The Card Apprentice

The rumour came without any notice. Furthermore, the content of the rumour was very strange, close to being bizarre.

The rumour was relevant to the White Commander, saying that he was a numbered series of cards master! No one believed in the rumour at the beginning. The White Commander was obviously a card artisan, how could he be a numbered series of card master? However, as time passed, the number of people who believed in the rumour increased.

Indeed, card artisan could not simultaneously be a card master. However, it only applied to ordinary card artisans. During ancient time, there was no distinct difference between card artisans and card masters. The two jobs were only separated after the establishment of Van Sant System. Heiner Van Sant himself was a strong man who had both jobs.

Was the White Commander an ordinary card artisan? Of course not! He was the descendent of Caesar, the God of Slaughter! How could he be just another ordinary card artisan?

The fact alone was not totally convincing. Yet, as more new evidences surfaced, the credibility of the rumour seemed to have strengthened. Shortly after that, the store owned by Janet was involved in the saga. They witnessed the completion of the numbered series of cards 029: Bomb. It was a numbered series of cards that has never been seen by anyone in real life. Everyone was astounded when the data of Bomb was announced. They no longer suspected if the card belonged to the numbered series of cards anymore.

With such shocking data, everyone would only believe that it was part of the numbered series of cards series instead of a low-ranked card.

Piecing all of these together was still barely enough to explain that the numbered series of cards master was originated from Dongrui City. Out of everyone’s expectation, the card used by the White Commander’s hitman was revealed not long after. It was the famous 029: Bomb! This was proven by many card artisans that worked under the Tai-shu family. They vividly described how the hitman ravaged the training room. His appalling power and explosion matched the publicly announced data of Bomb.

The people who were conducting their studies in Fir Town would not think of it as a delusion. Any seasoned card artisan could easily identify the destruction caused by a specific card just by looking at the scorched pit and the desecrated woods!

They could all agree on the same conclusion – Bomb was in the hands of the White Commander!

As all the evidences emerged, the people, who used to despise rumours, were now almost convinced. The White Commander did not came forth to clear things up throughout the whole process. None of his subordinates showed their faces in public as well. The only official statement from Tai-shu family proclaimed that the White Commander was focusing on training the newly recruited card artisans.

Meanwhile, according to unidentified sources, it was said that Tai-shu family had purchased an enormous amount of materials for card-making via some extremely covert channels.

Two days later, a newly recruited card artisan revealed that Tai-shu family had equipped him with a brand new card. The power of this card was terrifyingly powerful. On that very same day, the card artisan, who let the news slip out, was chased out of Tai-shu family, his card forfeited.

This caught everybody off guard!

Those card artisans who remained quiet at first have all now rushed to Tai-shu family. The White Commander’s triumph against the Big Bad Wolves was wantonly rendered the name “The Impossible Victory” by all the platforms. It was so well-known that even the whole Heavenly Federation knew about it. The White Commander had upgraded his title from Caesar’s descendant to the most dazzling star of the Federation, a fame gained from battle!

When people spoke of him, he was no longer seen as Caesar’s descendant, because in their eyes, he was completely different from Caesar.

Caesar was a bloodthirsty man. Despite of being ruthless, the White Commander was nothing like Caesar who acted upon his unpredictable moods. Moreover, he was not a loner like Caesar. The White Commander carried the traits of a leader and he had good attainment in battle skills. Regarding this, all the forces, that had been observing the White Commander closely, was very clear about his capability. It could easily be deduced by looking at the improvements in the quality of Tai-shu family’s card artisans.

However, there was something similar between the White Commander and Caesar. It was their domineering personalities! It was needless to say for Caesar, but the White Commander was no way inferior than his own mentor. He dare to take the initiative to attack his enemy, who was several times more powerful than him! Even when facing the behemoth Federation Comprehensive Academy, he did not hesitate the slightest. Instead, he publicly recruited and grew the size of his crew! The power and courage that he showcased gained him the respects of many card artisans!

Yet, people were still skeptical about the rumour of him being a numbered series of cards master. However, no one would deny the fact that he definitely had a special relationship with numbered series of cards master.

If one could take a look at Heavenly Federation from the skies, one could see numerous card artisans like a huge tsunami overwhelming Dongrui City.

