Elemental Card King.

Chapter 172 The Talent Ranking Reopens, Breaking Records
After returning home, there was one thing I had to face.

That's whereabouts of my cousin, Tong Li.

“I asked someone to inquire earlier, and it’s very likely that the Spirit Rhythm Plane will collide with a plane called ‘Blood Abyss’ this October, resulting in a celestial conjunction,” Su Chen said.

If we compare the Alliance territory to a broader celestial system, then the main celestial plane is the star, and the other extraterrestrial planes can be seen as planets orbiting the star under its gravitational pull.

Currently, the Lingyun Plane is no longer operating along its predetermined trajectory. Instead, under the interference of some mysterious 'X' effect, it is rapidly flying out of the map.

This is exactly the same as the 'dimensional derailment' that has occurred in recent years.

It was as if it were being pulled by an unknown external force, and it had no choice but to deviate from its original trajectory, flying further and further away in the same direction until it disappeared into the depths of space.

Based on the above speculation, the direction these derailed planes flew towards, that is, their final destination, is the enemy's main plane.

In the dark depths of the universe, it is like a gaping maw, constantly absorbing and devouring all external minor planes in order to continuously strengthen its own resources.

This bizarre technique, or perhaps this mysterious spellcasting method, directly caused the mental breakdown of an academic giant.

'This is not scientifically sound.'

This gave him the belief that humanity was destined to lose.

"But the Spirit Aura Plane is different. Its deviated new trajectory will inevitably collide with the Blood Abyss Plane sooner or later. The rescue operation is scheduled for October."

After Su Chen's brief explanation, his aunt and uncle sitting opposite him also sighed.

'Blood Abyss' is located outside the Alliance territory, and its internal environment is extremely poor.

The only good news is that the collision between these two dimensions will not lead to a major disintegration.

“The Lingyun Plane has 60 permanent residents. In addition to the joint research group in Yundu University City, there are many other research teams and exploration teams. It will not be abandoned under any circumstances,” Auntie said firmly.

"Indeed, the new alliance needs to achieve some results. The Dimensional Exploration Legion is so powerful, it has to show its strength."

Uncle Tong Ruisong was no longer as relaxed as before, and his face always had a hint of solemnity.

No matter how.

This is the best news I've heard recently.

After chatting for a long time, the aunt realized that her nephew had classes the next day, so she didn't continue the small talk.

After taking a bath, Su Chen also used up the four-star metal attribute material card in his hand, and with the help of the colorless divine card's debunking effect, he gave it to the Radiant Gold Envoy's 'Golden Source Absorption'.

The enhancement is expected to take 15 hours and 39 minutes to complete.

"Can a single shot create a miracle?"

This growth skill has already consumed a lot of material resources; the question is whether it can unlock a common effect mechanism.

Before falling asleep, Su Chen began cultivating the new version of the Primordial Elemental Technique.

In early February, he had mastered the art of observing the sun.

The current time is March 21st, and it has been more than a month since then that I switched to the elemental method.

at the moment.

With the aid of elemental artifacts, he chose a rare treasure called 'Elemental Spirit Mirror' from the B-grade cultivation resources awarded in the national competition.

Its overall appearance resembles a breast protector, about the size of a palm, and is very delicate and small. The outer ring is inlaid with various elemental gems, which are not limited to the ten elemental attributes that Su Chen has currently unlocked.

This spiritual mirror can automatically communicate with the elemental realm, acting as a bridge that allows Su Chen to continuously draw elemental energy from it.

It also possesses two major effects: 'absorption and transformation' and 'elemental resonance and enhanced perception', which can assist the card master in their cultivation.

soon.

The ten elemental diagrams began to be mentally copied.

This meditation diagram depicts a process that also interprets the primordial meaning, from the initial chaos and disorder, when all things were born, to the later orderly development and flourishing of life.

From the deposition of heavy metals in the Earth's core, the formation of the lithosphere, the cooling of the Earth's crust, and the eruption of molten lava, life begins and continues.

A complete planetary change and evolution is a complete cycle of cultivation.

"So fast."

"It's incredibly effective."

After finishing, Su Chen glanced at the time; it had only taken 1 hour and 11 minutes.

It should be noted that even with the assistance of the Holy Heart in his cultivation of the Sun Observation Technique, and despite the gradual increase in efficiency in the later stages, he only managed to break through to about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

"Ten meditation diagrams, each corresponding to a different element, and each drawing is a test of one's affinity with the element."

But clearly, this poses no challenge whatsoever to the Lord of Elements, the ruler of the elements.

Previously, Su Chen was worried that the elemental artifacts might not be able to provide much assistance to cultivation, since the new version of the elemental diagram was not a public meditation diagram with many reference materials. Fortunately, following the diagram, it was indeed quite effective.

