Chapter Summaries

After the Wood Character Camp’s raid on Bomen City, Chen Mu reviewed the enormous spoils and reconsidered the importance of card machinery as he prepared for the dangers ahead in Thousand Lakes City. He discovered that the eccentric expert Kirkley could rapidly reassemble a Fern Disk and agreed to collaborate with him on improving its design.

• The Wood Character Camp’s victory and lavish equipment fueled rumors about Chief Steward White, while Chen Mu was astonished by the value of the plunder from Bomen City.
• Chen Mu kept the eight remaining level-seven bodyguards under Xiao Bo’s command after rejecting a proposal to replace them.
• Chen Mu gave Bomen City’s card machinery experts a dismantled Fern Disk to test their abilities and considered making more machinery to strengthen his small forces.
• Kirkley assembled the Fern Disk while the other experts watched, then suggested a compound lock structure to make it lighter and create more space.
• Chen Mu introduced himself as the Fern Disk’s creator and asked Kirkley to design the proposed improvement, agreeing to explain its structural pattern.

As the Alliance conference approached in Thousand Lakes City, Vivi tried to secure the Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps’ combo card technology while investigating its commander. Chen Mu returned to the camp, where the corps welcomed him with a joyful celebration.

• Vivi questioned Bagnell about the corps’ interest in the Alliance and offered terms for its combo card technology, but Bagnell said only Chen Mu could decide.
• After leaving, Vivi ordered the Luo Family to recruit Card Crafters to crack the technology and monitor the camp for Chen Mu’s arrival.
• Bagnell and the others discussed the Luo Family’s intentions, and Bagnell predicted that Chen Mu was near Thousand Lakes City.
• Fat Dog recognized Wei'a when he entered the conference room with Chen Mu and the others, revealing their arrival to the stunned group.
• Chen Mu reunited with the corps, and news of his return sparked a celebration throughout the camp.

Cao Zhengqiu and Jia Yingxia questioned Tang Hanpei’s motives for attacking Bitter Solitude Temple as the Tiandongli Alliance neared completion. Chen Mu prepared to enter Thousand Lakes City with Wei’a and Qiu Shanyu to find Devil Woman and address the biaoqing in his body, while his camp waited outside.

• Cao Zhengqiu told Xie Yanbai that Tang Hanpei’s war with Bitter Solitude Temple seemed strangely timed and might conceal another plan.
• Jia Yingxia told Bai Yue to secure the alliance, voiced unease about Tang Hanpei, and revealed that Luo Xiju and his family had fled Star Academy.
• Chen Mu explained that Xiao Bo and Sang Hanshui were stationed with the Wood Character Camp and planned to enter Thousand Lakes City with Wei’a and Qiu Shanyu to find Devil Woman.
• Bagnell reported that Card Adepts were watching the camp, and Chen Mu ordered them eliminated by the corps’ snipers.
• Chen Mu and Wei’a left under cover of darkness with Qiu Shanyu, while Bagnell and Xi Ping argued about teaching Little Ginger.

Chen Mu entered Thousand Lakes City with Qiu Shanyu and Wei'a, hoping to draw the Devil Woman out by challenging a tournament contestant. His public challenge reunited him with Lei Zi, but Xiong Shen immediately ordered Lei Zi seized.

• Chen Mu and Qiu Shanyu learned that Elite Tournament registration had closed, so they bought a list of pass holders and chose Gong Liang as a target.
• Qiu Shanyu explained that Gong Liang was backed by the Xiong Family, but she dismissed the risk and encouraged Chen Mu to attract attention.
• Chen Mu flew above the Victoria Grand Hotel and loudly challenged Gong Liang to hand over his tournament pass.
• Lei Zi recognized Chen Mu and shouted “Blockhead!” from the neighboring room, while Lan Feng also recognized him.
• Xiong Shen accused Lei Zi of colluding with an outsider and ordered his men to seize him.

