162: The left brain steps on the right brain, spiraling up

Chapter 162: Left Brain Steps on Right Brain, Spiral Ascension

The two new distances were easy to understand.

It should be that the Red Blade Maiden can move a maximum of 6 squares on the Chess Domain at once, and her attack range is 1 square.

Shi Li looked at the terms, and the Red Blade Maiden's stats remained unchanged.

So, he chose Unceasing + Vitality + Vast.

However, when he tried to place her on the Chess Domain, he found that it couldn't be done successfully.

"During the Chess Piece Placement Phase, only specific starting squares can be used for deployment."

At the reminder of Chi Ou, Shi Li saw that the two outermost rows of squares on the Chess Domain were glowing green.

And the two rows on the opposite edge were glowing red.

He placed the Red Blade Maiden on them, and it worked.

Since it was a combat mode requiring Movement, the next thing Shi Li thought of was the Snail Walking Lady.

"This card is temporarily unavailable."

As a result, a line of text popped up before him.

"Here, all character cards need to be 'chess-ified' before they can be placed. Some character cards, due to their original card face being incompatible with the Chess Domain, may have their terms completely changed after 'chess-ification'.

The 'chess-ification' process for such character cards takes longer, which might lead to them being temporarily unavailable."

Chi Ou reminded him.

"Since the Chess Domain is so large, wouldn't the Listen to the Wind system become truly godlike?"

Shi Li suddenly thought of another matter.

The Listen to the Wind system requires Still Charge. If the Charge is completed before the enemy reaches them, wouldn't they be invincible?

So he took out cloud river and found that it had already completed its 'chess-ification'.

cloud river

Listen to the Wind, 20 points, three-star attack 20, 100/100, 0/100

Movement Distance 6, Attack Distance 1

Besides the addition of two ranges, one of its active skills also showed a range display.

Flowing Cloud Retrospect - 80 Energy: cloud river selects a 1-square retreated target, granting it 30 points of Revival (Range 1).

"Your understanding is actually correct, and the Listen to the Wind system's Charge method in Cube Chess is slightly different from that on the card table.

As long as it stays Still during the Movement Phase, it will be considered Still for Charge, and during the Action Phase, it can Attack and Defense without affecting the Charge.

Conversely, if it moves during the Movement turn, 10 Energy will be deducted.

And Chasing Wind cards only gain Charge when they move."

Chi Ou explained to Shi Li.

"It will even deduct Energy?"

Shi Li hadn't expected such a big change in the mechanism, but it didn't matter: "That's fine, I just won't move."

"That won't do. Cube Chess has turn restrictions.

After each turn, the four sides of the Chess Domain will shrink inward by 1 row until they can no longer shrink.

If your Listen to the Wind chess piece always stands on the edge, then during the shrinkage, it will be forced to move inward by 1 square, which is also considered not Still."

"I see."

"In short, Cube Chess and Cube Cards are largely similar, but many details are slightly different.

You should explore it through this battle first."

"Okay, no problem."

"Also, I remind you again that the rules of this world are unstable and may change at any time. You should check them every time you enter."

"Alright."

So Shi Li laid out his deck.

The placement rules were indeed as Chi Ou said, similar to those on the card table.

He was Platinum 7, and could deploy a total of 7 cards.

3 cards in the first turn, and 1 card in each subsequent turn.

The difference was that there was no Ace card mechanism here.

To better practice the rules, Shi Li deployed 1 card from each of the seven systems.

Then he discovered the new characteristics of each system.

Balance, no change; Berserk, Health +50;

Wisdom, Skill Range +1;

Momentum, Attack Range +1;

Persistence, Alert Range +2;

Chasing Wind, Movement Distance +2;

Listen to the Wind, Charge +10.

Besides this, all other hand cards, except for his natal hand card, became ineffective.

Character chess pieces possessed the ability to Defense themselves.

The opposing skeleton soldiers were weak, with low stats, and there were only 5 of them in total.

After a short while, he finished the battle.

