My exclusive card pool

Chapter 182 Rising to Fame (Part 2)

"Wang Xi, the brave warrior of Gucheng, is not bad."

On the projection wall, the unkempt, stubble-faced man finished his cigarette, his gloomy expression vanishing, and he smiled approvingly.

"A rare dual mastery of magic and martial arts, with both offensive and defensive capabilities, your overall strength is outstanding. You are also adept at observing your opponent's weaknesses and striking decisively... I believe you have already begun to possess the ability to stand alone."

"Sigh." Gu Li put his hands in his pockets and sighed, "Gu City hasn't seen such an outstanding warrior in a long time. I'm proud of you."

"My final evaluation is: excellent."

After the comments were finished, Gu Li's projection flickered and disappeared.

There was a moment of silence, followed by a burst of exclamations from the crowd.

Excellent!

This evaluation is too high!
Everyone knew perfectly well that during the simulated combat phase, the "Taoist Masters" were remarkably consistent in their attitude towards the examinees: they were extremely strict.

Generally speaking, they will only give evaluations such as barely passable, passable, or okay. If any examinee can get an excellent evaluation, they are definitely a rare genius.

But Wang Xi is exceptionally outstanding!
To say that he received preferential treatment from "Tajiro Taigo" because he came from Gucheng is simply a joke.

The "Taiko" (a term referring to powerful figures in China) not only fail to take care of the younger generation in their own cities, but are actually more demanding.

Besides avoiding suspicion, it was also because they placed high hopes on each other.

It's easy to imagine just how outstanding Wang Xi's performance was in the combat simulation...

drip.

At this moment, Wang Xi's photo and related information appeared on the projection wall. Below it was a line of text:

"Based on his overall performance in the actual combat simulation, and the recommendation of 'Gu Cheng Tai Yu · Ming Tan Ke' Gu Li, Gu Cheng Yong Zhe Wang Xi is hereby awarded a 'High-Rank Three-Star' certificate."

This caused another commotion.

Even Li Xingduan was stunned.

He only obtained the "upper-level three-star" certification this year, but unexpectedly, Wang Xigang reached the same level as him after passing the assessment.

Li Xingduan couldn't help but sigh.

He had been called the "Genius of Gucheng" for six whole years, and he almost believed it himself. But it wasn't until he met Wang Xi that he realized what it meant to be "there are always people better than you".

"Holy crap!" Luo Yan's eyes widened. "Top-tier three stars? You've left us all far behind!"

He then solemnly suggested, "Why don't you join our defense team? You can be the 7th Captain, and I'll be your underling, how about that?"

Jiang Tianhao glanced at his old friend: "Do you think Wang Xi would even consider your captain's position?"

"What should we do then?" Luo Yan clapped his hands. "Hey, I've got it! We can have Wang Xi become the captain of Team 1, and then transfer Sister Ning Meng to Team 7 to be my deputy."

"Wow, that's killing two birds with one stone!"

"..."

Everyone hesitated, then tacitly moved aside.

It seemed he didn't want others to know that this guy was from their Gucheng.

Gu Yuanshan rolled her eyes: "Just a greasy, ugly man's dying fantasy."

In the crowd, Xia Yuexia looked at the information projected on the wall, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

As a rising star in the Yucheng team, she only received a "Upper Two-Star" certificate in this assessment. Clearly, the handsome guy from Gucheng was more outstanding than her.

"Sister Ran, what do you think about me applying to be transferred to Gucheng?"

Xia Yuexia smiled at the slightly plump woman beside her.

The latter was taken aback, then said, "Are you crazy?"

"Just kidding, why are you so excited?" Xia Yuexia waved her hand.

Seeing this, the slightly plump woman realized something and lowered her voice, saying, "Yuexia, you can forget about it. Our Yucheng side won't agree to it."

"I was just joking."

Xia Yuexia said dejectedly.

"Do you really think I'm love-struck?"