"The proficiency stage should be coming soon."

He used to squeeze in some time to practice during the previous national competition, and now that he's back on track, he expects to complete the breakthrough in elemental magic in just a few days.

Before falling asleep, Su Chen, lying on his bed, couldn't help but recall the relevant evidence materials from the general public trial.

Currently, the publicly available enemy intelligence information is as follows:

Main plane name: Demon Realm (tentative).

Race: Demonic (humanoid appearance)

Note: Sixteen corpses have been dissected, and thirteen people have been successfully captured, all of whom were vanguard scouts. One of the generals passed the output level test and easily rivaled a legendary card master.

Training System: Spellbooks (Mastering magic through contracts with various spellbooks during the coming-of-age ceremony)
Note: Currently, each of the captives possesses a Summoning Codex, a Demon Book, an Elemental Codex, and a Fire Emblem Book, among others.

Civilization level: Level 5 intelligent civilization (tentative).

Note: The ritual to control the intersecting dimensional trajectory is a highly significant deployment method, combining conspicuous magic arrays with sophisticated magical technology equipment. Troops stationed outside the territory of each region need to strengthen patrols and be vigilant.

at last.
At the end of the evidence presentation, they learned from the prisoners that a massive dimensional trajectory interference ritual had been set up throughout the Demon Realm, and the enemy's prime plane was rapidly approaching from the dark depths of the universe at an unbelievable speed.

Conservatively estimated, within six months at most, they will be able to capture the operational trajectory of the Demon Realm through the dimensional observation station.

"Abandon all illusions and prepare for battle."

Su Chen stopped thinking about the future and began to fall asleep.

The next day.

Spring breeze brings joy, the young man returns.

Early in the morning, Su Chen returned to his long-missed high school campus.

“What a scene.”

To his surprise, two red banners were hung at the school gate.

Congratulations to our student Su Chen for winning the National Middle School Card Game Competition!
A historic breakthrough! Our student Su Chen has won the national card game competition championship!
As the banner says.

This is not only a historic breakthrough for Donghua No.1 Card Middle School, but also the first time that a national champion has been born in the entire Donghua City.

Upon closer reflection, this is quite normal.

Qingyun Province has only welcomed a national champion again in 55 years, which shows how hard-won this is.

"Is that handsome guy Su Chen from the top class?"

"That's him, the champion!"

At the school gate, many students' eyes were drawn to that tall and well-proportioned figure.

Perhaps because too many people stopped and lingered, the teachers and security personnel on duty outside became a little nervous.

"Everyone, hurry inside!" the teacher called out.

Yesterday's chaos left a lingering sense of unease, and in order to prevent any serious incidents from occurring on campus, the local education bureau has strengthened security measures.

Back in class, the students of the Rocket Class erupted in cheers upon seeing Su Chen.

"Well done."

Today, the homeroom teacher, Yu Dong, arrived exceptionally quickly, clearly having waited specifically for Su Chen's arrival.

Upon meeting, the other person excitedly stepped forward and hugged them.

Although I had sent a congratulatory text message beforehand, some emotions are simply not as easily expressed in person.

"Let alone being selected as a provincial gold medal teacher this year."

Teacher Yu Dong didn't shy away from saying, "I should be more than qualified to be a national-level teaching master, and I might even be able to be named a national outstanding educator."

After refusing to switch schools to the private Yu-Tsai High School, he persevered for many years and finally got to see such a talented and outstanding prospect.

This time, I've truly had my moment of triumph.

My lower back doesn't ache anymore.

He's become much more assertive at home, and his wife has become much more attentive.

Beyond the honorary titles and titles, the corresponding national-level subsidies alone were enough to make him disregard the high salaries offered by private talent training institutions.

"It's all thanks to the teacher," Su Chen said with a smile.

To be honest, the teacher did help him a lot objectively, after all, the other party had to put pressure on the principal to make the decision in order to obtain the only sunrise map in the city.

Elemental rulers are extremely rare, and the last one to make a public appearance was Dr. Yan, whose bold speculation on inducing light and darkness attributes in advance using the Sun Observation Method still benefits Su Chen to this day.

Otherwise, the talent trait he unlocked upon advancing to intermediate card master wouldn't be the Elemental Synchronization trait.

"You're welcome."

Teacher Yu Dong smiled and said, "All the credit is yours. Although there is no video to watch, I know that all of this was not easy."

As the two were talking, the students around them had already gathered around.

"I heard you brought a trophy, can I touch it?" Xu Zigui shouted enthusiastically.

"It's a medal."

