Magic Card Era: Infinite Deck Enhancement — Chapter 146

Chapter 146: A Virtuous and Abundant Master’s Sect!

“This teaching method sounds quite interesting.” Luke listened silently to Meng Ningdie’s explanation, gradually forming a clear picture of Tianfu Academy in his mind.

Unlike other universities that nurtured students step-by-step through rigid grades, Tianfu operated on a brutal, pragmatic philosophy: strength spoke louder than words, and everything had to be seized with one’s own hands. It was likely this exact cutthroat environment that forged Tianfu into the undisputed top academy of the Eastern Region, cementing its status among the Ancient Kingdom’s Four Great Academies.

“It is indeed fascinating, especially since you are the undisputed top scorer of this year’s college entrance examination.” Meng Ningdie’s voice carried a mysterious, teasing lilt over the line. “Basically, every year, the top-scoring freshman is awarded ten percent more credits than the ordinary examinees. And let me tell you, those credits are highly sought after within the academy walls.”

Even though Luke’s identity as an Original Magic Card Creator was incredibly special, neither the Night Queen nor Meng Ningdie planned to coddle him. Over-interfering with his daily academy life would only stunt his growth.

Of course, if any rats hiding in the dark dared to cross the line and actually threaten his life, Meng Ningdie would gladly step in to remind them exactly why she was not a woman to be trifled with.

“Sought after? You mean I’m going to be treated like an easy target.” Luke couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the phone. He perfectly understood the underlying threat in her words. Since Tianfu operated on a strict credit ranking system, every upperclassman would naturally be salivating over a freshman carrying a massive bounty of extra points.

‘This senior sister of mine really has a wicked streak.’

“When our teacher and I first entered the academy, we absolutely crushed our respective batches. For four solid years, we swept through the entirety of Tianfu, trampling even the senior students underfoot.” Meng Ningdie’s tone softened with a trace of fond nostalgia as she recalled her glory days. “We have very high expectations for you, little junior brother.”

“Well, I suppose I can’t bring shame to our virtuous and abundant sect, can I?” Feeling a wave of her blatant humblebragging wash over him, Luke’s lips twitched in dry amusement.

Tianfu Academy only admitted about a thousand students each year. While that number seemed pitifully small, every single one of those admits was a certified genius, a quasi-prodigy, or a generational monster in their own right.

To completely dominate such a terrifying shark tank for four years proved just how monstrously powerful the Night Queen and Meng Ningdie truly were.

“Of course not! So keep up the good work, little junior brother.” Meng Ningdie pumped her small fist on the video feed, flashing a bright smile before abruptly cutting the call.

“I can’t shake the feeling that both my teacher and this senior sister are completely unreliable. Is it a requirement for our lineage?” Luke sighed, tossing his phone onto the desk. He leaned back in his chair and glanced out the window. “Is it already evening?”

The sky outside was painted in deep hues of twilight, a canvas scattered with emerging stars. It felt as though he hadn’t done much at all, yet the day had quietly slipped through his fingers.

In reality, his schedule had been packed to the brim. The Reconstruction of Red-Eyes Black Dragon and the delicate creation process of Swords of Revealing Light had consumed a massive chunk of his mental energy. That wasn’t even counting the subsequent field tests for his new Multi-Fusion permission effect. Exhausted from the day’s exertions, both Mana and Xiaobai had already reverted to their Magic Card forms, resting quietly within his soul sea.

“Since I have a moment of peace, it’s time to test the effects of the Spirit Flora Blessing. I made a promise to Celestine back in the Land of the New Moon, but I just haven’t had the time these past few days.”

With a casual wave of his hand, Luke activated the Spirit Flora Blessing. Instantly, an powerful aura of pure, unadulterated Life Force flooded his senses. Using his own body as the anchor coordinate, the mystical energy silently rippled outward, permeating the very fabric of the void.

Inside his simple, modern bedroom, the air shimmered. Countless ethereal vines and glowing green plants surged out of thin air, weaving a temporary bridge between worlds. Stepping delicately upon these phantom blossoms, Celestine emerged from the void.

She moved with the stunning grace of a nature elf descending into the mortal realm. The moment her bare feet touched the floor of his room, the sterile air was instantly saturated with the rich, intoxicating vitality of a pristine forest.

