The Card Apprentice

“Tang Hanpei and Bitter Solitude Temple are going to war with each other?” Jie Yanbai was shocked as he looked at the report in his hands.

Cao Zhengqiu nodded and said, “This war was bound to happen between Tang Hanpei and Bitter Solitude Temple. Since Tang Hanpei robbed Bitter Solitude Temple and killed Xian Luo, they have hated each other. I’m not surprised at all.” However, he soon furrowed his brows. “Nevertheless, Tang Hanpei has a habit of planning things way ahead. My gut tells me that he has a hidden purpose for beginning this war at this particular time.”

Jie Yanbai was shocked. “Hidden purpose? You think that he picked this particular time for a reason?”

“Yes. Indeed, in a few days from now will be the alliance of the Heavenly Drum Village District. That woman Jia Yingxia is wise and powerful, and once this alliance is created, it will be invincible and will become the strongest weapon in her hands after internal rectification. Moon Frost Island will be one of the six strongest rulers!” Cao Zhengqiu analyzed things clearly. “All in all, when that time comes, everyone will know that no one can stop Jia Yingxia.”

Looking at the other five parties, Central Repository of the Classics had no power to interfere, Star Court had internal issues, and Bitter Solitude Temple would never care about such incidents. That left Desert Camp and Tang Hanpei. By right, the formation of the Heavenly Drum’s alliance was the most undesirable incident for Desert Camp. However, Su Heiming had just taken over Desert Camp, so it was presumed that he would not be able to find time to deal with this problem. Then that would leave Tang Hampei as the only one left for this matter. However, he didn’t even care about Jia Yingxia, but at this moment, he chose to initiate a war against Bitter Solitude Temple. Wasn’t this strange?

“Could it be that he isn’t even the slightest bit worried about the Heavenly Drum Alliance?” Jie Yanbai asked inexplicably.

“All this time, I have been collecting a lot of information about Tang Hanpei to try to analyze his personality.” Cao Zhengqiu lowered his voice and said, “Based on what I know, according to his personality, he acted this way because he is confident in his power.”

“Confident…” Jie Yanbai mumbled.

In Qianhu city.

Baiyue was reporting to Jia Yingxia when a hint of tiredness flashed across her crystal-like eyes.

“A few accidents occurred again yesterday. Two teams of card artisans had a fight and caused a scuffle. The relevant personnel have all been arrested and detained.”

Jia Yingxia was satisfied as she said, “Good job, but we can build an arbitration stage, and allow people who want to argue to fight in it. Personnel who fight outside of the arbitration stage will need to be strictly punished. Don’t let anyone with bad intentions have the chance to take advantage of this for their personal gain.”

“Roger that!”

“Tang Hanpei and Bitter Solitude Temple are having a war. No matter what, we are gonna grab this opportunity gifted from the heavens and form the alliance successfully,” Jia Yingxia stood up, and her shadow became longer due to the sunlight from outside the window.

Baiyue could not help but to express her surprise on her face. Tang Hanpei and Bitter Solitude Temple having a war was undoubtedly shocking news.

Jia Yingxia’s expression showed no sign of joy. She slowly said, “I’m slightly worried.”

Baiyue’s eyes widened. This was the first time she had ever heard her teacher express her worry. In her eyes, her teacher was almighty, invincible, and there was nothing that her teacher could not solve! However, her teacher actually said that she was worried…

“Tang Hanpei is a truly formidable person. How is it possible for him to just sit around while we successfully form the alliance? For him to be so fearless, he must have a method to deal with us. But what could it be?” Jia Yingxia paced with her head facing downwards as she contemplated.

She suddenly raised her head. “Is there anything going on in Desert Camp?”

“Desert Camp?” Baiyue was stunned for a moment. She dipped her head in thought before shaking her head and said, “Ever since Su Heiming took over, the deep cleansing of Desert Camp has not stopped. The information system that we sent to Desert Camp had been severely damaged. So there is no important information coming in nowadays.”

Jia Yingxia murmured, “There’s no telling whether or not Su Hanhao’s death is a beneficial thing for us.”

Suddenly, she realized that her emotion was slightly wrong. She smiled and said, “This time, for us, the situation is better than what we expected. In Tang Hanpei and Bitter Solitude Temple’s war, Tang Hanpei already lost his underling Song Chengyan, but Bitter Solitude Temple still has a powerful character aside from Xian Luo. Hehe, Star Court had recently been facing problems as well.”

“Problems?” Baiyue raised her head in confusion.

“Haha. Do you still remember that Rossiji?” Jia Yingxia asked cheerfully.

Baiyue nodded. “Yes, the tactical genius who once complimented the White Commander.”

Jia Yingxia smiled and said, “Yes, that’s him. A few days ago, he and another Star Court’s card artisan suddenly disappeared, and Rossiji’s family disappeared along with them. Now the Star Court is a mess, trying to find their little genius.”

“Did someone kidnap them?” Baiyue asked with wide eyes.

“Impossible. He must have run away himself.” Jia Yingxia shook her head.

“But why he would he want to run away?” Baiyue was confused.

Jia Yingxia disagreed, “The Star Court was built by Heine Van Sant. At that time, that guy was a tyrant. The Star Court seemed to be peaceful and low-key, but the internal training system was very brutal. It was even crueler than that of the Desert Camp. This was due to the old habits of Heine Van Sant. His idea was that only the best people are qualified to survive, and only the best things can be preserved. Hmph, things from the age of sects were all destroyed because of him. The conservative style of Star Court is no longer suitable for this era.”

