My exclusive card pool

Chapter 203 A Dream Before Departure (Part 2)

Where does a spark of inspiration come from?

Wang Xi sat on the living room sofa with his eyes closed, muttering to himself.

This is the first of the three questions in the "Ink Spirit Heavenly Questions" series, the first of the three questions: the question of the soul by the fetal light.

He immediately formed a sword with his fingers, dipped his fingertips in ink, and wrote the character "明" (bright) out of thin air, which awakened his innate primordial light.

Wang Xi then opened his eyes.

His eyes shone like black jade, deep and mysterious.

He then asked, "Can ten thousand volumes of poetry and books lead to profound understanding?"

This is the second of the three questions in the Three Souls chapter, the question of the refreshing spirit about wisdom.

Wang Xi raised and lowered his sword finger, then placed the character "之" down.

This character undergoes twenty changes in the blink of an eye, each change seemingly containing a sharp and aggressive intent, whether from a sword or a staff.

bass! !

As the words transformed into the sound of swords, Wang Xi's thinking suddenly became agile, moving like a dragon or snake.

He then spoke for the third time: "How do I put the seven emotions and six desires into words?"

The third of the three questions above is the question asked by the spirit about love.

Wang Xi's fingers danced, conveying a mix of joy and sorrow, as he wrote the character "舍" (shě, meaning "to give up").

Once the ink had dried, he had completely taken control of his emotions, as freely as the ink itself.

After that——

Wang Xi asked himself the seven questions in the Seven Souls chapter.

He then wrote his reply by dipping his finger in ink and using it to write words on his sword.

The corpse dog asked the police, "Who listens to the night rain tapping on the window?"

Fu Shi asked, "Can an iron inkstone be worn through to mend the sky?"

Sparrow Shade asked Desire: "Can painting stain the heart of a child?"

The thief asked Yong, "Does the Ink Pool dare to drink the blood of a dragon?"

Fei Du asked Jing: "Could the tattered note have been carried to Kunlun?"

Cleansing and Purifying: "How can a worn-out brush sweep away the world?"

The stinking lung asked, "Can one's breath connect heaven and earth?"

After the last question is finished.

Wang Xi folded his fingers, sat cross-legged, and focused his inner vision with his primordial spirit.

All ten parts of his body emitted a faint light, and a "courtyard" spontaneously evolved deep within his spiritual platform.

"The 'Ink Spirit Heavenly Questions' have reached their pinnacle; I have already opened the inner realm of the Yellow Court!"

Wang Xi was overjoyed.

Looking closer at the interior, a pool reflecting the sky sits in the center of the courtyard. The pool water is as still as night, yet it shimmers with a starlight-like glow.

The green stones along the pond are scattered and mottled with moss. When the pond is calm, it is as flat as an inkstone. But when you breathe, fine ripples appear, as if an invisible brush is writing the secrets of heaven.

Pavilions and towers, lush with vegetation.

The stele forest stands tall, with a cross engraved on it.

The outermost area is shrouded in mist, making it difficult to see clearly. This "inner view of the Yellow Court" resembles the residence of a calligrapher who has retreated to the mountains.

"With my three souls and seven spirits condensed and my inner vision opened, I am now equivalent to a great cultivator who has practiced for many years."

Wang Xi smiled.

'Only the so-called "external appearance" is needed to be one step away from ascension.'

He had a hunch that with just a thought, anything within a hundred meters could be covered by his primordial spirit, revealing every detail and leaving nothing undetected.

Then examine your own entry—

"Wang Xi (Upper-tier 5-star/Elite)"

Five stars on the upper part of the copper frame.

The template has been upgraded to a higher level.

...

...

Please choose one of the following three enhancements.

Option 1 - Ink Pool Sword Stele: By pouring all your spiritual energy into writing a single character, you can create an "Ink Sword" that floats in the "Ink Pool" within the inner landscape. Up to ten swords can remain. The Ink Swords can be released at any time and automatically return to the Ink Pool to be nurtured after slaying an enemy. (If destroyed, they must be rewritten and replenished.)

"Option Two - Yellow Court Guarding the Heart: When attacked by mental attacks (including those affecting the primordial spirit), the primordial spirit will be protected by the inner landscape, and the stele forest will spontaneously suppress external intrusions. (Each trigger will consume inscriptions, and the characters will need to be rewritten to replenish them.)"

Option 3 - Swimming Fish on Inkstone: The inner ink pool will nurture a pair of ink spirits, the "Yin-Yang Fish," which can detach from the body to detect or transmit information. The ink traces left by the fish will serve as anchor points, allowing for movement by stepping on the ink. (The movement range of the Yin-Yang Fish is affected by the strength of the primordial spirit; currently, it is one kilometer.)

