So Hot! Too Damn Hot!

It was common knowledge that card makers were non-combat personnel.

A wise man did not stand beneath a crumbling wall. Gu Xin had a clear understanding of himself: secret realms were dangerous places.

They were meant for adventuring professionals, and he was not one of them.

He only liked making cards. As for materials, it was enough if he could buy them. Going into secret realms to gather materials himself was not something Gu Xin enjoyed doing.

What if he ran into danger?

So...

"I heard monsters from the demon series have appeared inside."

"Demons?"

"Yes. We still don't know what kind of demons they are, but this secret realm is green-tier."

"Fine. When are we leaving?"

Gu Xin agreed without hesitation. Demons!

Monsters of the demon series were extremely valuable. He could not afford to miss out on such rare materials.

Gu Xin might not like putting himself in danger, but it depended on the situation.

A green-tier secret realm was a second-tier secret realm.

Even if such a secret realm was difficult, it would not be too dangerous. As long as they cleared out all the dangerous things, there would be no danger left.

"Haha, I knew you'd be interested. We'll leave tomorrow morning and try to take down that secret realm as soon as possible."

Wang Quan grinned broadly. As one of Gu Xin's few friends, he had immense faith in Gu Xin's abilities.

With Gu Xin joining them, this trip into the secret realm would definitely be foolproof.

"No problem. Have you found the other teammates?"

Gu Xin nodded. Since they were exploring a secret realm, it certainly could not be just the two of them.

"I've already contacted everyone. When I handle things, are you still worried?"

"Mm."

Gu Xin nodded. Wang Quan might be a little unserious and liked organizing dinners and karaoke under all sorts of pretexts, but he was trustworthy when it came to getting things done.

University life was great. At least, Gu Xin thought so.

That morning, their homeroom teacher took attendance before letting the students do as they pleased.

After all, this was an academy of swords and magic. They had already learned most of the theoretical knowledge before entering university.

Universities now placed greater emphasis on practical training, so the schools organized all kinds of secret realm activities and issued missions for students to gain experience.

Naturally, they were paid.

It was like an alternative mercenary guild, except the missions and activities provided by the school came with basic guarantees.

After leaving the classroom, Gu Xin went to the library and browsed various books on card making.

Selection and Analysis of Card-Making Materials, Methods and Techniques for Improving Card-Making Success Rates, How to Become a Successful Card Maker.

Gu Xin did not actually enjoy studying, but that only applied to subjects that did not interest him.

Now that he was filled with passion for card making, he devoured every page with relish.

Once someone developed interest and motivation in something, their ability to act could become astonishingly high.

"No, I still need to ask a teacher."

After searching for a long time without finding what he wanted, Gu Xin decisively returned the books and left the library.

Luo Fei, a card-making professor at Yin City University, was a highly respected old man.

He was also the highest-ranked card maker in all of Yin City, having reached the fourth tier. He was famous throughout the country, though he had already retired and now held an honorary position at Yin City University.

Gu Xin arrived at Professor Luo Fei's office.

Professor Luo Fei's graying hair was tied up, his complexion was ruddy, and his white beard was long. Dressed in plain cloth robes, he looked like an immortal sage who would fit seamlessly into a xianxia drama.

Well, that was if one ignored the fact that he was currently studying a copy of Men's Uno magazine with a perfectly serious expression.

"Professor Luo."

"Little Gu, what is it?"

Without changing expression, Professor Luo Fei closed Men's Uno, took off his reading glasses, and rubbed his eyes.

Unlike the cloudy eyes of an ordinary old man, his gaze was bright and gentle.

"I'd like to ask for your guidance, Professor. By chance, I obtained several Holy Griffin Feathers yesterday, but my card-making attempt failed."

"The materials were [Holy Griffin Feather] + [Light Element] + [Big Tongue Beast]..."

Gu Xin directly stated his problem. This was not his first time seeking Professor Luo Fei's advice, and he understood the professor's personality.

"Little Gu, you want to make a Light-attribute summon card?"

Professor Luo Fei immediately guessed Gu Xin's intentions.

"Yes."

"Replace the [Holy Griffin Feather]. Its tier is too high; your current level isn't enough." Professor Luo Fei shook his head.

"But why did I succeed when I used [Eye of Darkness] to make a card before?" Gu Xin asked in confusion.

"The difference between the fourth tier and the third tier is not small." Professor Luo Fei could not help but chuckle.

"Besides, I'm guessing the card you want to make is anything but ordinary. With your current abilities, I'm afraid it still isn't enough."

"Yes..." Gu Xin thought of the Giant of Light, feeling rather helpless. He roughly understood what Professor Luo Fei meant.

"Little Gu, the path of a card maker does require us to be brave enough to experiment, but you must not aim too high."

"You have imagination and talent. With your current abilities, I think you can temporarily try making three-star cards."

"Of course, I recommend starting your experiments with magic cards and item cards."

Professor Luo Fei spoke earnestly. Compared to summon cards, magic cards and item cards had higher success rates.

"I understand. Thank you, Professor."

"Mm. And Little Gu, you can't be too rigid when making cards. Aside from 'fortune' and imagination, we can also change our approach at the right time."

"Change my approach?"

"That's right. Powerful cards do not come so easily, so sometimes we need to look at things from another angle."

Professor Luo Fei raised a finger and circled it beside his head, smiling at Gu Xin.

He knew Gu Xin could be rather stubborn sometimes, which was why he offered such an indirect reminder. If he could not make the card he had imagined right now—

Then he could make a weakened version.

"Another angle..."

Gu Xin froze for a moment, then fell into thought.

"I understand! Thank you, Professor!" Gu Xin's eyes soon lit up. He got it.

That was right. With his current abilities, it really was impossible for him to directly make a card of the Giant of Light.

But... could he summon the Giant of Light through other means?

"Mm, good child. It's good that you understand."

Professor Luo Fei nodded approvingly.

He thought very highly of Gu Xin. The boy was extraordinarily talented and strong-willed, but most importantly, Gu Xin possessed a love and dedication toward card making that surpassed imagination.

That pure passion even made Professor Luo Fei sigh in admiration.

As long as he did not stray onto an evil path or die young, Professor Luo Fei firmly believed that Gu Xin would accomplish great things in the future.

It was even possible that he might surpass Professor Luo Fei himself.

After thanking Professor Luo Fei again, Gu Xin left. He wanted to test his idea.

"This child is still as impetuous as ever."

Professor Luo Fei shook his head with a laugh. Then his expression turned solemn as he put his glasses back on and ceremoniously reopened Men's Uno magazine.

"Gasp! Those breasts... heavens! How can they be so big? Could she be from the Minotaur race?"

"I am sixty-nine years old, yet I have never seen such a gifted woman with my own eyes. What a pity! What a tragedy!"

"Gasp... those legs!! They're going to kill this old man! Hot! Too damn hot!"

Every so often, cries of alarm rang out from a certain immortal-looking old man's office.