Chen Mu reunited with Lei Zi and Lan Feng, then fought Gong Liang for the competition pass while evading his homing feather constructs. After discovering a faint radio wave was guiding the feathers, Chen Mu charged at Gong Liang, who plunged into the incoming swarm.

• The two Xiong Family Card Adepts attacked Lei Zi, but Chen Mu trapped them in illusions, and a hidden assailant killed them after one crashed into the hotel and the other fired into the crowd.
• Chen Mu recognized Lei Zi and Lan Feng and flew toward them, but Gong Liang blocked him and insisted they fight over the competition pass.
• Chen Mu attacked Gong Liang and evaded his dark green feather constructs, including a returning swarm that nearly surrounded him.
• Chen Mu used [Eternal Night] to detect a faint radio wave marking him and guiding the feathers.
• Chen Mu charged toward Gong Liang with the feather swarm behind him, and Gong Liang plunged into the incoming feathers as the spectators watched in alarm.

Chen Mu discovered how to counter Gong Liang’s [Wing] and killed him with his Illusion Card, terrifying the spectators. As Xiong Shen ordered the Xiong Family Card Adepts to attack, Blockhead charged into them.

• Chen Mu reversed the effect of Gong Liang’s [Wing], survived the feather attack unharmed, and left Gong Liang shaken.
• Chen Mu trapped Gong Liang in absolute darkness with his Illusion Card, and Gong Liang died from the shock.
• The spectators recoiled from Gong Liang’s death, while the man in the dark gold mask warned his companion not to provoke Wei'a and Qiu Shanyu.
• Chen Mu turned toward Xiong Shen, who feared punishment from the Xiong Family and ordered his Card Adepts to attack.
• Lei Zi and Lan Feng watched in surprise as Blockhead charged into the Xiong Family Card Adepts.

Chen Mu reunited with Lei Zi and Lan Feng in Thousand Lakes City after defeating the Xiong Family’s Card Adepts. Lei Zi warned that Tang Hanpei and the Desert Camp might be secretly coordinating an operation near the city.

• Chen Mu used [Eternal Night: Nightfall] to kill the Xiong Family’s Card Adepts after Gong Liang and Xiong Shen attacked him.
• Qiu Shanyu searched Gong Liang and Xiong Shen for their entry passes, and Bai Yue arrived to investigate before leaving upon hearing that Cang Lan had reached Thousand Lakes City.
• Chen Mu reunited with Lei Zi and Lan Feng, then told them about his recent experiences and the biaoqing implanted in his body.
• Lei Zi agreed that he and Lan Feng would join Chen Mu and warned that Frostmoon Cold Isle’s entry-pass rule was meant to make outside factions weaken one another.
• Lei Zi and Lan Feng pointed to suspicious absences and activity involving Tang Hanpei, the Desert Camp, and the Federation Comprehensive Academy, raising fears of a hidden operation near Thousand Lakes City.

Chen Mu entered the Elite Tournament hoping to draw the Devil Woman’s attention, but his plans were disrupted when he saw Qingqing of Star Academy compete. After Qingqing killed her opponent with an unseen illusion, Chen Mu worried she might recognize him as he prepared to fight.

• Chen Mu and his companions settled into the Victoria Hotel while Thousand Lakes City descended into turmoil over the tournament and Cang Lan’s arrival.
• At the tournament, Lan Feng told Chen Mu that he would face Si Qing in the third round, and Chen Mu recognized Qingqing when she appeared in the opening match.
• Jia Yingxia explained Qingqing’s importance to Cang Lan, while Qingqing’s silent illusion killed her opponent before the crowd could understand what had happened.
• Star Academy’s headmaster and dean realized Qingqing was competing in Tiandongli District and feared she had been abducted, while Luo Xiju and Nick watched from a remote town.
• Chen Mu worried Qingqing might know his real identity, then entered the arena for his own match.

Si Qing forfeited to Chen Mu, whose sudden encounter with the Devil Woman turned the tournament arena into a confrontation. Qingqing, Jia Yingxia, Bai Yue, and Cang Lan rushed to the arena as Chen Mu, Wei'a, and the Devil Woman faced one another.

