Card Chapter 4: King of Hell (Patreon)

“Shanghai City No. 1 High School, Russell.”
Seeing that the newcomer was a Card Crafter from the Card Master Association, Russell finally let out a sigh of relief.

Xiao Yifei examined the scattered ghoul corpses on the ground and clicked his tongue in amazement.

“All seven ghouls were killed with a single strike—clearly your card isn’t just Black‑Iron, Blue‑grade.”

“Your card’s quality is higher than Blue, isn’t it?” Xiao Yifei asked curiously.

Russell nodded. “It’s Purple.”

Then, looking worried, he added, “I only made that card today and haven’t had time to register it with the Association yet. Is that going to be a problem?”

Because Russell was an uncertified, “wild” Card Crafter, regulations normally forbade the public use of cards above Black‑Iron, Blue‑grade.

Naturally, he was afraid the Association might hold him responsible afterward.

Xiao Yifei froze. He had assumed the boy in front of him was a graduating senior about to enter university.

Producing a Black‑Iron, Purple‑grade card after a year of 12th‑grade training would be impressive but not unheard‑of—at least for students who could craft Blue‑grade cards on their very first attempt.

But he hadn’t realized Russell was an absolute novice making his first card.

“It’s fine. I’ll report everything truthfully to the Association,” Xiao Yifei said with a smile. “You’re very gifted—hope to see you at Shanghai University next year.”

Although Russell’s talent surprised him, as a student in Shanghai University’s Card‑Making Department, Xiao Yifei had met plenty of prodigies.

Patting Russell’s shoulder, he went on, “Don’t worry, Classmate Luo. I expect the Association will commend you for what you did today.

“After all, without you, I’m afraid the residents here would have—”

He shook his head at the thought.

He had rushed toward Happy Homeland at full speed on his Direwolf Howling Moon the moment he received the Association’s order, but a Silver‑tier Gluttonous Behemoth along the way cost him precious time.

Had Russell not been on the scene, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Still, the Association wouldn’t blame him—no one could predict what monsters lurked in the mist.

Shaking off his thoughts, Xiao Yifei flashed a roguish grin and shouted, “All right, residents of Happy Homeland! I’ll escort you to Ning’an District right—”

Before he could finish, a violent ripple spread through the sky, drawing every gaze upward.

A colossal, indistinct figure appeared over Shanghai, its emotionless eyes fixed on the secret realm [Demon Nest]. A voice full of authority followed:

“Begging-for-mercy Society, you’ve crossed the line this time.”

With those words, the giant figure exhaled lightly—and the thick fog shrouding the city dispersed.

At the same time, every monster in the mist dissolved into curling black ash.

Russell stared blankly at the spectacle overhead.

Can a card master really be that powerful?
With a single breath, the entire crisis in Shanghai had been resolved.

He couldn’t help asking Xiao Yifei beside him, “Brother Xiao, which senior card master is that?”

Xiao Yifei gazed solemnly at the sky and slowly uttered a name: “Master Bai Yueming—’Yama’”

“His core card: [Five‑Court King Yama - Bao Zheng].”

Judge of the Underworld… Only now did Russell fully grasp what that title meant.

Just then, a hoarse, grating laugh echoed across the city: “Bai Yueming, you can protect them for a moment—but can you protect them forever?”

Bai Yueming was silent for a long time before replying, “As long as I live, the coastal defense line will not fall.

“And besides—while Little Ye is in the empire, do you Begging-for-mercy people really dare to tear the treaty apart?”

The rasping voice seemed momentarily choked, then snorted coldly: “Ye Zhou won’t last many more years. Time is on our side—we’ll see.”

With the dialogue ended, the massive [Five‑Court King Yama - Bao Zheng] slowly faded from the sky.

Russell twitched at the corner of his eye. The Begging-for-mercy Society isn’t that strong, but they sure talk tough.

Once the situation had steadied, Xiao Yifei clapped his hands to get the residents’ attention.

“All right, folks—you saw it yourselves. Grandmaster Bai has foiled the Begging-for-mercy Society’s plot. You can head home now.”

As the residents of Happy Homeland began filing back to their apartments, Xiao Yifei turned to Russell. “No time like the present. Want to come with me to the Association and register right now?”

Russell thought about it. Even if he skipped today, his homeroom teacher would drag him there tomorrow anyway.

He nodded. “Sorry for the trouble, Brother Xiao.”

Seeing his agreement, Xiao Yifei materialized two saddles with a card.

The Howling Moon conveniently crouched down beside them.

“Hop on—much faster this way.” Tossing one saddle to Russell, Xiao Yifei mounted first.

Imitating him, Russell swung onto the wolf’s back. Feeling the wind roar past his ears, he asked curiously, “Brother Xiao, is this even road‑legal?”

Xiao Yifei scrolled through messages in the Association’s Card Crafter chat group on his phone and answered off‑handedly, “Sure. Any rideable creature card can go on public roads as long as it’s registered with the Association. Same for vehicle‑type equipment cards.”

Russell nodded thoughtfully, then asked, “So, does a humanoid creature card count as rideable?”

“ …?”

Xiao Yifei lowered his phone and gave him a blank look.

“Just kidding,” Russell said quickly.

But Xiao Yifei seemed to remember something. “Actually… it might. I recall a female card maker at Beijing University who likes riding muscular men.”

“Eh?” Now it was Russell’s turn to stare blankly. He’d only been joking.

Sensing danger in the topic, Russell changed the subject. “Brother Xiao, how do you think the Association will deal with me?”

Xiao Yifei waved his phone. “I’ve updated them already. They told me to bring you in and we’ll talk.”

“ …Is it too late for me to get off now?”

Xiao Yifei burst out laughing. “Relax—if you were in trouble, I’d have detained you myself by now.”

If his orders had been to restrain Russell, he wouldn’t be acting this friendly.

The Association has zero tolerance for illegal card makers—the Begging-for-mercy Society is a prime example.

Always trying something outrageous just to show off.

Chatting as they rode, the two soon arrived at the Ning’an District branch of the Card Master Association.

A middle‑aged man had been waiting at the gate. His eyes lit up when he saw Xiao Yifei, then he turned to Russell. “You must be Student Luo. Xiao has told me everything.”

Stepping forward, he shook Russell’s hand. “Ning’an District Card Master Association thanks you for your help, Student Luo.”

The Association’s warm welcome puzzled Russell for a moment—but he wasn’t really an eighteen‑year‑old high‑schooler, and he quickly understood. Ah, they want to make me a model hero.