CHAPTER 122: 122 CARD SYSTEM

Lighter, water gun, semi-automatic stone thrower, Peach Wood Sword, Recuperation Sword.

With the help of the Master Refiner, by the third night watch, Lin Bai had managed to put together five useless Magic Treasures and reaped the rewards of five books: «Aesthetic General Theory», «Mechanical Principles», «Weapon Design Guide», «Material Science», and «Human Engineering».

After crafting the five Magic Treasures with basic properties, the God of Craftsmen System issued a subsequent mission:

[Congratulations on understanding the basic level of Magic Treasure forging. However, you must be recognized by the world to truly become a God of Craftsmen. Begin the Journey of the God of Craftsmen: Own a Refiner’s Workshop unique to you. Reward: Mysterious Ice Spring (This spring is used for weapon tempering and is directly placed in the Refiner’s Workshop. Please choose the location of the Refiner’s Workshop carefully.)]

Gazing at the subsequent mission from the God of Craftsmen System, Lin Bai sank deep into thought.

The mission itself seemed simple enough.

However, the reward, the Mysterious Ice Spring, was a potential problem. It sounded like something incredibly valuable.

But Qian City could only be considered a medium-sized city, at best. Establishing the spring here meant that all subsequent missions from the God of Craftsmen System could only be carried out in this location.

Furthermore, another system, the Super Sect Leader System, also required him to choose a sect location and would reward varying amounts of Merit Points based on the chosen site.

Theoretically, setting up the Mysterious Ice Spring on the mountaintop selected by the Sect Leader System would be perfect.

But he was unfamiliar with the surrounding environment.

Additionally, Xu Longyun had mentioned that to create high-quality Pill Medicine, one must use herbs grown in a Spiritual Field.

This meant the sect’s location needed to be a place of natural beauty, brimming with Spiritual Energy.

If he waited until he found such an ideal place, it could take an eternity, which would mean the God of Craftsmen System would also be put on hold.

These choices are incredibly difficult, he mused.

...

"Lin, the Storekeeper, does this kind of artifact even count as a Magic Treasure in the Righteous Door?" The Master Refiner looked at the useless Magic Treasures, which couldn’t even qualify as proper weapons, and felt a pang of disappointment regarding the Righteous Door’s forging standards.

"Consider it practice," Lin Bai glanced at him and said. "You’ve worked hard today. I’ve already taught you the Basic Theory of Magical Items. For the remaining time, I’ll teach you Material Science as your reward. Truthfully, crafting these Magic Treasures was a test for you. These mundane flames and ordinary iron can, at best, only create common weapons. It’s impossible to rely on them to craft true Magic Treasures..."

"Material Science?" The Master Refiner was taken aback.

"When refining a Magic Treasure, if you encounter suitable materials but don’t recognize them or understand their properties and capabilities, how can you possibly bring out their full potential? Don’t be afraid of the effort; these are all things I’ve studied." Lin Bai shamelessly passed off the system’s rewards as his own knowledge. Under the expectant gaze of the Master Refiner, he began to explain Material Science bit by bit.

In this game that strived for realism, any Martial Arts, techniques, or even various Skills had to be taught through personal instruction and demonstration. Learning instantly by merely flipping through a Skill Book, as in other games, was simply impossible.

Fortunately, Players comprehended things quickly. There was no need for elaborate explanations; simply reciting the established theories was sufficient and didn’t waste much time.

...

One lectured, the other listened intently.

Lin Bai was diligently fulfilling his duties as a mission NPC.

Suddenly, two consecutive prompts popped up in Lin Bai’s mind:

[Your pet is under attack; please protect your pet: Fox Favorability +3]

[Guilt from Daoist Qingming; +1]

His expression changed. He snatched up Little White Fox, who was sleeping beside him, and activated the Golden Middle Cover. Leaving the Master Refiner and other Players behind, he executed Curve Body Single Shadow, crashed through the window, and landed in the courtyard.

The next second, an enormous illusory horsetail whisk descended from the sky, smashing down on the Refiner’s Workshop where he had just been.

RUMBLE!

Dust flew everywhere.

Two rooms were instantly crushed into ashes by the phantom horsetail whisk.

