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Chapter 228 Cat Turns into a Girl

Projection hosted

"The World I Live In: Mysterious"

Exploration: 6.5%

"Legend Level: 22 (You became the true disciple of the master of the secluded immortal sect "Mo Jian Zhai," determined to write the "Demon's Lament," and your reputation as a genius began to spread... You publicly killed Zhao Xingwei, a wealthy gentry in Fengdeng City, and intimidated Master Han, causing a sensation throughout the city, and your deeds began to spread.)"

"Advent Cooldown Countdown: 25 hours and 59 minutes"

"Preview of Retirement: You wish to complete the 'Demon's Lament' in preparation for ascension, so you take your maid Liu Xunyan and travel north with Zhang Fuyun and Mei Yanxi."

"You traveled north, leaving Fengdeng City and Jingu Province, and arrived at 'Magou Town,' the border between Chen Kingdom and Bei Kingdom."

"Suddenly caught in a downpour, you seek refuge in a dilapidated temple to avoid a 'funeral,' where you encounter two women and a man traveling together."

"These three are all skilled in cultivation, unlike ordinary people, and like you, they have traveled here."

"From these three people, you learn that there is a brothel in Magou Town that is popular with locals and foreigners. Although it often causes deaths, it is still very popular."

"Your in-depth investigation revealed that this brothel was backed by local tyrants colluding with foreign forces, and also harbored sinister intentions."

"Your group has become a thorn in our side and are being hunted down, but with the heavy rains lasting for days, you are not allowed to go out."

"Because of your 'weakness,' you were looked down upon by the three travelers, but in the critical moment, they were killed by the brothel's forces while protecting you..."

"At the same time, chaos broke out in Pinghai City in the North Country. Shen Miaowei moved her entire family away. Although she received your teachings and her three souls and seven spirits were refined to cultivate her primordial spirit, she still encountered an accident on the way and perished."

"Your cat companion, Ruri, whom you sent to protect her, also perished, and the Wild Card was destroyed as a result."

"One day, a sudden flood occurred, and you were crushed to death by a giant hand that fell from the sky..."

Wang Xi opened his eyes and awoke from the large bed in the bedroom of the Kunwu Camp student villa. He sat up, examined the future trajectory predicted by the "Seclusion Preview," and frowned.

The hosted projection was as terrible as ever.

It's a basic skill.

Wang Xi was still a little confused. Shen Miaowei was already a five-star master of internal martial arts with a bronze frame. After receiving the "Ink Spirit Heavenly Question" he taught her, she should have the strength to advance to a higher level. Yet she still died on the way to move.

After her death, she also suffered some kind of "retribution," being crushed to death by a giant hand that fell from the sky.

What kind of power is so strong?
'Shen Miaowei cannot die…'

Wang Xi thought.

At that moment, a stream of information flowed out from the gaps in my mind—

You have obtained a "Legendary Chest"!

"Turn on?"

'It seems the first-tier legendary chest requires 20 legendary points.'

Wang Xi said inwardly.

'Turn it on.'

In his mind, a narrow crack opened, spitting out a familiar golden treasure chest.

clang-

The lid of the box was opened, revealing a burst of light.

Please choose one of the following three rewards:

"I. Experience Points (3000 points)"

"II. The All-Purpose Trick (Female Warrior, Enlightenment Tea, Soul-Capturing Paper Cutting Technique)"

"3. Fashion Cards (will change the appearance and effect of Wild Cards to some extent)"

Wang Xi looked at the three awards and pondered for a moment.

The experience points are good, but a bit low.

"Dao Ma Dan" is a Taoist magic technique in opera, which can be used to change appearance and gain corresponding buffs; "Wu Dao Cha" originates from tea ceremony spiritual plants, which can temporarily improve comprehension and help break through the bottleneck of cultivation techniques; and Soul-Seizing Paper Cutting Technique is a Taoist magic technique in paper cutting.

These three wild cards are all high-quality dark green.

But for him, the cost-effectiveness was still too low.

'never mind. '

Wang Xi made a choice.

'I choose the third option, the fashion card.'

