Tower Defense Lord, random Wishing Tower at the start of the game.

Chapter 163 Demigodhood, Divine Throne Thunder

At the core of the altar, the chaotic halo finally subsided. The dragon blood divine power, originally imprisoned within the crystal container and raging like molten gold, had now been completely transformed. It hovered in the center of the altar, transforming into a deep, restrained torrent of dark gold, seemingly containing the annihilation and creation of galaxies, serene yet possessing a boundless power capable of changing the world. This was the purest form of divine power, refined for Lin Chuan by the altar with immense effort.

The essence of divine power that best matches his origin.

Lin Chuan stood before the altar, his aura subtly resonating with the divine power. He removed his outer robe, revealing his lean and muscular physique. Without hesitation, with a thought, the dark golden torrent surged into his body as if finding its home.

In an instant, an indescribable mix of excruciating pain and ultimate bliss washed over him! Every muscle, bone, meridian, and even the smallest cell emitted silent screams and cheers under the cleansing force of this divine power. Ancient impurities were mercilessly burned away, and the fundamental structure of life was forcibly elevated and reshaped. His body surface sometimes crackled with lightning, arcs of electricity leaping; at other times, his skin was like jade, radiating an immortal luster. The air in the entire secret chamber trembled slightly, and even the seemingly flat space was distorted by this emerging power.

Three days of torment, three days of transformation.

As the last wisp of divine power merged into his body, Lin Chuan abruptly opened his eyes. Within those deep pupils, it seemed as if countless lightning snakes writhed, ultimately coalescing into two breathtaking points of purple lightning. An aura of majesty, transcending the mortal realm, erupted from within him like an ancient, ferocious beast awakening, instantly engulfing the entire secret hall and even piercing through the thick stone walls, causing the guards patrolling outside the castle to feel a shiver that seemed to originate from their very souls.

"It's done." Lin Chuan murmured, his voice carrying a strange resonance, like thunder rolling deep in the clouds. He slowly raised his right hand, his five fingers loosely clenched.

A crackling electric snake, composed entirely of purple lightning, sprang forth from nowhere, writhing and leaping in his palm, emitting a destructive hiss. This was not elemental power summoned by magic, but an extension of his will, a part of the rules of heaven and earth that he had recently wielded—the power of lightning! With another thought, the electric snake vanished silently, as if it had never existed.

"God of Thunder—" Lin Chuan felt the immense power surging within him, far surpassing the peak of the Golden Seed realm, and the profound connection he had established with the laws of thunder in the world. A demigod's body! He had finally crossed this insurmountable barrier. This not only signified a leap in his personal life level, but also marked the completion of the most crucial and core step in his territory's ascension to LV11! An immortal divine body was the foundation for carrying faith, constructing a divine realm, and ultimately igniting the divine fire to condense a divine spark.

However, this is only the beginning. Having achieved demigodhood and acquired the position of Thunder God, the next step is to completely transform the foundation he built into his own "divine realm"! Using his own divine power as a guide, he will refine the core of the territory, imprinting its rules upon it, making it the prototype of a divine kingdom. This will grant the territory stronger defenses, faster resource regeneration, clearer laws, and a more efficient conversion of the faith power of believers. This is a sublimation of the territory's essence.

But this crucial ascension requires an enormous amount of divine power—a full three thousand units!

Lin Chuan's gaze returned to the altar. At this moment, after the purification of divine power, the core function of the altar had also quietly changed.

It was no longer merely a tool for converting divine power; its structure had become more mysterious and complex, with the outline of an empty base faintly forming at its center. As Lin Chuan focused his thoughts, the information about the altar naturally flowed into his mind.

Altar (upgradeable) —> Primal Statue (not yet built)

demand:

Divine Core (Satisfied: Thunder Godhood Fragment/Authority)

Demigod form (satisfied)

Divine Materials: Star Essence (1000 units), Void Crystal (500 units), Faith Dust (obtained by the devout faith of 100,000 believers over a year)

Divine Power: 500 units (used for activation and shaping)

effect:

As an anchor of faith, it directly gathers and transforms the power of faith into pure divine power (far more efficient than an altar).

