42: The nemesis of [Red Knife Princess]

The Stone Demon does not belong to the humanoid card type, but Liang Dan’s Chasing Wind card is a humanoid card.

So, in the first round, it was instantly killed by Fang Jinghai.

With Stun, there was no way to stop it.

Just when everyone thought Fang Jinghai would capitalize on his advantage of having one more character card to expand his lead, Liang Dan played an unexpected hand card.

LV1 Isolation: Makes one card unable to receive Healing/damage-bearing effects for two rounds (T1)

It’s important to know that in single-lane card games like those in the Silver and Gold tiers, the number of Healing or Shield hand cards largely determines victory.

If one side continuously uses these types of hand cards, they can easily gain an advantage.

But there is one hand card that is very effective against Healing hand cards.

That is Isolation.

For example, LV1 Isolation not only has a higher priority (T1) than other negative effects (T2), but it also lasts for two rounds.

This means that when this hand card is played, the target cannot receive any recovery effects in the current round and the next round.

From a certain perspective, one Isolation card is equivalent to countering two Healing cards from the opponent.

LV2 and LV3 Isolation can even last for more rounds, countering even more.

Clearly, this LV1 Isolation also caught Fang Jinghai off guard.

By the end of the second round, his three-star Barbarian Warrior was eliminated.

Liang Dan didn't even contribute much damage because the Barbarian Warrior had already burned 60 health itself by continuously using skills for two rounds.

It can be said that because of her hand card, the previously apparent losing streak was largely turned around.

The two sides went back and forth, and the final result was that the regular cards mutually annihilated, with each side having 30 points remaining, and the ace cards were about to be revealed.

“Before the match, I really didn’t expect Liang Dan to push Fang Jinghai this far.”

“Next is the fair duel of ace cards, and it’s hard to say who will win.”

“Liang Dan has a great chance; maybe she can pull off an upset and win the championship this time!”

In the player seats, everyone except the players from Second High School leaned more towards Liang Dan.

Because an underdog's comeback is usually a more favored script.

“…”

However, Shi Li did not express an opinion.

He had a feeling that things might not be so simple.

From beginning to end, he hadn’t seen a trace of panic on Fang Jinghai’s face.

Some people’s composure might be an act, while others’ composure comes from confidence.

Fang Jinghai gave the impression of the latter.

A new round arrived, and Liang Dan was the first to reveal her ace card.

“Everyone must submit!”

From the pillar of light on the card, a figure clad in full steel plate armor emerged.

It held a square-headed hammer in its hand, and the only part of its head visible outside the armor was a skull.

Skull Leader

Chasing Wind, 30 points, two-star

Attack 70, 200/200, 0/30

Leader - Passive: When Skull Leader serves as the ace, Attack +10

Intimidating Hammer - 30 Energy: Skull Leader attacks one target, inflicting Fear effect

(Fear: Target is forced to perform Defense next round)

“Amazing, high attack and hard control!”

“Although the difference between 60 attack and 70 attack for an ace card is only 10 points, it’s a world of difference!”

“And when necessary, it can also activate a control skill.”

“Performing Defense in a one-on-one situation is pure taking damage.”

As soon as this ace card was revealed, everyone believed Liang Dan had a sure victory.

“A good ace card.”

But Fang Jinghai still showed no change in expression when he saw this ace card.

“As long as I defeat you, the championship of this unified exam will be mine.”

“So, to ensure nothing goes wrong, I will use all my strength to defeat you.”

Having made preparations, he revealed his ace card.

“Yuan Shan Style, behold!”

Blue light surged from the card face, and a figure slowly emerged.

This was an ancient-style man dressed in a Taoist robe, but his weapons were a bit strange—they were two wedge-shaped Shields.

Yuan Shan First Disciple

Steadfast, 30 points, two-star

Attack 60, 200/200, 0/30

As Mountain - Characteristic: Yuan Shan First Disciple takes no more than 50 damage from a single attack.

Protection - Passive: Yuan Shan First Disciple gains 30 Shield in the round it is revealed (T1).

Energy Infusion - Passive: Yuan Shan First Disciple gains 30 Healing the first time its energy is fully charged in this game (T5).

“unique card! So Fang Jinghai also has a Unique Character Card!”

“And it’s a Unique Character Card with a Characteristic!”

“What a powerful Characteristic!”

“No matter how high your single-target output, it will only deal 50 damage to me!”

“This card is simply a divine artifact for ace card duels and PVE!”

The appearance of the Yuan Shan First Disciple caused the audience to exclaim in surprise.

Shi Li, however, fell into deep thought upon seeing this card.

Taking no more than 50 damage from a single attack—such a Characteristic was truly too strong.

It could be said to completely counter Red Blade Maiden’s single-target burst skill.

If he were to face Fang Jinghai’s ace card, how would he respond?

Recalling the health-segmented boss in the Ancient Tomb Royal Guard, a sense of powerlessness suddenly arose.

He had originally thought Red Blade Maiden’s output skills were invincible, but she kept encountering counters.

It seems he still needed to continue strengthening her; card improvement is indeed endless.

With the Yuan Shan First Disciple revealed, Fang Jinghai undoubtedly secured the victory.

This was a classic high-survival, steadfast ace card duel strategy.

Its output ability might not be very high, but it was definitely more durable than the opponent’s ace card.

“My output isn’t high, but your output against me doesn’t hurt.”

The main strategy is to wear you down.

Anyway, whoever stands last is the winner.

Liang Dan, who had given her all, could only end with regret.

And just as everyone was savoring this early final, Shi Li had already arrived at the center of the arena.

With little concern, his opponent drawn was Yan Hao.

The guy who claimed he could counter him.

He was also the only player in the top 32 who had risen three tiers from Gold 1 to Gold 4 in just 10 days.

“Shi Li, I’m sorry.

You’ve drawn me, so you’ll stop here.”

Right from the start, Yan Hao displayed a sense of superiority.

After Liang Dan was eliminated, he became the highest-ranked player among Third High School’s contestants.

But it seemed his luck was good; drawing such an opponent would surely help his alma mater secure a spot in the top 8.

“No need to apologize for something that won’t happen.”

Shi Li’s tone was calm as he set up his pre-arranged deck.

“Hmph! We’ll see if you’re still so stubborn later!”

Yan Hao also revealed his deck.

The first round arrived, and both sides revealed their first row cards.

To the audience’s surprise, both Shi Li’s and Yan Hao’s first row cards were Stone Demon.

And even the Characteristics were identical.

Stone Demon

Steadfast, 20 points, two-star

Attack 20, 100/100, 0/40

Sturdy - Passive: When Stone Demon is in Defense, damage taken -10.

Defense - 30 Energy: Stone Demon enters Defense state this round (T1).

...