Upon hearing this, the slightly plump woman opened her mouth.

No.

I haven't even asked yet, and you've already revealed your identity.

...

...

in the afternoon.

Gu Cheng and his group went to the Yongxie Hall to collect their new certificates. The men and women in the group who had failed the test all looked on with envy.

Unlike the "Professional" Silver Card, the "Upper Rank" is a Gold Card, and it is made of a special, very durable material.

Wang Xi's promotion certificate, besides the photo and information, consisted of three five-pointed stars side by side on the right.

He was sitting in a chair in the lobby, examining his new certificate, when he felt someone tap him on the shoulder.

Looking up, Li Xingduan smiled and said, "After we go back, would you be interested in becoming a vice president of the Gucheng Brave Association?"

"Huh?" Wang Xi was somewhat surprised. "Brother Li, are you joking?"

He had only been a professional soldier for two months...

So this is enough for him to become the vice president of the Yong Association?
Li Xingduan shook his head: "I'm not joking. I was only twenty-three when I joined the Yongxie Association, and I became the vice president two years later."

"Although your experience is still limited, this 'Advanced Three-Star' certificate is enough to silence most of the dissenting voices."

"In this era, strength reigns supreme," Li Xingduan remarked. "I believe your teacher will support you as well."

Wang Xi thought about it.

As the vice president of the Yong Association, he is undoubtedly a big shot in Gucheng.

If possible, he would naturally not refuse.

But Wang Xi also had concerns, so he said, "The duties of the vice president of the Yongxie Association must be quite demanding, right? I also have work to take care of at Cupid Housekeeping..."

"It's certainly not a quiet time," Li Xingduan said frankly, then changed the subject: "But it's not as heavy as you think. Currently, there are four vice presidents, including myself, and several other senior executives share the workload."

He continued to persuade him: "If you are willing to join, we will initially arrange some basic tasks for you to take on. Once you are fully adapted to and familiar with the process, we will gradually expand your management authority."

After a moment's thought, Wang Xi nodded and smiled, "Since Brother Li has said so, I have no objection."

Li Xingduan patted him on the shoulder.

it is more than words.

After receiving their certificates, everyone dispersed. Luo Yan, Zheng Xian, and others went sightseeing in Lucheng. Having finally come all the way to the capital of Nanzhou, it would be a waste not to explore the city.

Wang Xi declined the invitations from Gu Yuanshan, Xia Yuexia, and several other beautiful women, and went about her own business.

He used his phone to find several well-known local food shops and carefully selected local specialties for Chunai.

He naturally ordered all the delicacies that Qingmei specifically requested: braised duck, sesame cakes, and fresh strawberries.

The day before the return trip.

Qu Tao, the president of the Lucheng Brave Association, along with his senior team, made a special trip to meet with the Gucheng team. This silver-rimmed five-star expert, who was even stronger than Elder Wei, paid close attention to Wang Xi.

He was friendly and offered some encouragement, finally saying, "Yongxie is a haven for brave people, no matter where they are. You are welcome to visit Lucheng often."

"Definitely," Wang Xi replied politely.

On the morning of September 8th.

The silver shuttle soared into the air and headed towards Gucheng.

Wang Xi sat by the window, looking back at the gradually shrinking urban cluster, a look of emotion on his face.

In the past few days, news of his destruction of the "Taiyu" mirror image has spread throughout the teams in various cities.

Every day, visitors come from far and wide, some to chat and make friends, others to humbly seek advice, and still others, bold and outspoken female professionals, eager to have a lively and in-depth exchange.

However, Wang Xidu refused with righteous indignation.

All he wants now is to go home.

...

...

Another day passed.

On August 10th at noon, Yinshuo successfully returned to Gucheng.

The news had already been relayed back.

Wang Xi has already become quite famous.

Especially in the circle of heroes, almost everyone knows that he has made a name for himself in Lucheng and brought great honor to Gucheng.

