Setting aside the [Violet Haze Tribulation Sand].
Lu Heng flipped open the fifth five-star gold card.
He appraised it.
[Skyworker V2 Tactical Watch]
[Rank]: Five-Star • Gold
[Type]: [Equipment Card]
[Traits]: [Single Soldier Mech] [Energy Converter]
[Description]: "This is an armor suit designed for single soldiers to land on and operate on target planets. But the Empire's starfleets have long been capable of turning enemy strongholds directly into mines. Do we really still need this old-fashioned relic for landing operations? Perhaps its only remaining function is telling the time?"
Six-six-six!
Lu Heng had always wondered which worlds these factions like the Human Alliance or the Empire, mentioned in some sci-fi cards, actually came from.
There were those who wouldn't hesitate to deploy [Silence Fields], and those who built things like the [Yuguang No. 2], seeding planet-sized starships.
Now, here we are, five-star mechs are already considered old relics!
Just how advanced is your technology?!
"Do you understand mechs?" Lu Heng looked at Tighnari.
Tighnari asked, "Does the Shouki no Kami count?"
"The Shouki no Kami... definitely counts. It's certainly not low-level." Lu Heng was stating facts.
Everything fears comparison.
Placed next to the mechs of advanced civilizations, the Shouki no Kami was practically a lump of scrap.
"Then it's not a loss." Tighnari was also being honest.
After all, the Shouki no Kami required a Gnosis to operate, but this thing seemingly didn't!
"True."
Lu Heng said, "Look here, the Energy Converter. This means we don't need to worry about it 'running out of battery'. It can directly capture elemental energy and instantly refine it into power."
Lu Heng took a closer look at its appearance. It was similar to Iron Man's suit.
However, the surface structure seemed more angular and sharp, clearly designed for combat at a glance. Its height was also similar to a human's.
Most people's imagination of mechs either involved those capable of effortlessly annihilating planets in space, or something like the Iron Man suit.
The Skyworker V2恰好 filled the niche between the two.
Apart from lacking authority, this thing's destructive power was at the level of a high-level Archon.
It had its advantages, but the drawback was that it could only be used for combat, lacking comprehensive capabilities.
Chatting about the mech topic, Lu Heng flipped open the sixth card.
Unfortunately, it was another material card.
Tighnari's mood could currently be described as very calm.
So far, they had already drawn four effective and high-quality gold cards. Even if the rest were all 'duds', this trip was already a huge success, more than enough to report back. So now, seeing material cards didn't faze him anymore.
Lu Heng picked up the seventh card for appraisal.
Still a material card.
Eighth card.
[Wind-Fixing Pearl]
[Rank]: Five-Star • Gold
[Type]: [Equipment Card]
[Traits]: [Calms Winds]
[Description]: A magic treasure that can stop and calm winds.
"This treasure is very situational." Lu Heng shrugged.
If the opponent used wind, of course, you could use the Wind-Fixing Pearl to neutralize their wind-based attacks.
But if the opponent wasn't wind-based, this thing was completely useless.
So it was too dependent on the environment.
"But it seems it could have some use."
Lu Heng thought for a moment and said, "The desert has strong winds and sand, right? Placing it right between the desert and the rainforest would be perfect!"
"That's true!"
Tighnari remembered as well.
If the environment wasn't managed, the desert winds blowing towards the rainforest would cause desertification, constantly assimilating the environment and turning more land into desert!
The Wall of Samiel had the effect of blocking wind and sand, but it wasn't a 100% barrier.
With the Wind-Fixing Pearl, they could directly cut off the wind between the two areas.
"But it doesn't seem that valuable." Tighnari shook his head.
After all, Sumeru already had the Wall of Samiel. Even if it wasn't a perfect barrier, the effect was quite good.
"But at least it's useful." Lu Heng smiled.
"True." Tighnari nodded.
Lu Heng looked at the ninth card.
Material card. Pass!
Tenth card.
The card face depicted a bullet engraved with intricate patterns.
[Judgment of Fate]
[Rank]: Five-Star • Gold
[Type]: [Item Card]
[Traits]: [Traverses Time and Space] [Unfailing Accuracy]
[Description]: "Pull the trigger, and the Judgment of Fate will shoot towards you in any time and space."
Wow, a time-traveling bullet.
"This thing is something else." Lu Heng clicked his tongue.
Tighnari also understood the description and said, somewhat shocked, "If aimed at me, it could directly shoot me when I was a child, killing the younger me, which would mean the present me dies too?"
"Theoretically, in terms of time, yes. If you can't escape the timeline, that would be the result." Lu Heng nodded in affirmation.
"What's its upper limit?" Tighnari asked.
"Five-star high-tier."
Lu Heng said, "It can be considered a 100% trade for a top-tier Archon. But there's only one chance. And it's better if the target has a period of weakness, to be safer."
"I understand."
Tighnari's expression turned serious. "To be safe, please keep this card, Mr. Lu. Only by handing it directly to the Dendro Archon can I feel at ease."
Even he himself didn't dare touch this card.
It was too ruthless, too overpowered.
A 100% trade for a top-tier Archon!