“Understood,” Baiyue nodded and said.

Jia Yingxia suddenly recalled, “Don’t only focus on the city, pay attention to the outskirts, especially the Snow Silkworm Card Artisan Team; their team leader is a very powerful character. Unfortunately, he is not interested in Moon Frost Island. If we have him, Moon Frost Island will definitely be able to conquer the Federation.”

There was a hint of regret in Jia Yingxia’s words.

In Snow Silkworm Card Artisan Team’s station.

Everyone sat and drank tea together in an exciting atmosphere. In the corner, Little Bu Mo and the fat dog were having lots of fun. Little Bu Mo, who was usually quiet, was laughing happily, while Wei-ah sat on the side, watching that one person and one dog play around.

“Boss, tsk tsk, this was a beautiful fight.” Bogner, who was making chewing sounds with his mouth, couldn’t help but feel impressed that the boss seemed to learn anything remarkably quickly. Who could have known that this ordinary teenager could have gone from a homeless kid to where he was now?

Jiang Liang showed signs of admiration. Even he couldn’t guarantee that he could achieve what the boss did.

“Then what are we going to do next?” asked Xi Ping with a smile. This was the biggest doubt in everyone’s mind. Without Chen Mu, they had no idea where to go. Chen Mu’s expression was calm. This was something which always made people forget about his age. But after this vigorous training, he became even more calm and steady.

“I have arranged for the Wood Batallion to be situated in the deep jungle about 1,500 kilometers away from here. Xiaobo and Sang Hanshui are there, along with those supplies.” Chen Mu spoke frankly and in measured tones while everyone listened carefully. Bogner and Xi Ping looked at each other before expressions of relief appeared on both their faces.

“Our goal this time is to find the demonic woman and solve the problem of the mark on my body. Wei-ah and I will enter the city of Qianhu with Qiu Shanyu tonight, waiting for the opportunity to find the demonic woman. While waiting for us, everyone else, standby in the camp temporarily. If anything unexpected happens, you guys can support us. Once it is done, we will leave this place. One ought not to stay in Qianhu city for too long.” Chen Mu said all this calmly. He then immediately pulled out a few telecommunication cards and distributed them to everyone.

“This is my remade Thousand Kilometer. There is no need for the communication matrix while in such close proximity. Tell every team member that we may leave at any time.”

Bogner added on seriously, “You have to be careful.”

The expression on everyone else’s face started to look solemn as well.

Chen Mu looked around before he smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I estimate that it will only take a few days. If we can’t find her, we will find another solution.”

Ru Qiu suddenly said, “Boss, the principal of Jiao Si must be here as well. If you have any problems, please go to him. If you meet him, let him know that I miss him very much, and I miss the dean as well.”

Everyone smiled when they heard these innocent words.

Sue Lochiro said, “I’ve just produced several kinds of special potions. Bring a few of them with you.” Her concern was naturally revealed in those words.

Suddenly, Bogner’s telecommunication device rang.

“Report, we found card artisans stalking in five areas.” The inarticulate face of a man with a unibrow appeared on the screen. This unibrow, who was a master in assassinations, was very good in dealing with these enemies in the dark, who were very much like him.

Everyone turned and looked at Chen Mu.

Chen Mu said straightforwardly, “Finish them.”

A few strange sharp whistling sounds could all be heard at the same time. Blood appeared in a flash across the foreheads of several unknown card artisans who were secretly stalking the Snow Silkworm Card Artisan Team. Then, they fell straight to the ground. By now, people only started to recall that the Snow Silkworm Card Artisan Team was a place where Sniper Card Artisans ran amuck.

With the help of the darkness of the night and chaos, Chen Mu carried Qiu Shanyu and disappeared into the night along with Wei-Ah.

Looking at the where they disappeared, Bogner suddenly said, “The boss has become way more mature.”

“Yes, he can finally be considered as a qualified leader,” Xi Ping continued.

Bogner raised his eyebrows. “Are you satisfied with this?”

Xi Ping disdainfully pouted. “Whatever you have in your mind, don’t drag me in.”

“Hehe, I was thinking to teach the boss everything I know…”

Xi Ping rolled his eyes. “You just want to scam some money from the boss.”

Bogner was furious. “You b*stard, am I that kind of person? Hmph, sometimes I’m not even willing to teach when others beg to learn.”

Xi Ping said slowly, “Don’t get so grumpy just because I’m right. Also, look at your own standards. Boss is a genius! With your knowledge, tsk tsk, even teaching Little Shen Jiang would be difficult.”

“You, you, you…” Bogner was so angry as he pointed at Xi Ping as he stuttered.

Xi Ping did not seem affected by that at all. “Little Ginger is a good boy. As for you, your standards are limited. I’m not expecting you to teach Little Ginger to be, um, oh yes, as amazing as that Rossini. But at least it should be on the level of Song Chengyan.” He glanced at Bogner and added, “Don’t you ever say anything about back in those days either, hehe!”

Bogner was so mad that his face turned purple. Then, he turned and ran away without saying another word.

A loud and harsh voice resounded throughout the whole camp.

“Little Ginger, dammit, get over here!”