The Card Apprentice

When Tang Hanpei finished watching Rossiji’s analysis, the corner of his lips tugged into a smile, and he muttered, “So it’s him.”

The image of a young man with a thin figure appeared in his mind. During the time in Pomelo City, this young man was the person who left the deepest impression on him. The fact that he was the producer of the numerical series cards, and had subordinates who were able to produce the Starfish fort, these were definitely enough to attract people’s attention to him. If he didn’t have the power of the Starfish fort, he would not have been able to defeat Qiao Yuan.

“My Lord, this is the information regarding Tan Yumin.” Shao Xue presented a piece of card in a respectful manner.

She never understood the appreciation his Lordship had towards Tan Yumin. A few years ago, his Lordship began to gather all the news relating to Tan Yumin. And that time, his Lordship was only the Director of Academic Affairs in the school.

“Good.” Tang Hanpei accepted the card, placed it into the card player and began watching. His suddenly began to glisten.

Shao Xue stopped breathing. She who had followed after his Lordship for a long time understood that his Lordship must have made some sort of discovery.

After closing the card player, Tang Hanpei shut his eyes and fell into deep thought. His right hand was unconsciously stroking the black notebook in front of him. After a short while, he abruptly opened his eyes.

Shao Xue’s heart froze. She went to her half-bowing position as she waited for his Lordship’s order.

“I’ll give you a task,” Tang Hanpei said plainly.

“Yes!” Shao Xue did not hesitate whatsoever.

Tang Hanpei said softly, “Remember when I previously asked you to investigate the Federation’s famous expert in Card Appliance?”

“I remember.” Shao Xue answered, “For the past few years, the Intelligence Department never stopped investigating anything relating to that. However, as you did not make any further commands, we did not take any further action.”

“You’ve done well.” Tang Hanpei smiled as he praised. Shao Xue was secretly joyous. It was not easy to be able to receive praise from his Lordship. Tang Hanpei stopped smiling and said in a strict manner, “Employ all the forces we can draw on. Bring all these people to the Academy, and don’t miss out even a single one.”

“Yes!” Shao Xue sternly responded.

“This job has to be done as quickly as possible. After these people have been brought over, build a Faculty of Card Appliance Research.”

“Yes!”

“I will be out during this period of time.” Tang Hanpei said plainly.

“Shao Xue went pale in shock, “My Lord! At this time…” As the Tang Team had just been rebuilt, the situation in the capital city could not be considered as stable. Every director as well as those aristocratic families with a long history were continuously making little tricks in the dark, but because Tang Hanpei was personally keeping watch in the capital, no one dared to step out of line. However, if his Lordship decides to leave the capital city at this moment, the situation may get out of control.

Tang Hanpei waved his hand and interrupted Shao Xue, “No need to worry, I have already made arrangements.”

As Shao Xue looked at his Lordship, she couldn’t help but to be in a trance. Last time, his Lordship always gave people a feeling of elegance and was full of grace, just like a scholar. But now he has become increasingly unpredictable and unwilling to share his real feelings. The calmness in his face looked as if there was nothing in this world that could make his heart move in the slightest.

Perhaps only such a strong Lord can bring the Comprehensive Federation Academy of the Heavenly Federation to a brighter path!

Central Repository of the Classics.

Jie Yanbai was seated in the principal’s office. He had just obtained the joint approval of the higher ups in the Repository to become the new Governor of the Central Repository of the Classics. Although Madam Zhi Lian was smiling as she watched how he looked to be extremely uneasy, she secretly let out a breath of relief in her mind.

“Governor, you can now give out orders,” Madam Zhi Lian smiled as she said.

Jie Yanbai gave out a bitter smile, and those thick brows seemed to have furrowed together, “Having gotten used to living in the jungle, now even sitting on this real leather sofa makes me feel weird. I will have to trouble Madam Zhi Lian to change all these and replace them with rattan made furniture. To put it simply, these things can wear away a person’s willpower.”

This principal’s office was extremely luxurious. Chandeliers made out of pure gemstones, the most expensive sofa made out of armored leech skin, the study table made out of blood pines which were also covered in slight wood and gold…

Madam Zhi Lian said readily, “No problem. I’ll get someone to change it immediately.”

Jie Yanbai let out a soft sigh. He must’ve thought of something that made his expression seem grave. After thinking for a short while, he said in a deep tone, “I know that the Repository is not in a good situation. Hence, as the Governor of the Central Repository of the Classics, I order for all the inheritances to be taught to students, save for the inheritance from Tianzi Unit! After three months, the Repository will host several competitions and the students who win will obtain the Academy’s bestowed card.”

“This…” The expression on Madam Zhi Lian’s face changed drastically. But instead of objecting, she said, “I’m afraid the Elders might not agree with this.”

Coincidentally at this moment, a deep voice could be heard from beyond the door, announcing a report.

“The captain of the Central Repository of the Classics’ Three Flower Unit, Lian Ge reporting for duty!”

“Come in!”

A bruiser who carried a strong murderous aura walked into the principal’s office. His head was burly and his hair was like a bunch of steel wires. He looked fierce, and those eyes which were like a pair of brass bells exerted a murderous air every time he blinked.

Madam Zhi Lian sighed softly and spoke no longer. When she saw this, she understood everything, but this was still within her expectations. According to what she knew about Jie Yanbai’s personality, he wouldn’t mind if he didn’t end up as principal, but the moment he obtains this position, he will not allow anyone to control him. Three Flower Unit was the Repository’s most elite force, and they were always solely loyal to every generation’s Governor.