• Si Qing forfeited to Chen Mu, then told reporters he had made a rational choice after witnessing Chen Mu fight.
• Jia Yingxia learned Chen Mu had taken his Tournament Entry Pass from Gong Liang, while Cang Lan called him dangerous; Qingqing recognized him as the person she had been searching for.
• Mobley realized Chen Mu was the commander of the Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps and was shaken when Si Qing forfeited.
• Chen Mu sensed killing intent in the corridor, shouted “Wei'a,” and fled as the Devil Woman pursued him into the arena.
• Chen Mu and Wei'a positioned themselves on either side of the Devil Woman, revealing her to the silent crowd.
• Qingqing, Jia Yingxia, Bai Yue, and Cang Lan broke into the arena and joined the scene, while Chen Mu, Wei'a, and the Devil Woman ignored them.

Chen Mu confronted Devil Woman over Biaoqing as Jia Yingxia, Cang Lan, Bai Yue, Qingqing, and Wei'a watched. After Wei'a’s step cowed the assembled elites, Chen Mu offered Devil Woman a deal and revealed a mask, asking if she had heard of Chief Steward White.

• Chen Mu learned that the Golden-Spotted Soft Jelly Fungus was needed to absorb Biaoqing, but Devil Woman said he lacked another requirement.
• Jia Yingxia identified Qingqing as Star Academy’s only Inner Academy graduate in nearly fifty years and warned her to leave, but Qingqing refused to abandon Chen Mu.
• Devil Woman said she needed great strength for revenge and threatened to kill Chen Mu because he had absorbed Biaoqing.
• Wei'a took one step forward and unleashed killing intent that stunned Jia Yingxia, Cang Lan, Bai Yue, Qingqing, and Devil Woman.
• Chen Mu asked whether Devil Woman would help him absorb Biaoqing in return for strength, put on a silver-white mask, and asked if she had heard of Chief Steward White.

Chen Mu revealed himself as Chief Steward White during the tournament, drawing support from powerful allies as Jia Yingxia ordered his capture. After Xize gave Chen Mu Tan Yuwen’s notebooks, Zhongda Academy also pledged to protect him, and Chen Mu raised his head as the standoff continued.

• The crowd recognized Chen Mu as Chief Steward White, while Cang Lan and Mobley reacted with alarm.
• The Devil Woman joined Chen Mu, Qingqing challenged Cang Lan, and Jia Yingxia ordered Frostmoon Cold Isle’s forces to seize the group.
• Jiao Si arrived and declared Siyuan Academy’s alliance with Chen Mu.
• Qiu Shanyu and Fang Shi joined Chen Mu’s side, and Fang Shi used [Flower Realm] to cut through the guards.
• Xize arrived and gave Chen Mu several notebooks, prompting Cang Lan and Jia Yingxia to watch them closely.
• Zhongda Academy’s representatives announced that their academy would protect Chen Mu and his companions, and Chen Mu raised his head.

Chen Mu and Jia Yingxia avoided a confrontation as Xize and Cang Lan faced off, while Xize’s overwhelming power stunned the assembled experts. Far from Thousand Lakes City, Su Heim­ing led a vast force toward the city, and Bagnell began organizing a breakout before the army could complete its encirclement.

• Chen Mu invoked Bai Yue’s words to preserve the friendship between the Wood Character Camp and Frostmoon Cold Isle, and Jia Yingxia accepted the chance to stand down.
• Jia Yingxia redirected attention to Cang Lan’s challenge, and Xize unleashed murderous intent that revealed his extraordinary strength and alarmed Cang Lan and the other onlookers.
• Su Heim­ing learned that the route to Thousand Lakes City was clear and ordered his hundred-thousand-plus Card Adepts to rest for five hours before advancing and killing any force they encountered.
• Jiang Liang received a report of the approaching army, and Bagnell identified Su Heim­ing as its leader and concluded that Frostmoon Cold Isle had been caught off guard.
• Bagnell ordered Xiao Bo and the others to move to Snowridge Valley and prepare an ambush, then contacted Chen Mu as he planned a breakout with the Wood Character Camp.