Significantly enhances the power of divine magic and the effects of divine blessings within the territory.

The area where the statue is located is considered the "core of the divine realm" and has the highest priority in terms of rules.

The idol will never perish, and the lord's divine fire will never cease (effective for those with weak divine power or below).

Note: The original divine statue is the foundation of the divine realm, and its creation must be approached with utmost care.

"The Primal Divine Statue—" Lin Chuan stared at the empty base. This would be his symbol in the material world, and the cornerstone of his future divine kingdom. Once completed, his efficiency in converting and utilizing the power of faith would undergo a qualitative change, and refining the divine power of other gods would be twice as effective. However, the required divine materials—Star Essence Gold, Void Crystal, and Faith Dust—were all extremely precious and rare strategic resources.

Although the territory has accumulated some reserves, they are far from sufficient.

"Gaidara Plains, the Dark Alliance." Lin Chuan made a decision immediately. That area, controlled by allies, was the best choice for obtaining these materials due to its rich mineral resources and unique geographical location. "Order Lord Soros of the Dark Alliance to collect Star Gold and Void Crystals at all costs. I will allocate some Faith Dust from the main territory, and the rest will be collected by them within the Alliance as quickly as possible."

Time is of the essence; the deadline is one month!

The command, transmitted via encrypted magical communication, instantly traversed space and reached the distant Gadara Plains. However, before the echo of the command could dissipate, an urgent military intelligence report from the Gadara Plains, like a cold iron spike, pierced the slight excitement that had just risen within the secret temple due to the ascension to demigod.

"My lord! Urgent report from Gadara!" The adjutant's voice, tinged with barely perceptible urgency, rang out outside the secret chamber.

Lin Chuan's eyes narrowed: "Go in."

The adjutant strode in, presenting a magic crystal shimmering with an eerie light: "Urgent message! The Galdara Alliance (Note: the original text refers to the Galdara Alliance, which is hostile to the Undercity Alliance) has suddenly mobilized on a large scale! Flags of multiple large tribes and city-states have appeared on the border, troop movements are frequent, and the combat readiness level has been raised to the highest! They—seem to be preparing to attack!"

"So fast?" Lin Chuan frowned. The unusual movements of the Galdara Alliance were within his expectations, given the constant friction between the two sides, but such a large-scale and high-intensity gathering clearly indicated a stronger force behind it. He immediately thought of a name.

"Zhao Xilin!"

Soon, the prophet Xilin, clad in a star-patterned robe and exuding a mysterious and wise aura, appeared before Lin Chuan. He didn't need to ask further; seeing the lord's solemn expression and the military intelligence he gathered, he already understood.

"My lord, please allow me to glimpse the shadows beyond the mist." Xilin bowed slightly, taking out a smooth, mirror-like obsidian disc, and chanted an ancient, obscure incantation. Ripples began to spread across the disc's surface, and blurry images flashed rapidly within: ferocious orc totems, burning crimson flames, the indistinct outlines of countless soldiers gathering, a majestic figure seated on a throne of bones—finally, the image settled on a massive crimson banner, and in its center, a bleeding eye!

Xilin's face turned pale instantly, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. The obsidian disc in his hand made a slight "crack" sound, and a tiny crack appeared at the edge.

"My lord!" Sirin's voice was hoarse with shock. "It's the Scarlet Eye! Behind the Galdara Alliance lies the Scarlet Lady's henchman—the demigod lord Ashoka! He—has personally descended!"

"Ashoka—" Lin Chuan's pupils suddenly contracted, purple lightning flashing intensely within them. He was absolutely familiar with this name! It was in the final moments of the Dragon Blood Secret Realm that he had attempted to use the Black Orc High Priest Grom to project his will, to clash with him from afar, and ultimately...

He forcibly dispelled the Scarlet Lady's representative! That blood-soaked, chaotic, and evil aura remains vivid in my memory. I never expected their retaliation to come so swiftly and directly!

