Chapter 25: The Sword Immortal Is Not a Fool!

Sixteen years ago.

“Miss Xinghui, the identity of a Sword Immortal is not only the pillar of humanity’s resistance against the Calamity Legion, but also the key mediator among the major forces in the Kuha Universe… Taking up this sword means accepting an immense responsibility.”

All challengers who stepped into the arena fought each other in a trial that was nearly merciless yet bloodless. They abandoned feelings, memories, and even themselves. Only the final victor would qualify to inherit the position of Sword Immortal.

Now, all the competitors vying for succession had been defeated beneath her sword. A swordsman who fought for love, a self-important jester, a lonely king burdened with the salvation of the world… Even the most celebrated of the era’s heroes, the Radiant Holy Knight, considered himself too weak to raise the sword shimmering with starlight.

“Have you come to understand? By becoming a Sword Immortal, you must sever all ties with your past.” At that time, Wilrena Saraphin, the previous generation’s Sword Immortal, had said these words, and Xinghui still remembered them clearly.

This was the only hope. The only spark capable of opposing the Calamity.

I had already proven everything I could do by my own strength, to that Goddess… The honor of being the chosen one, and all that I had witnessed and carried along the way, were the very reasons that let me stand here today…

“Please, entrust this responsibility to me.”

“Remember, Sword Immortal, a true strong one never acts hastily. You’re someone who doesn’t think much before acting. This isn’t entirely a flaw, but for the sake of our future, you must abandon pride and impatience…”

…

“Oh, getting desperate because the situation’s unfavorable? Then I shall draw a card as well.” Gelra’s slender, pale fingers lightly hooked a 【10】 from the deck. Added to the original card—a 【5】 depicting the Golden Star Lord Yun Lixi, ruler of the Penglai Divine Ark—their total now stood at 【15】.

Xinghui’s side showed 【2】 plus 【9】.

“Since you introduced a new rule this round—Counter Strategy Card, I’ll adapt to your rhythm. Counter Strategy Card: [Seizure]—Your 【10】 now belongs to me, Witch Miss.”

Xinghui’s tightly furrowed brows didn’t relax for a moment. Even though the pointer already pointed to 【21】, she didn’t dare presume victory.

“Impressive, learning my new rule so quickly. From this, since you chose to seize my 【10】, your hidden card must be 【1】 or 【2】. Such fast progress, Sword Immortal, but still insufficient.”

“Rule Card [Annulment]: Remove the 【10】 from the deck.”

Even without the 【10】, victory could still be achieved by accumulating a higher number than the opponent. However, the immense mental pressure made her head feel dizzy…

Numerous afterimages of the card game began appearing out of thin air. It was far more exhausting to continue this number game under high intensity than an actual battle…

If this kept up, she might faint on the spot…

But I can’t lose. I am a Sword Immortal… No… I must not act hastily… Her opponent should also be under tremendous mental strain. Whoever could last until the end would be the true victor…

At this moment, whose hand was stronger seemed far less important than the mental willpower war itself.

“An-another card… one more… pl-please…”

【3】.

Damn… Adding this number, drawing another card could easily bust…

At that moment, a gentle voice emerged in her mind, as calm as a still pond.

The Goddess’s voice:
The human I’ve chosen intends to show me such resolve? I do know a thing or two about card games. Now, close your eyes. Feel the numbers with your heart. A true strong one doesn’t rely on sight. What they rely on… is their powerful spirit.

Xinghui obediently closed her eyes, while Gelra squinted in confusion.

That girl… actually closed her eyes? Had she already accepted her defeat from the bottom of her heart…?

No, there was no way such an impatient fool could remain so calm now, otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so easy to defeat in the past…

Don’t pretend to be imposing!

“Witch Miss, this Sword Immortal declares Stand Pat.”

Stand… stand pat? So soon…

Now it was Gelra’s turn to show surprise. If the hidden card in her hand was indeed 【1】 or 【2】 as expected, standing pat now would be almost suicidal. Could it be this final round would end easier than the previous one?

But judging by the expression on her face, it seemed like victory was all but certain…

If so, I’ll just have to draw another card. 【9】, perhaps?

No, that Sword Immortal must be very close to 【21】; otherwise, she wouldn’t be so confident! To win, one must get even closer to 【21】! I must, must, must draw one more card!

There it was, the card!

This is a game I created… A game I’ve never lost in…

【11】.
Total: 【25】.
【14/25】

“Reveal the cards. Congratulations to Miss Xinghui for the victory!”

Instantly, the gray and dim atmosphere vanished without a trace. Everyone observing the match began to cheer loudly. It seemed the cognitive disruption magic also automatically lifted.

“This can’t be! You… you were just holding a terrible hand, and yet I… I actually lost to a fool like a Sword Immortal…” Gelra displayed a painfully aggrieved expression. Her normally pale face flushed bright red, tears sparkled in the corners of her eyes.

Just like a child who lost a game, she abandoned Lingling Lan and Xinghui, then ran off crying. Apparently, she went to some corner to secretly wipe away her tiny pearls of tears. Such an undignified exit.

“Xinghui-nee, you’re amazing!” Wilf raised her small hands in jubilant cheer.

I… I won…

Xinghui exhaled deeply, then slumped completely onto the ground. Her pounding heart finally began to settle.

Thankfully, at the last moment, the Goddess gave me a small hint… Let me come up with this empty city stratagem… Otherwise, Lingling Lan would’ve been taken, and I would’ve died right here too… What a close call.

Goddess: Ding! You unlocked a new achievement — [Tamashi’s All-In Gamble]!

But the mental strain was tremendous… Now I felt utterly exhausted… I… I’m about to faint…

At least I collapsed next to Lingling Lan… My effort wasn’t in vain.

“Eh! Xinghui-nee! Ling Sister! Why did you both suddenly pass out?! Help! Someone pass out over here!”

Wilf’s panicked cries rang in her ears. Xinghui wanted to tell her she was fine, no need to worry, but had no strength to speak.

In her hazy vision, she seemed to see an old white-haired grandmother figure. The old lady smiled gently, nodded at Xinghui, then raised her star-shaped staff. A stream of invisible life-element energy flowed into Xinghui’s body. The aching fatigue in her body disappeared without a trace.

Yet… still so sleepy… Just a nap… and I’d be fine…