The outcome is already decided.
Ning Xi extended her spiritual power, and in an instant, the strange beasts faded from her sight, revealing the energy surrounding them.
After creating a large number of cards, her control over mental power became increasingly refined. Previously, she passively used mental power, accepting the visions it presented; now, she had learned to actively use it to probe for information.
Within one's spiritual power, there is a particular energy that is exceptionally strong and profound.
"The Wolf King is over there!"
After repelling several wolf-like beasts with his musical note sword, Yu Xiangyin stepped onto the musical scale and activated another card. It was another card he had prepared for the jungle environment—[Hunter's Giant Spear].
He held a massive spear in his hand; it was unadorned, exuding a primal and rugged aura. The spear whistled through the air as it was thrown.
In another scene, the massive wolf king lunged sideways, dodging the spear. It lowered its body, its eerie green pupils burning like flames.
This is a low-ranking D-class beast!
Yu Xiangyin had taken a course on ranged attacks, but it was only an elective, and he didn't master it. The young man, carrying a spear, confronted the wolf king.
Zhang Min summoned a small pistol and, led by Ning Xi, waged guerrilla warfare against the wolf pack.
"Yu Xiangyin, your forehead!"
Upon hearing this, the young man immediately threw his spear, but the wolf king easily dodged it.
Ning Xi observed this and thought to herself: It seems this is not an enemy that can be easily defeated by exploiting weaknesses.
As a support character, Yu Xiangyin's combat ability is actually quite average; expecting him to kill the wolf king on his own is unrealistic. Zhang Min is a typical card maker, completely clueless about combat; without her guidance on positioning, they would already be surrounded by the wolves.
She took a deep breath, released more of her spiritual energy, and looked at the wolf king.
The solidified energy field began to change, reflecting the state of the beast itself. The Wolf King and Yu Xiangyin exchanged blows for several rounds, neither able to gain the upper hand. However, the Wolf King's energy field was fluctuating violently.
"Now!"
Ning Xi shouted as the energy field dropped to its limit.
This wasn't actually a suitable time to attack; the wolf king was eyeing him menacingly, and Yu Xiangyin was still adjusting her breathing. But trusting Ning Xi, the young man didn't hesitate and threw his spear!
The wolf king, who should have dodged immediately, failed to move and was pierced through the body by the spear. The Hunter's Spear deals extra damage to beast-type monsters, so the wolf king fell howling as it was struck, and the pack scattered.
Yu Xiangyin removed a wolf fang, a D-grade material that had condensed all its energy.
The three rested by the lake for a while. Yu Xiangyin was fine, but Zhang Min's heart was pounding due to excessive tension. She pounded her chest, trying to distract herself; "Ning Xi, how did you do that?"
“Observe the beast’s energy field,” Ning Xi pondered. “Just now, the wolf king completely absorbed its energy field into its body. I realized that it was preparing for a fierce attack.”
"The attack needs to be interrupted. The period of preparation before the attack may be our opportunity."
...
On the other side, Nari-Ren and Wang Ren-Gui were traveling through the tunnel.
Neither of them had any reconnaissance skills. Nariren, relying on her intuition, believed that there was a "worthy opponent" underground and led Wang Rengui deep into the cave.
Sure enough, the two encountered a giant spider.
Nariren activated the card, and flames transformed into twin blades that drew blazing arcs in the air, slicing the hidden spider silk in two.
Although Wang Rengui is also a melee attacker, his card combination leans towards defense. Therefore, he did not go forward to attack, but simply held up his shield, preparing to block the attack for Naliren.
But to his surprise, Nariren jumped directly onto the giant spider's head, the flames transforming into rapiers that aimed straight for the top of its skull!
The giant spider was enraged, and dozens more spider silks immediately attacked her, but the golden-haired warrior was not afraid. With a wave of her hand, a wave of fire was unleashed to repel the spider silks, while her speed was not reduced at all. Her flaming rapier was a sure kill!
"One."
Although she had killed the enemy, Nariren didn't show much emotion. She walked out calmly, and Wang Rengui quickly followed, saying, "Wait, you don't need to go to such lengths, do you? Our opponent is just Yu Xiangyin, that support."