"Xilin, how much did you see clearly?" Lin Chuan's voice was as cold as iron.

"He brought his divine realm, my lord!" Xilin gasped, trying to calm the mental shock from the prophecy. "It was a—"

A mobile war fortress, imbued with the Crimson Lady's divine power. His target is far more than just the Undercity Alliance! The Starfire Alliance (an ally of the Undercity Alliance) has also received a strongly worded, threatening ultimatum. Even more terrifying—" Sirin paused, his eyes filled with worry, "Their target is clearly the Shadow Passage between us and the Underdark Forest!" Once they gain control, Ashoka's divine army could use it as a springboard to advance unimpeded and directly threaten our core territory!

The situation deteriorated rapidly! The Gadala Plains were too far from the main territory; conventional troop deployment was time-consuming and laborious, and extremely vulnerable to interception by Ashoka. The only way to provide rapid support was to rely on extremely valuable strategic teleportation resources, but this would severely deplete the divine power reserved for the transformation of the divine realm and the construction of divine statues.

Just then, another figure stood like a javelin at the entrance of the secret temple—it was Reis, the leader of the Dragonblood Warriors. He had clearly also learned of Gadara's whereabouts; his golden vertical pupils, inherited from the dragon blood, burned with a long-suppressed rage and deep-seated hatred that had almost materialized.

"My lord!" Reis's voice was low and hoarse, like the growl of a wounded dragon. "Ashoka—that Scarlet Lady's lackey! It was he who orchestrated the ambush against my Andres family! My father, my two brothers, countless valiant clansmen—all fell beneath his vile schemes and the butcher's blade of his scarlet claws! This blood debt must be repaid in blood!" He knelt on one knee, the hard armor striking the ground with a heavy thud. "Please, my lord, grant me permission to go to Qadara! I want to personally sever Ashoka's head to atone for the souls of my people! At the same time, I will support Lord Soros and defend the Shadow Passage!"

Lin Chuan looked at his loyal and powerful subordinate, feeling his overwhelming hatred and unwavering fighting spirit. Reis's thirst for revenge burned like fire, but he was also an indispensable pillar of the territory, especially with the Crimson Plains facing an impending great battle. However, the crisis in Gadala was equally urgent, requiring a commander with sufficient strength, unwavering will, and a deep understanding of the enemy.

A brief moment of deliberation flashed through Lin Chuan's mind. He would personally oversee the orcs of the Crimson Plains, with William, Vivian, Antonia, and other core forces sufficient to handle them. As for the Galdara front, Reis's personal combat prowess (peak Golden-type, approaching Brilliant after half-dragon transformation) and will for revenge, combined with the terrain and manpower of the Dark Alliance and the Starfire Alliance, along with a surprise elite raid, might truly disrupt Ashoka's plans and even create a miracle.

"Reis," Lin Chuan's voice was decisive, "Your request is granted! But remember, your primary task is to help Soros stabilize his position, guard the Shadow Passage, and thwart Ashoka's first step! As for revenge, act when the opportunity arises; do not let personal matters interfere with public duty!"

Reiss abruptly looked up, his eyes gleaming with astonishing light: "Yes, sir! Reiss understands! I will not fail you!"

"Gather three hundred of your most elite Dragonblood Warriors and depart immediately! I will activate a one-time directional teleportation array to send you directly to the core area of ​​the Dark Alliance. Remember, you are the spearhead, reinforcements, and the flames of vengeance! Let Ashoka taste the wrath of dragon blood!"

"Roar!" Reis let out a deep, dragon-like roar, abruptly rising to his feet. Filled with boundless killing intent and resolve, he strode away from the secret temple to gather his warriors. The air seemed to still linger with his burning, molten hatred.

However, the weight on Lin Chuan's heart remained unshaken. While a temporary solution had been found for the crisis in the direction of Gadala, the orc threat from the western Crimson Plains, like a constantly gathering dark cloud, finally erupted with thunder!