"Um?!"

Wang Xi was quite surprised to see the enhanced branch option.

The quality of the branding this time is very high.

It has offensive, defensive, and support capabilities.

Wang Xi looked thoughtful.

To be honest, he wanted it all.

Option one can be described as becoming a true "sword immortal," using the inner landscape of the Yellow Court as a "sword gourd" to nurture ten ink spirit flying swords, defending against enemies from afar with ease and freedom.

Option two is to supplement mental protection by adding more bricks and tiles to the "turtle shell".

Option three can even transmit sound within one kilometer, and the yin-yang fish ink mark can also be used as an anchor point for teleportation.

"Sigh, this is such a tough choice."

After much hesitation, Wang Xi finally chose the last option.

— "Swimming Fish Dotting the Inkstone"

In terms of offense and defense, it's merely icing on the cake, but this mark has a special function that is difficult to replace.

Wow.

As the water splashed, an ink-wash image of a yin-yang symbol instantly appeared in Wang Xi's mind.

Thus, the eleventh brand is complete!
Wang Xi raised his hand, and black and white fish immediately appeared in his palm, swirling in the form of an ink wash landscape painting.

With a gentle toss, the yin-yang fish soared through the air, swimming merrily, and in the blink of an eye, it swept across the ink stains and disappeared into the living room.

"Give it a try." Wang Xi got up from the sofa and stepped on the illusory ink stain.

Gulu.

He seemed to sink into the ink and disappear.

When it reappeared, it had transformed into a mass of black ink, rising from the balcony floor into a human shape.

"Impressive." Wang Xi leaned on the railing, gazing at the sunset over Gucheng, and smiled with admiration. "Although it's a functional imprint, it can also be used as a 'movement skill' in battle, emphasizing surprise."

Doodle.

At this time, his cell phone rang.

Wang Xi took it out and saw that it was a message from Chu Nai.

"Brother Xi, I was planning to come to your house for dinner, but I've gotten so busy with work lately. (Silly Goose sheds tears)"

Wang Xi tapped the screen with his finger and asked, "What's wrong?"

beep.

"Do you remember the incident two months ago when I told you about the disappearance of the maze entrance?"

"Hmm, this is the fixed entrance to the Ace of Clubs 'Kirin' maze, right? There also seems to be the shadow of the 'Etching Holy Symbols Guild' behind it."

"That's right. The Overlook Bureau, in conjunction with the Public Security Bureau, successfully apprehended the member of the 'Etching Sacred Mark Society,' but he was prepared and committed suicide on the spot, resulting in the deaths of more than a dozen police officers."

Chu Nai sent a long message.

According to the official investigation, the man did not have a specific name, only the code name 'priest,' and he said some inexplicable and rambling things before he died.

The gist of it is that Gucheng will eventually be destroyed by disaster, and the lives of millions of people in the city will be sacrificed to the so-called "supreme will".

Wang Xi frowned slightly and typed a reply: "Do you think that guy still has a backup plan?"

"This possibility cannot be ruled out."

Chu Nai sent a message.

"After all, according to the 'Etching Holy Mark Society's' past practices, they would leave 'holy marks' in human settlements to attract disaster... But two months have passed, and we still haven't found the 'holy mark'."

"Furthermore, with the disappearance of the 'Qilin's Child's' maze entrance, the Gucheng monitoring tower has repeatedly detected excessive reality distortion, and supernatural phenomena are frequently occurring in the surrounding area. This is very likely a harbinger of a major disaster."

Looking at the message on his phone, Wang Xi could guess that the Bureau of Overlooking Affairs was currently having a headache over this matter.

No wonder Chu Nai has been so busy lately.

He tried sending a message: "Do you need my help?"

Wang Xi was not just being polite.

Now that he has perfected his spiritual cultivation technique and refined his primordial spirit, coupled with the "swimming fish dotting the inkstone" mark, his detection range reaches one kilometer, and his efficiency is even higher and more accurate than the official instruments.

Gucheng is neither too big nor too small, covering an area of ​​over 300 square kilometers and divided into more than a dozen districts.

In theory, Wang Xi could sweep through the entire Gucheng in less than a week.

Chu Nai sent a message: "Won't this be too much trouble for Brother Xi? (Cute silly goose face)"

"It's alright, it'll only last a week. (Sad Frog smirks)"

Wang Xi replied.

"Don't forget, I'm the vice president of the Yongxie Association now, so assisting the Overlook Bureau in resolving major incidents is part of my job."

"Huh? A week!"

Chu Nai looked very surprised.

But she didn't ask Wang Xi what special card deck he had. She just sent him a message: "Brother Xi is so amazing! It would be so great if you could help me!"