The warriors of Gucheng felt as if they had just drunk a mouthful of ice-cold soda on a hot summer day, feeling refreshed and proud.

Most people are unaware of the specific process of the "promotion" assessment, nor can they understand just how outstanding Wang Xi's performance was, but they know one thing for sure—

In Lucheng, where hundreds of five-star warriors and elites from various cities gathered, Wang Xi, the genius from Gucheng, dominated the entire arena!

As for how it was destroyed, I have no idea.

Anyway, it was completely destroyed.

Are you sure you can convince me or not?
If you're not happy, then beat them up!
At this very moment, at a street stall in the Commercial Century Plaza, the sunglasses-wearing owner, who was eating instant noodles, sighed.

The instant noodles that are usually delicious now seem bland and tasteless.

"What's going on...?"

He shook his head.

Just two days ago, Lucheng Yongxie suddenly called him, saying that the image left in the "Pangu" system had been destroyed by an examiner.

Qu Tao suppressed a laugh and pretended to invite him over again so he could "look in the mirror" once more.

“Wang Xi…”

Gu Li put down the instant noodle cup, lit a cigarette, and murmured the name.

He chuckled softly again.

"Talented people emerge in every generation!"

Gu Li only hoped that this young man would grow up quickly and become the next "Gu Cheng Tai Yu".

After all, he hadn't traveled far from home in five years.

He doesn't know when he'll be able to fulfill his promise and take the woman who has silently accompanied him in Gucheng for five years to travel to Beizhou and see the snow-capped mountains.

...

...

The three official factions in Gucheng all quietly held an internal discussion about the "upper-level three-star" hero, Wang Xi.

Wang Xi was not clear on the specifics.

As for the Yongxie Association, as soon as Wei Lao received the news, he had his student Li Xingduan bring Wang Xi back to the association and they met privately.

Mr. Wei was very happy.

He had a kind smile on his face the whole time.

"...It is indeed time for the Tani City Yuxie to have some fresh blood. We old guys will retire one day, and we need to give you young people more opportunities."

Wei Xuan responded to student Li Xingduan's suggestion in the following way.

He told Wang Xi to wait patiently for a few days, as the Yongxie Association would hold an internal meeting to discuss adding a vice president.

Given Wang Xi's current strength and reputation, even though he is too young, he is very likely to be selected.

That afternoon.

Wang Xi had just left the Yongxie Association and was about to go home when he received another call from Ms. Xia Ling.

It is said that the company received news from Lucheng, the board of directors held an emergency meeting, and arranged for Manager Zhang to prepare a new contract for him.

It is almost unheard of for the same employee to have three different contracts within two months.

There is nothing we can do about it.

This employee is just too outstanding; their growth rate is frighteningly fast. If the company doesn't keep up, they might be poached by a cunning competitor.

That would be a truly devastating loss.

“Wang Xi, the board of directors and Store Manager Zhang both believe that you are now a ‘Three-Star Warrior’ and it’s inappropriate for you to continue serving as a senior steward,” Ms. Xia Ling said on the phone.

"So, are you interested in taking over my job and becoming the head of the miscellaneous items department?"

"Huh?" Wang Xi was a little surprised. "Sister Ling, I didn't mean to steal your job."

“It’s none of your business,” Xia Ling said calmly. “I’m just tired too. I submitted my resignation before the new year… The world is so big, I want to go see the North Continent.”

Wang Xi thought for a moment and said, "Forget it, Sister Ling, I'm not used to sitting in the office."

"Hmm." Xia Ling seemed to have a plan in mind. "Manager Zhang said that if you don't want to be a supervisor, the company will create a new position for you."

"What new position?"

"Cupid Housekeeping Chief Steward. Base salary increased to 20, commission increased from 20% to 50%. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi smiled.

"It's good. I'm very satisfied."

"That's settled then. Come to the company to sign the new contract when you have time."

After Ms. Xia finished speaking, she hung up the phone.

But in the end, Wang Xi vaguely heard a faint sigh.

