Chapter Bonanza (6/10)

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

The beam of light dissipated, even casting the distorted face of Alex, who was standing outside the arena, into the light. 

He seemed to resonate with the card; the excruciating pain in his neck and the tentacles from which warm liquid was gushing—it all felt so real, so… absurd.

He pressed one hand firmly against the side of his neck—as if blood were seeping out there, too.

“No, it can’t be,” he muttered to himself. “I—I am Alex Bourbon… a descendant of the Sun King. I hold a marshal’s order, and I’ve even been granted permission to travel to Europe to embrace the glory of Versailles…”

He struggled to focus his gaze on the corpse of the laborer lying in the Evolution Field.

For the first time, he looked so intently at someone he considered an inferior.

Gaunt and filthy.

An ant he would never have given a second glance in ordinary times had, in the most brutal manner, interrupted his teleportation and shattered his pride.

It had yanked him violently from the clouds he was about to reach, back down into the mud.

He couldn’t understand it, couldn’t accept it.

It defied every card law and noble creed he knew.

A warm sensation spread through the palm of his hand.

The shattered card was actually beginning to reassemble itself.

A purer, more dazzling crimson-gold.

Much like molten gold, or the midday sun—blindingly radiant, embodying absolute royal authority.

【Detected that the core card ‘Sun King·Louis XVI’ has suffered a devastating blow; the card’s structure is on the verge of collapse】

【Detected that the “pure Bourbon bloodline” hidden deep within the host’s veins has been stirred by extreme peril and intense resentment】

【Bloodline Tracing · Glory Returns】

【Analyzing the laws… Analysis complete…】

【The distorted shell could not withstand the strain and shattered completely; the hidden ‘Sun King’ was forcibly activated】

A torrent of crimson-gold light surged forth, instantly engulfing Alex entirely.

The image of “Louis XVI”—with his typically indecisive demeanor—faded away.

Replacing it was a figure of even greater majesty and stature.

He was still clad in court attire, but the style was more classical and imposing; his wig was curly, his gaze sharp, and he held a royal scepter in his hand.

A flood of memories surged into Alex’s mind.

“Louis XIV, the Sun King? The splendor of a primordial dragon, an absolute monarch.”

“Louis XVI… the King of Locksmiths, the guillotine?”

“The shadows in my bloodline, the demotion of power…”

“So… so I’ve been using a demoted card all along?!”

Sui Yang was standing far too close to him and naturally heard Alex’s words.

“Downgraded…”

“Captain, are you referring to what Alex just said?” Chen Jue looked up. “Did he say he’s been using a downgraded card?”

“He sure knows how to make himself look good,” Sui Yang thought to himself. “That kind of card isn’t downgraded—it’s nested. The core is Louis XIV, and Louis XVI is the outer shell.”

Chen Jue thought for a moment: “I recall seeing records of nested cards in ancient texts. They say this form is unique to high-tier historical cards. The outer card is a ‘derivative form’ of the core. Usually, this nested structure forms when a cardmaster’s aptitude or bloodline isn’t sufficient to directly contain the core.”

“Right,” Sui Yang nodded. “Look, after this card was updated and regenerated, its entire radiance is a pure color with no impurities—which indicates that the core energy is extremely pure. This monarch named Louis XIV is likely the true ‘Sun King’ and probably represents the pinnacle of absolute monarchy. The core principles of this card are ‘autocracy,’ ‘domination,’ and ‘the supremacy of royal authority’. Observing Louis XVI’s card, however, I feel its principles lean toward ‘Contract,’ ‘Negotiation,’ and ‘Maintenance of Order.’ Though these are fundamentally at odds, they appear on the same card—it’s bound to be a nested structure.”

He paused for a moment, then recalled Alex’s full name—Alex Bourbon—and added,

“Alex Bourbon’s bloodline is the key. Under normal circumstances, his aptitude might be able to support the outer layer of Louis XVI—after all, Louis XVI’s principles are milder. To put it bluntly, he’s a substandard card where every skill has negative effects, so he requires less aggression from the cardmaster.”

