“Even in Mecha Storm, there are still cards that humanity has yet to develop, not to mention other Illusion World card decks. Therefore, humanity’s exploration of Illusion World cards is an endless journey, and as a card master, the most fundamental ability is not what kind of cards you can create, nor the various combat techniques, but how to analyze an Illusion World…” 

The person on stage spoke with ease and confidence. Every word, every gesture, naturally drew everyone’s attention. 

Everyone was intently listening to the lecture, unconsciously immersing themselves in it. 

So this is what a true powerhouse looks like… 

Su Liqian felt lucky to be here, to have the chance to witness this lecture firsthand. 

It wasn’t just the knowledge that opened her mind—it was the way it broadened her entire perspective. 

After going through more and more battles, she realized she didn’t want to be confined to just the Sixth Star District. Her sights were set on the entire planet… no, the entire galaxy. 

Zil Lian’s words gave her many new ideas, and even after the lecture ended, Su Liqian was still immersed in that vast theoretical world, unable to snap out of it for a long time. 

And it wasn’t just her—everyone left the lecture with something valuable. 

Even Ji Yanxi, who was usually the most talkative, had stayed surprisingly quiet. Though a storm of emotions flickered in his eyes, they were quickly hidden behind his usual smile. 

“No wonder he’s the legendary Master Zi Lian. Man, I wish I could be that amazing one day!” 

“Alright, alright. How about you rein in that playful attitude and focus on finishing the competition first?” Shi Yue shot him a glance, clearly unimpressed. 

“Aw, come on! Making it to the Finals is no big deal. By the way, junior, do you have any plans next? Want to try the food in our school’s cafeteria?” 

Su Liqian shook her head. “Thanks, but I’ve got a meeting with Professor Ning. I’m heading to… the First Experimental Zone.” 

“I’ll take you there then. That place is kind of tricky to find.” 

Without wasting any more words, Ji Yanxi led her through a winding path to a white doorway. 

“It’s just inside. You can text the professor to let him know you’re here. I won’t be going in with you.” 

“Thanks.” 

“Later!” 

Ji Yanxi waved and disappeared down the corridor. 

Not long after Su Liqian sent her message, she heard a few beeps from the door—it opened from the inside. 

Professor Ning Yishi appeared, dressed in a white lab coat. His hair was a little messy, and he looked more tired than she remembered. 

“Come in.” 

Beyond the door was a large complex. In a galaxy dominated by skyscrapers, these low buildings stood out. 

They passed by several labs until Professor Ning stopped in front of a glass door. 

“Identity verified. Welcome back, Professor Ning.” 

“Identity verified. Welcome, Su Liqian, to Laboratory 23.” 

The A.I. voice echoed as Su Liqian glanced curiously at the mysterious lab—only to spot a familiar figure inside. 

“Zi… Zi Lian?” 

Su Liqian’s eyes widened in surprise, and she almost wondered if the person before her was a projection created by some kind of technology. 

But then she noticed the man standing beside him—someone just as striking. 

Even from behind, the tall man exuded a powerful presence. When he turned around, Su Liqian froze. 

He looked familiar—like she’d seen him somewhere before. 

She frowned, trying to recall. 

Before she could figure it out, Zi Lian stepped forward and started speaking with Professor Ning. 

“Professor Ning,” he greeted, then looked at the girl standing behind him. 

“And this is…?” 

“Oh, this is my assistant for the current research I’m doing.” 

“Nice to meet you,” Zi Lian said with a warm smile. 

“Nice to meet you,” Su Liqian responded, trying hard to stay composed. She was finally starting to understand how Sen Ya felt when meeting her idols. 

“Xiao Su,” Professor Ning called. “Go change into your lab coat.” 

“Okay.” 

She nodded and headed to the changing room. 

Even after just a brief conversation, Su Liqian’s thoughts were spinning. 

It wasn’t just because she’d met Zi Lian— but also because of the man standing behind him… 

Her brows furrowed again. 

He was so handsome it was hard to forget a face like that. Then, the memory hit her—she had seen him before. 

“Excuse me, did you happen to see someone in all black pass through here just now?” 

His clear voice echoed in her mind. 

That guy… he was the one investigating the person in black that day. 

What does that person have to do with the spiritual strength drug? 

Su Liqian pondered as she changed into her lab coat, her mind swirling with thoughts. 

Actually, the lab coat was just a white coat. After changing, Su Liqian waited for a few minutes before walking outside. 