Tang Hanpei redirected his forces toward Star Academy while using Bitter Solitude Temple as a diversion, as Chen Mu led hundreds of Card Adepts out of Thousand Lakes City and took command of the Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps. The united group marched toward Snowridge Valley as Desert Camp forces threatened the city.

• Tang Hanpei watched a recording of Chen Mu and ordered his forces to turn southeast toward Star Academy, making Bitter Solitude Temple a diversion.
• As Desert Camp surrounded Thousand Lakes City, Chen Mu evacuated with Wei'a, Lei Zi, Lan Feng, and a growing group of Card Adepts.
• Chen Mu led more than four hundred experts to the Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps, where Bagnell and Xi Ping greeted him as their boss.
• Chen Mu demanded that the newcomers obey his orders, and Qiu Shanyu and Jiao Si pledged their groups' support.
• Chen Mu led the Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps and the assembled Card Adepts toward Snowridge Valley, while Yangshan Fei introduced himself to the blue-scarred man.

Chen Mu's group prepared to attack the Desert Camp's 76th Company at Snowridge Valley while Thousand Lakes City received news that military legions were coming to help defend it. The chapter ended with Jiang Liang meeting Su and Yangshan Fei as they organized the accompanying Card Adepts for battle.

• Yangshan Fei joined the group flying toward Snowridge Valley, where the Desert Camp's 76th Company was guarding the route to its resting main force.
• Jia Yingxia told Thousand Lakes City's leaders that the Sixth and Eleventh Legions and nearby garrisons were advancing, then asked them to put their personal guards under her command.
• Bagnell planned a rapid assault during a five-minute gap in the hunting squads' patrols and assigned Wei'a, Blockhead, and Bu Mo to handle possible Uncard Flow experts.
• Jiang Liang asked Yangshan Fei to help coordinate the accompanying Card Adepts, and Yangshan Fei agreed after Su nodded.
• Jiang Liang approached Su and asked how to address him, and Su answered, "Su."

Chen Mu’s force was exposed by a fleeing card adept and launched an attack on Snowridge Valley before the defenders could prepare. With Chai Jun’s forces sealing the sky and casualties mounting, Chen Mu led his troops into the dark valley, where an unseen threat awaited them.

• A Hunting Squad killed a fleeing card adept above Chen Mu’s hiding place, exposing his force and forcing him to attack.
• Chen Mu’s force charged Snowridge Valley, where Chai Jun recognized the Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps and ordered his troops to seal off the sky.
• Chen Mu noticed the enemy was funneling his force toward the valley floor, but Jiao Si urged him to press on, and Chen Mu led the charge.
• The Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps suffered heavy casualties under enemy fire until the newly deployed [Stasis Ring] cards slowed and weakened incoming attacks.
• Chen Mu’s force reached the dark valley entrance, while Chai Jun celebrated what he believed was an impending victory.

Chen Mu’s force was ambushed in Snowridge Valley by Card Adepts and Uncard Flow practitioners skilled in air techniques. His allies overwhelmed the attackers, while Wei'a’s relentless slaughter ended when a young Uncard Flow practitioner recognized him and shouted in an unfamiliar language.

• Su Heiming ordered Chai Jun to capture the Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps and bring him their cards, while Ban Ze praised their alliance.
• The enemy ambushed Chen Mu’s column from the cliffs with airflow wave blades, shattering many Card Adepts’ Energy Shields.
• Chen Mu, Wei'a, Devil Woman, and Little Bu Mo fought back and discovered that most of the attackers were Card Adepts who could use air techniques, alongside a smaller number of elite Uncard Flow practitioners.
• Yangshan Fei, Su, Jiao Si, Qingqing, Fang Shi, and Xize devastated the enemy ranks with their distinctive abilities.
• After the other experts stopped fighting, Wei'a continued killing the remaining Uncard Flow practitioners until one recognized him, shouted in an unfamiliar language, and made Wei'a halt.