“However…”

“But just now, the laborer’s attack triggered the historical echoes of ‘Class Hatred’ and ‘Execution.’ Combined with his own sense of resentment, this forcibly stimulated the ‘Bourbon Source Blood’ within his lineage, shattering the outer shell.” Chen Jue picked up the thread immediately.

A boy standing nearby asked in confusion, “Then why has the core—Louis XIV—only just recognized him now? Doesn’t Alex’s approach—like stabbing the Zhang siblings in the back and exploiting public discontent for personal gain—align more closely with Louis XVI’s ‘Covenant’ principles?”

“Quite the opposite,” Sui Yang’s gaze darkened, “Louis XVI’s ‘covenant’ is, at its core, about maintaining the balance of the old order—even if it’s a compromise-based balance. Alex’s betrayals and short-sighted pursuit of gain may seem like he’s exploiting the rules, but in reality, they’ve shattered the fundamental boundaries of order as Louis XVI perceives them. He has turned the covenant into a tool for personal gain rather than a creed. But this approach likely aligns with Louis XIV’s principles.”

He Mei: “I believe such pure radiance—this monarch, once he ascends the throne, becomes utterly self-centered, upholding absolute monarchy, never concerned with balance, but only with the will of the sovereign. To achieve his goals, backstabbing, manipulation, and autocratic decision-making are not only permitted but even encouraged.”

Chen Jue interjected: “What Alex just did would be seen as treason by Louis XVI, but in the eyes of Louis XIV, it would be the resolute decision a monarch ought to make. Coupled with the stimulus of bloodlines, once the nested shell shatters, the core naturally acknowledges its master.”

No sooner had these words fallen than a series of suppressed coughs echoed from the other side of the corridor.

Sui Yang turned his head and saw several people in dark blue uniforms trimmed with gold standing not far away, led by Director He of the Imperial Academy.

He Mingyuan’s hair was combed with meticulous precision.

Before he could speak, a young teacher standing beside him couldn’t help but interject: “

“You really should have come to our academy back then—with that kind of insight. But as for that kid Alex, his choice hardly qualifies as a monarch’s resolve; at best, it was just a bit of opportunism.”

He Mingyuan raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased: “But he succeeded. The appearance of Louis XIV proves that his actions aligned with the core laws. When the Imperial Academy selects students, we never look at the methods—we only look at the results.”

The young teacher frowned: “But he nearly ruined Louis XVI’s cards just now. If it hadn’t been for a lucky trigger of his bloodline, he’d already be out of the game. Is someone who relies on luck like that really worth investing more in?”

“Luck is part of one’s ability.” He Mingyuan looked at the one who dared to contradict him—what a lack of tact.

I’ll find a way to have him removed from his position when I get back.

“He didn’t rely on luck. Take another look at the field.”

The group’s gaze shifted downward.

By then, Alex had already taken hold of the reshuffled deck.

His previously pale complexion had taken on a healthy flush, and the panic in his eyes was quickly replaced by arrogance.

A faint smile played at the corner of He Mingyuan’s mouth.

“Did you notice the specifics of the cards? Louis XIV’s principle is ‘the king’s will is law.’ Alex’s opportunism is, at its core, ‘any means necessary to achieve his ends’—which is fundamentally consistent with Louis XIV’s philosophy. The Imperial Academy champions precisely this ‘supremacist’ monarchical trait.”

The young teacher beside him fell silent.

The Imperial Academy’s educational philosophy had always been this way; they did not cultivate cardmasters who merely followed the rules, but rather “monarch-type” talents capable of controlling the situation and even rewriting the rules. 

Although Alex’s performance had left them dissatisfied, his bond with Louis XIV at this moment proved his potential compatibility.

This compatibility is far more important than mere natural talent.

“We thought he was wasting Louis XVI’s cards, but now it seems we were the ones who misjudged him,” another instructor spoke up. “He wasn’t suited for Louis XVI at all; Louis XIV is his true match. The fact that the Louis XVI card shattered is actually a good thing.”

Sui Yang raised an eyebrow. “If I were as good at saving face as you guys, my ranking at the Theological Academy would be much higher.”

