Lu Heng flipped over the black card etched with golden patterns.
The first thing that caught his eye was the table depicted on the card's surface, upon which sat only a single glass vial containing a liquid.
What was this?
Lu Heng was seeing this for the first time too.
He swiped his hand over the card surface, and a golden light shimmered.
On that red table, the liquid inside the glass vial looked exceptionally eye-catching.
The purple hue contained some very fine, multi-colored particles. As the liquid shifted slightly, its color appeared dreamlike, while also giving off a sense of profound mystery and danger.
[Ascension Elixir]
[Tier]: 5-Star • Gold
[Type]: [Item Card]
[Traits]: [Life Ascension] [Magical Alchemical Potion]
[Description]: In a world of gods and demons, humanity used its wisdom to create the ultimate elixir capable of elevating a person to godhood.
"This potion can elevate someone to godhood?!"
Even Kamisato Ayato couldn't maintain his composure.
Although many cards in the shop could grant power on par with an Archon and even longevity, the appearance of the [Ascension Elixir] was somewhat shocking. It felt like it belonged to a completely different category from the other cards!
"A 5-Star potion... perfectly acceptable." Lu Heng nodded.
To be honest, this thing was a bit overpowered.
Don't think its tier was particularly high among 5-Star cards, but it offered a 'one-click upgrade'!
For example, find an ordinary person to drink the Ascension Elixir, and that ordinary person directly becomes an Archon!
Perhaps not the strongest in the realm of Archons, but no matter how you look at it, they become an Archon!
And that's not all!
Who says an Archon can't equip more cards afterwards?
Give them a few more powerful 5-Star cards later, and Inazuma would gain another 'Raiden Shogun'!
"It seems my luck is quite good." Ei's mood was pleasant.
A long time ago, Lu Heng had proposed the 'Two Buckets' theory.
The theory stated: Before reaching 6-Star, two systems combined equal actual combat power – not additive, but a horizontal expansion!
Simple example: Under identical conditions (Equipment Progress, held cards, etc.) before reaching 6-Star, Tartaglia would definitely not be Zhongli's match.
Simple reasoning: Tartaglia's body is still human, while Zhongli is an Archon, not to mention he knows other '5-Star skills' beyond Planet Befall and Jade Shield!
Therefore, the appearance of the [Ascension Elixir] significantly enhanced Inazuma's foundational strength!
"It should be considered very good, actually."
Out of the seven 5-Star Gold cards drawn, the first three were all very powerful!
While the Golden Stomach didn't provide an immediate boost, in the long run, it essentially added another Archon to Inazuma!
After all, it directly enhanced the body's fundamentals. In Lu Heng's view, its inherent value was very high!
Ei deeply agreed upon hearing this.
Her smile was relaxed. Next, let's see if the remaining four cards held any more surprises.
Lu Heng flipped the fourth card.
Even before Appraisal, their expressions turned slightly微妙.
"The probability of Material Cards appearing really isn't low." Ei felt a mix of amusement and helplessness.
Fortunately, the first three cards were already satisfying. Otherwise, seeing this Material Card right away would have felt disappointing.
After Appraising it, Lu Heng smiled and said, "A metal-type Material Card. Actually, it's not a loss. It can directly be used to forge an ordinary 5-Star weapon, essentially counting as an 'ordinary equipment card,' and it doesn't take up an equipment slot either."
"That's true!"
Hearing Lu Heng say this, Ei's mood instantly improved even more.
She clasped her hands together, a bright smile on her face as she said to Lu Heng, "Then I'll leave it to you."
"Sure thing!"
Lu Heng readily agreed.
Just helping his wife forge a weapon, no big deal!
However, Lu Heng added, "But let's look at the rest first. An ordinary 5-Star weapon feels a bit lackluster. If we get more materials, we might forge a high-tier 5-Star weapon later."
"Okay~"
Ei's eyes curved slightly.
Kamisato Ayato stood silently to the side.
Sometimes it was just annoying.
If Her Excellency wanted to visit her husband, why did she have to bring him along?
But Ayato also felt a sense of感慨.
Was it possible that Her Excellency had forgotten about the other Her Excellency?
After all, Inazuma's polearm techniques and sword forging techniques were passed down by the other one.
Strictly speaking, the other one was also a master weapon forger!
Handing this 5-Star material to the other one would absolutely result in a qualified 5-Star weapon. So why didn't Ei give it to her to make?
The reason Ayato could think of was that in Lu Heng's presence, Ei simply didn't remember she had a sister!
Lu Heng flipped the fifth card.
[5-Star Demon Crystal]
[Tier]: 5-Star • Gold
[Type]: [Multi-Purpose Card]
[Traits]: [Residual Beast Soul] [Magical Beast Power]
[Description]: If the residual beast soul within the demon crystal can be purified, perhaps its power can be refined to enhance oneself?
The words 'Demon Crystal' vaguely reminded Lu Heng of some novel settings.
