My exclusive card pool

Chapter 276 He must be spying on me

"The disaster core has been destroyed!"

"Great!"

"We are saved!"

"It was that lord, he destroyed the core of the disaster!"

As the fire giant and the fire witch Lillian died, the survivors cheered excitedly.

The defense team members and soldiers, dragging their weary bodies, supported each other in twos and threes, and solemnly saluted the young man in mid-air, silently expressing their gratitude and respect.

Although they didn't recognize the young man's identity, they knew that he was definitely a top-notch professional warrior who had come to provide support.

Wang Xi looked away.

He nodded slightly to the crowd below in response, then transformed into a streak of dark light and vanished from his spot.

"That sir has left."

A female volunteer wiped the sweat and dust from her face and said blankly.

"I still don't know his name..."

"Let's ask the Yongxie Association after the disaster is over."

A burly man with a square face next to him took a deep breath and said.

"That person looked very young, but I didn't expect them to be so powerful, easily erasing the core of this orange catastrophe..."

"Captain, do you think... he might be a 'Disaster Hunter' sent by 'Wei Tai' in Central Continent?"

Another young volunteer hesitated before speaking.

Everyone was somewhat surprised, yet they also felt it made perfect sense.

After all, only the "Disaster Hunters" who stand at the very top of the Nine Provinces have such strength, right?

The burly man with a square face pondered for a few seconds, then shook his head with a wry smile: "I don't know... There doesn't seem to be such a powerful figure on the 'List of Mountains and Seas'."

Upon hearing this, everyone's curiosity and doubts intensified.

Who exactly is that young man?

...

...

Haicheng, Zhenyuantai.

In the center of the enormous platform stands a square building, surrounded by radar-like detection equipment.

Wang Xi received a message from the Haicheng Overlook Bureau: shortly after he resolved the disaster at Crescent Bay, Fu Taiyu had also successfully eliminated the core of the "Snow Ghost Tide" disaster.

The disaster in Haicheng has now been completely eradicated.

The three official agencies—the Security Bureau, the Defense Force, and the Public Security Bureau—are currently busy with rescue and disaster reconstruction preparations.

"...Reality distortion is rapidly decreasing, energy level fluctuations are stabilizing, and it has fallen into the gray zone!"

As soon as Wang Xi landed, he heard cheers coming from the command center.

He pushed open the door and went inside.

The hall was filled with various devices, and the complex data displayed on the screens was constantly changing. Dozens of men and women in uniforms from the Bureau of Overlooking the World were gathered around the screens, discussing excitedly.

"Mr. Wang!"

Zhou Mingyuan, the director of the Haicheng Overlooking Bureau, who was standing in front of the monitoring screen, noticed Wang Xi's arrival and quickly turned around to greet him.

He beamed and extended his hand to thank him.
"Thanks to you this time! Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable!"

Wang Xi shook hands briefly with him, using the same old excuse: "Director Zhou, you're too kind. It's just my duty."

After some conversation, he learned that Fu Xinyi had returned to Haicheng and was receiving treatment at the Yongxie headquarters.

"White Bone Marquis" also played a key role in this disaster, but due to the two-day stalemate with "Odd Group" on the isolated island, plus the long journey to support the Northwest War Zone, he was too exhausted and needs a period of recuperation.

"Director Zhou, I have some personal matters to attend to in Haicheng... Now that the disaster situation has stabilized, I will take my leave."

Wang Xi smiled.

"Please give my regards to Fu Taiyu and wish her a speedy recovery."

Zhou Mingyuan immediately nodded in agreement: "Of course, no problem. I will definitely pass on your message."

His tone was sincere, showing he knew the young man's importance.

After speaking, Zhou Mingyuan paused briefly and said kindly:

"I wonder if there's anything we can do for Mr. Wang's personal matters... Please feel free to ask."

Wang Xi thought for a moment, then didn't hide anything: "I have a friend named Chu Nai. She led a team of students from Dongzhou University into the 'Mechanical City' disaster area, designated A8, to explore... They've been out of contact for two days now, and I plan to go in and look for them."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Mingyuan's expression immediately turned serious.

"Mr. Wang, please wait a moment." He immediately turned around and gestured to his subordinate beside him: "Go and retrieve the relevant records for the A8 'Mechanical City' disaster area."