This is his third time opening a legendary treasure chest. He encountered "fashion cards" the first two times but didn't choose them. This time, he plans to try one out.

hum-

A beam of white light suddenly appeared in front of Wang Xi from the treasure chest in his mind.

"Fashion Card (Item Card/Special/White Six-Star/Cannot Be Upgraded)"

A special white card of six-star quality.

This was the first time Wang Xi had ever met him.

He thought for a moment, then closed his eyes and focused his mind, letting his consciousness sink into the mist in his mind, thus making contact with Shen Miaowei in Pinghai City of the Mystic Realm.

"Miaowei".

A magnetic male voice emanated from the scroll she carried, startling Shen Miaowei, who was cultivating "Ink Spirit Heavenly Questions" in her bedroom.

She immediately took out the scroll and exclaimed excitedly:

"Master, disciple is here."

"Is Liuli alright by your side?"

Wang Xi chuckled.

Shen Miaowei bowed to the portrait, her expression gentle and docile.

"The Glass Child helps his disciple guard the home, abstaining from food and maintaining a regular daily routine... Although he only quietly guards the courtyard, his eyes shine like stars, as if he cultivates with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Such upright conduct must be the result of Master's daily teachings."

"..."

Wang Xi sat on the bed and fell silent.

to be honest--

Liuli was lazy and didn't do any serious work in the Shen family, but when Shen Miaowei said it, she sounded like a wise and dignified immortal.

This girl knows how to talk...

He truly deserves to be my disciple.

Wang Xi stroked his chin and asked again:
"How is Miaowei's cultivation in the 'Ink Spirit Heavenly Questions' going? Has she encountered any difficulties?"

"This disciple has just entered the path and has mastered the second question."

Shen Miaowei told the truth.

She hesitated slightly: "I am slow-witted and my progress is slow. I have not yet encountered any bottlenecks."

"..."

Wang Xi fell silent again.

Is this what you call dull-witted?

Damn, it's only been a few days and she's already mastered the second question. If Shen Miaowei were to join the Mo Jian Zhai, she'd probably have to take over the position of true disciple.

As chosen ones, Shen Miaowei's talent for cultivation and comprehension surpasses those of Zhang Fuyun and Mei Yanxi!
"Not bad," Wang Xi praised, which pleased Shen Miaowei. He then called out, "Is Liuli here?"

"Master, Master, I'm here!"

The calico cat sat down beside Shen Miaowei and shouted loudly.

"Come back," Wang Xi said. "I have something to tell you."

Having said that, he made a gesture from a distance.

Liuli, who was far away in the Shen residence in the Mystic Realm, suddenly transformed into a blue card and disappeared into the painting.

Seeing this, Shen Miaowei's beautiful eyes sparkled with amazement. It was truly incredible that her master's attendant could travel through space using talismans.

soon.

The blue follower card "Encourage Meow" returns to the main world, and Liuli transforms back into a calico cat, crashing into Wang Xi's chest like a cannonball.

"Master, Liuli misses you so much!"

The cat snuggled into Wang Xi's arms and giggled.

"Are you thinking about the Demon Soda or me?"

Wang Xi scratched Liuli's chin and teased her.

Liuli squinted comfortably, snoring softly. After a moment's hesitation, she finally said, "I miss my master..."

"That's pretty much it."

Wang Xi immediately took out a bottle of Demon Soda from the "folding suitcase," activated his magic, and used ice elements to instantly chill it.

With a flick of his thumb, he opened the bottle cap.

Boo!
Then he handed the bottle of soda to Sanhua.

"My master is so kind."

Liuli excitedly accepted the cold drink she had been longing for, held the bottle with both hands, tilted her head back, and drank it all in one gulp: "Burp—"

Wang Xi looked at it with a smile.

Immediately, the "Fashion Card" was activated.

The blinding white light merged into Liuli's body.

After finishing her soda, Liuli cried out, "Master, Liuli is so hot!" and then transformed back into her card form.

The originally blue follower card floated and spun in front of Wang Xi, instantly upgrading to dark blue quality—

"Girl Cat (Follower Card)"

"Quality: Dark Blue One Star (Rare/Upgradeable)"

"On Mount Yiwang, there is a beast that looks like a fox, with one eye and three tails. Its cry is like a hundred sounds, and eating it can cure jaundice and ward off evil."