Without pondering it deeply, Lu Heng explained, "In the concept of cultivation, humans can form Golden Cores, and demonic beasts can form Demon Cores. In some worlds, creatures called Magical Beasts are essentially a type of demonic beast, so the energy core within them is naturally called a Demon Crystal. Many principles are interconnected, just manifested differently."
"Its uses are many?" Ayato noticed it was a [Multi-Purpose Card].
"Actually, it's still somewhat limited."
Lu Heng said, "If directly refined and absorbed, it's a single-use consumable Item Card. If used in areas like alchemy, then it's a Material Card."
"I see." Ayato understood immediately.
Since it had many uses, clearly there was a most cost-effective choice. Ei asked, "How should it be used to maximize its value?"
"My suggestion is to refine and absorb it."
Lu Heng elaborated, "To be specific about levels, this Demon Crystal is at the 55th layer (level). After removing the residual beast soul, it can provide some improvement for the other one. If used by Ayato... with his Golden Stomach digesting it, because he can't utilize it perfectly, he might reach the 49th layer, barely touching the threshold of the fourth tier."
Ei fell into thought upon hearing this.
The other one's strength was still sufficient in present-day Teyvat!
The true Ei and the other one were far younger than Zhongli; in terms of age, they were like juniors before him.
But in terms of strength, the gap between the other one and Zhongli wasn't as large as one might think.
Therefore, before Lu Heng released the 6-Star banner, simply equipping the other one with a few cards would keep her ranked among the top powerhouses!
But thinking of the other one's personality, Ei smiled and said, "Then give it to her, to raise her upper limit."
Ayato nodded in agreement.
If he used this card, energy loss would occur.
Only utilizing about 70% of the 100% energy would be a complete waste.
With the Golden Stomach, the urgency for actual combat power wasn't that high.
With the two Excellencies above him, and Ei especially backed by Lu Heng, as long as he didn't mess up, very few things could truly threaten the Kamisato Clan.
Of course, this didn't mean he could slack off. To receive protection from above, he needed to demonstrate his value – like working harder.
"Then I'll purify the beast soul first."
Lu Heng tore the card. A deep purple crystal, the size of a brick and giving off a somewhat uncomfortable feeling, landed in his hand.
Beast-type creatures all had ferocity. Even long after death, the power condensed by the Demon Crystal retained a trace of its will.
But this trace of will vanished in the blink of an eye within Lu Heng's grasp.
The purple color faded, leaving only a transparent crystal.
Ei took the crystal and tested its weight. "It's quite heavy."
"Of course." Lu Heng nodded, then proceeded to flip the next card.
Unfortunately, it was another Material Card, and not one for forging weapons, but one for alchemy and medicine.
"Not very useful. We can keep it for later to see if it has any use." Lu Heng shook his head.
"We should be able to use it once we're more developed in the future." Ei wasn't disappointed.
As everyone knew, there were no truly useless cards, only cards that could be used immediately and those requiring specific conditions.
The latter included these Material Cards. With enough money, collecting the relevant materials – four ordinary 5-Star cards or four 4-Star Material Cards – could be used to refine high-quality 5-Star items!
This principle was exactly the same as alchemy and weapon forging in fantasy novels.
Lu Heng flipped the final card.
The object on the card made all three of them pause.
A viewing stone?
The stone was carved with two characters: 'Wen Xin' (Ask the Heart).
[Heart-Questioning Stone]
[Tier]: 5-Star • Gold
[Type]: [Item Card]
[Traits]: [Inward Reflection]
[Description]: "To determine if one is qualified to enter my school, first pass the Heart-Questioning Stone, then we look at aptitude!"
So it was something used by prestigious sects to screen disciples.
Judging from the description, Lu Heng felt this sect's风气 must be very upright.
Passing the Heart-Questioning Stone first proved the person's character was commendable. Then they looked at innate talent. This prevented those with high talent but evil intentions from being accepted into the sect by reluctant elders and learning immortal techniques.
If it were a demonic path, they wouldn't care about your character.
But a true orthodox sect genuinely valued this.
If your intentions were evil, whether you succumbed to inner demons later or tarnished the sect's reputation, wouldn't that bring shame to the founder?
Could that be allowed?
Hence, the Heart-Questioning Stone was very important.
While they couldn't read the two characters carved on the stone, they could understand the words in the card's description.
Ei immediately understood the benefits of the Heart-Questioning Stone.
Take the Bakufu, for example. If they had the Heart-Questioning Stone, would characters like Kujou Takayuki and Hiratsuka still appear?
Not saying it was 100% impossible, but the probability would become very low!
After all, the Heart-Questioning Stone wasn't a single-use item. Organizing an annual session for all Bakufu officials – could corrupt, parasitic officials who preyed on the people hide from that?
Kamisato Ayato's expression became exceptionally serious. He said earnestly, "Your Excellency, regarding the issue of official welfare, we need to address it promptly upon our return."
"I understand." Ei nodded.