The order was issued, and within minutes...

Two staff members, a man and a woman, quickly ran back, each carrying a tablet computer.

“Reporting to the Director,” the woman said. “According to the Bureau’s disaster area entry and exit records, in the past week, only Dongzhou University applied for and was approved for the A8 ‘Mechanical City’ disaster area…”

She quickly swiped the tablet, displaying the list and basic information: "Including Miss Chu Nai, there are a total of 12 people. The last location signal was transmitted 50 hours ago in the 'old factory area' inside the disaster zone, after which all communication attempts failed."

The male staff member next to him added:
"Dongzhou University submitted a request for assistance to the Overlook Bureau 24 hours after losing contact. However... two orange-level disasters subsequently broke out in Haicheng, and all available resources were temporarily redeployed..."

Zhou Mingyuan glanced at Wang Xi's expression.

He breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that the other party did not show any displeasure.

Zhou Mingyuan nodded, took the tablet, and quickly pulled up detailed information about the "Mechanical City" disaster area, including a general map, some monster files, rules and characteristics, and then packaged and transferred it to Wang Xi's phone.

"Mr. Wang, this is all the intelligence the Bureau of Overlook currently has regarding the 'Mechanical City' disaster area. We hope it will be helpful to you."

He asked earnestly:
Do you need manpower?

Wang Xi picked up his phone, glanced at it, and waved his hand without looking up, saying, "This intelligence is very valuable. Thank you, Director Zhou."

"As for manpower, there's no need. The disaster situation has just stabilized, and the city needs rescue and cleanup everywhere. I can go by myself."

...

...

It is located 200 kilometers southwest of Haicheng.

The "Mechanical City" disaster area.

Light is a luxury here.

Thick, dark clouds filled the sky.

Deep within the disaster zone, beneath the ruins of collapsed buildings, lies a dilapidated bunker.

At this moment, only a few faint light sources stubbornly shone in the darkness inside the bunker—those were the unique, man-made, all-purpose "mini-suns" of Dongzhou University.

The fist-sized floating sphere emitted a warm orange light, illuminating the surrounding rusty giant gears, broken metal pipes, and twisted machine wreckage.

The air was filled with a mixture of smells of rust, engine oil, and stale dust.

The bunker's interior was fairly spacious, but the atmosphere was rather oppressive. Eleven carefully selected elite students from Dongzhou University huddled in a corner, their faces etched with exhaustion and fear.

Their combat uniforms were covered in stains and scratches, no longer looking as pristine as usual.

"It's been two days..."

A girl wearing glasses said, trembling.

She hugged her knees tightly: "Senior Chu Nai hasn't recovered yet, can we...can we still go out?"

"I don't want to die here!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down!" A burly boy next to him whispered, glancing nervously toward the top of the stairs.

The only entrance was barely blocked by a metal plate.

"It wouldn't be good if we attracted that monster up there!"

The atmosphere fell silent for a few seconds.

Another relatively calm student checked the card slot device on his wrist and whispered, "We still have food and water, and the reserves in the space card are enough to last us a week... but this can't go on."

"..."

The shadow of death weighed heavily on everyone's hearts like an iron weight.

Inside the bunker, only their heavy breathing remained.

They thought it was just an easy "gilding trip," with the powerful senior Chu Nai protecting them, so they weren't worried about any "danger" at all.

With this experience of exploring the orange disaster area, I can add a brilliant touch to my resume when I get back.

Little did I know that I had stepped into a nightmare.

Right now, their greatest asset is weakened, and everyone is trapped in this bunker, not daring to go out at all.

In a corner of the bunker, a young man dressed in expensive custom-made combat gear is trying to maintain his composure.

His name is Li Wei, and he is a prominent figure among the students of Dongzhou University. He is not only exceptionally talented and handsome, but also comes from a distinguished family.

His father is the head of the "Vision Group".

Weisheng Group is a medium-sized group, so Li Wei has no shortage of trump cards to protect himself, and his mentality is the best among everyone.

Li Wei looked towards the corner.

There sat a pretty figure leaning against the wall.

The silver-haired girl closed her eyes in meditation, a look of pain on her pale face. Behind her ears, a faint, scorching golden light emanated.

"Senior Chu Nai..."