Back at the Yuzi Military Force, Tan Yumin said with a ghastly pale face as she gnashed her teeth, “Find out who leaked the news!”

In spite of having blackmailed Chen Mu with his secret, but she had never considered to disclose the news. She was no fool. She knew clearly that the Big Six would not let the White Commander off easily if they found out about the secret of numbered series of cards master. Then, she would not be able to obtain any benefit from Chen Mu anymore.

Never would it have crossed her mind that one day, the information would be leaked!

“No,” Ji Zhihao was no longer his normal cunning self. He said with an extremely serious expression, “There’s something suspicious about this. If it wasn’t because of Miss, I’d never expected him to be a numbered series of cards master. I don’t believe there’s anyone else who was able to notice this. Besides, Miss, I wonder if you’ve noticed something else?”

“What is it?” Tan Yumin tried her utmost to suppress the annoyance in her as the situation was no longer in her control.

“I’ve noticed something from the incident that happened in Janet’s store. I’ve interrogated Janet, and she swore that she did not tell anyone about the incident. Hence, I am positive that they are not the ones who leaked the information. Moreover, the appearance of the numbered series of cards master in Janet’s store has no direct relation to the fact that the White Commander is a numbered series of cards master. I reckon no one could have figured out the relationship between these two incidents in such a short time,” Ji Zhihao spoke in a composed yet intelligent tone.

Tan Yumin took a deep breath. She was trying her best to keep her composure, “What do you mean?”

“I suspect that the White Commander personally released the news!” Ji Zhihao made a reckless conclusion.

“He did it personally?” Tan Yumin seemed startled as she spoke, “But, why?”

Ji Zhihao answered with clear and tranquil eyes, “To hype things up!”

Before Tan Yumin could reply, Ji Zhihao continued, “He’s trying to promote himself. We should have guessed it when he publicly recruited all the card artisans to grow the size of his team! Apparently, he has sensed the danger and intended to empower his force within the shortest time. Before this, besides being Caesar’s descendant, he was merely a top-ranked card artisan. Hence, he could barely stand out among the other card artisans.”

He spoke even faster as he started picturing it clearly in his mind, “After his unexpected triumph against the Big Bad Wolves of Federation Comprehensive Academy, he has successfully become the star of the Heavenly Federation and gained fame! Seemingly, he is not satisfied with his fame, hence, he released the rumor to push his reputation to its peak! Obviously, he has achieved it perfectly! From the report prepared by Captain You, our recruitment is now stagnant as all the attention of the card artisans have been shifted to the White Commander! The most impressive thing is that he turned the tables around and now he has the upper hand! We can no longer go against him. From an outsider’s perspective, he seems to have put himself in the limelight, in a dangerous position. In actual fact, it’s the safest place for him to be. No one would dare touch him before they figure out the situation clearly. On the other hand, Moon Frost Island will protect him. Excellent! He’s so outstanding!”

The more Ji Zhihao thought about it, the more he was impressed. He could not help but praise him.

Tan Yumin was taken aback with surprise. In a blink of an eye, their positions in the game had changed entirely. She was shocked, yet terrified. She had never expected the man, who always appeared cold and quiet, was so sharp and intelligent!

Ji Zhihao furrowed his brows abruptly and spoke in a confused tone, “However, there’s something that I don’t understand. The White Commander has changed into a totally different person in such a short time. Unless something happened during that period of time? Or has he always been a scheming man? It’s so difficult to read his mind! Negative, something that we have no knowledge of must have happened. Indeed, he made a smart move, but he seemed to have done it in hurry. Why did he do it so hastily?”

Tan Yumin remained silent. She had regained her composure. Her beautiful eyes resumed beaming, yet, her gaze was unreadable.

Tai-shu Yong stood before Chen Mu quietly yet cowardly. He had always known about the wit of the White Commander, but he had never expected such ruthlessness! He did not dare to play deceitful tricks in front of the White Commander anymore no matter how cunning he was. Besides, being the leader of a family, he had learned how to read the situation. From what the White Commander did from the past few days, he understood that this man was not a country pumpkin as he appeared to be.

“How many new recruits do we have today?” Chen Mu asked.