...

...

When Wang Xi got home, he put the local specialties in the refrigerator and sent a message to Chu Nai.

But there was no reply for a long time, so he must be busy.

He sat on the sofa and calculated the time of the Black Lake rampage in the fairy tale world.

'It's time to go down and take a look.'

Wang Xi thought.

But before that, he planned to make some more preparations.

So, Wang Xi made a phone call to Bai Qimeng, the young heiress.

"Hello?" A lazy female voice came through. "We don't usually contact each other, but when you do, it's definitely because you need something from me. Go ahead."

"As expected, I couldn't hide it from you, beautiful young lady."

Wang Xi sighed.

"Miss Bai, do you have any channels for buying genuine white cards at low prices?"

"What do you need that junk Medicaid card for?"

Bai Qimeng said irritably.

"You're not telling me that you're actually the heir to the Gear Corporation and that you also have the technology to disassemble original cards, are you?"

"Hey, how did you know?" Wang Xi asked in surprise. "I can indeed disassemble original cards, and I also have a production line workshop that can mass-produce artificial handsome men, the kind with a charming smile."

"..."

Bai Qimeng paused for a moment, then said listlessly:
"Alright, I'm too lazy to ask you anymore. Not a single word you said is true. I'm just giving you some advice: there's no profit in reselling second-hand white cards. The market has already been divided up by a few black market dealers. If you want to make money, you should do it the proper way."

"Like, becoming your bodyguard?"

"good."

"Forget it then, I'm made of iron, I'm afraid you can't handle it," Wang Xi said seriously.

Bai Qimeng laughed angrily: "Why don't you say you can make me fly?"

“If you want to fly, that’s fine too,” Wang Xi said hesitantly. “But it’ll cost extra.”

The two exchanged a few banter.

Bai Qimeng said, "The Shining Consortium has a special channel for buying up junk white cards, but I can't get involved in this... Here's a black market merchant's contact information, go find him yourself."

hang up the phone.

Bai Qimeng sent a series of phone numbers.

Wang Xi thanked him and then dialed the number.

A deep-voiced man answered, "Hello, who is this?"

"Introduced by Young Master Bai? I heard you have quite a few original white cards?"

Wang Xi got straight to the point.

When business came in, the man didn't waste any time: "How much do you want?"

"What's the price?" Wang Xi asked.

The man was speechless.

The guests introduced by Young Master Bai don't even know the prices?

"Eight thousand per piece, 5% discount for orders over one hundred."

"Okay, then give me a hundred."

Wang Xi put forward his request.

"However, it must be delivered today."

"no problem."

The transaction was completed, and Wang Xi transferred 76 yuan to the account designated by the other party.

He wasn't afraid of the other party reneging on their promise.

Since Bai Qimeng introduced him, this person, unless he's stupid, wouldn't dare to embezzle the payment.

After the sun and the purple moon set together.

As soon as night fell, Ning Meng delivered the package.

A wooden box about the size of a shoebox.

After opening it, there was a thick stack of white cards inside. Wang Xi took them out for a quick look and found that they were indeed the worst of the worst.

He directly gave the hundred white cards to Caius to decompose, turning them into a full 1500 experience points.

Energy: 5020

Experience: 2113

Wang Xi plans to use this experience point to upgrade the star level of his ice-type main battle card.

The battle at the Black Lake in the fairy tale world was extremely fierce. He needed to possess greater strength to ensure the victory of the Magic Forest and save the Fire Witch Lillian.

After doing all this, just as Wang Xi sat down on the sofa, preparing to arrive, his phone beeped.

Chu Nai sent a reply:

"You're back? (Cute goose face)"

Wang Xi's fingers tapped across the screen: "I've bought everything you wanted to eat."

Chu Nai replied, "Brother Xi is so nice. I'll take a few days off to come to your house for dinner. (Drooling)"

beep.