When she finally stepped back out, she noticed Zi Lian’s expression had changed. He no longer had that relaxed look from the lecture. His brows were slightly furrowed, and after a few serious words with Professor Ning, he gave a solemn nod. 

That man behind him remained silent, still and unreadable. 

Su Liqian considered waiting a bit longer, but then Zi Lian spotted her and smiled again, calling her over. 

“I heard from Professor Ning that you’re still in high school?” 

She nodded. “Yes.” 

“Hmm, you’re so young but already showing great promise. You must be a very talented card master. With Professor Ning’s sharp eye, your future is certainly bright. I look forward to seeing you at the interstellar tournament.” 

Zi Lian’s praise made Su Liqian feel both flattered and overwhelmed. 

This was the Zi Lian—an interstellar Card Master whose legend was known across the interstellar. 

He came from an ordinary family and had a calm, unassuming personality. But thanks to his incredible talent, he made it into the top ten of the Interstellar Tournament the very first time he competed—and won the whole thing on his second try. 

Zi Lian’s achievements were completely unprecedented. 

It wasn’t just that he made a name for himself in card tournaments at such a young age—he was also a Dream Caster. 

He had made outstanding contributions to the promotion of many Illusion World cards. His achievements, if any one of them were mentioned, would be enough to astonish anyone. 

To many interstellar citizens, Zi Lian is not just a legend—he is also a key figure in the Interstellar Alliance. 

Su Liqian guessed that the man behind Zi Lian was probably sent by the Alliance to protect him. 

After all, someone as important as Zi Lian needed constant protection when out in public. 

So, that man was likely from the alliance. 

Does that mean the Alliance is already investigating the spiritual strength drugs? 

Su Liqian’s mind was racing, but on the surface, she just smiled calmly. “Oh, it’s nothing. I just happened to be able to help Professor Ning. I’m really not that impressive.” 

Zi Lian didn’t press further. He simply turned to exchange a glance with the man behind him. 

“Thanks for coming with me, Captain Gu.” 

“No problem.” 

Gu Nianye’s expression was as unreadable as ever. He responded flatly, without much emotion. 

“Well then, Professor Ning, we’ll get going.” 

Ning Yishi nodded and walked them to the lab entrance. He watched them leave, then turned and walked back inside. 

“Sigh…” 

Su Liqian caught the soft sigh and glanced over. 

Ning Yishi noticed her expression, then spoke without waiting for a question. “Zi Lian’s a genius, but it’s just a shame…” 

He paused halfway through, as if unable to finish the sentence. 

Sensing it might be a sensitive topic, Su Liqian tactfully changed the subject. “Professor Ning, when do we start the experiment? Is there anything I should prepare?” 

“No rush.” 

He led her to a glass room filled with advanced-looking equipment she’d never seen before. 

“Just sit there. I’ll run a quick check first.” 

She sat in the chair as instructed. With a couple of soft beeps, a half-helmet lowered over her head, blocking her vision. 

The chair’s sides extended slightly, gently securing her at the waist. After a few seconds, it released. 

“That’s it.” 

“Already?” 

Ning Yishi smiled. “These are the most advanced instruments we’ve got—of course they’re fast.” 

But just as he was scanning the results with a smile, his expression shifted to a frown. Su Liqian felt her heart skip a beat. 

“What’s wrong?” 

He double-checked the results several times. 

Spiritual strength rank: A 
Spiritual strength fluctuation rank: S 

His gaze lingered on the two As, his expression unreadable. 

“Your spiritual strength is very unstable.” 

“Unstable?” 

Su Liqian immediately thought of the spiritual strength drug the original owner had taken before. 

“Yes.” 

Ning Yishi nodded. 

The last person with an S-rank spiritual fluctuation was… 

“Most people’s fluctuation ranks are around B or C. The higher the rank, the more unstable the spiritual strength becomes. Once you hit A or higher, there’s a real risk of spiritual outburst or overload.” 

Ning Yishi looked at Su Liqian, his eyes filled with confusion and concern. 

“Yours is at S-rank.” 

“That high? Does that mean I could experience a spiritual outburst at any moment?” 

“That’s what I don’t understand.” 

Ning Yishi shook his head. 

“Your fluctuation rank is high, but it doesn’t seem like there’s any abnormality. I haven’t felt any sign of spiritual outburst in you.” 

Su Liqian thought for a moment. “Could it be because I had an outburst before?” 

It wasn’t a secret, so she chose to be honest with him. 

“You’ve had a spiritual outburst before?” 

Ning Yishi was clearly stunned again.