A Tavern Fit for Heroes!

Golden Oasis.

Inside the Professional Skills Tower.

Haotian was immersed in his studies, learning various professional skills. His primary focus was on magic, dabbling in multiple elemental spells since his "Lord Profession" had no restrictions on profession or elemental attributes.

So far, he had mastered three extraordinary-level magic skills: Meteor Shower, Summon Earth Giant, and Holy Light Barrier. Meteor Shower was a powerful area attack, Summon Earth Giant called forth a formidable earthen golem, and Holy Light Barrier provided group defense.

Even though Haotian might never need these skills on the battlefield, he enjoyed the sense of accomplishment each new skill brought him. 

As he delved deeper into the arcane arts, a series of notifications suddenly filled his mind.

"Congratulations, Lord. Your army has destroyed the core structure of the Rat Kingdom—the Royal Palace Hall."

"You have conquered the Rat Kingdom!"

"You have completed Side Quest One."

"Your reward: one random blueprint."

"That was fast," Haotian thought, opening his eyes in surprise. He had expected the Royal Griffon Knight Legion to crush the Rat Kingdom easily, but not this swiftly. It seemed the Rat Kingdom had barely put up a fight.

With a thought, a faintly glowing golden blueprint appeared in his hand. "I hope it's a military building blueprint," he wished. Haotian never worried about his troops consuming too much of his territory's resources. His primary concern was building enough strength before facing any real threats. 

As the blueprint vanished, another notification appeared.

"Congratulations, Lord. You have used a random blueprint."

"You have acquired a special territory building—Hero Tavern blueprint."

"Not a military building, but this one looks even more valuable than the Dragon's Tomb," Haotian mused, looking at the Hero Tavern's construction requirements.

The cost of upgrading the Dragon's Tomb to intermediate level was fifty thousand gold coins, but building the Hero Tavern alone required that amount. In comparison, the cost was astronomical, but Haotian was pleased. The higher the price, the more powerful the building.

Without hesitation, Haotian left the Professional Skills Tower and found an empty plot of land near the Town Hall. He spent fifty thousand gold coins and a hundred thousand units of wood to construct the Hero Tavern.

The Hero Tavern was modest in size and appearance, nothing extravagant, almost unremarkable.

---

**Hero Tavern**

**Level: Basic**

**Building Attributes: A tavern exclusively for the strong.**

**Next Level: Intermediate Hero Tavern**

**Upgrade Requirements: Five hundred thousand gold coins, one million units of wood**

**Special Reminder: Increasing the Hero Tavern's level can attract more powerful heroes. As a lord, you can recruit them to serve your territory.**

---

"A tavern only for the strong?" Haotian whispered, pushing open the tavern's door and stepping inside.

The tavern was small, with a bar counter, fewer than ten tables, and a semi-circular sofa in the corner, which looked like a VIP seat. Behind the bar stood an elderly man in a gray robe, emotionlessly mixing drinks.

As Haotian approached, the old man forced a smile, asking, "What would the Lord like to drink? We offer countless varieties from the universe, including divine elixirs brewed from sacred materials."

"The universe?" Haotian's curiosity was piqued. "Then I'll have a divine elixir."

"That will be fifty million gold coins," the old man said with a smile.

Haotian's smile froze. "Even the lord has to pay?"

"Unfortunately, yes. It's a small business," the old man replied.

"Small business?" Haotian thought, "A drink for fifty million gold coins?"

"Then I'll have the cheapest drink," Haotian decided.

"Of course, my Lord," the old man said, waving his hand to produce a blood-red drink. "A Bloody Mary, worth three hundred gold coins. This one's on the house."

"Thank you," Haotian said, taking a sip. The drink tasted like blood, burning down his throat and filling his body with heat, leaving a sweet, fragrant aftertaste.

"Excellent!" Haotian praised, continuing to drink and subtly probing the old man's background. Despite his efforts, he learned nothing. The old man seemed to be backed by the "Lord System," known for its greed.

"Old man, when do heroes usually appear in this tavern?" Haotian asked.

"It's up to chance. Sometimes several appear in a day; other times, it may take years. But increasing the tavern's level will improve your odds," the old man explained.

Haotian nodded, satisfied with the answer. "That's all for today," he said, setting down his glass and preparing to leave.

Just then, a figure materialized in the tavern. She wore a silver-white crystal gown, her silver hair flowing, and her beauty was breathtaking. The aura she exuded was terrifyingly powerful, making Haotian dizzy with just a glance.

"Where am I?" she asked, her melancholic eyes sweeping over Haotian and settling on the old man.

"This is the Hero Tavern, a miraculous building connecting countless universes. Only true heroes can enter," the old man explained emotionlessly.

"Infinite universes? How fascinating!" she muttered, turning her gaze to Haotian. "Are you a hero?"

"I'm not a hero. I'm here to recruit heroes," Haotian replied with a smile.

"Recruit?" she repeated, sighing softly. "You're too weak to recruit me."

Undeterred, Haotian extended his hand. "Recruitment can wait. Let's get acquainted first. I'm Haotian, Human Lord."

She stared at his outstretched hand before shaking it. "Keisha, Queen of Angels."