Su Chen corrected him, explaining that the school wanted to set up a special display case for his championship honors in the school history museum, so his homeroom teacher asked him to bring his provincial and national gold medals back to school last night.

of course.

The individual will definitely keep their gold medal; the school just wants to use it as a template to create a high-quality replica.

"Be careful, it's very expensive. The raw materials alone for this national gold medal cost at least several million Alliance coins." The homeroom teacher couldn't help but say as he watched Xu Zigui take it to play with and admire it.

"Good heavens, so expensive!" This startled the other party, their heart skipped a beat, and they became extremely cautious in their movements.

Huang Haoliang, who was standing to the side, laughed and said, "Not only that, the price of gold has gone up, and the upward trend is not going to stop anytime soon. It might even reach nearly ten million."

"I go!"

In an instant, Xu Zigui felt as if he had taken a hot potato; if he lost it, even selling himself wouldn't be enough to compensate for it.

When he looked at the other students for help, they all immediately dispersed.

"Boss, please accept this."

Left with no other choice, Xu Zigui had to immediately return the 'hand-held thunder' to Su Chen.

"Our Class 3 is really amazing!" Du Hanping, the classmate sitting next to Du Hanping, exclaimed with pride upon seeing this.

In fact, it wasn't just Su Chen who won the national award; Huang Haoliang, who participated in the National Mathematics and Physics Competition, also won the second prize in the national competition.

However, compared to the national champion, his second prize is naturally somewhat inferior.

"Unlike you, you even complimented me in the process." Huang Haoliang couldn't help but laugh as soon as he sat down.

These two argumentative brothers sometimes argue for half a class period over a single topic.

Du Hanping laughed and said, "There's no way around it, I'm in a good mood. Yesterday afternoon, Teacher Yu Dong told me that he would personally train everyone after class, and it would be at a high standard, with even stricter practical standards than those of Yucai Private High School."

"in addition."

"The principal and the director of studies went to the Education Bureau for a meeting yesterday, and I estimate that there will be a result soon."

Everyone understood what the other was saying.

Social attitudes need to change.

After the entire nation took a giant leap into the wartime system, the most obvious reaction came from parents, with a large number of people rushing to enroll their children in extracurricular martial arts classes, kendo dojos, and even magic dojos.

"I have a feeling that Brother Chen is going to become a hot commodity. Such an outstanding combat card master will definitely be even more sought after," Du Hanping said with a smile.

"Thinking about it this way, I smell really good too."

Huang Haoliang raised an eyebrow and said with great joy, "At least there will be no shortage of job opportunities in the future, and the salary will be absolutely sky-high. After all, they need mathematical talents like me to solve the problems of planar observation science, right?"

"Hmph, you better pray that science doesn't get into your head, otherwise, if you dare to show any signs of surrendering, I'll definitely come knocking on your door later," Du Hanping said disdainfully.

"With your mediocre skills?" Huang Haoliang was somewhat displeased.

"That's enough of a beating." Du Hanping crossed his arms and leaned back slightly in his chair.

Although he has not yet grasped any of the basic meditation diagrams, he has been training his body through standing meditation, resistance training, high-intensity physical training, and medicinal baths, in addition to meditation practice.

He was already tall and burly, and his presence was indeed much more imposing than that of the tall and thin Huang Haoliang.

Although he couldn't beat Su Chen, and wasn't even a match for him, this president of the school's card game practice club was already able to exchange quite a few moves with Xu Zigui, who won third prize in the provincial competition.

In terms of actual combat skills, ranking fourth in the top class, or even in the entire senior class, would be no problem at all.

After just two classes, all the homeroom teachers received a notice to immediately go to the conference room for a meeting.

"Sure enough, it's here."

Yu Dong sighed and looked at the document in his hand.

"Planning Ahead: Guiding Opinions on the Education System's Response to Challenges and Strengthening of Academic Integrity".

This is a letter of opinion conveyed by the Ministry of Education.

The overall framework establishes three main components.

First, the ranking of students' grades will no longer be blurred.

Second, card-based practical training sessions must not be perfunctory or superficial; they must not be merely touched upon. At a strict standard, two practical training sessions must be conducted each week.

Third, we must curb the unhealthy trend of emphasizing academics over physical fitness and raise the assessment quality and scoring standards for physical fitness tests in actual combat.

"The era of reducing the burden of education has come to a complete end."

Many of the homeroom teachers present couldn't help but sigh.

"Wow, the college entrance exam has been completely reformed."

The most significant impact was undoubtedly the sudden and dramatic change in scores experienced by this year's graduating high school students.

The weight of the physical fitness test in the actual test score has suddenly increased, from 150 points (the same as the five humanities subjects) to 200 points.