He Mingyuan—pretty face, not-so-pretty body—remarked, “Captain Sui sure does care about our Imperial Academy. Besides, the fact that Alex got Louis XIV to recognize him proves he has the potential. As for whether he can live up to it in the future, that’s up to fate.”

Sui Yang didn’t argue further.

Who wants to talk to a bunch of dimwits?

If you really put it that way, Li Shi’an has much greater potential.

Meanwhile, Alex was examining his new card from every angle.

【Card Name: Sun King · Louis XIV】 1

【Card Type】: Character Card · Monarch Type / Order School

【Card Tier】: Purple Card (Mid-Tier)

【Status】: Bourbon Blood Boiling, Absolute Monarchy Awakened

【Skills】：

I Am the State (Passive): Unfolds an “Absolute Monarchy” field centered on the user. Within the field, all friendly units belonging to the “Bourbon Dynasty,” the “Court of France,” or those that acknowledge its supreme authority receive a 10% boost to all attributes, have constant loyalty, and experience significantly improved command execution efficiency. Exerts a natural deterrent effect on units outside the system.

Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles (Active): Consumes a large amount of card energy to summon a magnificent projection of the “Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.” Within the Hall of Mirrors, the effects of diplomatic and contract-related skills are increased by 20%. You may force a single “Authority Judgment,” compelling all non-allied units within the area to undergo a Will check; those who fail will fall into an “Intimidated” or “Subjugated” state.

(The duration and intensity of the effect depend on the rank difference between the two factions and their Willpower).

While the Hall of Mirrors is active, the Cardmaster’s Charisma (Intimidation and Persuasion) is significantly increased.

Mercantilism (Active): When activated, significantly increases the tax efficiency, trade revenue, and resource conversion speed of the controlled faction (effect lasts for 6 turns).

However, this will continuously accumulate “Public Discontent”; if Public Discontent becomes too high, it may trigger negative events.

Sun King’s Guard (Summon/Active): Summons a squad (12 members) of loyal and fearless “Four Royal Guards of France” (intermediate-tier blue card units) to guard the player’s flanks. The Guards possess the “Loyal to the Death” trait and fully benefit from the “I Am the State” bonus.

【Bond】: Blood of the Bourbons

Deeply bound to the bloodline of the Bourbon Dynasty, this race can draw upon the destiny of “Absolute Monarchy” and “European Hegemony” from specific historical nodes.

【Hint】：The Sleeping Sun has awakened, and its radiance will once again shine upon Europe.

The monarch’s authority is beyond question; the order of Versailles takes precedence over all else.

Remember: beneath the glow, shadows lurk.

Alex could barely maintain his outward composure; he was imbued with a power far purer than that of Louis XVI in the card, and the humiliation of being ambushed by “outcasts” had long since faded.

Now, he was filled with extreme, swelling confidence.

What demotion?

No, this was the power that he—Alex Bourbon—truly deserved to possess.

It was the glory coursing through his veins! 

All his past actions—manipulation, betrayal, and the ruthless exploitation of others to climb the ranks—were no longer blemishes in the light of the new card; instead, they were imbued with new meaning: the ruthlessness and decisiveness necessary for a true monarch.

Yes, that’s exactly it—Louis XVI’s indecision and compromises were wrong.

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the exam hall.

The Zhang siblings had not yet left the exam hall; their “Divine Messenger” card had long since dissipated along with the suppression of the popular uprising, and the backlash had been severe.

Alex’s eyes held pity, but beneath it all lay indifference.

Perhaps he should feel a trace of remorse?

But his heart remained unmoved.

In his view, losers were not worthy of sympathy, regardless of their worth.

The Zhang siblings had failed to seize the opportunity he had given them; instead, they had become the stepping stones he used to prove his worth to Yue Kuochar—a fact that only served to highlight their own incompetence.

They had strayed from the right path with their cards, indulging in the delusional fantasy of “Yellow Heaven” and failing to grasp the rules of the power game.

He adjusted his collar. Though clearly a loser who’d been eliminated, his demeanor remained elegant as he strode confidently toward the live broadcast area beside the exam hall.