Little White Fox finally opened his eyes, his gaze filled with horror as he looked at the collapsed building.

Damn! Lin Bai’s expression hardened. Is this the power of a Golden Core cultivator?

However, at that moment, he couldn’t afford to dwell on it. Using Curve Body Single Shadow and Wooden Cloud Vertical, he had already leaped to the top of a tall tree.

The estate purchased by the Beggar Gang, unlike the barren Chef’s Divine Food Stall, was filled with many tall trees, which provided Lin Bai with considerable cover.

After landing on the treetop, Lin Bai drew the kitchen knife from his back, estimated Daoist Qingming’s position, and unleashed a Six Color Frost strike towards the sky.

A burst of multicolored blade energy exploded.

Daoist Qingming floated in mid-air, looking at the unscathed Lin Bai with astonishment. He clearly hadn’t expected his sneak attack, launched by a Golden Core cultivator, to be detected.

But he had come today with the express purpose of killing Lin Bai. Having already made his move and revealed his face, he certainly wouldn’t hold back. With another casual flick of his wrist, he sent his horsetail whisk striking downwards again.

Lin Bai swiftly dodged to the canopy of another tree. He glanced at Daoist Qingming in the sky and once again slashed out with Six Color Frost.

The blade energy roared, radiating a multicolored glow as it flew towards Daoist Qingming.

Daoist Qingming flicked his fingers. A spiritual talisman ignited at his fingertips, transforming into a transparent protective shield that enveloped him.

BANG!

The blade energy slammed into the shield.

CRACK! CRACK!

Fine fissures unexpectedly appeared on the transparent shield.

"Such domineering blade energy," Daoist Qingming huffed. "Lin, the Storekeeper, if this is all the skill you possess, I’m afraid you’re no match for this old Daoist."

Saying this, he swung his horsetail whisk downwards once more.

This time, the illusory whisk transformed into a vast net, covering a ten-meter radius above Lin Bai’s head.

Lin Bai moved again, evading the net’s coverage. As the net fell, it completely sheared off the crown of the massive tree where Lin Bai had been standing.

"Lin, the Storekeeper, Martial Artists below the Golden Core realm might occasionally gain an upper hand, but a Golden Core cultivator commands the skies. If you lack an aerial movement Cultivation Technique, you cannot escape death." Daoist Qingming looked down condescendingly at Lin Bai, shaking his head. He said casually, "It seems this so-called ’man of destiny’ of yours is merely a fake."

Such a huge commotion had long since alerted the Beggar Gang disciples.

At this moment, Players like "Lonely Old Man" stood in the courtyard, gazing up at the aerial battle with solemn expressions, having even forgotten to advertise.

They hadn’t anticipated that Lin, the Storekeeper, in whom they had placed such high hopes, would be so thoroughly suppressed by Daoist Qingming.

This forced them to seriously reconsider the Beggar Gang’s future.

Golden Core cultivators could fly. The Martial Arts they had learned from Lin Bai would likely be useless against such an opponent; they wouldn’t even be able to fight back...

"How can this be?" "Lonely Old Man" frowned.

"Lin, the Storekeeper, can’t possibly lose to a Golden Core cultivator, can he?" "Silver" said.

"Wait a minute, Lin, the Storekeeper, can fly too, right? Why isn’t he flying up to fight Daoist Qingming?" "Crazy Man" interjected.

That single remark served as a reminder to everyone in the Beggar Gang.

"That’s right! Lin, the Storekeeper, can fly! Why isn’t he doing it?" "Well Does Not Move" exclaimed. "The enemy is already at our doorstep! He can’t still be thinking of showing mercy, can he?"

...

Idiots! Lin Bai thought as the Beggar Gang disciples’ chatter reached his ears. If I could fly, I would’ve flown up and dealt with him already!

He cursed inwardly, unleashed another Six Color Frost to shatter Daoist Qingming’s protective shield, then used Curve Body Single Shadow to leap to another tree. He began to chant, "In front of the mountain stands Cui Thick Leg, behind the mountain stands Cui Leg Thick..."

The Palm Thunder technique didn’t require a loud voice.

