132: The fifth unique card

Chapter 132: The Fifth unique Card

“This card is quite comfortable,” Shi Li exclaimed.

Originally, he only had the Bouncing Guard as a Persistence card that could be used, which meant that the front-row cards in the other column of his PVE card games were always not tough enough, limiting his tactical options.

Now, with the acquisition of the white mountain, this gap was filled.

Moreover, it belonged to a completely different type than the Bouncing Guard, relying on Shield and Barrier to absorb damage.

Compared to the Bouncing Guard, the white mountain’s advantage was its more flexible survival time.

Under favorable conditions, it could endure more rounds of damage than the Bouncing Guard, which could not be healed.

And if its active skill with Barrier was used well, it could completely withstand fatal damage from BOSS-level opponents.

However, its drawback was its vulnerability to the card Isolation; once its Shield was broken, its tankiness was no different from an ordinary card.

“Let’s look at the other one.”

Putting down the white mountain, Shi Li picked up the cloud stream.

Its appearance was actually very similar to the white mountain, clearly indicating they came from the same source.

The difference was that the cloud stream’s color scheme was primarily sky blue.

It had several tail fins around its waist, resembling a skirt.

Its weapons were not conventional mecha armaments but several energy orbs circling around it.

cloud stream

Listen to the Wind, 20 points, Two-Star Attack 20, 100/100, 0/80

[Yunshan - Characteristic]: When cloud stream is Still for a round, white mountain gains 10 Energy [Band Synchronization - Passive]: When white mountain is revealed, cloud stream is also revealed [Flowing Cloud Retrace - 80 Energy]: cloud stream selects 1 retired target, granting it 30 points of Revival.

(Revival: The card reappears in its original position.)

The 30 points referred to the card being Revived but only having 30 health points.

However, a card’s energy value would be directly reset to zero after Revival.

So, for the five-element cards other than balanced and Rage cards, it was slightly unfriendly.

But if it could be Revived, one shouldn't ask for too much.

“It’s a pity that the Bouncing Guard cannot accept Revival or return-to-field effects, otherwise it would be perfect.”

Nevertheless, even so, this Flowing Cloud Retrace was Still a divine skill for him at the moment.

Revival-type effects were extremely rare.

Its preciousness was evident from the high skill cost.

80 Energy points; a Breaker card or a Chasing Wind card would need 8 rounds to accumulate it, and a Persistence card would need 6 rounds.

If they had to wait until they accumulated 80 Energy, let alone Revival, they might have already died themselves.

Such high-energy-consumption skills were much friendlier to Listen to the Wind cards.

4 rounds of time was not very long.

Anyway, even if the cloud stream was Still, it could Still help the white mountain with Charge, so it wasn't a complete waste of action rounds.

Coupled with the white mountain’s assistance in restoring energy and the Charge hand cards, it wouldn't even take 4 rounds.

In an ideal state, it might even be fully Charged in 2 rounds.

He finally understood that these two cards were each other's portable chargers.

“No wonder these two cards appeared in the same mission; they are linked cards.

If they were to fight alone, their effectiveness would be greatly reduced.

Especially the cloud stream; if it fought alone, its Characteristic Yunshan and the Band Synchronization entry would lose their effect, essentially making it a one-star character card.”

Shi Li murmured, commenting.

Besides that, he also noticed something special.

That was the high energy limit of these two cards.

Generally, a good two-star character card would have an energy limit of about 40 points.

These two cards having a full 80 points was truly an anomaly.

Perhaps this was a characteristic of Living Mechs?

However, a high energy limit was always a good thing, and there was nothing particularly noteworthy about it.

“I wonder if I’ll need to spend one token card or two token cards when I Star Ascension them.”

Shi Li happily put away these two cards.

After resting for two days and tutoring Shi Yuan, Shi Li set off for Jiangbei Province.

Apple City is located in a relatively remote area of Jiangbei Province.

However, this did not affect its prosperity, as the city had a very large flow of people.

Ninety percent of the people who came were card players.