Even if he never intended to use it, Tighnari wouldn't touch this card.
This card was best kept under Lord Rukkhadevata's management!
"Alright."
Lu Heng understood Tighnari's thoughts and stored the card away.
He wasn't too concerned about it himself.
Was a 100% kill on a top-tier Archon considered overpowered?
Within the native Teyvat system, it certainly was.
But within the card system, it was just par for the course.
Lu Heng spoke up, "Ten gold cards, counting the Wind-Fixing Pearl, that's six effective ones. A 60% utilization rate. Your luck is very good."
"By the Dendro Archon's favor." Tighnari deeply agreed.
For him, the first and the last cards were clearly overpowered.
Even disregarding the other cards, just these two made Tighnari feel like he had profited immensely.
At this point, there was no need to talk about utilization rate. Just saying these two cards were the main draw and the rest were freebies sounded incredibly profitable.
As he spoke, Lu Heng directly appraised the entire stack of four-star purple cards with a wave of his hand.
"Let's go, it's almost time." Lu Heng glanced at the time.
Taking all the cards, the two passed through the portal back to Sumeru.
Entering the Akademiya, Tighnari directly placed the Coordination System inside the building.
Alhaitham, hearing the noise, came out of his office, glanced at the system, and asked, "How did it go?"
"Extremely well!" Tighnari said.
Seeing his expression, Alhaitham immediately understood.
Tighnari was usually quite steady. For him to be this happy, the results must be remarkable.
After getting the detailed report, Alhaitham also fell silent for a moment.
Judgment of Fate... was just too overpowered!
Especially against targets with a growth history, this thing was a natural counter!
As long as you haven't escaped the timeline, there must have been a time in your life when you were weak, right?
Even if you were never weak, you must have had moments of vulnerability, right?
Even if you never were vulnerable... whatever. Just shoot the present you. Even if you miraculously survive, you'll definitely be critically wounded and unable to fight, then just finish the job. The result is the same!
"Easy to report back." Alhaitham said.
Tighnari nodded.
At that moment, Lord Rukkhadevata, having received the message, arrived as well.
Tighnari repeated the report. After listening, the Dendro Archon was also slightly surprised.
She smiled and looked at Tighnari. "It seems sending you to represent Sumeru for the gacha was indeed the right decision."
"Lord Archon, I was just lucky. Next time, I might not have such luck." Tighnari quickly shook his head.
This matter was actually a tough assignment.
Lord Rukkhadevata was broad-minded; she definitely wouldn't blame him for bad luck.
But the person doing the gacha would inevitably put pressure on themselves.
"I understand. This time, it was also because we were too busy. Fortunately, it didn't cause you too much pressure." Lord Rukkhadevata nodded slightly, then asked, "Regarding these cards, what are your suggestions?"
"First, the Judgment of Fate must be held by you." Alhaitham spoke first.
Tighnari deeply agreed.
"Anything else?"
"I think the Skyworker V2 Tactical Watch can be given to Alhaitham. The Wind-Fixing Pearl should be taken directly to the Wall of Samiel. The remaining gold cards should all be equipped by you, Lord Archon." Tighnari suggested.
Alhaitham pondered briefly, then nodded. "From a rational analysis, Tighnari's proposal is sound."
Lord Rukkhadevata smiled. "I agree."
The cards were distributed as Tighnari suggested.
Simultaneously, the decision-makers for the Coordination System were bound.
Lord Rukkhadevata was the Primary Decision-maker, Alhaitham the Second, and Tighnari the Third.
Lord Rukkhadevata was the embodiment of wisdom, but she never used her wisdom to enforce a one-person rule.
Although people were often convinced by her wisdom, everyone had the right to speak in front of her.
Those who held sufficient status within the Sumeru system naturally also had the right to advise, so Cyno would also have a position among the decision-makers after these three, though he was temporarily absent.
After binding the decision-makers, Alhaitham and Tighnari began leading the scholars in card registration and preliminary screening work.
Lord Rukkhadevata, having some free time, stood beside Lu Heng.
She equipped that Juvenile Vermilion Bird card.
As the card took effect, Lord Rukkhadevata cupped her hands, and a small, chubby bird, about the size of a finch, with fiery red feathers, appeared in her palms.
It looked as plump as a finch, the feathers on its head a brighter red, and its tail had three distinct, slender plumes.
The Vermilion Bird's appearance somewhat resembled a Golden Pheasant.
"It's quite cute~"
Lord Rukkhadevata said to Lu Heng with a smile.
"Looks a bit chubby." Lu Heng rubbed his chin.
"Who? Me?" The little Vermilion Bird tilted its head to look at Lu Heng.
Its voice was clear, with a hint of childishness.
"Oh? It's a girl." Lord Rukkhadevata was surprised.
The Vermilion Bird looked up at Lord Rukkhadevata, its eyes showing a human-like curiosity. "What species are you? You give me a very... perch-able feeling."
"Perch-able?"
Lord Rukkhadevata was momentarily stunned.
She pondered.
She was an incarnation of the Irminsul, and the Vermilion Bird was, well, a bird.
"My, that's a novel way of putting it." Lord Rukkhadevata couldn't help but chuckle. "What about him?"