She immediately sent another message: "By the way, I heard about what happened to you in Lucheng. Your colleagues at the Overlooking Bureau are all talking about it, saying that you are the most dazzling genius in Gucheng in recent years!"

It's not just hearsay.

From the moment Wang Xi set off for Lucheng, Chu Nai had been secretly keeping an eye on his movements.

Even details about Wang Xi's level of recognition, quality, his victory over the "Gucheng Taiyu" mirror image in a combat simulation, his excellent rating, and his being awarded the "Upper Three Stars" certificate...

The "mole," Ma Yu, immediately and obediently reported to his superior in the Exorcism Department.

There are also some photos and videos.

It's fair to say that no one in Gucheng understands the situation on the ground better than Chu Nai.

Wang Xi replied in a carefully chosen font: "Not bad, I got the 'Upper Three Star' certificate. (Cheering in my old age)"

"That's amazing! (Dumb goose with an admiring face)"

Upon seeing Chu Nai's exaggerated praise, Wang Xi smiled.

Having such a strong yet supportive childhood friend, I'd be willing to live in a mansion and drive a sports car!

Because Chu Nai was still working overtime, the two soon ended their chat.

Wang Xi lay on the sofa and closed his eyes.

'Chaos, descend!'

...

...

When his consciousness took control of his body, he opened his eyes and found himself lying in a vine-covered wooden house.

It was dusk outside.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone into the wooden house, forming beams of light.

More than forty days have passed here in the fairy tale world.

Wang Xi pondered, then began reviewing the card deck information in his mind—

"Winter Meditation Technique (Skill Card/Dark Blue 3-Star/Upgradeable): 585/700"

"King of Winter (Skill Card/Deep Blue Two-Star/Upgradeable): 255/600"

The projector, aided by Lillian's windmill, practiced for over a month and the results were excellent.

Meditation skill leveled up by one star, and it's not far from four stars. As for the main battle ice card, although it didn't receive the Windmill skill's training bonus, its progress still increased by one-third.

'Caus, upgrade.'

Wang Xi wasted no time and immediately issued the order.

"345 experience points consumed (1768 remaining)"

"The card has been upgraded!"

"King of Winter (Skill Card/Dark Blue 3-Star/Upgradeable): 0/700"

He didn't stop, and chose to advance two more stars.

"1500 experience points consumed (268 remaining)"

"The card has been upgraded!"

"King of Winter (Skill Card/Deep Blue 5-Star/Premium/Unupgradeable)"

Finally, through Wang Xi's tireless efforts, this main battle ice card was upgraded to the Prestige level.

He felt a surge of coldness within his body and was quite satisfied.

A stream of information from my mind:
Please choose one of the following three enhancements.

"Option 1 - Prepare to Freeze: Further increases the casting speed and penetration of ice magic (15%)."

"Option 2 - Old Man's Legs: Can further expand the range of ice magic and the freezing and imprisoning effect (15%)."

"Option 3 - Ice Coffin: Further enhances the freezing defense performance (15%) and allows for self-freezing, greatly increasing defense performance (50%), but the user cannot move while frozen."

Wang Xi looked at the three enhancement branches with great surprise.

The first two items are fairly standard, but the third one is quite something – isn't it just like the "golden body" in MOBA games?
In exchange for sacrificing action points, one gains temporary invincibility.

Although the "Ice Coffin" is not truly invincible, with Wang Xi's mastery of ice magic, after increasing its defensive capabilities by 50%, it would truly be a super tortoise shell.

It's very difficult for anyone to break through his defense!

Without hesitation, Wang Xi immediately chose the third option.

Click-click——

In his mind, a square ice coffin imprint solidified.

The Ninth Mark, complete!
With these three main Deep Blue cards, we've finally reached the pinnacle.

Wang Xi took a deep breath.

He shed the labels of "Lord of Scorched Earth" and "Self-Immolation," and thought to himself:
'This time, let me see your limits!'

"Caus, synthesize!!"

(End of this chapter)