The reason was simple: it was one of only four entrances in Xia Country that connected to the Gan Territory.

It was also the only Gan Territory entrance in the Southern Region.

And it was one of the few relatively peaceful and safe exotic entrances.

Because under Xia Country’s management, good relations had been established with the alien race around the entrance.

So many card players would come here, entering the Gan Territory through the Space-Time Trace.

Some were looking for rare treasures, some were hunting monsters, and some were trading with the alien race.

In short, for most card players, a Level 6 exotic was where they were most likely to find opportunities.

This Torch Raising Ceremony had 3 spots shared by 3 provinces; they would each depart and eventually meet up in Blueberry City, the capital of the Banlan Tribe.

Shi Li was accompanied by two experts.

One was Huo Guang, a guide sent by Jiangbei Province.

His rank was Platinum 10.

The other was a genuine Emerald expert.

Shi Li's principal, Principal Su, was actually no stranger to the Gan Territory or even the Banlan Tribe.

He actually knew that there was no risk on this trip.

However, accompanying his student to such an event as the Torch Raising Ceremony was something he could boast about to other principals in the future.

Moreover, there was an old acquaintance he hadn't seen in a long time in Blueberry City.

So, he came.

The Gan Territory entrance was located in a small town 30 kilometers outside Apple City.

Unlike the Level 3 exotic Shi Li had visited before, this was not a temporary camp.

Due to the existence of the entrance, this small town was extremely prosperous.

In the center of the town was a very large base, and the central hall of the base was the Space-Time Trace.

“Why is this Space-Time Trace a bit different?” Shi Li asked curiously, standing in front of the Space-Time Trace.

The teleportation gate in front of him was a swirling, circular shape, with a diameter of over 50 meters.

It was a different form from the towering pillar of light he knew.

“The towering pillar of light was too conspicuous and also unfriendly to the surrounding residents.

So, many years ago, technicians modified and compressed it into the current form of this teleportation gate,” Huo Guang explained with a smile.

“Alright, I’ve already processed the customs approval in advance, so we can go straight in now.

But pay attention later; the Level 6 exotic teleportation gate has a very strong spatial pulling force.

You must tense all your core muscles.”

He reminded Shi Li.

“Okay, no problem.”

Shi Li nodded.

So, the three of them entered the teleportation gate in sequence.

Shi Li was the last to enter.

Indeed, as Huo Guang said, this Space-Time Trace was extraordinary.

To describe it, it was like the vertical sensation of weightlessness one feels on a roller coaster.

And at this moment, while teleporting through the Space-Time Trace, Shi Li felt a pulling sensation of weightlessness in all directions of his body.

This experience was a world apart from the previous Level 3 exotic.

“YUE!”

Even though he had traversed the Level 3 exotic without changing his expression, experiencing the Level 6 exotic for the first time, he couldn't help but dry heave upon landing.

Fortunately, he had been told in advance not to eat anything before departing, otherwise, there would have been something to throw up.

A few seconds later, Shi Li recovered and looked to the side.

Good heavens, Huo Guang was lying on the ground, unconscious.

He had just reminded others to be careful, why didn't he protect himself properly?

“Principal, are you alright?”

Shi Li looked at Principal Su, who stood perfectly straight beside him, and couldn't help but feel a bit of admiration.

“Gulp, just a little breeze and waves,” Principal Su said with a calm expression.

Shi Li clearly saw the other party's swallowing action.

A bit disgusting.

He felt as if the elders around him loved to show off, but why did they always reveal flaws?

But what he didn't know was that Principal Su was actually secretly surprised.

One should know that during the traversal of a Level 6 Space-Time Trace, it was normal for people like Xiao Liu to directly faint.

Shi Li, at only Platinum 3, was actually able to endure it, which was indeed a bit abnormal.

“Welcome, travelers from beyond the domain.”

Just then, a person with a strange face walked in.

Although described as having a strange face, there was actually no difference from a human.

They had hands and feet, and their eyes and nose were all present.

The only difference was a blue line on their brow that extended down to cover their entire nose.

This was the origin of the Banlan Tribe's name.