"Even an eagle uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit. Since we are going to have a competition, we should take it seriously."
Wang Rengui nodded: "I see. By the way, your ancient Chinese is really good."
The air fell silent for a moment for some reason, then Nariren spoke, her voice carrying a hint of resentment for some reason.
"I am a local from the Hanhai Star Region, not someone who came from another star region."
The two began searching for other strange beasts. After a while, Naliren gestured for Wang Rengui to be quiet.
What's wrong?
Wang Rengui immediately activated the card and assumed a defensive stance. He mouthed a question to Naliren.
Nariren was silent for a moment before speaking, "I heard you."
"On the other side of the forest, there are the sounds of a powerful enemy."
...
After killing four D-rank monsters in a row, Yu Xiangyin finally couldn't hold on any longer. He leaned against a tree trunk, panting, "I can't go on, Ning Xi, I'm exhausted..."
"Actually, we don't necessarily have to beat Naliren, do we?" Yu Xiangyin asked. "If you can prove your strength, she will naturally change her mind."
Ning Xi asked curiously, "Do you think she can defeat more than three D-level alien beasts?"
Even a team of freshmen couldn't beat a D-rank monster.
“She’s a second-year student,” Yu Xiangyin explained. “She’s an outstanding student in the offensive department, and her combat strength is among the strongest in her year.”
“I heard that she originally had her own team, but perhaps there was some conflict, so Nariren separated from them and joined my team.”
I see.
Among the three grades of Mingxin Academy, seniors are not eligible to participate (and most of them don't have the time), and most juniors are interning at the 13th Army or research institutes, so they can't manage their time well. Therefore, the main participants in the Royal Card Master competition are the first-year students who are required to participate and the second-year students who want credits.
Clearly, the overall strength of sophomores is higher than that of freshmen.
The three rested briefly. After Ning Xi confirmed several times that Yu Xiangyin's condition would not decline due to fatigue, the three continued on their way.
Downstream from the shallow lake is a small river. As they walked along the river, the three of them felt the terrain gradually descend and the current became calmer.
Ahead lies a large lake.
Before we even got close, a wave of heat swept over us from the lakeside, and a ball of flame rose from below and burst open in the air.
"Naliren?" What a coincidence.
The blonde warrior approached the three, with Wang Rengui lagging behind, standing behind her. Perhaps due to the card, she had changed out of her airtight combat uniform, replacing it with a suit of pure gold armor. On her exposed skin, tattoos as fiery and blood-red as flames spread out.
Ning Xi was stunned: she wanted to make such cool cards too!
"How was the harvest?" Nariren asked directly. "We hunted four D-rank monsters."
Wang Rengui quickly said, "Oh dear, aren't you tired? Do you want to take a break?"
He didn't believe that Yu Xiangyin was capable of single-handedly defeating a D-rank character, given that she was a typical support-type. As for Ning Xi and Zhang Min, one couldn't use cards, and the other was a pure card maker with limited resources; they clearly didn't have many cards in reserve.
They'd be lucky if they didn't become a burden; they're certainly not going to be an asset in the hunt.
Yu Xiangyin gave a warm smile: "We were almost there, three of them."
After saying that, he took out three D-grade materials from his spatial card, examined them, and then put them into the card.
Nali Ren and Wang Rengui both trusted Yu Xiangyin's character, so they wouldn't question the authenticity of the results. Wang Rengui stared wide-eyed at Yu Xiangyin: "Brother, did you secretly buy some high-level cards without telling me?"
"...How could that be? You know my financial situation." Yu Xiangyin shrugged. He had a little money, but only a little; he wouldn't suddenly pull out a super powerful card.
Naliren was also moved, and her gaze fell on Ning Xi.
Neither Zhang Min nor Yu Xiangyin had any intention of challenging her to a duel; only Ning Xi suggested it. Does this mean she does possess some unknown talent that could help the Card Master achieve victory?
If that's the case, it's not unacceptable for her to stay on the team. However, the victory in this match can only belong to her.
"Be careful!" Ning Xi's eyes turned anxious.
Danger appeared behind them.