"How do you feel? Isn't it very interesting?"

Xiu Qingshan asked with a smile.

"Yes."

Shi Li felt a strong sense of novelty: "Thank you, teacher, for bringing me here."

"Your teacher is indeed very good to you. The minimum entry threshold for the Chess Domain is A+ level contractors.

And even A+ level contractors need to be screened to be eligible to enter.

You are the first A-level contractor from our Card Hall to be able to enter."

Chi Ou added.

"I brought you here not just for fun."

Xiu Qingshan waved his hand.

"Oh? Then it's for...?"

"As I said before, the Chess Domain should be a mirror world of Blue Star. It is speculated that its area is very likely as large as Blue Star.

So it's vast, with many things and places to explore.

Currently, we know very little about it. You can move freely here and take on Events and the like."

"So it's like pioneering."

"Exactly, you can view it as a personal pioneering effort."

"Also, there's another benefit here that I need to make clear to you."

At Shi Li's current rank, Xiu Qingshan certainly wouldn't expect him to achieve much in pioneering.

The real reason for bringing his disciple in was for the benefits.

"You've already experienced it. Cube Cards can be 'chess-ified' and converted, and similarly, Cube Chess pieces can also be 'card-ified' and converted."

"That's the logic."

But Shi Li didn't know what the benefit was.

Xiu Qingshan: "Let me put it this way, some terms you get in the Cube Card state that don't look great might shine brightly in the Cube Chess state.

The reverse is also true."

Chi Ou: "Currently, we already have instances where terms obtained in the Chess Domain, after being 'card-ified', gained strength beyond their upper limit."

Xiu Qingshan: "Simply put, Cube Chess has a chance to make your Cube Cards extraordinarily powerful, i.e., overpowered."

"I get it, you mean the left brain steps on the right brain, spiraling to ascension?"

"No ascension, please. If we ascend again in our current state, we'll become Buddhas."

Xiu Qingshan said with a good-natured laugh.

"Ah Chou, I'll leave the rest to you."

He waved his hand, and his figure gradually faded.

"You're quite skilled at being a hands-off boss."

Shi Li muttered.

"You've misunderstood your teacher. He's not as simple as you think.

The structure of this world is currently unstable. If someone of his magnitude stays here for too long, it might cause some rejection effects."

Chi Ou explained.

"?"

Hearing this, Shi Li couldn't help but look at the top of the other person's head.

How does it sound like you, a Jade card player, are not as good as him, a mere Platinum?

"Don't worry, since your teacher has entrusted me to you, I naturally won't disappoint him."

Chi Ou smiled, then said: "I will send the most reliable person to guide you through your first experience in the Chess Domain."

..

Shi Li's eye twitched.

It felt like spending a million to hire a killer, only for the bounty on the head to be worth 20,000 after layers of subcontracting.

Isn't this Still a hands-off boss?

But then again, it made sense. Someone as important as a Jade wouldn't bother spending time on his esteemed Platinum self.

Then, Chi Ou used some unknown communication method, and a figure quickly flashed before the two of them.

"Curator, you called for me."

This girl also had a etherealized body, looking a few years older than Shi Li, Platinum 18.

"Let me introduce you, Guo Duo, an A+ level contractor from our Card Hall.

A fourth-year student at Beijin University, you should call her senior."

After introducing both parties, Chi Ou disappeared.

"Let's go, junior, I'll take you."

Guo Duo sent Shi Li a team invitation.

As soon as he accepted, the scene before him changed in the next second.

It looked like a small town, with many buildings.

Compared to the desolation outside, although dilapidated, it at least seemed like a place where people lived.

Ethereal figures like ghosts could be seen floating everywhere, presumably the indigenous people of this world.

"It's more convenient here. You can instantly move to any place that has been anchored."

Saying this, Guo Duo led Shi Li into a bustling tavern.

Because there was no difference in appearance, their arrival did not attract attention.

No one knew they were outsiders from another world.