"It's a direct increase of 50 points, and students still have to work hard to meet the assessment standards. As a result, some students who are good at taking tests will probably see a significant drop in their scores." Some teachers shook their heads and sighed.

This was somewhat unexpected and felt inexplicably unfair to some top students who excelled in humanities subjects.

"Please forgive us during this extraordinary time."

"At the same time, we hope that all homeroom teachers will do a good job of persuading parents to stop spoiling and pampering their children. Otherwise, they will really become a lost generation of young people."

At this point, Principal Hong's expression turned serious.

"in addition."

"The Education Bureau will begin inspecting the quality of practical lessons next week. I don't want to hear any news of students crying and begging for treatment because of a cut on their finger."

Hear this.

Many homeroom teachers were also at a loss for words, finding the situation both amusing and exasperating.

soon.

The news of the college entrance examination reform spread throughout the entire senior year of high school in an instant.

"Holy crap, the college entrance exam is in June, and it's almost the end of March. How could it change so suddenly? A whole 50 points!" Some people were stunned.

The original physical fitness test was already quite simple, but some people still didn't perform as well as they hoped.

This drop in points is enough to completely shatter the mentality of many people.

Some are happy and some are sad.

Xu Zigui was overjoyed. Upon hearing the news, he immediately started street dancing on the classroom stage, easily performing several Thomas Flairs.

"Cheer for me! Cheer for me!"

He laughed so hard he was dumbfounded. What was once a bit uncertain about getting into a prestigious university now seemed much more certain.

When Mr. Yu Dong informed us, he specifically mentioned that the rankings in card game competitions and math competitions could earn extra points at top 5 universities and G20 universities.

"Good good!"

Du Hanping was also very excited, as he was clearly a beneficiary of the college entrance examination reform.

Class monitor Xiao Tingting also had a big smile on her face. As a second-prize winner in the provincial competition, she naturally had a better chance. She was already outstanding in the five humanities subjects and hoped to be among the top 15 in the province in the college entrance examination.

"Brother Chen is the biggest beneficiary, isn't he? He easily got 200 points," someone said.

Huang Haoliang couldn't help but complain, "Brother, he's a guaranteed admission student. He's a monster who's transcended the three realms. Why would he need to consider these things? On the contrary, the five top universities are probably going to have to prepare for a battle to recruit him."

This made those who had just realized it extremely envious.

And at the end of the lunch break.

An even more significant measure to rectify academic conduct has arrived.

"This is outrageous!"

"The Ministry of Education just suddenly released a new list of the top 500 talents."

Twenty-six years ago, due to the broader context of reducing the burden of education and issues involving a tendency towards aptitude for talent, this official list disappeared from public view after numerous complaints from parents.

The talent rankings have now been relaunched.

The number one spot was none other than 'Dawn Hunt'.

This is the first time this talent has reached its peak, and its owner is undoubtedly Marshal Yan, who has proven his worth.

"Isn't this just rushing to curry favor? Even if you're going to restart the rankings, there's no need to be in such a hurry," someone chuckled to themselves.

But no one dared to criticize this first place.

After all, this Marshal Yan had just won two divine battles. His record speaks for itself, so who in Xuanhuang would dare to disagree?

of course.

The debate about whether human ability or talent is more important has once again sparked a heated discussion.

"This is hindsight. Before Marshal Yan attained enlightenment, why wasn't this talent ranked first in the talent sequence? To put it bluntly, it's all about human strength." Some people argued vehemently.

same.

Another major discussion that erupted on campus undoubtedly fell on Su Chen.

"Third place!"

"Brother Chen's elemental control talent actually got him to third place."

Many students were shocked.

Prior to this, the highest rank achieved by the Elemental Mastery talent in the past few centuries was only 7th.

Now that the rankings have been restarted, it has jumped several places.

In a sense, it seems to be an affirmation that the other party's performance surpasses that of any previous generation of talented individuals.

"This is simply another powerful proof of human strength. Brother Chen has also made a small contribution to the path of enlightenment," Huang Haoliang said with a smile.

Even Su Chen was surprised when he first saw the rankings. However, after looking at the judging criteria, he realized that they took into account the weight of this year's competition to some extent, and also used previous rankings as a basic weight.

In the final talent rankings, Elemental Domination ranked 11th.

Regardless, he did break the record.

"Brother Chen might just become number one in the future," Huang Haoliang said with great anticipation.

"It's very difficult. If the domestic rankings were to resume being updated annually, Marshal Yan would probably monopolize the number one spot for many years."

Du Hanping said with sincere admiration, "Unless a monster emerges in the country to suppress him, the next few years will basically be a one-man show for him."

(End of this chapter)