A giant, snow-white water snake burst straight out of the water, like a sharp sword, rushing towards its chosen prey!
Wang Rengui immediately raised his shield to block the attack. The knight's greatsword in his other hand also slammed down on the water snake.
The greatsword, though powerful and heavy, left not a mark on the water snake's scales. Wang Rengui's expression changed: "This snake is a mid-D-rank... no, it's very likely at an upper-rank!"
"Fight!"
"Let's go!"
Naliren was somewhat surprised to hear Ning Xi's voice. However, she didn't say anything. These three weren't strong enough, so it was better that they left, lest they become a burden.
The forest seemed to know what the three were planning. The ground beneath their feet began to tremble, birds, beasts, insects, and fish scattered in fright, and a water snake leaped high, its gaping maw aimed at the three!
Yu Xiangyin activated the [Musician] skill, and with her right hand, she plucked several notes in the air, sending them flying toward the water snake and causing it to pause for a moment.
The three quickly moved away from the pool, but in the dense forest of trees, a huge rock suddenly fell from the sky and blocked their way!
“Another strange beast…” Ning Xi murmured.
She had already seen the energy fluctuations, as heavy and steady as the earth, hidden among the tree canopy, moving rapidly. Zhang Min activated an E-level wind-type card, blowing down many leaves, finally revealing the attacker's true form.
It was a giant ape with long, powerful arms, eyes that revealed a human-like mockery, and tail hairs that stood on end like steel needles. The instant its eyes met Ning Xi's, it roughly tore off a fruit and hurled it straight at her.
Zhang Min was about to activate her shield when Ning Xi suddenly exerted her strength, pulling her out of the fruit's attack range. The fruit landed on the tree trunk behind them, snapping the tree in half.
Zhang Min immediately broke out in a cold sweat: this was something that an E-level protection card could not withstand at all.
“D-rank, upper level.” Ning Xi bit her lip and made her judgment. “We… are really unlucky.”
Neither the wolves in front nor the tigers behind them were beasts they could easily deal with.
The most sensible choice now is to abandon the bet and focus the attack on one of the beasts. Yu Xiangyin thought so too, so he immediately changed direction and launched a series of musical notes at the water snake; while Wang Rengui tried to break away from Naliren's battle with the water snake and turn around to restrain the giant ape.
But the water snake did not grant her wish. Its tail slapped the water's surface, and the waves instantly turned into icy fragments, freezing him and his armor to the shore.
Nariren had originally intended to focus on dealing with the water snake, but now she had no choice but to divert her mental energy. The flame in her hand condensed and expanded, instantly transforming into a spreading ring of fire that briefly intercepted the water snake and the giant ape.
Her main battle card, [Crimson Flame], possesses powerful fire attribute energy and can also enhance the user's melee capabilities. This is a C-rank card, and with her current mental strength, she cannot fully unleash its power.
"Ning Xi, Zhang Min! Cover yourselves!"
In this life-or-death situation, Nariren didn't want to take care of the two card makers; she only hoped they would be more alert and not just stand there motionless.
Ning Xi pulled Zhang Min along, dodging another attack from the giant ape.
Wang Rengui was completely tied down by the water snake. Naliren was fighting the two beasts alone, and Yu Xiangyin was also forced to juggle between them. Whichever beast Naliren needed to distract, Yu Xiangyin could only distract. Neither of them could concentrate on dealing with just one at a time.
That won't do.
She wasn't entirely sure about Nariren's mental energy reserves, but their physical strength was certainly not inexhaustible. And these two strange beasts possessed immense energy, making them impossible to defeat easily. They couldn't afford to be dragged along like this!
She needs to find the right opportunity.
"Yu Xiangyin, over there!"
Yu Xiangyin immediately took out the Hunter's Giant Spear and threw it in the direction Ning Xi indicated, but the two beasts moved faster than he expected, and the shot missed completely.
“Yu Xiangyin, focus,” Naliren said, as flames transformed into a pair of broad wings behind her.
Despite knowing that the card maker might have some extraordinary abilities, Nariren had no intention of entrusting her life to her.
She only trusts herself.
Yu Xiangyin did not speak.