She knew as well that this order from Jie Yanbai was undoubtedly a heart-strengthening shot for their old and deteriorating Central Repository of the Classics. The Central Repository of the Classics still followed the limitation whereby only those of the direct line of descent could inherit and this was extremely strict in terms of Levels. Those ordinary card artisans who passed the entrance exam and entered the Central Repository of the Classics would rarely obtain these strong inheritances, moreover the Academy’s bestowed card. Those amazing inheritances and cards would mostly end up in the hands of the Elder Council.

Back then, Jie Yanbai was the victim of this precise limitation, and was more than familiar with the dangers of its malpractice.

“I will have to trouble Madam to deal with the cards which are to be bestowed to the students at that time.” Jie Yanbai bowed slightly.

Madam Zhi Lian smiled softly, and her tone was filled with self-confidence, “Rest assured, Governor. In terms of card production, the Central Repository of the Classics is the best among the Great Six.” She suddenly realized something. The end of the Central Repository of the Classics’ old era was already inevitable. Although this action by Jie Yanbai had offended the Elder Council, it was bound to win the hearts of the majority of students.

“Does the Governor want to visit the person in charge of the House of a Hundred Depths?” Madam Zhi Lian asked.

Jie Yanbai’s brows relaxed, and he smiled, “There is no need to pay attention to him temporarily.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.” Madam Zhi Lian announced her departure respectfully. Although in terms of age and seniority she was above Jie Yanbai, but in formal occasions, she was required to show enough respect to the Governor. This was also her form of support to Jie Yanbai.

“Thank you for your trouble, Madam.” Jie Yanbai did not dare to neglect her.

During the whole process of Madam Zhi Lian leaving the principal’s office, Lian Ge stood there like a robot. He did not make a sound, nor did he move even a single finger.

Jie Yanbai said with a deep voice. “Send some people to protect my teacher. Don’t let anyone unrelated scare her.”

“Yes!”

Lian Ge’s low shout was as deep as thunder, and a murderous aura seemed to have exploded suddenly.

“Go on then.”

With a bow, Lian Ge along with his murderous aura, left the principal’s office with big steps.

Jie Yanbai stood up and walked out of the principal’s office. As he glanced at the ancient cornice, it was as if he could see the history soaked traces. His right hand curled into a tight fist, and as he sucked in a deep breath, his gaze became firm!

Without hesitation, he flew out of the school. He wanted to find someone.

Chen Mu walked to the training grounds. He needed to pay attention to the results of the daily training of these card artisans. With no one to guide them, he could only do it himself. Luckily, he had a training plan template formulated by Bogner. He could also recall how Bogner and Jiang Liang would train card artisans, and continuously made changes to the training contents.

While walking briskly among the training card artisans, he was paying very close attention to them. The standard of capabilities of these card artisans were higher than those which he had recruited from the base. However, if those two were to battle with the same amount of troops, the card artisans from the Snow Silkworm Card Artisan Team would undoubtedly win.

However, the situation at hand had already exceeded his expectations. In his mind, he couldn’t help but to be more confident at his own plans.

When the training card artisans saw the arrival of the White Commander, every single one of them worked even harder. Now, they were full of confidence towards the future, and the hint of doubt in their hearts had been long gone. After all, his Lordship was someone who had received praise from Lord Rossiji!

In people’s hearts, Tang Hanpei was the king of card artisans, and Rossiji was the undefeatable wise man among all Commanders!

These card artisans who came running to him were card artisans who were rich with experience. They were very clear as to what quality of a leader would matter the most. A majority of them were very responsible, but they did not like how the Great Six did things. And Chen Mu’s appearance made them see that there was hope for the future. Although his Lordship did not say anything, he was still ale to make them feel safe.

As for the training which was required of them by his Lordship, they were meticulous and no one dared to question him. It didn’t matter even if these trainings were different from what they used to do.

Rossiji’s influence was far more than this.

According to Tai-shu Yong’s report, on the day after Rossiji’s recording was announced, the amount of card artisans who signed up increased significantly.

Everyday, Tai-shu Yong always carried a smile on his old face. Tai-shu family has now managed to stabilize themselves as the number one force in Dongrui City both in terms of combat power and influence. The old man was as if he had become 10 years younger, he was so busy, but his energy was even better than those youngsters’. With the increase in influence, it had also benefited Tai-shu family in the business world whereby this year’s profit had doubled as compared to last year’s.

However, the busy Tai-shu Yong woke up this morning, and yet he didn’t do anything. He changed into a newly-made formal outfit and brought along a group of guards. He was not bothered by the wind and snow around him and personally waited outside Dongrui City. All the guards were wondering who was this person that actually required the head of the household to personally come out and receive him?

They waited for five hours in the snow, but there was no sign of impatience on Tai-shu Yong’s face. So how could the guards not be curious?

It was at this moment that a small black dot appeared at the edge of the horizon.

But in a blink of an eye, this black dot appeared in a place not far from them!

How fast! There were no card artisans who were not shocked. This speed was so quick that they could not even imagine it. What an elite!

Before they could respond, the other party had already rushed to them.

A face which was as cold as ice but also as beautiful as a deity appeared before them. Those eyes which were as blue as ice crystals carried a chilling feeling, and whenever contact was made, it would stiffen a person’s body.

“Tai-shu Yong pays his respects to Her Excellency, Bai Yue!” Tai-shu Yong bowed respectfully.

Bai Yue quickly returned the greeting. Her voice was as if they were wind chimes made out of ice crystals, clear but cold, “Bai Yue is undeserving of your praise! I have troubled the head of the Tai-shu family to wait for so long. Bai Yue is truly distressed.”

Bai Yue… Bai Yue…

It was only at this moment that the guards snapped back to reality. Every single one of them was stunned as they stood there like ice sculptures