Wang Xi simply sent a head-patting emoji.

Chu Nai replied instantly with "Silly goose, well-behaved".

...

...

The sun sets along with the purple moon.

Night falls.

Wang Xi quickly cooked a meal using the leftovers from the refrigerator. Liu Li was still in the Xuanmiao Realm, staying with Shen Miaowei in Pinghai City, Beiguo. He felt a little lonely eating alone.

Fortunately, loneliness had been a constant in his life, so he only sighed slightly before calming down. He had dinner.

Wang Xi cleaned the dishes and stove, took a shower, changed into clean clothes, and then lay down on the bed in the master bedroom.

'Chaos, descend upon the world of fairy tales.'

hum-

My eyes closed, and my consciousness sank.

"The Projection Has Arrived"

World: Fairy Tale

Exploration: 20.5%

"Legendary Status: 50 (...)"

When Wang Xi opened his eyes again, he found himself sitting cross-legged on the shore of Black Lake.

Before me lay a frozen lake surface, resembling a gradually changing lake.

A gentle breeze caresses the face, birds sing and flowers bloom.

The brilliant sunlight shone on the lake, reflecting a dazzling light.

He turned his head to look to one side.

Not far away stood three vine-covered wooden houses, and the fire giant sat on the ground dozing, the burning windmill on his back spinning in the wind and creaking.

Wang Xi began to examine the card deck in his mind—

"Crown of the End (Skill Card/Purple 1-Star/Epic/Upgradeable): 470/600"

"Blood Orchid Elegy (Skill Card/Blue Two-Star/Upgradeable): 195/500"

"Bloodthirsty Maniac (Skill Card/Dark Green Two-Star/Upgradeable): 155/400"

"Mountains and Rivers in One Brushstroke (Skill Card/Dark Green One-Star/Upgradeable): 200/300"

During this period, Projection has been diligently and conscientiously leveling up and accumulating experience points. Among the four main battle cards, "Crown of the End" benefited from the training bonus of Ice Heart Curse, gaining more than 400 experience points.

The other three combined only increased by a mere 400 points.

Wang Xi was quite satisfied.

Anyway, I didn't do anything, so it was all for nothing.

On the morning of the third day after the arrival of the sun.

The sky was bright.

Wang Xi, who was sleeping in the burning windmill, suddenly realized something.

The primordial spirit was touched.

He immediately pulled his arm out of the slightly flat hill and waved out the window.

The ink-wash yin-yang symbol suddenly flew out and disappeared without a trace.

Before long, a picture appeared in Wang Xi's mind—

A cavalry unit of twelve men was galloping towards them through the morning dew in the woods a few hundred meters away from Black Lake.

The leader, clad in a silver-grey cloak with a stag emblem, was none other than Leon, Queen Siana's court messenger. This gaunt man with a mustache had a furrowed brow, and his riding whip cracked sharply in the air.

"Drive! Drive!"

Crack!

Wang Xi pulled himself out of his shared view and quietly sat up. The bed shook, waking the two girls beside him.

"Hmm?" Lillian rubbed her sleepy eyes. Her hair, which was originally wild and messy like flames, was now softly spread on the cashmere pillow—the result of Wang Xi's careful care for her last night.

A flame flickered at the Fire Witch's fingertips, illuminating the room, and her clear, cold voice, tinged with a nasal tone, said, "It's not dawn yet."

Cinderella Godariel sat up, tugged at Wang Xi's arm, and asked, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight, "Gai, where are you going?"

"The messenger from the Stag royal family has arrived."

"Hmm?" Cinderella was a little surprised. "Would you like me to come down with you?"

"No need." Wang Xi pressed her down to lie down, tucked her in with the blanket, and ran his fingertips along the red marks on the girl's collarbone. "You should sleep a little longer. You were too tired last night."

Cinderella remembered the madness of the previous night and her face flushed red.

Lillian glanced discreetly at Cinderella's majestic mountains, pursed her lips, gave a cold snort, and lay down to sleep.

They seemed completely indifferent to the so-called royal messengers.

After the two fell asleep again, Wang Xi put on a sable cloak and lightly tapped his toes on the wooden floor. Dark ripples rose from the void, engulfing him without a trace.

...

...

Forest.

Leon suddenly tightened the reins.

The law——

The warhorse reared up with a neigh.

He and his soldiers suddenly saw the thin mist a dozen meters ahead distort, and a jet-black ink mark taller than a person appeared out of thin air. The ink mark wriggled and expanded like a living thing, eventually transforming into a human-shaped silhouette that stepped out.

"Lord Bai Wang!"

The messenger, Leon, scrambled off his horse, kneeling heavily in the mud. The cavalrymen behind him hurriedly followed, saluting, the clanging of their armor startling birds in the woods.