Countless cameras immediately trained on him.

The reporters’ questions came one after another.

“Alex, what exactly just happened? Your card seems to have undergone a startling transformation.”

“What are your thoughts on the situations faced by Zhang Hongyuan and Zhang Qingyue? Some people believe your actions constitute a betrayal.”

“Is your new card Louis XIV? How does this differ from your previous card?”

“What are your plans moving forward? Will you file an appeal, return to the exam hall, or remain in the ‘Huaiyou’ scenario?”

Alex walked in front of the camera, his face radiating an impeccable, slightly reserved elegance.

He first elegantly displayed his new card, allowing the camera to capture a close-up, before speaking in a measured tone.

“Thank you all for your concern. There were indeed some unexpected twists just now, but in the end, the Bourbon bloodline resonated with the true ‘Sun King.’”

His tone was steady, carrying a sense of natural superiority: “This is a blessing from heaven upon the Bourbons—a testament to our strength. As for those cards, perhaps they can be called a minor interlude in the process of growth—nothing to worry about.”

He brushed off the collapse of the Louis XVI card with a casual remark. 

When mentioning the Zhang siblings, his expression remained unchanged, yet his tone took on a subtle air of condescension: “As for Zhang Hongyuan and Zhang Qingyue, their card systems are quite distinctive, but in terms of strategic choices and timing, there may still be room for improvement. The path of a cardmaster is highly competitive; temporary gains and losses are inevitable. What matters most is learning from these experiences and clarifying one’s own direction. I believe that, given the Yellow Heaven Army’s heritage, their future remains promising.”

Alex thus smoothly shifted all the blame onto the opponents’ lack of ability.

He made no mention whatsoever of his own act of betrayal—after all, it was clearly just a “strategic choice in competition.”

“As for my plans moving forward,” Alex paused for a moment. He certainly wasn’t going to reconsider—even with the Louis XIV card, he still couldn’t beat Li Shi’an, could he? 

The Yuan Court was already beyond salvation.

“The ‘Huaiyou’ scenario, while interesting, has already largely fulfilled its purpose as a training ground. The radiance of the Sun King naturally shines upon a broader stage. I will set out immediately to report to the Imperial Academy. Only there will I find the soil best suited for the growth of the ‘Absolute Monarchy’ card. ”

He paused for a moment, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping toward Li Shi’an, and added, “I’m very much looking forward to sparring and exchanging ideas with geniuses from all walks of life on a higher stage. Especially my classmate Li Shi’an—his ‘Zhu Yuanzhang’ card shows great potential. I hope that in the future, on the Imperial Academy’s tournament grounds, I can have a truly fair match with him, one unrestricted by scenario-specific constraints.”

These words sounded like a friendly invitation, but in reality, they carried a subtle barb. 

By emphasizing “a higher stage,” “the Imperial Academy arena,” and “unrestricted by scenario or background,” he was subtly implying that Li Shi’an’s strong performance this time was largely due to the home-field advantage of “Huaiyou.” In a more “fair” environment,

This is the environment he believes favors Li Shi’an; if the setting were Europe, the outcome would be far from certain. 

The accompanying teacher from Imperial College nodded in agreement, quite satisfied with Alex’s handling of the situation.

Although the process was fraught with twists and turns, and his methods were controversial, the final result was excellent.

This is an Imperial Card with limitless potential—and while they’re all Imperial Cards, this one’s ability seems particularly formidable.

Coupled with the decisiveness he demonstrated on the spot—a sign of excellent political acumen—it fully meets the Imperial Academy’s selection criteria. 

As for the Zhang siblings? They simply weren’t up to par.

Alex said no more. He gave a slight bow toward the camera, his demeanor composed, and, guided by staff, prepared to leave the exam hall.

He Bieshan stared at Alex’s back as he walked away with feigned composure, spat once, and spoke in a voice neither too loud nor too soft—just loud enough for Alex to hear: “What a phony.”

Alex’s footsteps faltered almost imperceptibly, and the muscles in his shoulders tensed slightly, but he didn’t turn around; instead, he lifted his chin a little higher and quickened his pace as he left.

