A Card In Hand

Chapter 86: I Wouldn’t Tell You I Was Shocked

Li Ao’s transformation was grand yet swift.

By the time Yue Sha, the fastest among them, had completed her transformation and opened her eyes, the glowing totem above his head had already begun to fade, quickly reverting back to the transformation card.

She instinctively covered her mouth with her hand, fearing she might scream out loud.

Li Ao sensed her gaze.

He turned his face towards her.

And smiled at her.

Yue Sha immediately lowered her head, nearly hiding her face beneath the round table.

Ling Long’s transformation was also quick, finishing third, followed by Wu Ying, and with only a faint light left on her card, Long Ying was the last to complete.

Because they were too focused, the three of them did not witness Li Ao’s transformation as intensely as Yue Sha did.

However, when Li Ao handed over the finished card to Ling Long, who was responsible for collecting the cards, she immediately shook her head and sighed, “You really decided to unleash the true strength of the Demon King, huh?”

Hearing her, Long Ying and Wu Ying promptly got up to take a closer look.

Including Yue Sha.

They were all very curious.

The transformation card was originally blank and only displayed patterns after inspiration had been infused into its design.

Now, the pattern on Li Ao’s transformation card depicted two indistinct figures, a man and a woman, standing parallel to each other.

The elaborate outfits they wore were the newly designed bridal sets by Li Ao.

Ling Long and the others dared to apply for patent protection at the Temple of Creation because they were confident in their designs. As natural lovers of beautiful clothes, they habitually designed outfits, with not just one but many concepts in mind. Unfortunately, the designs they were usually satisfied with seemed too simple compared to Li Ao’s bridal set; they weren’t on the same level.

Li Ao’s design was flawless, even under their most critical scrutiny.

Luxurious yet not cumbersome, detailed yet grand.

Fresh and youthful.

The couple’s bridal outfits complemented each other perfectly, the design cleverly crafted.

Had it been just a single outfit, the impact might not have been as significant.

Now, with the transformation card displaying two styles that were similar yet distinctively suited for both men and women, the combination was exceptionally enhancing.

“I love the playful design of the woman’s headdress. I’ve been searching for a long time and couldn’t find one that satisfied me. Now, this is it, exactly what I wanted!”

Ling Long could not critique Li Ao’s design as it far exceeded her range; she simply admired it for its beauty, especially captivated by the woman’s headdress.

“I like the fitted waist and the wings! Li Ao, the curved half-moon on the back looks like auxiliary wings, doesn’t it?”

Wu Ying turned to Li Ao.

“It’s a variant of wings, this is the expanded image, and they can be retracted when not needed,” Li Ao nodded.

“Ha, I guessed right,” Wu Ying was equally enchanted.

She wore a tight black outfit.

A summoner of the assassin type.

One would think she wouldn’t fancy overly lavish clothes, but that wasn’t the case.

Although Wu Ying was brutally decisive and ruthless in action, she harbored a deeply hidden girlish heart in her personal life.

“Uh, I also like wings, but my favorite part is this shoulder armor that flies up! I love this design, the triple flying style, such single-sided shoulder armor doesn’t feel bulky but rather lively. The best part is the men’s on the right shoulder and women’s on the left shoulder, they match perfectly when standing together! By the way, is the light inside the card an effect, or will the clothes actually emit such light?”

Long Ying wanted to know if the new outfit designed by Li Ao would really glow.

“It will glow, but it depends on the materials used in the future product,” Li Ao confirmed.

“You mean the better the materials used to integrate and transform it, the brighter the light of the new outfit will be?” Long Ying understood.

“Sasha, which part do you like the most? Don’t tell me you like everything!” Ling Long turned to her friend Yue Sha, hoping she would share her thoughts.

“I like the head ornament,” Yue Sha said, glancing at Li Ao from under her eyelids.

“Eh?”

Ling Long was taken aback. Wasn’t that just a light effect?

“Is it also part of the new outfit?”

Wu Ying and Long Ying also hadn’t realized that the head ornament, which resembled broken flower petals and trembled slightly, was part of the new outfit.

“Yes, and it can also change according to the owner’s mood, with ten different emotional variations. What I regret is that this ornament doesn’t enhance any combat abilities, which is something that needs to be improved in the future,” Li Ao then suggested that Ling Long and the others connect their minds to the illusion card to see: “You don’t have to look at the images on the card surface, just connect your thoughts, and you can see its dynamic image, and you can view it from all angles without any blind spots.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

Upon hearing that Li Ao had designed it to this extent, Ling Long and the others immediately rolled their eyes at him, chiding him for being too late.

