Chapter 40: The Burst Deck
The Ji family held a grand banquet to celebrate Ji Ya’s recovery, inviting all the prominent figures in the Royal Capital.
Amidst the bustling crowd, Yan Zhen hid in a corner, leaning against a wall, his system interface open, reviewing his collection of Special Trump Cards.
[1v1, He’s Gonna Fight Ten, Locust Loan, Money Talks, My Wings, Woohoo Takeoff!, Turn-Based, Awesome!, VIP, Super Double… and so on.]
These were the ones he might need soon.
His expression was serious.
In the script, after losing his Phosphorus Fire to Yan Zhen, Han Feng, unwilling to accept defeat, had asked his master to retrieve it.
Now that Han Feng was dead, his master would definitely come seeking revenge.
His master, “Master Mo Lan,” was a renowned Tier 5 Pill Master from the Sacred Ground Academy, wielding the Molten Fire, ranked 81st on the Extreme Flame Ranking. Although his cultivation was only at the Mystic King realm, his Soul Realm had reached the Ethereal Realm. He could control his Extreme Flame with his powerful soul, making him capable of fighting Mystic Lords.
And Mystic Refiners usually had many friends. This time, Master Mo Lan would bring a Mystic Lord realm friend with him.
Mystic Lords were typically sect leaders. A single sect usually had only two or three.
Two Mystic Lord realm experts… That was enough to challenge any sect.
The Ji family only had Mystic King realm experts. They didn’t have any Mystic Lords. And the three protector elders of the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce wouldn’t intervene on his behalf. He had to rely on himself.
In the script, he had tricked Master Mo Lan’s Mystic Lord companion into entering the crystal space, then, with his Beautiful Sect Master’s help, had thoroughly beaten him, forcing Master Mo Lan to flee.
However, that method was risky. He was afraid of things going wrong. He decided to use the Trump Cards he had received from the system.
Not the all-purpose Tier 2 Trump Cards, but the Special Trump Cards.
His journey to the Demon Dragon Mountain Range to find the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire would be even more dangerous. He wanted to save his Tier 2 Trump Cards for that. For now, he would use a deck built with Special Trump Cards.
He called this his “Burst Deck.” Once activated, it would temporarily boost his power to unimaginable levels.
“What are you doing?”
Yi Xian’er’s voice came from behind him. He was used to her sudden appearances. He replied calmly, “I’m not comfortable with crowds, so I’m just… enjoying some peace and quiet.”
“You and Sister Ji Ya are the main characters today.”
Her tone was sour. She felt like Ji Ya had gotten ahead of her, and she could only watch helplessly.
Yin Body… so troublesome.
I should have gone to the Yin Spirit Valley in the Closed Moon Kingdom and resolved this issue before meeting him.
“I told you, it’s just a formality. We’ll make an appearance, and that’s it.”
She sensed his distraction. “Are you nervous?”
“A little, but not about what you’re thinking.”
After a moment of silence, she said, “I’m jealous.”
Her bluntness left him speechless. He could only ask, “Does it taste good?”
“What do you think?” She frowned. “Want me to bring you a vat to try?”
There was vinegar on the table.
He chuckled nervously. “Just kidding.”
“…Little Brother Yan Zhen, Little Sister Xian’er, what are you doing hiding here?”
Ji Ya approached, her fragrance filling the air.
She wasn’t wearing her usual red qipao today, but a red formal dress, its skirt reaching her ankles, revealing matching embroidered shoes. A fluffy shawl draped over her arms, gold earrings dangling from her ears, her stunning face flushed slightly, her eyes adorned with a light eyeshadow, enhancing her allure.
Her natural charm had been amplified by her newfound maturity, making her even more seductive, a true fox spirit, captivating everyone present.
He stared at her, mesmerized, until Yi Xian’er discreetly pinched him, snapping him out of his daze.
Even Yi Xian’er had to admit, Ji Ya was incredibly alluring right now. Her simple attire paled in comparison.
Ji Ya smiled, taking his arm, her voice sweet.
“Don’t be shy, Little Brother. Come greet the guests with Older Sister.”
He wanted to refuse, but she wouldn’t let go. He had no choice but to follow her.
Yi Xian’er pouted, staying behind, her arms crossed, her eyes closed.
A young man, his face full of confidence, approached her, attempting to strike up a conversation. She opened her purple-black eyes, glancing at him.
He felt like he was facing a dark queen seated on a throne of bones. A cold sweat broke out, and he quickly retreated.