Hao Yun blinked, turned to Li Shi’an, and mimicked Alex Changcai’s tone, lacing her words with a touch of perfectly measured innocence.

“Huh? Shi’an, I remember the rules say that during evaluations, when someone is asked to leave the stage, what’s usually the reason?”

Li Shi’an watched his companions banter back and forth, a faint smile curving his lips: “They’re not as skilled as the others.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried clearly.

Zhang Hongyuan, who had also been injured when his card dissipated, was being helped by staff members on his way to the hospital.

Upon hearing this, he stopped in his tracks. His chest heaved a few times, and a surge of overwhelming beauty welled up within him—so beautiful it nearly took his breath away, and tears of beauty welled up in his eyes.

After all, this was just a high-level mock college entrance exam—a warm-up for the real thing—not a life-or-death battlefield.

Although losing the chance to be guided by the Divine Messenger stung, he harbored no personal grudge against Li Shi’an. 

Besides, the Divine Messenger was purely Alex’s problem!

Hearing Li Shi’an’s crisp and straightforward admission—“Not as Skilled”—was far more to his liking than any hollow consolation.

There was a peculiar directness to this man’s demeanor, and while his core strategy differed from Zhang’s style, there was a faint resonance that sent a shiver down his spine.

If they weren’t opponents, perhaps they could actually sit down and have a chat.

Zhang Hongyuan stopped mid-celebration, wiped his face vigorously with his sleeve, pushed away the person trying to support him, straightened his back, and called out loudly toward Chang Xiang, the supervising teacher standing at the sidelines.

“Referee, I admit I was outclassed. I request to end the assessment!”

Yet his gaze remained fixed on Alex’s retreating figure, about to vanish into the tunnel. 

The crowd fell instantly silent, only to erupt into an even louder chorus of jeers.

Everyone could hear just how thick with sarcasm those three words—“ I was outclassed”—were.

Alex’s figure froze completely; this time, even his footsteps halted for an instant before he finally vanished into the tunnel almost hastily.

The commotion in the arena was quickly drowned out by new developments.

At the Yuan army camp, under Yue Kuochar’s stern orders, the surviving Yuan troops finally began to withdraw in an orderly fashion, but their morale had already completely collapsed. The bloody suppression of the peasant uprising had drained the last vestiges of cohesion; the aftermath of Jia Lu’s death and the farce of Alex’s “suggestion,” coupled with the pressure mounting from the Red Turban Army on the front lines, left this once-mighty army with nothing but the instinct to retreat.

The wailing bugle calls grew more urgent, and the flags signaling retreat were raised.

Soldiers discarded unnecessary baggage, officers shouted orders to maintain their final formation, and the wounded were left behind on the roadside.

【The Yuan Court faction’s strategic objective of “long-term siege” has failed completely; executing the final contingency plan “strategic withdrawal”】

【The Red Turban Army’s strategic objectives of “holding the position and awaiting reinforcements” and “dampening the enemy’s morale” were exceeded; the hidden objective “defeating the Yuan army’s main force” was achieved】

【The core conflict of this scenario has concluded; this round of evaluation has entered the final settlement phase】

Information flowed across the light screen, and the final results were displayed.

The platform housing Li Shi’an’s team burst into brilliant light, signifying that they had achieved the highest evaluation in this “Huaiyou Smoldering Conflicts” phase.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s figure grew increasingly distinct within the radiance; behind him, the camp of the Four Elders of Huai stood as solemn as a mountain, their spirit all the more formidable after being tempered by the fires of war.

Generals such as Xu Da and Chang Yuchun flanked him on either side; though silent, they exuded an aura of formidable resolve.

