My monster cards can evolve infinitely.

The wind in the forest seemed to have stopped, and all that remained was a faint groan and the rustling of leaves.

Xiuqi gave a wry smile.

As planned, he intended to find an affordable weapon shop in Summertown and choose a longsword.

After all, in the port city where land is extremely valuable, weapons are 30% more expensive.

However, plans can't keep up with changes.

He glanced disdainfully at the large axe covered in rust on the ground.

This weapon clearly fails to embody the knight's composure and elegance.

Never mind, let's finish this first!

"Ha ha..."

The bandit leader burst into laughter, seemingly trying to cover up his embarrassment at being stunned by Xiu Qi's standard opening move.

He had finally realized what was happening, and a cruel and mocking smile played on his lips.

"Kid, not bad for your stance! Where's your sword?"

The sudden burst of aura from the gray-robed youth had left him with lingering fear, but this comical scene had somewhat overshadowed that feeling.

The bandit leader, having rediscovered himself, revealed a menacing glint in his eyes, creating a comical contrast.

At this moment, the gray-robed youth still maintained the posture of holding a sword, with his legs slightly apart in a bow stance, his right hand lowered to his waist, and his palm loosely clenched.

His gaze was firm, his expression serious, as if he truly held a knight's longsword forged from fine steel in his hand.

At that moment, a gentle breeze swept through the forest, and sunlight pierced through the gaps in the countless branches and leaves, casting a dappled shadow on Xiu Qi's clenched right hand, like a long sword hidden in the shadows.

"Do you dare take another step forward?!"

"Let's see if I have a sword in my hand?!"

The gray-robed youth's expression was resolute. He slowly turned around, and the mottled reflection beneath him swayed accordingly.

The crowd around held their breath, seemingly anticipating the exciting duel between the two that was about to unfold.

Gazing at Xiu Qixu's back as he gripped the sword, the noblewoman was finally moved.

Although her expression was obscured by the thin veil, her fair and slender hands were slightly pale from exertion.

"Impossible, this... is a combat technique that only master-level professionals could master..."

"He's just...too young..."

The woman's lips moved slowly.

"Go to hell!"

A furious roar suddenly erupted, sharp and piercing.

With all three of his accomplices brutally murdered, and himself even frightened by the way the other man held a sword, the bandit leader instantly descended into a state of impotent rage.

Xiu Qi remained unfazed as he watched the sword-wielding figure charging rapidly toward him.

He maintained the knight's starting stance of holding the longsword loosely with both hands, but his eyes became increasingly sharp.

As the son of a knight, Xiuqi was taught dogma from childhood.

That is:

On the battlefield, the victor reigns supreme.

When necessary, all means may be used to achieve victory.

These were the man's exact words, so he remembered them very clearly.

Similarly, he applied it very effectively in real life.

In the instant before the clash, under the watchful eyes of everyone,

Xiu Qi decided to use an ancient combat technique passed down through his family, a technique personally taught to him by that man.

Moreover, this is a precious skill passed down from his great-grandfather, which he has always practiced diligently.

Xiuqi's right hand, which was originally in a loose grip, suddenly swung forward!

A large cloud of grayish-white powder suddenly exploded like smoke, covering the charging bandit leader head-on!

"What?! Ah—my eyes!"

The poor bandit leader had no time to dodge and was instantly covered by a white expanse.

Immediately, a searing pain shot through his eyes, causing him to let out a piercing scream.

"Ah! You...you despicable..."

Before he could finish his curse, Xiu Qi moved.

There are no complicated techniques, just pure speed.

Whether it was his footwork, his body, or that fist that shot out in an instant.

While the bandit leader was still reeling from the burning pain, another sharp pain shot through his right hand, and his longsword flew out of his grasp.

The steel-forged blade gleamed with a cold, iron-colored light in the sunlight, and after tracing several clean arcs, it was firmly grasped by a strong arm.

Immediately afterwards, he felt as if his abdomen had been struck by a giant dragon. The intense pain caused him to arch his body like a shrimp, but the momentum did not diminish, and he fell backward and flew out.

Finally, what appeared before him was a thick wooden stick covered in hard nodules, getting closer and closer...

...the closer.

"boom--"

The "princess" raised the big stick in her hand, kicked the unconscious bandit leader, and made a "woo-woo" sound towards Xiu Qi as if to ask for credit.

"Of course! 'Princess' was a huge help to me today!"

Xiuqi seemed to understand the little guy's "woofing" sound. He stroked the little guy's smooth head to encourage him.

And that's exactly what happened. Today, "Princess's" record was terrifying. If you include the one under her feet, a total of three people were knocked unconscious by her big club.

Although its power is average, its practical effect in actual combat is quite good when combined with the talent [Void Walk].

Moreover, the "Princess" has become increasingly proficient in mastering the talent [Void Walk].

Xiu Qi felt a surge of excitement. He wondered what kind of performance the "Princess" would deliver after being strengthened and even promoted to two stars!

The battle began suddenly and ended even faster.

In the blink of an eye, all four bandits fell to the ground, leaving only silent groans and the occasional chirping of birds in the forest.

The people standing next to the carriage stared in disbelief at the scene.

Especially as they watched Xiu Qi's unexpected final attack with great anticipation, their faces involuntarily revealed complex and unfathomable expressions.

The official-looking man straightened his slightly disheveled clothes, the shock in his eyes fading, and looked at Xiu Qi with gratitude.

The pale face of the woman beside him gradually regained some color, and her eyes were filled with gratitude and lingering fear as she looked at Xiu Qi.

A fleeting, complex emotion flickered in the veiled woman's purple eyes before she regained her previous calm and aloofness.

After a brief silence, the man who looked like an official was the first to react.

"Sir, thank you so much!"

He walked quickly to Xiuqi, his face full of gratitude;

"If it weren't for your help, we would probably be in danger today!"

His female companion quickly followed suit, bowing slightly, her voice trembling as she said, "Thank you, thank you so much!"

Xiu Qi waved his hand.

He went to the coachman, old York, and helped him up, still shaken.

"It was just a small favor."

Xiu Qi said calmly, his gaze sweeping over the groaning bandits on the ground, "Let's deal with this quickly and continue on our way."

"Okay!" Old York nodded repeatedly.

The man began to introduce himself to Xiuqi:

"My name is Erwin, and I am a clerk in the Summertown town hall."

"This is my fiancée, Lina. She works at the Summertown Adventurers' Guild."

"Please, we must express our gratitude in some way!"

Lina quickly nodded and added, "Yes, when we arrive in Summertown, please make sure we are treated as good hosts."

Just then, a rapid and orderly sound of horses' hooves came from afar, and the ground trembled slightly.