"Upon use, you will summon this creature. It has three lives, can change its voice and shape, and possesses considerable combat capabilities. You can equip it with three equipment cards to enhance its strength. The card will disappear upon the minion's death."

"Encourage Meow" has clearly changed through the "Fashion Card".

Wang Xi looked at the new card with great surprise.

He didn't expect that even the quality would be improved; the effect of this "fashion card" was beyond his imagination.

On the card was a landscape painting depicting mountains and seas, with a three-tailed cat curled up in a jade-colored flame.

Wang Xi immediately put it into use.

hum-

The three-tailed cat on the card did a somersault in mid-air and then transformed into a black-haired girl, falling into Wang Xi's arms.

"Huh?" Liuli looked up, somewhat confused. "Master? I... I think I've grown taller."

The remaining cat ears trembled slightly at its temples, and three tails swayed behind its waist.

"Liuli, you've grown taller."

A hint of surprise flashed in Wang Xi's eyes as he explained:
"Instead, it transformed into human form."

"Ah!" Liuli was startled at first, then looked at her hands, her face filled with joy. "Liuli, like her master, has become human!"

Wang Xi thought for a moment, then thought to himself:

'Caus, upgrade "Girl Cat".'

"2500 experience points consumed (9060 remaining)"

"The card has been upgraded!"

"Girl Cat (Follower Card/Rare/Dark Blue 5-Star/Premium/Cannot Be Upgraded)"

Liuli, who was kneeling in Wang Xi's arms and fiddling with her fingers and cat ears, suddenly burst into a blue flame, revealing a look of ecstasy.

"Master, Liuli feels so good... It feels like a warm energy is coursing through my body."

She is getting stronger. At the same time, a message popped up in Wang Xi's mind:

Please choose one of the following three enhancements.

"Option 1 - Cat Demon: Can awaken a mental charm talent, influencing or even manipulating targets with weak minds."

"Option 2 - Cat Ghost: Can discard its physical form and transform into a spirit, invisible and formless, immune to physical attack damage."

"Option 3 - Auspicious Omen: If the last of the three lives has not been completely lost, it can be restored through deep hibernation."

Looking at the enhanced branch, Wang Xi already had his answer.

Do we even need to choose?
My Liuli is not a demon, she is an auspicious creature!

Choose the third option.

Wang Xi said secretly.

— "Auspicious Omens"

Wow.

In his mind, the twentieth mark appeared: three long tails burning with golden flames.

Wang Xi looked at the cat-eared girl in his arms again; she was already fast asleep, nestled on his shoulder.

A brand new entry appeared above its head—

"Three-Tailed Cat - Ruri (Loyal/High-Rank 3/Elite)"

Their strength has improved by leaps and bounds.

Wang Xi's enhancement of her is not over yet.

They directly removed "Everyone Has a Girlish Heart (Blue)" and replaced the "Solomon Military Laser Pistol V (White)" that Ruri originally had equipped.

And the entry for "Liuli" has changed again—

"Three-Tailed Cat - Ruri (Loyal/High-Rank 3-Star/Hero)"

The silver frame is a three-star rating.

"That's about it," Wang Xi murmured.

He plans to take some time to buy a higher-quality sword equipment card to replace Liuli's "Cupid Chainsaw," which should provide another boost.

Liuli did not remain unconscious for long.

He woke up about half an hour later.

"Owner?"

The girl sat up in bed, her delicate and lovely face showing a slight bewilderment.

She saw her familiar owner standing by the window, gazing at the lake view outside.

"Liuli, how are you feeling?"

Wang Xi turned around, chuckled, and asked a question.

Liuli touched her cat ears and three tails, then scratched the small hill, and said shyly, "It feels great, Master. Liuli seems to have inexhaustible strength."

"Hmm." Wang Xi walked over and gently stroked the girl's head. "I need you to return to the Mystic Realm and continue to protect Miss Shen."

"Huh?" Liuli was taken aback, a little disappointed. "Then I won't see my master for a long time..."

"Liuli, be good. I'll make you something delicious next time you come back."