【Candidates Li Shi’an, He Bieshan, and Hao Yun received an overall evaluation of S-Rank for this round of assessment】

【The core card “Red Turban Commander · Zhu Yuanzhang” received massive experience points, significantly boosting its growth】

【Associated cards “Xu Da,” “Chang Yuchun,” “Zhou Dexing,” and “Ma Xiuying” received corresponding experience boosts】

【The Legion Card “Huaixi Old Camp” gained combat experience, increasing its stability, and a small number of personnel triggered promotions (from White Card Peak to Green Card Lower Grade)】

【Candidate He Bieshan: Proficiency with the core card “Battlefield Forging: Basic” has increased, and he has mastered the new special effect “Field Repair” (slightly increases the speed and success rate of equipment repairs in combat environments)】

【Candidate Hao Yun: Proficiency with the core card “primary light heal” has increased, deepening his understanding of “Channeling” and “Purification”; the loyalty of the subordinate card “Black Mountain Chieftain · Zhang Niujiao” has been solidified, and his bond with the core has deepened】

As the glow of the settlement faded, the ghostly silhouette of Haozhou City slowly emerged in the background.

On the city walls, the Red Turban Army’s banners—though tattered—still fluttered tenaciously.

The traces left by the Yuan army below the city walls had not faded, yet the Yuan forces had long since departed.

Guo Zixing appeared on the city ramparts, casting a complex gaze toward Zhu Yuanzhang’s troops.

Relief, a sense of security, and perhaps a hint of barely perceptible apprehension.

The undercurrents within had not subsided with the withdrawal of the external enemy; the factions of other generals, such as Sun Deya, still held sway within the city.

The allocation of resources and the struggle for power would become the new focal points.

However, as far as this assessment was concerned, the story had come to a temporary close.

Li Shi’an turned his gaze away and looked at his companions beside him.

He Bieshan was happily examining the new changes to his card, while Hao Yun gently traced the image of Zhang Niujiao on the card’s surface, lost in thought.

“Shall we… give an interview?” Li Shi’an asked, spotting the group of reporters already poised and ready.

The reporters’ eyes were ablaze; armed with long and short lenses, they broke through the cordon maintained by staff at astonishing speed, surrounding Li Shi’an so tightly that not a breath of air could pass.

“Li Shi’an, I’m a reporter for *Card Pioneer News*! Could you share your thoughts on achieving an S-rank evaluation in this assessment?”

“He Bieshan, as a Lifestyle Cardmaster, your ‘Battlefield Forging’ played a crucial role in this assessment. Could you talk about your journey?”

“Hao Yun, you successfully guided the awakening of ‘Black Mountain Chieftain · Zhang Niujiao.’ Does this mean your future development will lean toward the Support Summoning specialty?”

Questions rained down one after another, and the flashes of cameras kept going off—click, click—almost blinding to the eye.

He Bieshan had never seen such a spectacle before; he instinctively took a step back, but his face couldn’t help but radiate excitement.

Hao Yun was slightly more composed, but even she felt a bit nervous amid the commotion and instinctively moved closer to Li Shi’an.

Li Shi’an stood in the center of the frame, his expression as calm as ever. He raised his hand to shield his eyes from the glaring flashes.

“Well… teamwork is very important, and I’ve had some good luck.” He paused, his gaze sweeping across the cameras. “As for my card, ‘Zhu Yuanzhang’…”

At the mention of that name, all the reporters pricked up their ears, and the cameras zoomed in even closer.

Li Shi’an paused briefly, as if gathering his thoughts, before speaking slowly.

Naturally, he repeated the same explanation he’d given to He Bieshan and Hao Yun—one that sufficiently accounted for all his “unusual” behavior. After all, he couldn’t very well say he’d traveled through time from an era with recorded history.

“Perhaps… you could call it entering a dream,” he said earnestly. “At a certain moment during the Awakening Ceremony, I felt as though I’d touched upon an era buried beneath the dust. I saw a figure struggling to rise from the humblest of dust, enduring hardships, and ultimately… well, in any case, he told me not to look up, but to trust the path beneath my feet, no matter how low the starting point.”

He didn’t describe the specific details of the “dream,” but the phrase “entering a dream,” combined with the manifestation of his purple talent and the astonishing potential displayed by the Zhu Yuanzhang card, was enough to spark endless speculation.

“Entering a Dream? Is it really ‘Entering a Dream’?”

“Good heavens! The ‘Entering a Dream’ recorded in the textbooks—one that’s supposed to appear only with Red Talents or higher?”

