Card Making: My Card Game Starts with the White Dragon

The nine-colored halo quickly faded away, as if nothing had happened.

"Is that all?"

Zhou Hao clenched his fist, feeling the changes within himself.

"Seems a bit stronger than before? That's all? Nothing special."

Zhou Hao was confused, but now that the card-making process was complete, he exited the mental space.

Whether it was because the field card reinforced the mental space or because his total mental energy had increased significantly, making the card was exceptionally easy for Zhou Hao this time, and he even finished when he still had a quarter of his mental energy left.

Unlike previous card production times that often took more than ten hours, this time Zhou Hao finished making the cards in just over nine hours.

Princess Xinhai was no longer wearing her maid outfit, but instead a pink loungewear nightgown. She was nestled in a large computer sofa, hugging a pillow and wearing headphones, intently watching anime.

Zhou Hao didn't disturb her and began to examine the new card's panel on his own:

【Calabash Brothers: Red Calabash Brothers】

[Quality: Purple]

[Rating: ★★★]

[Category: Spiritual Plants]

[Card Type: Summon]

skill:

[Supernatural Power - Size at Will]: The Red Calabash Brother possesses immense strength and the ability to change size at will. The Red Calabash Brother's strength and mental energy consumption increase as his size grows.

characteristic:

[Demon Extermination]: Red Calabash Brothers deal double damage to demonic creatures.

[Spirit Seed]: Red Calabash Brother is a spirit seed born of nature. When he stands on the ground, he can absorb the earth's energy to slowly restore his own blood and qi. If his blood and qi are full, the earth's energy will be transformed into other attributes.

【Overlord's Power - Trial of the Nine Cauldrons】(Unique): The body of the Red Calabash Brother contains power that can shake the entire land, and the key to unlocking this power is hidden in the Nine Cauldrons (now invalid).

Description: With the power to move mountains and cross seas, he vanquished all demons.

Advanced path:

【Red Calabash Brothers】(Orange), 【Little Calabash King Kong】(Gold)

羁绊:

Fighting alongside the Calabash Brothers will activate the synergy "Brothers United".

When paired with Sun Wukong in battle, the synergy [Heaven and Earth Spirits] will be activated.

Derivative path:

【Hulu Brothers】: Can support the concept anchor point, support rate (100%)

[Innate Spiritual Root]: Can support conceptual anchor points, support rate (100%)

【White Crane Boy】: Can support the concept anchor point, support rate (13%)

【Kunlun Mountain】: A potential anchor point for the concept, with a support rate of (1%).

Skill Feedback: [Overlord's Power - Nine Cauldrons Trial] (Unique)

……

It still starts with supernatural skills, and its strength remains as guaranteed as ever.

However, the purple-level Calabash Brothers cards don't seem to have any changes in mechanics or skills; they only appear to have increased stats.

Zhou Hao was stunned when he saw the glaring feedback skill section.

Combining the final phantom image of the nine-colored cauldron, Zhou Hao realized that he had probably been set up by this [Historical Echoes: The Overlord Lifts the Cauldron].

"So this feedback from historical echoes is a card feature?"

Normally speaking, this is already an excellent harvest. Even if it can't compare to Chairman Guo's mythical stone tablet, it is still a gift that will benefit one for a lifetime.

Zhou Hao's original intention in creating the Calabash Brothers series of cards was to make the randomly drawn skills as controllable as possible.

The first time I drew the [Yellow Calabash Brother], the [Supernatural Power - Indestructible Vajra] was perfect.

But Zhou Hao never expected that while he was making the cards, the historical echo of "Overlord Lifting the Tripod" would suddenly appear.

Moreover, what made Zhou Hao most uneasy was that because he randomly drew the unique skill [Overlord's Power - Nine Cauldrons Trial], it caused the original owner of the skill [Red Calabash Brother] to lose the skill.

"As expected of the 'unique' characteristic, only one of the cards or the owner can be active at a time, right?"

Zhou Hao casually remarked, "Never mind, although it's not the [Divine Power - Size at Will], Xiang Yu was known throughout history for his immense strength."

It simply can't change size; who knows, other cards might randomly get similar skills in the future.

Moreover, although this trait is not a supernatural skill, it is "unique" and "power that can shake the entire land," so it seems to be a pretty high-level growth trait, which is not bad.

Thinking of this, Zhou Hao picked up a fruit knife from the table in front of him and tried it out. He easily crumpled the knife into a pile of pieces, just like crumpling a piece of paper.

"Not bad, the increase in strength is also very obvious."

Ever since Zhou Hao accidentally pulled down the door during his first card-making attempt, he would first adjust to the new power he had gained after each card-making process.

"But where can we find the Nine Tripods of Yu the Great?"

Zhou Hao thought to himself, "Forget it, there's no use in daydreaming. I'll just have to take it one step at a time."