"Adventurer's Tavern. You can get many quests here."

She pointed to the bar counter, where rows of cards were displayed: "These are Event Cards. After claiming and using them, you will receive related Events. See if there are any suitable ones for you."

"Let me take a look."

Shi Li stood before the bar and began to observe.

The Event card specifies the mission content and the approximate level of the enemies.

For example, the "Skeleton Soldier ☆☆, 5/5" I just eliminated.

The two ☆ indicate that they have 2 traits, and 5/5 means they have a total of 5 battle flags.

Additionally, the card also specifies the appropriate Chess Domain rank range for this mission.

"You're Still new to Cube Chess and not used to it, so I suggest you choose missions with a slightly lower rank.

For example, Gold rank missions are relatively simpler. Also, I advise you to absolutely not take on missions above Platinum 10 at the moment.

Because many missions above that level are even difficult for me to complete.

If you accept them, honestly, your life would be in danger."

Guo Duo explained.

"Oh?"

Shi Li was a bit surprised.

Guo Duo was Platinum 18, and yet she found missions above Platinum 10 difficult?

"Alright, I'll take a look."

Shi Li casually picked up a card.

"Exterminate the Red-Footed Lair"

"Mission Content": Red-footed Lizards are said to be demonic beasts with a trace of Red Dragon bloodline. They possess powerful vitality and prefer to live in groups.

A group of Red-footed Lizards recently established a lair 70 kilometers outside the town, posing a safety hazard.

Adventurers of sufficient strength are requested to go and exterminate them.

"Enemy Level": ☆☆, 3~5

"Recommended Rank": Gold 5 or above "Reward Item": Red-footed Lizard Blood Potion "What is this reward?"

Shi Li pointed to the last line.

"Hmm, all mission rewards here are given in the form of items.

The moment you complete the mission, they will automatically fall into your pocket."

Guo Duo took the card, examining its face: "Reward items automatically convert into cards after leaving the Chess Domain. In my experience, this should be a relatively good quality two-star material card.

Of course, you can also choose to digest the reward items within the Chess Domain, which might have unexpected effects."

"Then I'll choose this one."

Shi Li picked up the mission card, intending to practice.

He also noticed that there wasn't just one mission card for each mission; for instance, the "Exterminate the Red-Footed Lair" mission he chose was in a small wooden frame, with about ten cards.

This meant that multiple people could take the same mission simultaneously, and whoever completed it first would receive the reward.

So, even if it was just for practice, he didn't want to make a wasted trip.

"Junior, since it's a Gold-level mission, I won't go with you."

At this moment, Guo Duo suddenly said.

Going along would waste a lot of time.

Moreover, it was just a Gold-level mission, which was quite easy for a Platinum Card Hall player.

"You just need to follow the guidance on the mission card."

"Okay, then I'll be going, Senior."

Shi Li opened the mission card, and a map indeed appeared on it.

One of the benefits of being a phantom is the ability to float, making him less affected by terrain and less prone to fatigue.

The 70-kilometer journey would probably take about two hours.

On the other side, Guo Duo remained in the tavern, waiting.

She was waiting for the mission cards to refresh. If new missions appeared around the town, the bartender would place the new mission cards on the bar counter every day at 12 PM.

For Guo Duo, the missions she hoped to receive most were Platinum 10 or Platinum 9 missions.

These missions offered the best value for her, with a high chance of completion and good rewards.

Missions above that, like Platinum 11 and Platinum 12, were less appealing.

Because they were thankless tasks, often resulting in mission failure and all efforts being in vain.

However, Platinum 10 and Platinum 9 missions were also the most sought-after missions among adventurers.

It should be known that this small town was not the only place that issued missions.

Other adventurer gathering places nearby might also issue the same missions.

Just in the small town where Guo Duo was, there were at least 3 competing points nearby.

Originally, Platinum 10 and Platinum 9 missions were not very tight, but with many A+ contract holders from various Card Halls entering the Chess Domain recently, everyone was scrambling for them.