The Vermilion Bird turned to look at Lu Heng, studied him seriously for a moment, then shook its head. "Can't figure him out."
"I see."
Lord Rukkhadevata placed it on her shoulder. "Is it good to perch?"
The chubby Vermilion Bird tapped its feet on Lord Rukkhadevata's shoulder, then settled down there, nodding emphatically. "Excellent! I've decided you're my master!"
Lord Rukkhadevata was amused. "And a bit picky too."
"After all, it's one of the Four Symbols." Lu Heng also found it somewhat funny.
Tartaglia's Scarlet Calamity Toad wasn't this demanding.
But then again, thinking that this was the Vermilion Bird bloodline made it understandable.
It was a Divine Beast, born sacred and auspicious!
"You can perch on my wife's shoulder, but don't go setting things on fire randomly." Lu Heng reached out and tapped the Vermilion Bird's head.
"I wouldn't set my own master on fire! And you, mind your manners!" The Vermilion Bird glared at Lu Heng, its feathers practically bristling.
"Such a small thing, with quite the temper." Lu Heng laughed.
"Can I burn him?" The Vermilion Bird turned its head to look at Lord Rukkhadevata.
"He is my beloved. You can't do that." Lord Rukkhadevata smiled and shook her head, adding, "Besides, your flames probably wouldn't work on him."
"Wouldn't work? The flames of the South shouldn't be useless against him! That shouldn't be!" The Vermilion Bird was astonished.
"His strength far surpasses yours." Lord Rukkhadevata reached out and stroked the bird's head.
The chubby bird was shocked, the chubby bird found it hard to believe.
It looked at Lord Rukkhadevata; her expression didn't seem false.
It turned back to look at Lu Heng, who was smiling faintly without speaking.
After a moment's thought, its eyes suddenly lit up. "He's your beloved, right?"
"That's right." Lord Rukkhadevata was puzzled. "What are you planning?"
"I've latched onto a powerful figure!"
The Vermilion Bird chirped excitedly, suddenly hopped, flapped its little wings, traced an arc in the air, and landed on Lu Heng's shoulder.
After standing on Lu Heng's shoulder and rubbing against his neck, the little Vermilion Bird chirped, "I knew it from the start! You and Master stand together, your auras are so compatible, you're simply a match made in heaven!"
"Pleasant to hear, love to hear it. Say more." Lu Heng nodded slightly.
"Look, Master is beautiful as a flower, stunning enough to make fish sink and geese fall!"
"And you? Dashingly handsome, graceful as jade and trees in the wind!"
Lord Rukkhadevata couldn't help but laugh.
Where did this little bootlicker come from?
So young and already knows to latch onto the stronger one? Is this the innate intelligence of a Divine Beast?
"You little suck-up, wouldn't other Vermilion Birds beat you up if they found out?" Lu Heng raised an eyebrow.
"Master's husband will definitely protect me, right?!" the Vermilion Bird declared loudly.
"Seeing how well you speak, sure." Lu Heng nodded with a smile.
"I knew it!"
The little Vermilion Bird cheered and hopped jubilantly on Lu Heng's shoulder.
The term 'cheered and hopped jubilantly' fit it perfectly.
Lu Heng smiled and looked at Lord Rukkhadevata. "Any work left now?"
Lord Rukkhadevata shook her head. "It's off-work hours now."
Lu Heng walked to a nearby door.
The door was slightly ajar. Pushing it open, Lu Heng saw a room arranged like a conference room.
Nahida was sitting there as if being interrogated, holding a pen and writing furiously.
Because her memory was excellent,can be called a 'brand new brain', there were four people surrounding her, front, back, left, and right, rapidly reading from books, almost like chanting sutras.
These four people represented four different disciplines, frantically cramming systematic knowledge of their subjects into Nahida.
In terms of efficiency, Lu Heng felt it could be considered 'file transfer'.
At first glance, this method seemed absurd; the listener couldn't possibly remember everything.
But Nahida's true form was a branch of the Irminsul. Even a pause in the readers' breathing or a momentary change in their tone would be remembered by her, so it wasn't difficult for her.
However, Nahida also possessed human emotions, so it must be mentioned that whenever it came to lessons, her little face would look pained.
She genuinely had almost no rest time at all.
Knock knock!
Lu Heng knocked on the door.
The four people immediately stopped.
Nahida also turned her head sharply, her eyes filling with hope when she saw it was Lu Heng.
"It's past five."
Lu Heng asked with a smile, "Shouldn't school be out?"
"Ah, right. We just got into the rhythm of lecturing and lost track of time." One of them seemed somewhat regretful.
They were teaching a deity!
This was truly an honor.
It was an honor grand enough to be carved directly on one's tombstone!
"School's out!"
Nahida directly stuffed dozens of nearby notebooks into her backpack, slung it on, and rushed towards Lu Heng as if escaping hell.
"What was the little twig doing just now?" the little Vermilion Bird asked curiously.
"Little twig?"
Nahida pointed at herself. "Are you calling me?"
"She was in class."
Lu Heng thought for a moment, then grinned. "Nahida, you might soon have a classmate."
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T/N:
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