Wang Xi coaxed a child.

Although Liuli was slightly reluctant, she obediently nodded in agreement.

So, Wang Xi whispered a few words in her ear, then transformed it into a card again, casting it into the misty gaps in her mind and sending it to the mystical realm.

Shen Miaowei waited quietly all afternoon, and in the evening, she was surprised to find that a cat-eared girl's figure flew out of the painting.

"The Glass Boy?!"

She was unsure how to ask.

I'm a bit confused.

The disciple under Master's tutelage... has transformed into human form?

"It's me, Miss Shen."

Liuli stood up and revealed a lovely smile.

“My master said that my cultivation is sufficient, so he bestowed upon me the ability to take human form. From now on, I will protect you in your cultivation and ensure your safety.”

"He also said..."

Liuli's voice suddenly deepened, and Wang Xi's unique calm demeanor flowed between her brows and eyes:
“‘My acquaintance with Miaowei is a matter of fate, but she will eventually face a tribulation, and I must not allow her to fall into karmic obstacles.’”

"?!"

Shen Miaowei was lost in thought.

She seemed to see her master's expression on the cat-eared girl's face, and she was deeply moved.

"Thank you, Master. Thank you, Prince Liuli."

Shen Miaowei hurriedly bowed to the painting.

"Miaowei owes her master too much. She only wishes to cultivate diligently and one day serve him."

As she spoke, her voice trembled slightly.

...

...

A new day has begun at Kunwu Camp.

The morning light was just beginning to break through the window. Only Wang Xi remained in the dormitory. His three roommates, Chu Yichen, Ji Xin, and Feng Lingyun, had obviously already left for their respective college classes.

Wang Xi straightened his crisp Black Spade Academy uniform and fastened his collar in front of the bathroom mirror.

Then, I took a deep breath and stepped out of the comfortable student villa area.

Kunwu Camp covers a vast area, with an architectural style that blends a sense of technology with ancient charm. Following the road signs, he quickly found the teaching building area dedicated to Spade Academy.

Upon entering the lecture hall marked with a sign that read "Basic Theory," Wang Xi saw that the circular tiered seating arrangement rose in tiers, with about thirty people sparsely seated.

These are all the students currently enrolled at the Spade Academy.

The space felt quite spacious, even somewhat empty.

The trainees were generally young, but their temperaments differed. Some were calm and quiet with their eyes closed, while others gathered together and talked in hushed tones.

Wang Xi's appearance immediately attracted several curious or scrutinizing glances.

"Wang Xi, over here!"

A clear female voice rang out with undeniable enthusiasm.

Wang Xi looked in the direction of the sound and saw Zhao Leng'an, the outgoing "big sister" in the front row, waving her hand vigorously with a bright smile on her face.

The male student next to her, who was wearing glasses and looked quite refined, was now being patted on the shoulder by Zhao Leng'an, who gestured for him to move aside: "Xiao Chen, come on, let's switch seats. Take care of the newbie."

The male student known as "Xiao Chen" pushed up his glasses, a helpless smile on his face, and silently got up to give up his seat, moving two seats to the side himself.

Several students around him laughed, clearly used to Zhao Leng'an's style of doing things.

Wang Xi gave the embarrassed "Little Chen" apologetic look, and the latter simply shrugged to show his understanding.

He did as instructed and sat down next to Zhao Leng'an.

Not long after.

The classroom front door slid open silently.

An aura as steady as a mountain and as deep as the sea instantly enveloped the classroom. All the hushed conversations seemed to be paused, and the students spontaneously sat up straight, their eyes all turning towards the door.

An elderly man walked in.

She wore a simple yet exquisite dark suit, and her silver hair was neatly combed.

The badge pinned to his chest was not the emblem of the Kunwu Camp or any academy, but an ancient shield pattern surrounded by ears of wheat.

Wang Xi had seen this badge in the Kunwu Camp's student handbook; it was a retired "Taiyu" honor badge. Clearly, this was a specially appointed instructor of the Kunwu Camp, a top-tier expert who had retired from the "Taiyu" position.

The old man stepped onto the podium, his gaze sweeping across the entire room like lightning. He didn't speak, but the imposing aura honed through countless life-and-death battles froze the atmosphere in the classroom.