Some unrestrained people privately called them blue * * faces.

Because the shape of that blue skin indeed resembled * *.

However, this was a discriminatory term, and if said to their face, the Banlan Tribe people would get angry.

"Hello."

By this time, Huo Guang had already gotten up.

Space-time Stun would not last too long.

Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary risks, the exit of the teleportation gate was enclosed within buildings, and the ground was deliberately padded softly.

"Please show your Pass, three of you."

This Banlan Tribe person was an official specifically responsible for welcoming people from Blue Star.

After checking their documents and confirming they were correct, he stamped a magical Heraldry on the back of their hands.

Unlike Blue Star, the Banlan Tribe's technology tree leaned towards magic.

This Heraldry had a magical identification function, proving that they had entered through legitimate channels.

After leaving the customs area, Huo Guang, familiar with the route, led the two to the bird stable.

Luhang Birds were the primary mode of transportation domesticated by the Banlan Tribe.

They ran more steadily than horses, and were faster and more enduring.

cubic coins were also accepted here, with a daily rental fee of only 50 cubic coins.

"Can't we ride motorcycles here?"

Shi Li wasn't trying to save money.

"You can, but if you hit and kill one of our Luhang Birds, you'll have to pay compensation."

Principal Su said.

After the trial at Jiangnan University, he had heard a little about Shi Li's driving skills.

"Then forget it."

Shi Li pouted.

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do. It's also a good experience."

Principal Su also had capsule vehicles, but he didn't plan to use them.

So, the three each rented a Luhang Bird and set off towards Blueberry City.

However, halfway there, Shi Li's Luhang Bird broke its leg from running.

This was not intentional on his part.

Fortunately, Huo Guang had the Banlan Tribe's magical communication tool, paid some money, and had the stable owner come to deal with the aftermath.

Arriving outside Blueberry City, they saw a city built against a large mountain.

Buildings were everywhere, both on and off the mountain. Although the city was large, the style of the stone buildings looked somewhat primitive.

"The Banlan Tribe's culture is quite different from ours on Blue Star. They revere and respect nature more.

Because they can use magic, they also know better how to coexist with nature."

Huo Guang explained to Shi Li.

It was said that the first-place winner of the Torch Raising Ceremony would ascend to the top of this great mountain to rekindle the sacred flame.

City walls made of huge stones, wide city gates.

At this time, many Banlan Tribe citizens were coming and going, making it lively and full of life.

Most people's expressions were peaceful and serene, suggesting they were living good lives.

At the city gate, there was a squad of guards, all labeled [Gold].

The leader of the men had even reached the [Platinum 3] rank.

"Move aside! Everyone, move aside!"

Just then, a cavalry team of dozens of people majestically approached the city gate.

At Huo Guang's signal, the three of them moved out of the way.

After all, as outsiders, it was best to keep a low profile when in someone else's territory.

These Banlan people rode on Luhang Birds, looking down from above. Many of them were quite young, carrying the arrogance and stubbornness unique to youth.

Their ranks were very high; all of them had reached the [Platinum] level.

The young man subtly positioned in the center had even reached [Platinum 7].

For a moment, Shi Li's eyes met the young man's.

After a slight pause, the other party seemed to remember something and nodded at him.

"He is the biggest favorite for this Torch Raising Ceremony."

Huo Guang's voice came from behind him.

It seemed his preparations for this trip were indeed thorough, as he even knew this person.

"Big favorite?"

Shi Li was surprised to hear this.

With his current 4+1 card deck, he might have a chance against a [Platinum 6] with a 5+1 deck.

But against a [Platinum 7] with a 6+1 deck, he wouldn't have much of a chance.

"What's his name?"

"A Ya Jun."

..

Shi Li was a bit speechless.

Some people are born behind the starting line.

That name, it just doesn't sound like a champion's name, does it?

After this group of people entered the city, Shi Li and the other two followed.

Huo Guang led them all the way to the central area of the royal city, which was halfway up the mountain.

There was a special place here to receive the Banlan Tribe's geniuses who came from various places to participate in the Torch Raising Ceremony.