Li Wei had heard countless stories about this legendary senior at school, admired her strength and beauty, and dreamed of entering the Kunwu Camp.

He saw the unexpected danger that the group encountered as a challenge.

Or rather, it's an opportunity.

Just like in novels and movies, he protects the weakened goddess in dire straits, becomes her support, and ultimately...

Thinking of this, Li Wei's nervousness seemed to be somewhat relieved by an indescribable hope.

He touched the inner lining of his tactical belt—

Inside was a precious dark blue item card.

This is the "Crystal Barrier," a life-saving trump card his father prepared for him at great expense, powerful enough to withstand the deadly attack of the Orange Disaster Core.

"Don't panic, everyone." Li Wei cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice calm. "Senior Chu Nai will definitely recover. What we need to do now is stay alert, conserve our strength, and wait for our opportunity..."

However, the words were not spoken yet.

boom! !

The entire bunker shook violently!

creak!

Wow! !
The ear-piercing sounds of twisting metal and falling gravel were deafening, and the metal plate blocking the entrance groaned under the strain, caved in and deformed.

"what--"

The students screamed in terror, and chaos erupted instantly.

Beep beep—woo—

A piercing siren rang out, echoing inside the bunker.

Then came heavy, rhythmic footsteps.

Boom!Boom!Boom!
"It's that monster! It's found us!"

The burly young man turned pale and said in a panic.

Boom! !
The metal plate blocking the door was knocked away.

A massive, menacing steel behemoth, topped with the engine of a vintage steam train, forced its way into the bunker.

It is clearly a train, yet it is covered with dense, fleshy limbs like a centipede.

Thick smoke billowed from the top of the car, and in the center was a huge scarlet eyeball staring straight at the students present.

"Attack its eyes!" Li Wei roared, striking first.

He channeled his magic, and flames surged around him as several ten-foot-long fire spears condensed and slammed into the front of the train.

The other students also seemed to realize something and began activating their cards.

Ice spikes, wind blades, energy rays, flying swords, curses, and even summoned rock golems... all sorts of lights filled the bunker space, bombarding the steel monster's face.

Ding-ding-ding-ding!

clang clang clang!!

The train monster closed its "eyelids" and shut the steel gate, causing the students' attacks to land on it, sparks flying everywhere.

It can't break through the defense at all.

"Ah!!" Several students who were slower to react were burned by the steam spewed from the locomotive and screamed as they retreated.

"I can't hold them off any longer..." Li Wei's eyes widened in fury. He gritted his teeth and suddenly pulled out the life-saving deep blue card. "Scatter, everyone!"

hum-

A crystal wall with a diamond-shaped structure rose from the ground and blocked his way.

boom! !

The train crashed violently into the crystal wall.

Crack!
The crystal wall trembled violently, cracking like a spiderweb, and the massive train was forcibly brought to a stop.

"You blocked it! You're really something, Li Wei!"

Some students shouted with surprise.

Li Wei himself felt a surge of excitement, and a feeling of "exploding potential," "turning the tide," and "destiny is in my hands" immediately welled up within him!

He was about to speak.

wow-

The cracks in the crystal wall immediately widened and spread.

Just a breath later, with a deafening crash, the crystal wall shattered as the locomotive struck it, dissipating into countless points of light. Li Wei, utterly astonished, staggered backward.

it's over...

Seeing this scene, the students present felt despair.

Suddenly, a dazzling golden light shone brightly in the dim corner of the bunker.

In the golden light.

A figure clad in magnificent golden armor, with a pair of holy white wings unfurled on his back, blocked the front of the car.

"Senior Chu Nai!"

Li Wei exclaimed in surprise.

However, he noticed that his senior's face was pale, her forehead was covered in sweat, and her body was trembling slightly, so she was obviously not in good condition.

Chu Nai bit her lip, and the light in her hand condensed into a huge golden halberd, which she thrust forward.

clang! !

A deafening clang of metal rang out, and the bunker trembled.

The train's forward momentum was abruptly halted, as countless grotesque, fleshy limbs thrashed wildly, stirring up clouds of dust.

Chu Nai and the steel monster were locked in a brief standoff.

Her movements remained swift and fierce, each strike carrying the power to split mountains and shatter rocks, but her steps revealed a hint of unsteadiness, her forehead was covered in more sweat, and her breathing became rapid.

