Chapter 69 – Skyrocketing Property Prices

The voice had barely faded when a blinding light erupted from the heavens, instantly enveloping the entire land.

All survivors felt a sharp pain in their eyes as their vision turned completely white. It was as if their bodies had been encased in something, cutting off all sensory perception.

After a few seconds, the light dissipated, and people’s vision gradually returned to normal.

Those outside the main city found their surroundings unchanged, but for those within the city walls, everything was different.

Previously, the main city had only a scattering of buildings amidst vast ruins. Now, the ruins were gone, replaced by rows of houses. Not only that, but the protective barrier that had originally covered about ten square kilometers had expanded four to five times, now encompassing nearly half of Xiangcheng City.

The houses near the six shops resembled luxurious villas, while the outer ring consisted of quaint, three-story pavilions arranged in orderly rows. Beyond that stood high-rise buildings similar to those from before the apocalypse.

Everyone who witnessed this transformation was momentarily stunned. But within seconds, they found new knowledge appearing in their minds – information about these houses.

They quickly understood that these houses were gifts from the gods, rewards as promised by the voice. These weren’t ordinary dwellings; they differed from the civilian houses built in Luofeng Village, though they shared one similarity – they enhanced cultivation speed for combat professionals.

Of course, nothing came free. To live in these houses required payment in spirit energy points. People could choose to either buy or rent.

The central villas were undoubtedly the best, but their prices were astronomical. Renting cost 100,000 spirit energy points per month, while purchasing was beyond most people’s wildest dreams.

Yuan Jianze, who had thought himself the wealthiest man in Xiangcheng City, realized he was still a pauper when he saw the villa prices. Yet the villas’ allure was undeniable – they doubled cultivation speed.

While the daily spirit energy consumption seemed high compared to direct double-speed cultivation, it would become more efficient as one’s strength and skill levels increased. Moreover, each villa could accommodate up to ten people, bringing the daily cost per person down to just over 300 points – a bargain.

Beyond cultivation, the villas represented shelter and status…

The surrounding pavilions were more affordable, rented as units with two to five rooms, costing between 5,000 to 10,000 points per month. They offered a 50% cultivation boost, with costs per person working out to about 30 points daily at full capacity.

The outermost high-rises came in two types: apartments with 20% boost at 10 points per person daily, and dormitories housing eight people with 10% boost at just 2 points daily.

The gods’ design clearly favored the lower classes. Any combat professional could afford apartment living, usually through shared rentals. Families of combat professionals had it best.

The city’s transformation included more than just housing. New shops appeared throughout, making the city feel more complete. Alongside existing establishments like the blacksmith shop, new additions included a mercenary camp, trial hall, and most intriguingly, a bar.

The bar, while serving drinks and entertainment, had a special function in this divine system. Each seat came with a virtual screen where one could search or post information, essentially serving as a game forum.

Cheng Yang, who hadn’t witnessed the city’s changes firsthand, knew them well. He understood these buildings would appear when Luofeng Village reached level 3.

“Lord, what just happened?” Ma Tao asked, visibly shaken. The others looked equally stunned.

Cheng Yang replied, “You heard it too. I’m not entirely sure, but it seems like good news.”

“But the gods’ reward…” Zhou Jie started, then paused. “Wait, why do I have a status panel? Isn’t that for combat professionals?”

Zhou Jie’s excitement faded when he saw his simple status: name, “unclassed,” and zero spirit energy points.

The gods had granted ordinary people access to spirit energy, not just for housing but primarily for class advancement. While demon beasts were formidable, coordinated groups could defeat them, especially the less intelligent first-tier ones.

Earning ten spirit energy points granted class advancement rights, giving ordinary people a goal to strive for.

Cheng Yang understood their emotional rollercoaster. “Don’t worry, you all have the chance to advance,” he assured them.

The group felt relieved, understanding that this opportunity came with the condition of following Luofeng Village’s – and Cheng Yang’s – leadership. Compared to the desperate measures others took for advancement, this was a small price.

They quickened their pace, needing to reach Luofeng Village before nightfall. The world had changed again, with monsters undergoing their first evolution. While not widespread, the number of mid-tier first-level demon beasts had increased significantly.

Cheng Yang had warned his combat professionals to be cautious and avoid venturing too far. As long as they followed instructions, they should be safe.

When Liu Xiyue and the others saw Luofeng Village’s towering walls in the distance, they were awestruck. How could humans have built such fortifications in just days?

Cheng Yang offered no explanation. Time in the village would reveal its secrets.

The walls parted at Cheng Yang’s mental command, allowing the group entry. Inside, they found a thriving community of survivors. While their situation seemed similar to Xiangcheng’s, Liu Xiyue noticed key differences.

These people weren’t malnourished; their eyes shone with hope. Though some still struggled with the apocalypse’s trauma, there were no beggars or desperate parents selling children. This gave the newcomers hope for their future.

At least their new lord didn’t seem like a bad person. If only Cheng Yang knew their assessment…

Passing through the outer village, they entered the inner walls. Here, they saw a different scene – combat professionals everywhere, many equipped with specialized gear. Clearly, this territory’s combat strength surpassed Xiangcheng’s main city.

They just didn’t know how many combat professionals Luofeng Village actually had.

PS: Seeking recommendations and collections! Bonus chapter added…