“Although his talent is Purple, there have been precedents in history. Certain cards with extremely unique characteristics may also trigger similar ‘Historical Echoes.’”

The reporters were instantly electrified; this was undoubtedly explosive news.

A Purple Talent holder who appears to have triggered “Entering Dreams,” possessing an Emperor Card with Pioneering-level potential.

“Li Shi’an, are you saying that your ‘Zhu Yuanzhang’ card represents a true emperor?” a reporter asked eagerly.

Li Shi’an nodded, his tone firm: “As far as I can ‘see,’ yes. An emperor who… rebuilt order from the ruins and ushered in a new era.”

Boom! The crowd erupted into an uproar once more.

Although there had been speculation for some time, hearing it confirmed from his own mouth felt entirely different.

Just then, a voice cut in: “Li Shi’an, I am Director He from the Admissions Office at Imperial Academy. First of all, congratulations on your astonishing performance in this assessment; your performance has fully demonstrated your exceptional potential.”

The crowd turned to see Director He of the Imperial Academy, who had approached unnoticed, his face adorned with a formulaic smile.

Director He seemed to have ignored Li Shi’an’s earlier remarks about the “Emperor” and continued speaking as if nothing had happened.

“Imperial Academy possesses the world’s most advanced resources for card research, particularly a unique system for cultivating various Lord-type and Emperor-type cards. We offer the most comprehensive ‘Theory of Monarchy’ curriculum, ‘Dynastic Fortune’ simulation facilities, and numerous master-level instructors who possess high-tier Emperor-type cards. For example, the ‘Sun King’ path just demonstrated by Alex is precisely one of the key research directions at our academy.”

He raised his head, his tone tinged with an inherent sense of superiority: “We believe that the core of a true Imperial card lies in ‘Order,’ ‘Codex,’ ‘Covenant,’ and ‘Glory.’ A great emperor should be as free and unfettered as the sun, soaring high in the heavens, establishing supreme authority and a well-ordered realm, and leading civilization toward glory. This is the orthodox path of development for Imperial Cards.”

He looked at Li Shi’an: “Li Shi’an, with your talent and potential as a card user, if you were to enroll at the Imperial Academy and receive the most orthodox education in Imperial Cards, your future would be boundless. Our academy is willing to offer you the highest-level scholarship, exclusive resources, and direct eligibility for the ‘Monarch Sequence’ training program. I wonder if you’d be interested in applying to our academy?”

All eyes were fixed on Li Shi’an.

An invitation from the Imperial Academy—especially one with terms that amounted to a guaranteed admission—was a temptation hard to resist.

Li Shi’an listened quietly, his face expressionless, until Director He had finished speaking. Only then did he tilt his head slightly and ask, as if out of curiosity:

“Oh? May I ask, Director He, does your institution’s view of the ‘Imperial Trait’ limit itself to the sun hanging high in the sky, establishing ‘order’ and ‘codes’?”

Director He paused for a moment, seemingly taken aback that Li Shi’an would pose such a counter-question, but he quickly regained his composure and replied with poise.

“This is the path of imperial development, proven by history. Naturally, different Emperor cards may have subtle variations, but at their core, they revolve around authority, order, and leadership.”

Upon hearing this, Li Shi’an nodded slightly, then shook his head.

He raised his hand, and the 【Red Turban Commander·Zhu Yuanzhang】 card materialized in his palm.

On the card’s face, a man with a red turban tied around his head and a resolute gaze seemed to be staring at everyone through the card.

“I see. Thank you to your university’s security and for the invitation,” he said, his tone distant. “However, I’m afraid I must decline.”

His gaze swept over Director He, then turned to the countless curious cameras surrounding him.

“Perhaps my understanding of an emperor differs somewhat from the emperors studied at your university.”

He paused for a moment: “As far as I know, the one I embody… was not born to reign from on high, nor did he inherit a magnificent palace, nor was he born of ethereal legend. ”

His voice rose slightly:

“His crown has been stained by the dust of the lowest strata; his authority originated from a shattered land; his footsteps have trod upon the ruins of famine and war.”