"I am Shao Zhenkun."

The old man's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of every student, carrying a metallic, resonant quality.

“I will be the main speaker for this course, ‘General Knowledge of Contemporary Labyrinths’.”

Without any opening remarks, Professor Shao lightly pressed his right hand on the podium.

A clear holographic projection immediately unfolded behind the podium, displaying a global 3D map with constantly changing light and shadow, marked with more than a dozen bright dots.

"First, let's correct a widely circulated misconception," Shao Zhenkun said slowly. "It's commonly believed that there are currently 20 mazes in the world, with countless entrances scattered throughout various locations."

He paused, then swiped his finger across the projected map, instantly illuminating more bright spots like stars, densely covering several specific areas.

"But this news is outdated."

Shao Zhenkun's voice suddenly turned low.

"According to the latest top-secret intelligence shared by the General Administration and various countries: Since May of this year, without any warning, 12 new unknown dungeon entrances with highly dangerous reality distortions have appeared globally, in addition to the original 20 dungeons!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, the entire classroom instantly buzzed with excitement.

Even among elite students, this news was still incredibly shocking. Zhao Leng'an's previously smiling face instantly tightened, his eyes filled with solemnity and shock.

Wang Xi frowned slightly.

Twelve mazes suddenly appeared out of nowhere?
Normally, one new case is added every year, but why are there so many more this year?!

He suddenly realized something, and his pupils contracted sharply.

May……

This is precisely the time when he awakens to his innate wisdom.

coincidence?

Or is there really some connection between them?
Shao Zhenkun was not surprised by the students' reaction. He simply waited quietly for about ten seconds until the murmurs subsided before continuing in his calm but heavy tone:
"This means that the total number of known special mazes in the world that continue to threaten human survival and stability has surged to 32!"

"Capital cities have reached a confidentiality agreement that this information must not be disclosed to the public until its nature, scale, rules and sources are preliminarily determined, in order to avoid causing global panic."

On the screen, the twelve dots representing the new maze gleamed with an unsettling light, like the eyes of twelve giant beasts lurking in the darkness.

“Mr. Shao,” Zhao Leng’an raised his hand, his voice filled with doubt, “Then… out of the original 20 mazes, weren’t there 2 whose exact locations had never been found? Have they been located now?”

Shao Zhenkun's gaze fell on Zhao Leng'an, paused slightly, and then he shook his head, the gesture carrying an undeniable certainty: "Didn't find it."

"The top leaders of the five major countries unanimously believe that either these two labyrinths are hidden on the seabed of the ocean, or in extreme regions such as the North and South Poles."

He pointed back to the projected map and made special marks on the twelve newly added points of light:
"Let's get back to the new maze."

"One thing is very puzzling. The information we have so far shows that the numbering of these twelve suddenly appearing mazes shows an extremely obvious pattern - they almost encompass the missing parts of the original 'A to 8' main numbers."

On the projection, labels quickly appeared next to the twelve newly added dots: from Ace of Spades to 8 of Spades, Ace of Hearts to 8 of Hearts, Ace of Clubs to 8 of Clubs...

“Only the ‘Eight of Diamonds’ and the ‘Five of Diamonds’ are missing.” Shao Zhenkun added in a deep voice, his gaze sweeping over every young face in the audience. “Therefore, these two numbers, which disappeared without a trace since the beginning of humankind’s discovery of the labyrinth, remain the greatest mystery shrouding the pinnacle of world security.”

You could hear a pin drop in the classroom.

Wang Xi stared at the two missing numbers on the projection, his heart churning with indescribable emotions.

What is so special about these two undiscovered labyrinths?
A mystery lingered in the minds of all the trainees.

The class ended quickly.

Although it was just a brief theoretical lesson, it allowed Wang Xi to learn confidential information that the top leaders of the five major countries had blocked.

This shows that the Kunwu Camp is indeed an elite club valued by the Federation.

Before get out of class ended, Mr. Shao reminded everyone:

"The day after tomorrow is the end-of-month practical training session, where we will have a team points competition. You all need to prepare well."

(End of this chapter)