They admired it for a full ten minutes.

Only then did they reluctantly withdraw their minds from the illusion card.

Fuxi had already recovered from his shock, stealthily wiping off the sweet syrup from his neck before casually sipping the juice in his cup as if it were a fine wine that needed to be savored slowly.

I’m not going to tell you I was shocked.

No way.

I’m Li Ao’s big boss after all.

Calm, that’s the basic quality of a big boss!

If Fuxi hadn’t had to stay put, he might have even found a place to quietly change his shirt, which was now soaked at the chest.

Ling Long and the others didn’t care about him.

They bombarded Li Ao with various questions about the design details.

They also showed him their own designs, asking him to point out areas for improvement and how to enhance the quality.

Li Ao didn’t mind sharing his experiences with them.

He might even have to rely on these girls in the future!

Especially Yue Sha.

This girl was a natural-born White Elf princess, and befriending her was definitely the right choice.

Li Ao was slightly regretful that she seemed to sense something off about him, particularly afraid of him.

“Secondary illusion is a bit troublesome, but your mental strength is sufficient for it. Long Ying, your method is a bit clumsy, but the good thing is that it always comes together in the end, you have a deeper understanding of armor, so focus on that aspect!”

“Wu Ying, your illusion method is good, just be careful not to miss anything, adding a larger waistband to the clothing will make it more slimming and imposing…”

**Translation:**

“Ling Long, your design is actually not bad, but you’ve added too many elements. It’s fine for female classmates to wear, but it’s a bit too extravagant for male classmates! Yes, your current idea is workable, and it even highlights your style more. If you redesign it this way, both men and women could wear it, definitely raising the quality level…”

“Yue Sha, your design leans more towards the elegant style of the elves. Why don’t you just design clothes specifically for girls!”

“No need to revise the clothes.”

“Just add some of the ornaments and embellishments you want, and it could be elevated to a higher quality level!”

Li Ao reviewed the works of the four young ladies one by one.

Their talent was exceptional, and they were full of inspiration, only lacking in experience and broader vision since they couldn’t possibly have the wide exposure that Li Ao, the thousand-year-old demon, had.

With just a bit of guidance from Li Ao, Ling Long and the others had an epiphany, each finding their own strengths and characteristics, joyfully taking back their cards for a second transformation.

A second transformation for ordinary summoners was almost impossible.

The spiritual energy consumed was terrifying.

However.

For Ling Long and the others, a second transformation was not a big issue, especially for Ling Long and Yue Sha, who could even undergo a third transformation if necessary.

They sat back down at the round table, fingers delicately handling the transformation cards, making adjustments for the second transformation.

This time, light rose from their fingertips.

Forming tiny patterns.

The patterns.

Constantly changing, then gradually taking shape.

Yue Sha and Ling Long’s second transformations were the most significant, with a brilliance that couldn’t compare to Li Ao’s earlier display, but was much more intense than the light they had emitted before.

Long Ying and Wu Ying’s second transformation glows also increased several times, at least displaying some patterns, whereas before Long Ying barely emitted a glimmer, not even close to a proper transformation level.

After the successful second transformation, the four female students once again sought Li Ao’s feedback. Smiling and in high spirits, they listened.

Fuxi felt desperate.

He wanted to speak.

But he couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

He really didn’t understand transformation, so what could he do?

In the end, he could only sit there and drink sweet berry juice cup after cup…

When Li Ao finished speaking, Ling Long and Yue Sha returned to their seats to wait for the white-robed priest, while Fuxi couldn’t help but belch.

“Big guy, you really like drinking sweet berry juice, huh?”

Ling Long asked, surprised, as he had finished a whole pot.

“It’s actually quite tasty!” Fuxi said, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

“Want another pot?” Wu Ying looked at him.

“No thanks, if I drink more, the temple people might kick me out,” Fuxi said, waving his hands.

Though I love it, I can’t let them think I’m here to take advantage, and my stomach is already sloshing with the sound of water.

Where else could I put it, in my head?

His comment successfully made the four female classmates laugh uncontrollably, their laughter ringing like bells.

Ten minutes later.

The white-robed priest entered quietly.