Ning Xi gritted her teeth. She knew she couldn't command Naliren, but two D-rank superior alien beasts were still far beyond Yu Xiangyin's strength.
We must find a more suitable opportunity.
She focused more of her mental energy on the beasts, hoping to gain more information about them. She sensed their energy, an energy that was one with them, or rather, represented their very essence. This essence was unpredictable, influenced by her mental energy…
I can't see it clearly.
Ning Xi subconsciously took a step forward, and immediately heard Naliren's warning: "Step back, card maker!"
No refunds.
Zhang Min deployed her shield, remaining some distance from the battlefield. Ning Xi, disregarding card losses, activated a speed card and a defense card, swiftly traversing the battlefield between humans and beasts. She dodged the water snake's ice blades and avoided the giant ape's throws, but was nearly injured by Naliren's flames.
She looked up and saw a pair of eyes as red as flames. Nariren's voice was cold: "Step back, or I won't care about you."
No, it's a water snake!
Because this strange beast was restraining Wang Rengui, the pressure it caused was less than that of the giant ape. But in Ning Xi's eyes, the energy field on its body was fluctuating abnormally, like a flickering light bulb, sometimes dark and sometimes dazzlingly bright.
We must solve this problem first, otherwise... otherwise, who knows what might happen!
Ning Xi looked around. Wang Rengui was still struggling with the ice, and Yu Xiangyin, who had just been slammed into the air by the giant ape, was now frantically trying to catch herself with musical notes. Naliren… never mind, she wouldn't listen to her. She only had some E-rank cards herself, unable to inflict any effective damage.
what to do?
At the point where the water snake's energy was contracting, Ning Xi's anxiety spread. This time, its energy contraction was exceptionally intense, and it was foreseeable that the next outburst would be equally astonishing.
This is a great opportunity, she must seize it, she absolutely must!
...as if a barrier had been broken through.
The spiritual energy that had been merely "observing" the water snake beast now surged like a tide, transforming into indestructible blades that fiercely stabbed towards the "core" of the water snake.
Its movement faltered for a moment.
Nariren wouldn't let this opportunity slip by; flames transformed into double blades, slashing out several times in a single second. The water snake's head flew high, spitting out a long jet of blood.
The group pressed their advantage and quickly killed the giant ape. They then set up a makeshift teleportation portal and left the area.
Wang Rengui was the most seriously injured. He took the brunt of the water snake's attack and suffered frostbite all over his body. He was quickly taken away by the academy's medical station. The others were only severely exhausted in terms of physical and mental strength. Ning Xi still had a lot of mental energy left, but she was extremely tired and could barely keep her eyes open. She could only lean on Zhang Min's shoulder.
Upon hearing of their ordeal, the academy immediately dispatched teachers to search the area.
“There may have been a slight loss of control in the domain,” a teacher from the Card Control Department told the group, “which has led to an abnormal number of D-rank high-level beasts. They should have been far apart from each other and never encountered each other.”
Ning Xi nudged Zhang Min, who quickly asked, "What does 'domain out of control' mean?"
“As you should know, there are many fields,” the teacher said. “Normally, fields don’t interfere with each other. But there is one exception.”
"When a high-level domain descends to the same level as a low-level domain, the high-level domain begins to influence the low-level domain, causing the low-level domain to... upgrade. Such an upgrade is not guaranteed to succeed, but it will definitely lead to a large number of anomalies among the beasts within the domain."
“Thank you for letting me know,” he stood up. “I will apply for academic credits from the school. Goodbye.”
He left in a hurry.
Ning Xi took a short nap, then opened her eyes and saw Naliren. She had her head down, her expression showing a hint of caution.
"You won. Defeating those two strange beasts is all your doing." She was still as direct as ever. "These two materials are for you."
"We'll redistribute them later. Without others, we can't defeat them."
"But you're the card maker, you should prepare cards for our competition. Here you go."
Ning Xi opened her eyes wide and looked at Naliren: "So, you think our team is right?"
Nariren nodded.
“But I don’t approve of you.” Ning Xi ignored Naliren’s expression and said to herself, “If you want to join our team, you must do one thing.”
"Follow the team's decisions."
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