“He has witnessed the human tragedy of parents exchanging their children for food, and he has endured the despair of living from one day to the next. The order he has established is not a gift bestowed from on high; it was wrested inch by inch from the quagmire of blood and fire, from the cries of countless common people.”

Li Shi’an raised his eyes; his gaze was clear and piercing, as if it could penetrate the very heart.

“He may not understand the intricacies of complex legal codes, but he understands that staying alive is the greatest truth. His covenant is the simplest pledge he has made to all the people under heaven.”

“A mouthful of food, a path to survival, a year of peace.” 

“If this is what an emperor is…” Li Shi’an tucked away his cards, a meaningful smile curving his lips. “Then he’s someone who fought his way out of the mud. I’m afraid… that doesn’t quite fit with your school’s ‘sun-like’ research atmosphere, high above the heavens.”

He nodded slightly. “So, Imperial Academy is not currently within my scope of consideration. I’m sorry.”

Silence!

Deadly silence!

Everyone was stunned by Li Shi’an’s words.

Director He’s face instantly turned ghastly, alternating between pale and ashen.

He hadn’t expected Li Shi’an to not only refuse but also, in such a nearly “humiliating” manner, trample the ideals of Imperial Academy underfoot—it was practically a slap in the face to the entire institution.

“You…!” Director He’s lips trembled with rage, yet he couldn’t find the right words to retort.

After all, what he had said wasn’t entirely nonsense; the traits revealed by his card did indeed corroborate the existence of this radically different path to imperial greatness.

The reporters surrounding them were so excited they were practically trembling.

Big news! Absolutely huge news!

They’d already come up with the headlines: “Prodigy Rejects Imperial Academy; Openly Questions Its Imperial Card Training Philosophy.”

“Student Li! Which academy do you favor instead? Is it the Shenzhou Card Theological Seminary?” a reporter immediately pressed.

“I haven’t made a final decision yet,” Li Shi’an said, regaining his composure. “I need time to carefully consider which institution best aligns with my card development path. Thank you all for your concern.”

He really didn’t want to be surrounded any longer, so he gave He Bieshan and Hao Yun a subtle nod and began to push his way through the crowd.

“Student Li, please tell us a little more! ”

“What are your plans for the future?”

“The rarity of your cards isn’t very high yet—how do you plan to improve them next?”

The reporters weren’t about to let him off the hook so easily; the questions kept coming in a steady stream.

After a Herculean effort, and with the help of staff members, Li Shi’an finally managed to escape the frenzied reporters and made his way backstage.

Just as he let out a sigh of relief, he heard a gentle voice behind him.

“Li Shi’an.”

He turned around to see Sui Yang standing a short distance away with a gentle smile, his demeanor humble.

“Senior Sui?” Li Shi’an recognized him.

“Congratulations, Li Shi’an. Your performance just now was truly outstanding,” Sui Yang said as he approached, his tone sincere. “Especially your final remarks on ‘The Emperor’—they were deeply impressive and very enlightening.” 

One doesn’t strike a beautiful face—especially when Sui Yang had already shown goodwill.

Li Shi’an nodded. “Senior Sui, you flatter me. Is there something you need?”

Sui Yang’s expression remained unchanged as he got straight to the point: “I realize this might be a bit forward. It’s still regarding admissions. I wonder if I could take a few moments of your time to have a brief chat? On behalf of the Shenzhou Card Theological Seminary, I’d like to sincerely extend our invitation to you all once again.”

His gaze focused primarily on Li Shi’an, though he did not overlook He Bieshan and Hao Yun: “Naturally, this includes Student He and Student Hao as well. The Seminary places greater emphasis on the potential and chemistry of the entire team.”

Li Shi’an exchanged glances with He Bieshan and Hao Yun.

Hao Yun and He Bieshan both nodded, signaling that they would leave the decision to him.

After what had just happened, their impression of Sui Yang was indeed much better than that of Imperial Academy. 

“Sure,” Li Shi’an nodded in agreement. “But we might not have much time.”

“That’s plenty.”