After settling into their accommodation, Shi Li realized that Principal Su had already left.

"Where did the principal go?"

He found Huo Guang and asked.

"Principal Su probably went drinking. He said he had an old acquaintance here."

Huo Guang's smile was playful.

From their conversations on the way, he learned that Principal Su was not visiting Blueberry City for the first time; in fact, his familiarity with the place was no less than his own.

"Impressive, Still strong in old age."

Shi Li gave a thumbs up, then asked curiously, "Are the Banlan people's bodies structured the same as ours?"

"Better."

Huo Guang's playfulness intensified a bit.

"I'm Still a high school student, I don't understand what you're saying."

Shi Li waved his hand directly: "I'm going out for a stroll. I might not be back tonight."

After upgrading to a B+ class contract, the Card Hall also provided him with a personal exclusive wristband.

Communication with other wristbands within a 100-kilometer range was not an issue.

Before this, he had already obtained a map of the surrounding environment outside the city and the distribution of magical beasts. While the ceremony hadn't started yet, he planned to go around hunting magical beasts to complete the [Abundant] quests.

"The ceremony will begin in five days. Remember to come back then to meet up with our other two players and have a meeting."

Huo Guang did not stop him.

Given Shi Li's current rank, he would definitely be very safe around the royal capital.

No accidents could possibly happen.

If Shi Li knew what the other party was thinking, he would definitely tell him to put away such thoughts and not jinx it.

Arriving outside the city, Shi Li opened the panel of his item card.

"The quest progress is now 61/300, Still 239 types short."

"If this map, bought for 300 cubic coins, is accurate, there are at least 500 types of magical beasts within a 50-kilometer radius of Blueberry City."

"I have five days, so completing 48 types a day will allow me to finish the quest."

"But just riding a bird won't do."

He could finally ride the motorcycle he had been longing for.

Night fell, and half a day had passed since Shi Li left Blueberry City.

Huo Guang was resting alone in his room when he suddenly heard a rapid knocking sound.

"Has Principal Su returned?"

He got up from the bed and walked towards the door.

However, when he opened the door, it wasn't Principal Su, but a Banlan person with a hurried expression.

He recognized the person; it was the staff member who had handled their check-in earlier.

His name was Aya Lian, and Aya was a major surname in the Banlan Tribe.

"Hello, is there something I can help you with?"

He asked, puzzled.

"Mr. Huo—I heard a noble in the royal palace was assassinated."

Aya Lian's expression was somewhat serious.

"An assassin?"

Huo Guang's expression tightened upon hearing this.

The Banlan Tribe was not without conflicts with other tribes in the Gan Territory, but with the Torch Raising Ceremony about to begin, choosing this moment to act likely had some deeper meaning.

"Is the assassinated person alright?"

Out of courtesy, Huo Guang asked perfunctorily.

"Actually, they're fine."

Facing this question, Aya Lian's expression was a bit strange.

"They weren't harmed much, just... stripped naked and hung on the royal palace wall."

"......?"

Huo Guang suspected he had misheard.

"Also, I need to ask you to come with me to the royal palace."

"You're not suspecting me, are you?"

Huo Guang leaned back slightly.

With his mere [Platinum 10] rank, what ability would he have to sneak into the royal palace and cause trouble?

"No, it's just that we also found a naked Mr. Su in the royal palace, and we'd like to ask you to retrieve him."

"Principal Su also encountered an assassin? How did he get into the royal palace!"

"Not an assassin, he got drunk and stripped himself."

"..That's incredibly embarrassing."

As the two were talking, a cavalry squad quickly rushed out of the Blueberry City gate.

They were the group of young talented contestants Shi Li had encountered outside the city gate during the day, and A Ya Jun was prominently among them.

At this moment, most people looked quite excited.

Because they had received news that the commotion in the royal palace was not caused by an assassin.

It was highly likely to be the [Mascot]!

And according to a certain treasure card in their hands, the target hadn't gone far from here!

Chasing now, there was definitely hope of catching up!