Just as Reiss left, a rapid, piercing wolf howl echoed outside the castle. Immediately afterward, Daenerys, covered in blood, her leather armor torn in several places, and her giant wolf bearing wounds, stormed into the castle like a hurricane, ignoring the guards' attempts to stop her, and went straight to the secret chamber where Lin Chuan was. She nimbly dismounted her wolf, not even having time to salute, her clear, cold voice carrying an unprecedented gravity and a hint of breathlessness: "My lord! Crimson City—has moved! The army of the Sunset Empire has completed its final assembly!"

Lin Chuan stepped out of the secret hall, his piercing gaze fixed on Daenerys: "Tell me in detail!"

Daenerys took a deep breath and quickly reported, her words fast yet clear: "Three hundred thousand! All of them are the most elite Bloodclaw, Bonebreaker, and Ironjaw legions of the Sunset Empire (Note: this Ironjaw is not the tribe killed by Reiss, but possibly a legion that inherited the name or shares the same name)! They have abandoned all smaller outposts, concentrating their forces like never before! Their commander is Gruul the Skullbreaker, a general of the Orcish Royal Court! Intelligence indicates that he—has reached the pinnacle of the Brilliant Realm!"

"Three hundred thousand—Gruul at the pinnacle of glory—" Lin Chuan's eyes were icy. This number, along with the commander's strength, far surpassed the scale of the last battle. The Sunset Empire had really gone all out this time!

"They've split into three groups!" Daenerys continued, her fingers tracing rapid lines in the air as if sketching a map. "In the center, Gruul is leading 100,000 main forces, including the heavily armored Ironjaw infantry and siege beasts, their target is our main city! On the left, 70,000 Bloodclaw elites, led by Vice-General Bloodslayer Karn, are equipped with a large number of wolf riders and shamans, intending to outflank us along Blackrock Gorge and attack our flank at Dragonbreath Plains! On the right, 80,000 Bonebreaker legions, commanded by Bonebreaker Malacas, are heading towards Darkwood! Their target is the Dark Orc army and our resource points there!"

"Not only that!" Daenerys's voice carried a chill. "Their air force—is a fully-fledged order of wyverns! Over five hundred! Commanded by Gruul's lieutenant, the Scourgewing, Saurfang! These beasts fly high, are fast, and can spew corrosive acid, posing a huge threat to our outposts, supply lines, and troop buildup! One of our outer scouting squads—"

"It was them—" She paused, a hint of pain flashing in her eyes, clearly having experienced the devastating air raid firsthand.

Inside and outside the secret chamber, a deathly silence reigned. The adjutant, William, Victor, and the others who had rushed to the scene all wore grave expressions. Three hundred thousand elite ground troops, divided into three groups, with a clear objective; five hundred wyverns, absolute air superiority; and a brilliant, peak-level orc commander, the infamous "Skullbreaker" Gruul—this was practically the strongest force the orcs of the Scarlet Plains could muster!

Lin Chuan stood atop the castle, his gaze sweeping across his territory like that of a hawk. To the east, on the Gadala Plain, Ashoka's divine realm shone crimson.

The malignant tumor is spreading. Reis, driven by vengeance, has just stepped into the light of teleportation with three hundred Dragonblood Death Warriors. To the west, on the Crimson Plains, three black torrents composed of steel, muscle, and bloodthirsty will are rolling in, carrying with them dust that blots out the sky and the shrieks of two-legged dragons. Their blades are aimed directly at his heart—the main city of Rockheart, his new home on Dragonbreath Plains, and the lifeline of resources in the Dark Forest!

The shadow of war had never been so heavy, and the shadow of death had never been so close. Three hurricanes from different directions roared toward this land, which had just given birth to a thunder demigod and was on its way to godhood, with the power to destroy everything in their path. Lin Chuan slowly raised his hand, purple lightning dancing silently at his fingertips, reflecting on his resolute face.

"Issue the order to the entire army!" His voice wasn't loud, but it resonated like thunder in the hearts of every general and soldier, instantly dispelling fear and igniting an indomitable fighting spirit. "High alert!"

"Ready for battle!!!"