Just as Zhou Hao was pondering this, a voice trembling with tears suddenly echoed in his mind:

"Master, you've emerged from seclusion? I'll go buy you some food..."

Zhou Hao turned around and saw Princess Xinhai pressing pause with tears in her eyes.

"Xin Hai, you can cry this much even while watching a shonen anime like One Piece?"

Princess Xinhai pouted, waved her hand, and conjured a maid's outfit for herself. She then transmitted her thoughts to herself:

"That's because the big bear is so pitiful..."

As she spoke, Princess Xinhai was about to pick up Zhou Hao's meal card and leave.

"No need, I'll go downstairs to eat too. I've been inside all day, it's a bit stuffy."

The two then went to the cafeteria.

Zhou Hao had heard Princess Xinhai say that she liked to be by his side.

Although the card doesn't need to eat, watching Zhou Hao eat those delicious foods makes her happy.

After all, it was a card with high intelligence, and Zhou Hao couldn't understand what Princess Xinhai was thinking.

But since they cherished their own little fairy, they let her follow them around.

Although it was already past nine o'clock at night, it was surprisingly lively.

Ma Ling'er, Zhao Lei, Zhang Yaoyang, Xu Miaomiao, Dugu Baisui, Liu Ruyan, and others—there were more than a dozen tables in total, and it seemed like students from all three classes were here.

Even the sleepy Liu Adou and the aloof Xiao Huohuo were there, although Xiao Huohuo seemed uncomfortable in such a scene.

"Hao Shen, come here. No wonder I couldn't get through to your room this afternoon."

Instructor Zhang Shan had sharp eyes and spotted Zhou Hao at the cafeteria entrance and "Princess Xinhai" behind him at a glance. He then began to tease him with a mischievous grin.

The boys around them who knew each other laughed along, while some of the girls blushed at the suggestive remarks.

Zhou Hao wasn't angry; he knew Zhang Shan had always been like this.

Since all three classes were present, Zhou Hao didn't want to draw too much attention, so he put away the [Princess of the Heart Sea] for the time being.

"What's going on? It's this late, and people from three different classes are having a meal together in the cafeteria?"

Zhou Hao was puzzled and asked after taking his seat.

Zhang Shan put down his wine glass and said, "The elimination rounds end tomorrow, so some people will stay and some will leave. Let's have a farewell party to strengthen our relationships."

Zhou Hao wasn't surprised by this, after all, these were the backbone of the future protection of Shanhai City.

Those with strong abilities may be placed in higher positions, while those with weaker abilities will be placed in lower positions.

But ultimately, they are still colleagues on the same side, so it's natural to want to strengthen the relationship if there's an opportunity.

Zhao Lei, upon seeing Zhou Hao, began to pour out his grievances: "Brother Hao, you're a player who went straight to the rankings, you probably have no idea what we've been through these past few days."

Xu Miaomiao spat, "You call that suffering? I was the one who fell into the loser's bracket on the very first day and fought my way up, okay?"

Zhang Yaoyang laughed and said, "You two look so aggrieved, as if you've been eliminated? Didn't you make it into the qualifying rounds?"

Zhao Lei glanced at Zhang Yaoyang, then at Zhou Hao, and then at Ma Ling'er, who was staring at Zhou Hao, and sighed:

"Miaomiao has made another breakthrough; her strength has surpassed mine. Man Niu, you've always been stronger than me. Goddess Ma also defeated Instructor Zhang today."

Needless to say, Brother Hao is even worse off. It's just me; if I'm a step behind, I'll fall behind at every step..."

The atmosphere became somewhat heavy, and Zhou Hao didn't know how to respond.

He was the one who was least comfortable speaking up, and he just wanted to focus on eating and really didn't want to be called on.

The table where Zhou Hao was sitting was mostly filled with players who had advanced to the ranking matches, and the atmosphere was somewhat heavy due to the high expectations.

But the other tables, where people were eliminated, were filled with laughter and joy.

Especially the tables in Class 3, where people were drinking and singing, their faces beaming with relief, which made Liu Adou on the side extremely envious.

Everyone has different pursuits. Zhou Hao has no intention of giving up yet; in fact, he is full of fighting spirit.

They were all young people, their youthful spirits still intact. Watching his classmates compete on the field, Zhou Hao naturally felt a little itchy to join in.

Especially considering that their opponents include formidable fighters like Xiao Huohuo, Ma Ling'er, and Liu Adou.

Now, I have almost digested all my recent gains, and my strength has increased significantly.

I've formed my first deck, along with the special [Soul Imprint] field card.

With the addition of the newly released "Red Calabash Brothers," Zhou Hao's forces are now incredibly strong.

He looked up at Ma Ling'er, then at Xiao Huohuo and Liu Adou over there.

Apart from Liu Adou, who was asleep, the other two had the same fighting spirit in their eyes as Zhou Hao.