The burning pain from the stigmata was like a bone-deep affliction, constantly eroding her will and strength.

"Li Wei, you take them away first!"

Chu Nai spoke during a lull in her defense, her voice hoarse.

"Senior! Let me help you!"

Seeing the goddess fighting desperately against the enemy, Li Wei was immediately overcome with passion and once again condensed a fire spell.

However, the giant fireball struck the train's metal body, only slightly scorching the paint in a small area.

whoosh-

A rusty iron chain was flung out of the car door.

Snapped!
Li Wei was hit and sent flying backward.

He crashed into the wall with a thud, vomited blood, and struggled to get up.

Li Wei looked up in a disheveled state. The excruciating pain of his shattered bones made him realize how insignificant and laughable he was in the face of such a calamity.

They can't even help the goddess, let alone protect her.

They can only hold us back.

Just then, Chu Nai's movements faltered slightly as a chain struck his shoulder armor.

clang! !

The immense force caused her to groan, and the golden armor dimmed.

"Senior!!"

The students screamed in terror.

at this time.

hum-

Suddenly, a pure white beam of light pierced through and ripped open the bunker's solid dome.

"hold head high!!"

A dragon's roar resounded.

Everyone looked up and were stunned.

They saw the sky outside covered with dark clouds.

There was also a huge black dragon!

At the top of the black dragon's head stood a straight figure—it looked like a man.

Wang Xi's gaze was now fixed on the enormous steel train.

"Disaster Core: Crazy Train: Watt (Darkened/Nemesis/5-Star Title/Elite)"

The title is five stars with a bronze frame.

Wang Xi, his robes fluttering, clasped his hands together and raised them: "Dragon Dance."

"May the world be filled with joy and abundance!"
A thunderous roar resounded.

The dark clouds seemed to be parted by an invisible hand.

The black dragon circled and danced high in the sky.

Wang Xi pointed downwards and said, "Awakening of Insects."

"hold head high!!"

The Xuanlong opened its massive mouth and spat out countless fine white lights.

The Sword Prison of Awakening of Insects, where sword light pours forth.

Boo hoo hoo hoo——

Countless sword beams poured down, engulfing the steel train, which was tens of meters long.

The sheet metal, which couldn't be breached even with the combined fire of the students, was easily pierced and torn apart under the pale rain of swords.

Sizzle sizzle sizzle—

The gears shattered!

Pipe broken!

The front of the car and the single eye exploded with a bang!

The whole process was incredibly fast; from the dragon's roar breaking through the sky to the train being annihilated, it only took a few breaths.

As the light dimmed, the Xuanlong disappeared.

Wang Xi then slowly landed in the opened bunker.

The bunker was deathly silent.

"..."

The students stared in disbelief at the sudden appearance of this unfamiliar young man.

With a mere flick of their wrist, the opponent annihilated their core of fear and despair, leaving their minds completely blank.

Upon seeing Wang Xi, Chu Nai's tense nerves immediately relaxed, and an unprecedented sense of security welled up within her.

Her stamina seemed to have found a haven of rest. Her golden armor, wings, and banners vanished as specks of light, and her body went limp as she fell straight forward.

Wang Xi moved his foot.

He had already flashed to Chu Nai's side and steadily pulled her into his arms.

I got my hands on a piece of burning passion.

Chu Nai's entire body was burning hot, like a branding iron.

"It's alright now." Wang Xi's voice was low, carrying a magical, comforting power. "I'll take you back."

"Um……"

Chu Nai buried her head in his chest, inhaling the familiar and reassuring scent, and only responded softly, as if she had exhausted all her strength.

This scene was like a bolt from the blue for Li Wei.

He watched as his goddess, completely unguarded and even affectionately nestled in another man's arms, and a bitter feeling welled up inside him, as if the whole world had lost its color.

Wang Xi then noticed that the holy mark behind Chu Nai's ear was glowing, and asked, "Why are you so weak?"

He vaguely sensed that the root of the disorder in Chu Nai's power seemed to lie in this sacred mark.

Chu Nai took a few weak breaths before replying, "I'm not quite sure either... Shortly after leading the team into the disaster zone, my deck suddenly became unstable, as if it had been interfered with in some way."