To avoid revealing his trump card too early, Lin Bai recited the incantation in the lowest possible whisper. From Daoist Qingming’s vantage point, he could only see Lin Bai’s lips moving rapidly.

However, Daoist Qingming didn’t pay Lin Bai much mind. Once he realized Lin Bai couldn’t fly, he felt victory was already within his grasp.

As for the Beggar Gang’s recruitment fair? If I kill Lin Bai with overwhelming force, will I still need to worry about people not joining my Return to Dragon View? he thought. The Righteous Door Sect! Just a bunch of insignificant clowns, borrowing prestige they don’t deserve!

Daoist Qingming looked at Lin Bai and snorted quietly. Such a handsome face, what a waste!

Shaking his head, Daoist Qingming brandished his horsetail whisk, preparing to deliver the final blow.

But just as he swung it, a sudden, immense sense of dread welled up in his heart, causing Daoist Qingming to subconsciously retract his horsetail whisk and activate his Shield Armor Talisman.

Yet, just as the Shield Armor Talisman fully formed, he saw Lin Bai raise his hand. A bolt of lightning as thick as an arm shot forth from his palm.

Lei Fa?

Daoist Qingming’s eyes widened in alarm. He turned to flee, but how could he possibly outrun the speed of lightning?

CRACK!

A clap of thunder echoed.

The protective shield shattered instantly.

The Palm Thunder accurately struck Daoist Qingming on the head. He let out a bloodcurdling scream, blood spewing from his mouth and nose as he plummeted from the sky.

He crashed to the ground. Black smoke billowed from his body. He gasped for breath, his breathing shallow and erratic; it was clear he wouldn’t survive.

...

"Damn, Lin, the Storekeeper’s Palm Thunder is so powerful, he didn’t even need to fly!" "Lonely Old Man" exclaimed, swallowing hard. His wavering resolve instantly solidified.

"A Golden Core cultivator, taken down by a single lightning bolt! That’s so cool!" "Crazy Man’s" eyes sparkled. "When can we learn Lei Fa from Lin, the Storekeeper?"

"We’ll have to wait and see. While Lin, the Storekeeper, was fighting, so many of us just stood by and watched, not even cheering him on. Considering Lin, the Storekeeper’s petty nature, we’ll be lucky if he doesn’t hold a grudge," "Well Does Not Move" said with a bitter smile.

"But Daoist Qingming was flying in the sky! What could we have done?" "Silver" protested.

"We have bows and arrows," "Lonely Old Man" replied. "Remember Lin, the Storekeeper’s Arrow of Rejuvenation? I think the entire Beggar Gang should be equipped with bows and arrows. Even if we can’t break their shields, we can at least harass them..."

...

[Confidence from Fabien, Crazy Man, Bitter Melon Vine... +1, +1, +1]

Lin Bai accurately registered the Players’ sentiments. He then floated down lightly from the tree and landed beside Daoist Qingming.

[Healer’s Benevolent Heart: Rescue the patient before you; Reward: A Healer’s Benevolent Heart Banner (increases patients’ faith in you)]

"Super Card System: Congratulations on defeating an enemy of equal strength. His fate is now in your hands. Is there anything more enjoyable than sealing your enemy into a Card?

Creatures sealed in Cards can be summoned to assist you in battle. During combat, you can share all the abilities of the creature sealed within the Card."

[Initial Task: Seal the creature before you (100% success); Reward: Three Blank Cards (Can seal defeated Golden Core and lower-level creatures, 30% success rate, single-use)]

Isn’t this fantastic?

The sudden appearance of this system both surprised and delighted Lin Bai. Only a fool would choose the banner offered by Healer’s Benevolent Heart. He wasn’t a doctor; he had no need for patients’ gratitude.

Seal.

A Card materialized out of thin air.

Before the incredulous eyes of the Players, the Card emitted a soft glow, enveloping the near-death Daoist Qingming and sucking him into itself.

Afterward, the Card flew back into Lin Bai’s hand.

[First Creature Sealed (Completed); Reward: Three Blank Cards (Issued, available for collection at any time)]

...

The Players and livestream viewers were once again in an uproar.

"What the hell was that?"

"Lin, the Storekeeper, sealed Daoist Qingming with a Card?"

"That’s too terrifying!"