They are all experts who far surpass their classmates, and they have all made new breakthroughs.

Who doesn't want to be riding high and defeat all the arrogant?

Coincidentally, Zhou Hao also wanted a worthy opponent to test his skills.

"Come on, let's have a go!!"

……

The next day, the sun was high in the sky, and the sea breeze was hot. Zhou Hao finally stepped into the venue again.

Two rounds of elimination eliminated a full hundred people, which shortened the number of teams that were drawn.

However, those who remain are among the best card makers of their age, and their skills are at least at the level of green card holders.

Zhou Hao also noticed that many seats in the audience were empty.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that most of the local businesses and conglomerates had already left, as the seven-figure daily ticket price was indeed quite expensive.

These local businesses and conglomerates are targeting those card makers who have been laid off.

The card makers who are still standing on the field now are at least members of the Jinghai Army; they are not people they can recruit at all.

As for people like Zhou Hao, Xiao Huohuo, and Liu Adou, they are the kind of people that the specially invited big shots and admissions officers from prestigious universities are vying for; others don't even have the right to make demands.

Meanwhile, Zhou Hao even spotted Guo Chen and Ma Huateng in the specially invited audience seats.

One of them looked like a business elite, while the other looked like an old farmer in the fields; it was really jarring to see them sitting together.

Just as Zhou Hao was looking around, he suddenly heard the host's announcement:

"The third match: Zhao Lei from Class 1 versus Zhou Hao from Class 1!!"

A chorus of voices erupted from the crowd, saying things like, "Thank goodness, they were pulled out."

Many people breathed a sigh of relief, but Zhao Lei, who drew Zhou Hao's name, said with some helplessness:

"Brother Hao, I've ordered, please feel free to order whatever you like..."

Zhao Lei's words immediately sparked a burst of laughter from those around him.

"Brother Chuanshan, I think you are Haoshen's formidable rival. Haoshen didn't appear in the first few rounds entirely to avoid your sharp edge, hahaha."

"Brother Pangolin, this won't do! Why are you backing down before the battle even begins?"

"Brother Pangolin, we may lose the fight, but we won't lose our spirit! Even knowing we're outmatched, we must still dare to draw our swords!!"

Zhao Lei yelled at the top of his lungs, "You want to light it? You want to fight? Apart from those guys in front, anyone who smokes Hao Ge and doesn't light it, I, Zhao Lei, respect them as a real man!!"

Zhou Hao really didn't want to have a bye again. He wanted to test the strength of his cards and also practice his new combat style.

Unfortunately, Zhao Lei didn't give him a chance, and there are probably quite a few people who think like him.

This is just a ranking match, not an elimination match. If you lose this one, you can win the next one. There's no need to fight to the death with the top freshman.

"It seems I'll have a hard time taking action until I encounter those few."

After the draw, Boss Zhou had no choice but to return to his seat and watch the students fight in the [Holographic Battlefield].

The first few matches weren't very interesting. Although the remaining students were basically a mix of green and blue, in Zhou Hao's eyes they were still just a bunch of weaklings fighting each other.

However, Zhou Hao noticed that there seemed to be more students using Legion Cards. Although they were all pseudo-Legion Cards, they still made the competition a bit more interesting.

After five matches, Zhou Hao finally got a match he was interested in:

"Next up, please welcome the ninth group of contestants, Ma Ling'er and Liu Adou!!"

With the entry of these two T0-level players, the entire venue instantly became more lively, and camera flashes went off incessantly.

At the same time, Zhou Hao also noticed a beautiful girl with a silver ponytail and purple goggles rushing in in a panic.

The girl was dressed very fashionably, with a bright purple short jacket paired with a pure white sports vest, plus black fishnet stockings on one side and purple leg rings, making her look like a rebellious young delinquent.

The girl barged in and hurriedly sat down next to Ma Huateng.

Then he pulled out a blue-purple game console, chewed bubble gum, and started playing games.

Ma Huateng, however, seemed unfazed and continued to chat and laugh with Guo Chen.

"Never seen this before, definitely not a student, and students wouldn't sit in the VIP section anyway. Is this some kind of genius from Shenzhen?"

"Now, please have both contestants approach the [Holographic Battlefield]!!"

The host's exaggerated shouts interrupted Zhou Hao's thoughts.

As the screen lit up, the duel officially began.

"Another island battle? Not bad, this should be considered a battlefield advantageous to Ma Ling'er."

In Zhou Hao's memory, Liu Adou had never shown any outstanding naval combat skills, which was undoubtedly good news for Ma Ling'er, who had the Red Flag Gang.

However, the next second, Zhou Hao's pupils suddenly contracted.

A flash of purple light appeared, and the card that appeared in front of Liu Adou was not the [Zhuge Kongming] that Zhou Hao had imagined, but a white-robed general with a face like jade and lips like cinnabar, who was both refined and heroic.

……