“Luke, we meet again.” Celestine’s voice was as gentle and soothing as the Mother of Earth herself. A captivating, tender smile graced her flawless features. Her emerald eyes swept across the room, lingering on the modern furniture and electronic devices, clearly brimming with innocent curiosity. “I didn’t expect the connection to actually succeed.”

“I figured it was worth a shot,” Luke replied, offering a relaxed shrug. “How do you feel? Are you getting used to the environment?”

Although he had successfully pulled her from the Land of the New Moon into the Main Plane of the Magic Card Civilization without feeling any personal strain, he wasn’t entirely sure how the transition affected her.

“I am alright.” Celestine closed her eyes, taking a deep, centering breath. When her lashes fluttered open a moment later, her gaze was pools of serene tranquility. “My strength hasn’t been restricted too severely. However, the foundational rules of the Magic Card Civilization’s plane are far more complex and complete than those of the Land of the New Moon. It will take my body a little time to fully adapt.”

Once she adapted, she would be able to unleash her full power within the Main Plane. Considering her true form was a primordial World Tree, and that the Land of the New Moon once possessed complete world rules before its catastrophic collapse, her current adjustment period made perfect sense.

‘If her world used to have complete rules, then the civilization level of the Land of the New Moon must have once rivaled the Magic Card Civilization itself,’Luke mused silently.’I really wonder what kind of apocalyptic event could wipe out such a powerful civilization, leaving absolutely nothing behind except the Ancient Spirit God Tree and Celestine.’

“Luke?” Sensing the sudden shift in his emotions, Celestine called out softly. Thanks to the intimate spiritual tether of the Spirit Flora Blessing, the World Tree Spirit harbored a deep, natural affection and goodwill toward him.

“It’s nothing. I was just suddenly wondering what exactly caused the collapse of the Land of the New Moon.”

Hearing his question, a faint shadow of melancholy crossed Celestine’s beautiful face. She shook her head slowly. “I apologize. I have no memory of those events.”

“Is that so?” Seeing her genuine lack of recollection, Luke didn’t press the issue. Instead, a strange, appreciative glint flashed in his eyes as he looked her up and down. “You know, if an outsider walked in right now and saw how you appeared, they would definitely think you’re a Magic Card Spirit I just summoned.”

Thinking back on it, the way she stepped out of a void of swirling energy and flora was practically identical to the summoning sequence of a high-level Magic Card Elf.

“A Magic Card Spirit? I suppose you could think of it that way,” Celestine replied, tilting her head with an endearing elegance. “After all, my spirit core is intimately linked to yours now. It was only because of your existence that I was able to leave the Land of the New Moon in the first place.”

“The fundamental essence is still different, though.” Luke shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. “The effect of the Spirit Flora Blessing is a two-way street. You can also use it to summon me to the Land of the New Moon whenever you wish.”

“But it only leads to the Land of the New Moon,” Celestine pointed out, her tone tinged with a hint of loneliness. “Compared to your vast world, it is far too singular and empty.”

“Actually, I think the environment over there is fantastic. It’s incredibly peaceful—perfect for retirement.” Clapping his hands together, Luke decisively shifted the mood, unwilling to let her dwell on the isolation of her home. “Alright, let’s put the heavy topics aside for now. As long as we’ve confirmed that you can move freely in the Main Plane through the Blessing, that’s a massive win.”

“Mm.” Celestine nodded gently. As she looked at him, the serene depths of her eyes softened, melting into a pool of quiet tenderness.

“It’s getting pretty late,” Luke noted, glancing back at the starry sky outside his window. He turned his attention back to the striking beauty standing in his bedroom. “I’ll take you out for a walk around the city, and we can grab something to eat.”

He paused, suddenly realizing a potential flaw in his plan. He looked at her with a mix of amusement and genuine curiosity. “Wait… do you even eat?”

Celestine’s true form was the Ancient Spirit God Tree, a literal World Tree. Luke honestly had no idea if the mortal street food of Cangling City would even be digestible for her. More, he wasn’t sure if a mystical, divine existence like a World Tree Spirit ever experienced hunger in the first place.