Wang Xi fully materialized from the darkness, his black robes billowing even without wind. Even without activating his card deck, he exuded a chilling aura, and the white mist he exhaled condensed into tiny ice crystals.

An intense sense of oppression, comparable to that of a giant dragon, sent chills down the spines of everyone present.

"Did Queen Theana send you?"

Wang Xi gestured for everyone to stand up, his gaze sweeping over the bulging sheepskin letter tube beside the saddle.

“Yes, sir.” Leon’s fingers trembled slightly as he untied the letter. Even though he had met this powerful figure many times, he still felt awe towards him for his ability to freeze the Black Lake with magic.

"An urgent report has arrived from the port of Cyrus. As per your request, the Minister of Craftsmen, leading over a hundred outstanding craftsmen, has completed the construction of the magical energy ship 'Wavebreaker' by drawing upon magical technology blueprints."

"very good."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi smiled.

Everything is ready; we can finally set sail.

The midday sun pierced through the clouds as Lillian tightened Wang Xi's cloak. The blonde girl's slender fingers brushed against the robe with an inexplicable gentleness.

"Aren't you going to stay a few more days?"

She suddenly spoke, her blonde hair falling down to obscure her expression.

Wang Xi shook his head: "We don't know how long the Black Lake will remain frozen. We must set off as soon as possible to find a solution to the blackening pollution."

Feeling the straps tighten suddenly, he could only add, "Lillian, I'll be back as soon as possible."

The words stopped abruptly.

Lillian suddenly grabbed his collar, stood on tiptoe, and pressed her burning lips heavily against his.

Wang Xi tasted a faint sweetness.

When the two parted, Godariel was already dressed and standing not far away with Pinocchio, pretending not to see the fleeting lingering affection in the fire witch's eyes.

...

...

Daphneel.

Royal Palace Council Chamber.

Queen Sienna was using a dagger to pin candied cherries to the nautical chart on the wall, and the silver nail representing the Wavebreaker was already inserted at the location of Cyrus Port.

The port of Cyrus is located in the Duchy of Henderson, on the eastern border of the Kingdom of Stags. It takes ten to fifteen days to reach it by carriage.

“Gai, your crew are all veteran naval officers selected from the Principality of Henderson.”

Sienna smiled, turned around, and said softly.

“No need,” Wang Xi shook his head. “Pinocchio can pilot the boat, so the three of us can set off.”

He hadn't forgotten that in the "Seclusion Preview" scenario, this voyage would encounter a storm, and the accompanying sailors would be of little help, instead losing their lives in vain.

Wang Xi said, "Your Majesty, just prepare enough food, water, citrus fruits, and ether crystals for us."

Siana suddenly fell silent.

The setting sun cast her long shadow through the stained-glass window.

"Okay." The Queen smiled.

The dinner was more lavish than expected.

This event was specially organized by Queen Sienna for the departure of "White King" Gai, wishing them a safe return.

Wang Xi declined the noblewoman's invitation to dance for the third time, only to find the Queen leaning against the balcony railing, drinking alone.

The moonlight gilded her golden hair with silver edges, and the wine in the crystal glass was as red as blood.

Wang Xi walked over.

Queen Sienna heard footsteps, turned around, smiled, and raised her glass: "To our hero, Mr. Kai Farrell."

She drank quite a bit tonight, showing a rare sign of intoxication, her cheeks flushed like a young girl's.

"The hope of the Deer Kingdom rests in your hands."

"Your Majesty, you've had too much to drink." Wang Xi took the wine glass and drank the rest of the wine in one gulp, only to see the Queen suddenly collapse.

He instinctively reached out to steady her, but his palm touched her rapidly beating heart beneath the silk.

Thea rested her head on the young man's shoulder, squinted, and mumbled, "Gai... help me to the tower, I'm sleepy."

Wang Xi had no choice but to help her leave the banquet and go directly to the top floor of the Queen's Tower.

But just as he gently placed the Queen on the bed and was about to turn and leave, Xiana suddenly grabbed his hand.

"You're leaving tomorrow, so sleep here tonight."

"Your Majesty?" Wang Xi had actually expected this, but he still sighed inwardly. "This is not fair to you."

"Shh." Xiana squinted, her heart pounding, and, emboldened by the alcohol and the moonlight, wrapped her arm around the young man's: "After everything we've been through, only you can do this."

Let's just pretend... it was all a dream.

outside the window.

A figure draped in a long ice crystal dress stood atop the tower. Isabella seemed to hear the swaying of the palace curtains, and her expression became complicated.

"Ugh."

In the end, it turned into a soft sigh and dissipated in the night wind.

(End of this chapter)