…
Yan Zhen followed Ji Ya, meeting various prominent figures in the Royal Capital. Everyone complimented them on their good looks and compatibility, especially the older women who were close to Ji Ya. Their enthusiasm was overwhelming, and he could only maintain a stiff smile.
By the end of the introductions, he felt like ants were crawling all over his body. Thankfully, the banquet officially began, and Ji Lin, her grandfather, took the stage to give a speech, sparing him from further “pleasantries” with strangers.
The old man announced their engagement, stating their intention to hold a ceremony soon, all standard formalities.
However, at that moment, a commotion erupted outside. Several guards flew into the hall, crashing onto tables and the floor, startling everyone.
“What’s going on?!”
Ji Lin roared, but no one answered.
Two figures entered the hall, an elderly man in yellow robes and a middle-aged man in blue robes, their auras imposing, their intentions clearly hostile.
It was Master Mo Lan, Han Feng’s master, and his close friend.
Behind them were the Hundred Mile City Mystic Academy Headmaster and the Second and Third Shopkeepers of the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce.
A Ji family elder questioned them.
“Who are you? Why have you trespassed on our property?”
Master Mo Lan stroked his beard, his voice cold.
“I am Mo Lan. I’m here for revenge. To avenge my disciple and retrieve his Extreme Flame.”
“Revenge? Against…”
All eyes turned to Yan Zhen, some filled with surprise, others with amusement.
Master Mo Lan’s face was grim.
“Yes, against your new son-in-law. Hand him over, and I’ll leave peacefully. Otherwise, after today, the Ji family will cease to exist in the Sunward Kingdom!”
His words made the Ji family members pale.
Being threatened like this in front of so many guests… If they didn’t react, how could they maintain their standing in the Royal Capital?
“Audacious!”
“Seize them!”
“—Wait!” Ji Lin shouted, stopping his foolish clansmen. He stepped forward, bowing. “May I ask, Master Mo Lan, is there some misunderstanding? Yan Zhen is just a Mystic Scholar. How could he possibly offend you?”
Before Master Mo Lan could answer, the Second and Third Shopkeepers eagerly interjected.
“Old Master, that Yan Zhen killed Master Mo Lan’s beloved disciple and stole his hard-earned Extreme Flame! He’s a heinous criminal! Don’t try to defend him!”
“Hand him over, and you might be able to save your family! Otherwise, our Chamber might lose a major shareholder!”
Ji Lin frowned, turning to Ji Ya.
“Nonsense.”
Ji Ya’s expression remained calm as she explained the situation.
“Han Feng broke the rules during the duel. My Little Brother Yan Zhen severed his arm as punishment. What’s wrong with that?”
The Headmaster jumped in.
“Then how do you explain his poisoning? You lied and claimed it was caused by his Phosphorus Fire going out of control! If not for Master Mo Lan’s sharp eyes, we would have been fooled!”
The Second and Third Shopkeepers chimed in, still angry about being tricked by a young boy.
Ji Ya’s expression remained unchanged.
“That was just a possible explanation. Believe it or not, it’s up to you. We haven’t even seen Han Feng’s body. You’re the ones who claimed he was poisoned. Who knows if it’s true? And if you insist that we’re responsible, where’s the evidence?”
They were speechless.
“I don’t need evidence to act.” Master Mo Lan said arrogantly. “My disciple was injured by that Yan Zhen thief, his arm severed, his Extreme Flame stolen. He died afterwards. Whether or not he was poisoned by him, it’s undeniable that he’s involved! Hand him over!”
The middle-aged Mystic Lord stepped forward.
“Hand him over, or I’ll take him myself. Choose.”
He unleashed his Mystic Lord aura, a wave of pressure sweeping through the hall.
Mystic Lords, when circulating their Mystic Power, could resonate with the surrounding world, drawing upon its power, creating a tangible pressure.
Those below the Mystic King realm felt a sense of fear, their gazes filled with awe.
Ji Ya snorted. Aunt Mu’s figure materialized beside her. She glanced at Yan Zhen.
“Shall I intervene, Young Mistress?”
Before Ji Ya could answer, Yan Zhen spoke.
“Since they’re here for me, I’ll handle it. You don’t have to interfere.”
Ji Ya hesitated. Based on her previous life, he was indeed capable of handling this himself, but it was too risky.
They were only two opponents. Aunt Mu and Ji Lin, both Ninth Star Mystic Kings, should be able to handle the Mystic Lord, while the other Ji family experts could gang up on Master Mo Lan. Repelling them shouldn’t be difficult.