With more monks than porridge, more wolves than gruel, competition pressure naturally formed.

When the tavern clock chimed, 12 o'clock had arrived.

The bartender walked to the counter, immediately making Guo Duo perk up.

Regrettably, he seemed to have no new missions to issue.

"It seems I can only take a Platinum 5~8 mission today."

She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

"Hmm?"

But just then, Guo Duo saw the bartender replace the mission cards in one of the wooden frames.

Wasn't that the mission Shi Li took?

She quickly picked up the mission card to look, and her expression immediately changed.

"Exterminate the Red-Footed Lair"

"Mission Content": Red-footed Lizards are said to be demonic beasts with a trace of Red Dragon bloodline. They possess powerful vitality and prefer to live in groups.

A group of Red-footed Lizards recently established a lair 70 kilometers outside the town. It is reported that their leader has completed the first stage of Dragon Transformation, posing a huge safety hazard.

Adventurers of sufficient strength are requested to go and exterminate them.

"Enemy Level": ☆☆☆, 3~10;

"Recommended Rank": Platinum 15 or above "Reward Item": Red Dragon Blood "What?!"

Guo Duo saw this and realized it was a serious matter.

"The mission Shi Li took was clearly Gold 5, but now it has upgraded to Platinum 15?!

He absolutely cannot complete the mission, and he will definitely encounter danger!"

She estimated the time; Shi Li had already been gone for over an hour.

The Chess Domain Master had already left, and she couldn't contact him.

So the fastest way now was for her to go rescue him herself.

"No time to lose, depart immediately!"

Thinking this, Guo Duo rushed out of the tavern like the wind.

She quickly floated towards the map guidance on the mission card.

In reality, Shi Li's speed was considerably faster than imagined.

He had already arrived at the Red-footed Lizard's lair, following the map's guidance.

This was a downward-extending cave entrance, with the faint orange-red glow of magma radiating from within.

"This is it, no mistake."

Shi Li floated in and soon saw a large lizard with reddish skin.

"Red-Footed Lizard Scout, ☆☆, 7/7"

"Alright, doesn't seem too strong."

"Gah!!"

Facing the arrival of the intruder, the large lizard let out a roar at Shi Li.

Boom. Then the Chess Domain descended, and his perspective quickly rose to an overhead view.

A narrow, grid-like map was thus presented before his eyes.

"I can beat you easily."

The first round arrived, and Shi Li directly deployed his 4 battle chess pieces.

That's right, 4 pieces.

Because here, cloud river Still had a linked appearance relationship with Baizheng.

"It feels a bit like playing Super Robot Wars."

Seeing the projections of these two battle chess pieces land, Shi Li couldn't help but joke.

In this round, he placed Red Blade Maiden + Tiao Tiao Guard + Baizheng + cloud river.

And on the opposite side, three large red lizards with protruding teeth appeared.

Their card faces were all the same.

"Red-Footed Lizard Scout"

Chasing Wind, Attack 30, 100/100, 0/30

Movement Range 7, Attack Range 1

"Heat-Resistant Flippers - Passive": Red-Footed Lizard Scout does not consume health or Movement range when passing through magma terrain.

"Guerrilla Tactics - 30 Energy": Red-Footed Lizard Scout performs 1 attack and an additional 1-range Movement.

"Attack and then run, worthy of a scout."

Shi Li looked at the grids on the map, and he immediately had a plan.

The most important point in this game was a terrain feature that needed attention: a river-like formation of lava.

"Magma": Passing through/staying on loses 10 health per round. Besides losing health when standing on it, this terrain could also be utilized by the Red-Footed Lizard Scout.

Its two traits formed a very good combination; it could move close to a target, complete an attack, and then use the magma as a springboard to escape, making it impossible for opponents to catch it.

If an opponent rashly pursued into the magma, they would pay a huge price, as this magma cost 10 health for every grid moved.

"Just this little trick, it can't pose much of a threat to me."

Shi Li's lineup heavily countered the opponent.