"Can he seal Players too?"

"If Lin, the Storekeeper, seals you, can you still log out?"

"As expected of a story NPC, the boons granted by the system are truly immense!"

"He can even kill a Golden Core cultivator with lightning! Who would dare challenge Lin, the Storekeeper’s Palm Thunder now?"

"The incantation was different! I saved the recording. Even though Lin, the Storekeeper’s voice was very soft, analyzing the incantation for this Palm Thunder shouldn’t be a problem."

"What’s the use of analyzing it? If you dare recite it in front of him, one bolt of lightning will make you drop a level!"

"But what if it *is* useful?"

"Son of a bitch! Shit, now I really want to join the Beggar Gang again!"

...

"Lin, the Storekeeper, what did you do to Daoist Qingming?" "Lonely Old Man" inquired.

"Sealed him." Lin Bai looked at the Card in his hand. On it, Daoist Qingming was depicted with striking realism, his eyes wide with fury, as if he were alive. The moment he was sealed, even his injuries had been healed.

Meanwhile, the Super Card System issued its second task: [Experience fighting alongside a character sealed in a Card; Reward: Three Blank Cards].

Now this is what I call an awesome system!

Lin Bai’s mood instantly brightened. Compared to the Pet System, the Card System was the perfect assistant. Even though they’re single-use, they’re free!

One moment an enemy, the next an ally after defeat. What’s more, I can even share his abilities during combat. This is fantastic!

Regardless of how much help this ally would actually be, the deterrence factor alone is powerful enough! Anyone who dares to oppose me must be prepared to become my puppet...

"Can we learn that?" "Lonely Old Man" asked expectantly.

"Only official disciples of my Righteous Door can learn it." Lin Bai chuckled and pocketed the Card. "Work hard!"

"Yes!" the Players all nodded in unison.

"By the way, from now on, Return to Dragon View is an enemy of our Beggar Gang. We won’t take any of their business. Smear their name relentlessly." Lin Bai glanced at the ravaged courtyard and snorted coldly. "If any Player enters Return to Dragon View, kill them repeatedly until they change their allegiance."

"Yes, sir!"

The Beggar Gang disciples responded in unison. They knew what to do without Lin Bai needing to spell it out, especially after the havoc Daoist Qingming had wreaked in the middle of the night.

As for how powerful Return to Dragon View might be, the Players never bothered to consider such things.

...

Daoist Qingming had attacked without mercy, every move intended to kill.

Naturally, Lin Bai wouldn’t try to appease him any longer.

After striking Daoist Qingming down, Lin Bai finally understood the reason for Return to Dragon View’s inconsistent attitude towards him.

It was most likely because of the Spiritual World Gap inside the Chef’s Divine Food Stall.

Daoist Priest Qingfeng, that bastard! I should have burned him to death back then...

To protect the Spiritual World Gap, the conflict between him and Return to Dragon View was probably irreconcilable.

And being an enemy of Return to Dragon View meant becoming an enemy of Daoist Priest Qingfeng’s master, Daoist Master Li—the one who had effortlessly sealed Jimmy Navada’s entire family—and possibly even the Heavenly Dao Sect backing him...

My current strength might be a bit insufficient for all that, Lin Bai thought. Daoist Qingming is a Golden Core cultivator; who knows how profound Daoist Master Li’s cultivation is!

My strength hasn’t increased much, but the number of enemies I’ve provoked keeps growing, Lin Bai lamented inwardly. He found an undamaged room, turned, and said to the Players, "This will be my Refiner’s Workshop from now on. Get a sign made and hang it up for me."

Though the Players didn’t understand why, they still agreed.

Lin Bai pushed open the door, scanned the room, and selected a spot.

GURGLE! GURGLE!

The ground caved in, and a clear spring miraculously appeared in the room, radiating an intense, chilling aura.

"Holy crap!"

"Holy crap!"

...

The Beggar Gang disciples once again gasped in amazement, their eyes wide with shock.

At this very moment, everyone’s faith in the Righteous Door surged dramatically.

Lin, the Storekeeper, had displayed too many miracles today. If these couldn’t convince them of the Righteous Door’s legitimacy, then they truly were idiots!