Chapter 199: 199 Hope for Repairing Xuanwu_1
The nobility, at first, did not possess the excessively unreasonable status they hold now; it was merely a symbolic position granted to them, not necessarily something that placed them high above others. How did things change? It seemed that as the world’s structure underwent major changes, the nobility’s influence over the common people grew increasingly significant. Furthermore, people were later distinguished as nobility or commoners from birth, effectively accepting social class divisions as a given. Since Yunxia also had high-ranking officials who favored the nobility, matters evolved into the current situation.
From a long-term perspective, there didn’t seem to be a particularly big problem. After all, there were no severe conflicts between nobility and commoners, and the Empire at least ensured that ordinary civilians could live their lives smoothly. But from Wen Jiang’s point of view, she felt it was unreliable. The fact that the original Wen Jiang, the previous owner of this body, had lived in an outrageous place like the slums with Song Yingchen already indicated that society was gradually becoming unstable.
「Of course, the perspective shifts back to Yan Moling.」
After much thought, she felt this matter might affect Wen Jiang, who was still competing. Yan Moling didn’t disturb her but went to find Li Huijun first.
These UR Rank national treasures were generally not ill-tempered, except for the two younger ones who were rather arrogant.
When Yan Moling found Li Huijun, she was in her room discussing something with Gong Shu.
Gong Shu was a Card Maker from the Mountain Ghost Association who had once created the Snake Tortoise card, which was actually the Black Tortoise.
He and other Card Makers from the Association had returned to discuss repairing the Black Tortoise with Li Huijun. Li Huijun, one of the most affable UR Rank Spirit Card Masters, had taught many Card Makers, including Gong Shu.
Since he had a serious matter to discuss, Li Huijun would not refuse him.
The two discussed for a while but couldn’t reach a definite conclusion.
Li Huijun’s main speculation was: "If this card truly is the Black Tortoise, then given the extraordinary status of the Four Great Divine Beasts, I suspect its repair will be incredibly difficult."
Gong Shu was surprised and quickly grasped Li Huijun’s meaning, then said with shock, "If I’m not strong enough, then what kind of strength would a successfully repaired Black Tortoise possess?"
When he had created the Snake Tortoise, it had almost allowed the Mountain Ghost Association to defy destiny; if it hadn’t been downgraded, things could have been very different. If he couldn’t repair a standard Black Tortoise now, it simply meant the card was too powerful—far beyond average strength. He could use cards like Bai Ze and Bi Fang, after all!
Anxiously, Gong Shu pondered. In past years, ignorance might have been bliss. But now that he knew of such a significant breakthrough in the Empire, the urge to repair the Black Tortoise was overwhelming. However, he was the one who had initially created it, and the patent was in his hands—unless he authorized its repair by someone else. So cautiously, he probed, "Teacher, could you possibly help me?"
Li Huijun shook her head. "I’ve been recently studying the Azure Dragon and White Tiger with them, and it would be difficult for me to make time to help you repair the Black Tortoise. Besides, since you personally created the Black Tortoise, it would undoubtedly be best if you repaired it yourself. It’s a shame, if only you were able to..."
She didn’t finish her sentence.
Gong Shu once had high hopes of being promoted to UR Rank. However, the downgrade of the Snake Tortoise card dealt him a massive blow, causing him to lose his drive. Eventually, he settled in a small city, leading a life that could almost be described as retirement.
Gong Shu’s eyes dimmed with regret. If only he had continued seeking solutions back then...
Yan Moling walked in just as Gong Shu and Li Huijun were together. Li Huijun hadn’t kept it secret when the housekeeper reported Gong Shu’s arrival, so Yan Moling knew he was there. As she entered, she greeted, "Teacher Li, Uncle Gong, hello."
She knew Gong Shu, having met him once when she was a child. More importantly, she knew he was the creator of the Snake Tortoise—also known as the Black Tortoise Card—and held him in high regard.
Gong Shu seemed to have some recollection of Yan Moling, but his mind wasn’t on it right now. He barely nodded at her as a form of greeting.
Seeing him so distraught, Li Huijun offered a faint smile. In front of Yan Moling, she didn’t hold back her words. "What’s the matter? A little setback and you’re out of options?"
Gong Shu gave a bitter smile. "Teacher, you must be joking. How is this a small setback?" Indeed, successfully repairing the Black Tortoise would be anything but a small setback.
"If you were able to create it initially, it means the card recognizes you," Li Huijun said. "I knew its downgrade was a blow to you and didn’t interfere too much. Now that the opportunity has presented itself, I actually think it might be a blessing in disguise."
"Do you know how I became a UR Rank Spirit Card Master? It was at S Rank, when I created Qian Cang."
Yan Moling was a bit surprised to hear Teacher Li mention these things, and Gong Shu was taken aback.
In an instant, a bright light burst forth in his eyes.
Qian Cang was the key SSR that had elevated Li Huijun to UR Rank. It was an extremely powerful Support Card exclusively provided to the military, establishing her status as a national treasure.
Gong Shu understood Li Huijun’s implication. Within Yunxia, there were only five UR Rank Spirit Card Masters, and the Black Tortoise Card was Gong Shu’s opportunity.
If he could truly repair it, given the power of the Black Tortoise, it would undoubtedly allow him to soar to great heights. However, opportunity and danger coexisted. If he couldn’t manage the repair, Gong Shu feared he might never advance further in his life.
Seeing the fervent light in Gong Shu’s eyes, Li Huijun knew her words had been enough. She offered one more piece of advice: "But don’t force it. Don’t let obsession consume you."
Repairing cards and making new ones was a risky business. A mistake could disrupt one’s spiritual power and possibly ruin one’s entire life. Otherwise, why would there be so few Spirit Card Masters suitable for card making?
"I understand." Now, with a renewed aspiration, Gong Shu knew his path to the heavens lay before him. The fact that he had once been able to create the Black Tortoise proved he had hope. And now, that hope still lingered.
Seeing Gong Shu leave in good spirits, he finally offered Yan Moling a smile and said, "You must be the Qiao Family girl, right? I held you when you were little."
But it was obviously just a perfunctory social nicety; his mind was completely occupied with his Black Tortoise. He spoke absently and left without a backward glance.
Yan Moling was speechless.
Feeling a mix of annoyance and amusement, she said, "Was that Uncle Gong who made the Snake Tortoise Card?"
The Snake Tortoise Card, which was now believed to be the Black Tortoise, was indeed made by Gong Shu, and Yan Moling knew this too.
This had caused quite a stir at the time. However, the Snake Tortoise Card then disappeared without a trace. Although most people were unaware of its downgrade, its performance visibly weakened with each subsequent appearance. Those with some knowledge could see there was an issue, roughly understanding that something was wrong with the card, and the Mountain Ghost Association dared not use it anymore.
Later on, Gong Shu disappeared.
Li Huijun said with a smile, "That’s right. He’s been searching for so many years, and now it seems the tables have turned."
No one had anticipated that the so-called Snake Tortoise could actually be the Black Tortoise. No wonder it was downgraded; perhaps the Card Spirit disliked the name.
Naming a card was somewhat metaphysical. Often, the name was captured in a moment of inspiration after the Card Spirit was created. However, not all cards are linked to their names in this way—only these Divine Beast cards tend to be different.
Back then, Gong Shu must have been muddled to give the Card Spirit such an unflattering, ’appearance-based’ name.