li Feifei's names instantly became the focus of the entire region, even the whole world.

Li Qingxuan slightly furrowed his brow; this feeling of being under the spotlight made him somewhat uneasy.

He well understood the principle that 'the tree that stands out in the forest will be blown down by the wind'; especially Qian Duoduo and Sun Xiaoqian, one greedy by nature, the other sharp and petty, are not easy to deal with.

"It seems staying low-profile is impossible." He said in a deep voice, a flicker of wariness in his eyes, "Feifei, future transactions must be more cautious; for now, don't reply on the Regional Channel, let them make noise."

"Mm!" Li Feifei nodded firmly, she also felt the invisible pressure, "So what should we do now…"

"Let's wait a moment before opening the chest; first let's go see what the fortress has become." Li Qingxuan's gaze returned to the towering Panshi Fortress before him, "Once we have enough Iron Blocks, we'll immediately build the Suspension Bridge Gate! Only with a gate can we truly claim control of this fortress!"

The two surveyed their surroundings; the walls before them were wider and longer than before, like two giant dragons winding and stretching; the fortress grew ever taller, its occupied area doubled, as if a slumbering beast had awakened.

The fortress extends 40 meters east-west, 20 meters north-south, the whole fortress rises to 18 meters; the fortress is divided into three levels, with wall segments extending from both ends connecting to the original walls, also separating the planned planting area behind; each wall segment has an archway.

The entire fortress stands tall and imposing, like an ancient city, its stability exuding a stern, lethal aura.

The two entered the fortress; the heavy stone door slid open silently, a gust of air mixed with the cold chill of stone and faint energy fluctuations hit them.

The interior space is several times larger than before; the originally somewhat cramped lower hall now appears unusually spacious and lofty, with an estimated height of about six meters.

The rough stone walls remain as before, but upon close inspection, one notices extremely fine golden light threads flowing across their surface; these threads, like silk, intertwine with the fortress's original defensive runes, merging into a new pattern, exuding a more introverted yet sturdy texture.

"Wow!" Li Feifei couldn't help but exclaim, her voice echoing softly in the hall, "This space… is practically a miniature fortress stronghold!"

Li Qingxuan's gaze swept over the surroundings.

The familiar structure subtly changed; the staircase's position shifted slightly to the side, making it more spacious. The original wooden structure has been replaced by sturdy stone steps, their surface polished smooth and flat, merging with the walls.

The supporting walls and pillars also became thicker, with similarly faint light patterns appearing on them.

(PS: Free of charge, sending some love to boost the author's motivation, please.)