Tai-shu Yong replied politely, “There were too many card artisans that came today. There are 756 of them who fit the criteria. Six of them are grade seven card artisans. But, they wish to discuss with you personally,” he appeared to be contented as he spoke. There were too many card artisans who came to register themselves in the past few days. Each day, the number of registers would break a new record. As there was a huge number of candidates, they were blessed with more variety in choosing their new recruits. Hence, the new recruits had considerably high quality.

The enlisted card artisans generally possessed a perception of grade six. Besides, there were also some young card artisans with a lot of potential that enrolled. Their biggest surprise was the presence of card artisans who possessed a perception of grade seven. However, they requested to speak to the White Commander personally.

Their demand was comprehensible. Grade seven card artisans were usually the main members of all major card artisan teams, namely Snowflake Card Artisan Team.

Chen Mu nodded, “Fine, I’ll meet them.” He knew the objectives of these people. They were all here because of the cards and his identity as a numbered series of cards master.

“Another thing is,” Tai-shu Yong glimpsed at Chen Mu, then continued, “Moon Frost Island had sent their men here.”

“Oh,” Chen Mu was briefly taken aback, “How many of them?”

“Only one.”

Chen Mu was startled as he confirmed, “Only one?”

“Yes. It’s Baiyue, the top-ranked card artisan among the younger generations in Moon Frost Island.” Tai-shu Yong failed to contain his excitement. The attention Moon Front Island paid to Tai-shu family was evident if they sent Baiyue here. Tai-shu family was originated from Heavenly Drum District. Naturally, the attitude of Moon Frost Island would directly affect the future of Tai-shu Family.

“Baiyue…” Chen Mu mumbled absentmindedly. The face of a beautiful yet icy lady surfaced in his mind. Her battle with the Twin Stars back in Desert Camp left an impactful impression in his mind. It was one of the most intriguing and powerful battle he had seen in a very long time.

However, he could now easily win in this kind of battle. Had he unknowingly improved so much?

A treacly sentiment filled his heart as he remained his cool and asked, “When will she be arriving?”

“Approximately seven days later,” Tai-shu Yong answered.

“Oh, I see,” Chen Mu nodded. Tai-shu Yong got Chen Mu’s message and promptly left the place to resume to his work.

Wei-ah appeared at Chen Mu’s side quietly.

“Wei-ah, I’m feeling a little tired,” Chen Mu seemed weary as the work from the past few days had drained him out.

“Woody, you did a great job,” Wei-ah said in a firm tone, assuring Chen Mu.

Chen Mu felt slightly motivated before he put on a bitter smile, “Did I? Frankly, I’ve no idea what I’m doing. But, seemingly, my luck is not bad at all.”

“You acted hastily,” Wei-ah’s words were always succinct yet precise.

“Of course. How could I have not acted fast?” A hint of worry flashed across Chen Mu’s gaze, “We’ve lost contact with Bogner for so many days. They must be in great danger! We have to hurry up!”

The two remained silent

They had never been able to contact Bogner and his mates ever since the last time they kept in touch. This worried Chen Mu very much. However, he knew that worrying was not going to get him anywhere. Instead of wasting his time worrying, it was better for him take action!

Therefore, he did not run away. He gave his utmost to find out the weakness of the Big Bad Wolves. He had no comrades to discuss this with as he could not get ahold of Bogner. Hence, he spent all his time alone to come up with a good plan. No one would ever know how much effort he spent on this plan that seemed quite too much.

Nevertheless, he felt insecure as this was a field that he was not familiar with.

Time. They were racing against time. As long as he could successfully carry out his plan earlier,, the pressure Bogner was facing would be greatly reduced. He was anxious, yet, not able to calm himself down, as another person’s life solely depended on this plan!

Pressure. He was suffocated by such huge pressure. He was close to breaking down. Having to face this all alone, he was under a lot of stress!

But, he did not give up. Despite being a country pumpkin in others’ eyes, he had now turned into a unwavering rock!

Pressure could push someone to become a better version of themselves!

In such a short time, not mentioning the countless attention he had been receiving from the public and under the extreme pressure, Chen Mu had grown into a matured man!

He took a deep breath, then exhaled. His gaze returned to being calm and the weariness was all gone.

“Wei-ah, let’s meet the grade seven card artisans!”