Wei'a slaughtered the remaining Uncard Flow practitioners and revealed that they carried implanted cards, then Chen Mu’s force broke through Chai Jun’s ambush at Snowridge Valley. They escaped and regrouped with the Wood Character Camp, while Su Heiming changed his strategy toward unaffiliated Card Adepts, worsening Frostmoon Cold Isle’s position.

• Wei'a killed the remaining Uncard Flow practitioners, and Chen Mu found a strange card implanted in one corpse.
• Chen Mu and the others reached the mouth of Snowridge Valley, where Chai Jun prepared the 76th Company to attack.
• Chen Mu, Xize, Jiao Si, and the other experts appeared among the enemy troops and devastated the 76th Company; Su targeted Chai Jun as the company fell into chaos.
• Chen Mu called off the pursuit and led his force in flight, then joined the Wood Character Camp and its Transport Shuttlecraft.
• Su Heiming did not pursue the fleeing force and instead allowed unaffiliated Card Adepts to surrender, further dividing the forces in Thousand Lakes City.

Chen Mu's group left war-torn Tiandongli District as members departed, while the survivors settled their next steps and reorganized their forces. They set out toward Hundred Abyss Prefecture with Qingqing joining them, and Chen Mu remained wary of her knowledge of Rosenberg's card.

• Ban Ze identified the corpse and ordered his companions to pursue Chen Mu, while Chen Mu's group hurried out of Tiandongli District amid the fighting.
• Qiu Shanyu reunited with Zara and learned that Gute, Zara's family, and their clan had been killed by the Black Abyss People.
• Jiao Si and Ru Qiu left, Xize gave Chen Mu the Seven-Star Card [Evil Lord's Eyes], and Qiu Shanyu departed with Fang Shi after handing over Zara's care to Chen Mu.
• Yangshan Fei and Su chose to stay with Jiang Liang's group, while Qingqing used her knowledge of Rosenberg's card and a nearby laboratory to secure permission to accompany Chen Mu.
• Chen Mu retained thirty experienced card adepts, assigned them between the Wood Character Camp and Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps, and began learning command and organizational matters from Bagnell.

Chen Mu returned to Dongshang Guard City with Lei Zi and tried to reconnect with people and places from his past. He reached the Wanqi Clan through [Thousand Miles], while Ban Ze set out for the city with an elite force to confront him.

• Chen Mu and Lei Zi revisited their old home and Uncle Hua’s shop, but found both changed, and Chen Mu learned that Marco Witt had died.
• Chen Mu realized he could use [Thousand Miles] to contact the [Undercity] and brought Wei'a to the Communications Vehicle to try.
• Alfonso and Liduhong heard that Sir was calling on [Thousand Miles] and rushed to the communications room, while the Wanqi Clan gathered in excitement.
• Ban Ze traveled toward Dongshang Guard City with nearly five hundred elite Uncard Flow experts after learning that Chen Mu’s group included the Wood Character Camp and the Snow Silk Worm Card Adept Corps.

Ban Ze set a trap to draw Wei'a out, while Liduhong and the Wanqi Clan encountered Ban Ze’s group in the jungle and surrounded them. The two forces prepared to fight, but the chapter ended before the confrontation began.

• Jiang Liang suspected Uncard Flow practitioners had followed his forces to Dongshang Guard City and decided to report the threat.
• Ban Ze’s men killed ten people and left traces to lure Wei'a into an ambush, promising a great reward to whoever killed him.
• Liduhong detected 521 people ahead and ordered the Wanqi Clan to approach and surround them.
• Ban Ze’s group noticed Liduhong’s forces and split into smaller units to charge through the jungle.
• Liduhong’s blue gloves lit up as he prepared to attack.