“Little Brother Yan Zhen…”
He raised his hand, stopping her. He walked through the crowd, approaching Yi Xian’er, finding her hair starting to turn silver, a faint Yin energy emanating from her body, her expression suggesting she was ready to fight. He said sternly, “You’re not allowed to interfere.”
She was stubborn. “Why not?”
Because you’re not supposed to be involved in this scene. He glared at her.
He still needed to be harassed by Master Mo Lan and Han Feng at the Sacred Ground Academy. Now that Han Feng was dead, if Master Mo Lan also died, what would he do?
Without external pressure, the plot would be too boring.
“No reason. Just stay put and watch me beat up a Mystic Lord.”
[Ding! Key Plot Point Activated.]
[Current Plot Progress: Chapter 201 – Trapping the Mystic Lord.]
[Acting Requirements: Lure the Mystic Lord opponent into the Fire Refining Starry Sky and, with Chen Xi’s help, kill him.]
[Completion Rate: 0%.]
“…”
— Sorry, I’m not using any tricks this time. I’m going to fight them head-on!
…
He walked out of the hall, facing the two uninvited guests. “You’re looking for me?”
Master Mo Lan’s eyes narrowed. “You’re Yan Zhen? Kneel before me!”
A powerful wave of Spiritual Power swept towards him, attempting to suppress him, forcing him to kneel.
The mysterious crystal around his neck flashed, negating the pressure.
“What are you barking about?”
Master Mo Lan’s face darkened. He turned to his friend.
“Take him down!”
The Mystic Lord nodded, then reached out, his Mystic Power resonating with the world, forming a giant hand that grabbed at Yan Zhen.
However, Yan Zhen’s movements were too fast. He left behind a trail of starlight as he soared into the air.
Starry Sky Dance!
“System, activate Duel Disk Mode.”
[Acknowledged.]
He raised his left hand, a Duel Disk materializing on his wrist. He slotted a stack of Special Trump Cards into the deck zone, then drew a card.
“I activate Special Trump Card: 1v1! Target: Master Mo Lan’s friend, the middle-aged man in blue robes.”
The card slotted into its designated zone, activating. A translucent dueling platform appeared beneath him, and the middle-aged man was teleported to the opposite side.
The man was surprised.
“What’s going on? What is this?”
“From now on, it’s a one-on-one duel!”
He drew another card, flipping it over. Turn-Based.
“I activate Special Trump Card: Turn-Based! Our battle will now proceed in turns. Only one of us can attack at a time. We’ll decide who goes first with a coin toss. Heads, he goes first. Tails, I go first.”
He tossed a prepared jade coin, activating Special Trump Card: Lucky Pervert, forcing the current lewd scene to occur. The coin landed tails up, revealing a naked woman.
“I activate Special Trump Card: Money Talks! Spending twenty million Crystal Coins to double my strength!”
“I activate Special Trump Card: Woohoo Takeoff! Based on my current altitude, my aerial combat power is doubled again!”
The middle-aged man, confused, could sense Yan Zhen’s power skyrocketing. He tried to attack, to capture him quickly, but an invisible force restrained him.
Yan Zhen continued.
“I activate Special Trump Card: My Wings! Borrowing power from those who love me!”
The card activated, and images of beautiful faces flashed before his eyes: his Beautiful Sect Master, Huangfu Wenqing, Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, Instructor Yu Xuan, Mi Xue’er, Xiao Xinyan, Ji Ya, Yi Xian’er… Strangely, there were also several faces he couldn’t recognize.
Over a dozen different energies surged from them, flowing into his body, his aura skyrocketing, his cultivation reaching the Ninth Star Mystic King realm!
Even he was surprised by the intensity of the power boost.
The middle-aged man was stunned. What kind of sorcery is this? How did he suddenly become so powerful?
But it wasn’t over yet!
He activated Special Trump Card: He’s Gonna Fight Ten! Nine more Yan Zhens, all at the Ninth Star Mystic King realm, appeared on the platform!
He activated Special Trump Card: Super Double! The ten Yan Zhens became twenty, surrounding the middle-aged man, their power doubling again, reaching the Mystic Lord realm!
He activated Special Trump Card: VIP! Critical hit rate increased!
“End of turn.”
Feeling the overwhelming power coursing through him, the twenty Yan Zhens smiled at the middle-aged man, then simultaneously reached out, their hands igniting with the Gold and Silver Fire, forming incredibly dense Extreme Flame Swords.
With the infusion of Mystic Power, the swords grew larger, their blades reaching ten meters in length.
The twenty Yan Zhens, wielding their giant swords, raised them high, creating a fiery cage, trapping the horrified middle-aged man.
“Die!”
Leave a Reply