Wanting the horse to run fast without letting it eat – was that right?
Having the Heart-Questioning Stone meant Bakufu officials could no longer engage in corruption or accept bribes.
This involved many issues, so improving official welfare was an urgent matter.
With good benefits and sufficient income, Bakufu officials naturally wouldn't be tempted.
"Place it at the entrance of Tenshukaku." Ei said.
"Understood." Ayato nodded.
Not only was he unafraid of the Heart-Questioning Stone, he even had an idea.
The last purge must have had some who slipped through the net. After learning about the Heart-Questioning Stone... wouldn't they be afraid?
Ayato felt somewhat amused.
The Tenryou Commission hadn't fired their guns in many days; they were probably getting rusty!
Feeling her trip had been perfectly fruitful, Ei glanced at the remaining cards and said to Ayato, "Please take these back."
"Your Excellency, rest assured. I understand what needs to be done."
Ayato knew she would stay behind with Lu Heng.
Gathering the people he brought along, they collected the cards below 5-Star and the pile of equipment, and Ayato led them back.
After they left, Ei asked, "Who are the [Spatial Severance] and the Ascension Elixir suitable for?"
"Aren't you considering yourself?" Lu Heng asked with a smile.
These Archons all shared a common trait: they rarely considered themselves first.
Zhongli was like this, Ei and the Lesser Lord Kusanali were like this too.
When they obtained high-tier cards, their first thought was who to give them to, not keeping them for themselves.
Of course, some overpowered cards were held onto, as they weren't suitable for distribution.
"Me?"
Ei smiled and shook her head: "My combat prowess is weak. Giving them to me would be a waste of these good cards."
"Who speaks of themselves like that."
Lu Heng shook his head with a laugh, then said, "If you're not considering yourself, then give the [Spatial Severance] to the other one as well. As for the Ascension Elixir... let me think."
The Ascension Elixir must be given to someone loyal to Inazuma and devoted to the true Ei and the other one!
Among the various Inazuma characters, Lu Heng concluded: "Kujou Sara!"
Under this condition, Kamisato Ayato, Kamisato Ayaka, and all the other Inazuma characters couldn't compare to Kujou Sara!
Kujou Sara also had a hint of blind loyalty, but in Lu Heng's view, this was actually an advantage.
She was like an arrow that the Raiden Shogun could shoot wherever she pointed.
Even during the Vision Hunt Decree, Kujou Sara thought: I will clear all obstacles from the Almighty Shogun's path to eternity, even if that obstacle is myself!
Meaning, if Kujou Sara herself became an obstacle to eternity, she might just eliminate herself.
Of course, that's a joke; things wouldn't get that severe, but it sufficiently demonstrated Kujou Sara's absolute loyalty to the Shogun.
So Lu Heng suggested giving the Ascension Elixir to her.
"Sara?"
Ei pondered briefly, then nodded: "She is indeed the best choice."
"A bit later. Let's call the other one over first." Ei picked up her phone and sent a message to the other one.
"Hey, your sister wants you to go to the shop." The Puppet Shogun spoke.
"What for? To eat dog food?" The other one sounded sulky.
"She wants to enhance your strength." The Puppet Shogun said calmly.
"What?!" She absolutely had to go then!
The other one immediately took control of the body. "Why didn't you say so earlier!"
Puppet: "..."
Encountered an idiot. Can't be bothered to roast.
...
Before long, the other one arrived at the shop, face full of delight.
"Sister!"
The other one walked over quickly.
"Here." Ei handed her the purified Demon Crystal and the [Spatial Severance] card.
The other one was taken aback upon receiving them.
After reading the card description and sensing the purified Demon Crystal, she knew how to use them.
She couldn't help but express surprise: "You're giving them both to me?"
"Because you're the strongest among us. Giving them to you allows you to become even stronger." Ei said with a smile.
"Hehe."
The other one felt a bit embarrassed being praised like that.
Lu Heng couldn't bear to watch.
It was like哄 a child.
How old was the other one, and she gets this dazed from a few compliments.
The other one immediately equipped the card onto the equipment Yae Miko had given her.
Due to the equipment's tier limitations, the 5-Star Gold card couldn't unleash its full power, but the other one could feel the enhancement it brought!
Beating her own replica was very difficult for her.
The other one felt that defeating the Puppet Shogun in the Rating Tower would be quite challenging.
But now, with this powerful card, battles would become much easier.
Her former self with ten skills was completely incomparable to her current self with eleven skills.
Mere puppet.
The other one dared to say: Piece of cake!
"Has she become so foolish she insults herself now." The Puppet just scoffed.
Was it possible that she and the other one were one and the same? Insulting the puppet was insulting herself?
The other one: "..."
Thanks for the correction.
Won't make that mistake next time!
Simultaneously, she felt a bit frustrated.
The puppet was one with her. If she grew stronger, the puppet grew stronger too!
Still couldn't do anything about her!
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T/N:
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