"The original side effects were doubled, and the pain from the Holy Mark was unbearable, to the point that my power went out of control."

She bit her lip and carefully chose her words: "It's like... it was detonated prematurely."

"side effect?"

Wang Xi's eyes narrowed, as if he had suddenly thought of something.

With a slight thought, he flipped his hand, and a jet-black razor suddenly appeared in his palm.

— "Occam's Razor"!
Under Chu Nai's puzzled gaze, Wang Xi raised the razor and gently slashed her.

The concept of "god cards" then gained momentum.

An invisible and intangible wave swept past Chu Nai.

The glowing stigma behind her ears immediately "behaved" and quickly subsided.

Chu Nai's eyes widened in disbelief, and the extreme pain vanished in that instant.

The uncontrollable forces within the body also became docile.

— "Back to Basics (The Imprint)"

This black-quality mark can not only remove buffs from enemies, but also debuffs from yourself and your allies.

Strictly speaking, Chunai's "side effects" also stem from the deck's "negative effects".

Naturally, it can be eliminated by "Occam's Razor".

hum-

Chu Nai's body temperature returned to normal.

"Hmm? That's amazing!" Chu Nai stood up from Wang Xi's arms and stretched her arms and legs. "I feel... much better."

Although she was curious about Wang Xi's methods, she wisely refrained from asking further questions.

He simply put his hands behind his back, squinted his eyes, and smiled, saying, "Thank you."

...

...

The two, leading the still-shaken students, quickly left the bunker ruins following the route they had taken, heading towards the exit of the disaster area.

Along the way, the wandering mechanical monsters were easily dealt with by Chu Nai, who had recovered to his full strength, without Wang Xi even having to lift a finger.

With a flick of her slender fingers, golden light swept across the area, instantly reducing these "minor fish" to ashes.

Not long after.

The group finally reached the exit and breathed a sigh of relief. Li Wei and the others wore expressions of joy at surviving a close call.

But at this moment.

Wang Xi paused in his steps.

"Brother Xi, what's wrong?" Chu Nai noticed his change and stopped to ask.

Wang Xi shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips: "It's nothing, it's just that some idiot came to me before I could even look for him."

The words have not yet fallen.

Boom! !
There was a loud bang.

A purple rift suddenly appeared in mid-air.

A golden beam of light crashed down from the crack.

Rogers had just stood still when his gaze pierced through the beam of light and he saw a familiar figure.

"?!"

The indifferent expression of confidence and control on his face instantly crumbled.

Rogers' pupils contracted sharply, and his expression changed drastically.

It's that guy!
Why is he here? !
Rogers' heart was pounding.

The doubts and anxieties in his heart overwhelmed him like a tsunami.

Six inexplicable, incredibly precise, and unavoidable shots fired on the Mingyue Bridge!

That terrifying bullet nearly tore his body apart and burned his soul!
After paying a huge price of six holy marks, he barely managed to suppress his injuries. He wandered around like a stray dog ​​for a long time, and only dared to head straight for his target location after confirming several times that the other party was not chasing him!
He thought he had shaken off this guy!

As soon as he emerged from the phase space, he was caught red-handed by the opponent!

Is it...

Could it be that everything I've done has been seen through by the other party?

Correct!
He must be spying on me!
That must be it!

Rogers roared inwardly.

Perhaps in the other person's eyes, he was like a scurrying mouse, while the other person was a cat watching with amusement, ready to strike at any moment?

An indescribable sense of humiliation and the chill of being manipulated made him feel cold all over.

Numerous thoughts flashed through his mind like lightning, Rogers' expression shifted, and his body even trembled slightly due to the extreme emotional fluctuations.

"Is this your friend?"

Chu Nai sized up Rogers, then turned to Wang Xi and asked curiously.

"His face looks like it's twitching, is that okay?"

"Damn it!"

Rogers was completely enraged.

In a fit of anger, he got angry.

Then he turned and ran.

It moved so fast that it left afterimages in the air, its target being the purple crack that was not yet fully closed.

Wang Xi shook his head: "This guy should be the mastermind behind this disaster in Dongzhou."

Upon hearing this, Chu Nai's smile vanished, replaced by coldness: "It seems that they really are fools who have come to our doorstep."

(End of this chapter)