Chapter 46: The Diamond Pattern on Her Forehead

When Sasaki saw Long Yin, a wry smile and a sense of awe crossed his face. "In just four short hours, you've earned more than I have in several centuries." High potential truly is a blessing! Sasaki sincerely marveled, now fully understanding that the child before him was not human at all. The widely rumored Master Wu Ning of the Federation had already surpassed many old monsters in card-making, and Sasaki, after a series of shocks, was almost numb. Yet each time he saw the words 'No Cards Under Heaven,' he was still deeply shaken by the courage within the young proprietor's heart. To dare proclaim 'No Cards Under Heaven' in the world of cards, one could never be a mediocre, rule-bound figure. Though still young, the little boss already dared to inscribe those words, showing the first signs of disdain for the Federation, wild enough to trample the entire card system underfoot. One could not tell if it was free-spiritedness or rebellion.

A golden scale does not belong in the pond; once it encounters wind and rain, it transforms into a dragon. The young boss was destined to stir up storms, and Sasaki found himself once again deeply respectful of the Long family's propensity for producing prodigies.

On the Federation's virtual network, buildings were never permitted to exceed 101 floors. Many merchants who invested heavily simply built to the hundredth floor, but the young boss chose only ninety-nine. This reminded Sasaki of humanity's ancient history and the concept of nine as the ultimate number. The more he pondered the young boss's actions, the more profound they seemed, sending chills down his spine even as his admiration for the boy steadily grew.

Now, whenever Sasaki looked at Long Yin, he could not help but be filled with a feverish sense of worship.

Long Yin gazed at the virtual splendor beneath his eyes and smiled. "Many things are always better than some, worse than others. It depends on whom you compare yourself to and how you compare; it's a matter of mindset. Some people cry because they have no shoes, others have no feet. What do you think, uncle?" Long Yin did not turn around, but simply stared steadfastly at the world before him, unable to distinguish between the virtual and the real.

Sasaki pondered Long Yin's words for a moment, his heart trembling at the thought of a world without legs. Was the young boss telling him his attitude wasn't right? On reflection, Sasaki realized that with such a mindset, how could he ever become a competent steward? The young boss's ambitions were not small. The prince of Dexin would only be a stepping stone for him, a mere springboard. Long Yin's gaze was fixed on the great powers rooted deep within the Federation and the hidden families. As a member of the Long family, he could never balance between humanity and card beasts; pure humans would never accept the Long family's monsters, nor would other beast emperors tolerate a Long family member in human form gaining a foothold among card beasts. As one of the Longs, he could only ruthlessly step over both sides; otherwise, the fate that awaited the Long family and the young boss would be annihilation.

Following such a person could lead to only two outcomes: either lifelong glory or utter destruction. Yet no matter the result, the journey would undoubtedly be thrilling and perilous.

Sasaki straightened his already neat collar, stood upright, and gazed at Long Yin with a fervent, worshipful expression. Long Yin was still clad in his black cloak; since his change of identity, he had never thought of removing it.

But when Long Yin turned and saw Sasaki, he changed his mind. At least, this man before him was worthy of seeing him without the cloak. Holding the edge with slender, pale, well-defined fingers, Long Yin solemnly removed it, revealing the face he would have ten years hence.

Sasaki felt his mind go blank. A deep, instinctive sense of submission made his legs go weak, and he collapsed before Long Yin, trembling all over. Long Yin, seeing this, nodded knowingly, touched the symbol on his forehead, sighed deeply, and donned the cloak once more.

Because of that mark, both men overlooked the breathtaking beauty of Long Yin's face.

"Uncle!" Long Yin helped Sasaki to the sofa and looked at him apologetically. "I should have explained to you beforehand."

Sasaki's mind was still reeling, but he forced himself to think. He took a deep breath and asked, "Is this your ability, young boss?"

"I don't know," Long Yin shook his head, then frowned. "My other identity doesn't have this mark," he sighed. "Perhaps that esteemed one was stimulated just now, deeply simulated my body's potential, and faithfully expressed the hidden potential within me." A hint of self-deprecating bitterness flickered in Long Yin's eyes. "I suppose I should feel honored by such special attention. At least I know that for the next ten years, this mark will appear on my forehead at any time. Such foresight at least allows me to prepare. Perhaps, as the old saying goes, misfortune may turn out to be a blessing."

The Federation's master intellect began to challenge Long Yin, yet did so in a gentlemanly manner. Long Yin shook his head inwardly. Had the opponent been more shameless and exposed the mark in his other identity, it would have caused him even greater trouble. Instead, it was revealed in his secondary persona, which meant this master intellect regarded him as either a rival or a playmate—a hidden intelligence, lonely across the ages, finally encountering someone aware of its existence. How could it treat him lightly? Yet Long Yin worried that, should the master intellect ever deem him a threat, it might rather destroy its core than let his identity remain hidden.

Sasaki was unaware of all this. He rose to his feet and bowed respectfully to Long Yin. Long Yin shifted his focus. "Uncle, don't make things difficult for me."

Sasaki stood upright, his fervor burning even brighter in his eyes, and smiled respectfully at Long Yin. "Young boss, your identity as a Long family member could not be clearer. Though it will bring you much trouble, the lily mark is the blessing of the Beast God. I sincerely rejoice for you. You may not understand what kind of deterrent this mark holds over card beasts under the Dragon Emperor's banner. Even if you cannot command them, this mark alone allows you to act with impunity before all ninth-tier card beasts. Whenever they meet you, a single thought fills their minds: submission."

Hearing Sasaki say this, Long Yin touched his forehead. He had read about the mark in the family teachings and knew it was significant, but had not expected that a mere symbol of the Beast God could compel ninth-tier card beasts to submit. His brows furrowed. If this was his special ability… then…

Sasaki did not understand why the atmosphere around the young boss suddenly became so heavy.

"Boss!" Sasaki had fully acknowledged Long Yin by now, and so omitted the 'young' from his address, sounding even more respectful.

Long Yin was taken aback, then shook his head. "Trouble, much trouble!"

Sasaki looked at him in confusion. Long Yin sighed. "Not to mention that the mark's appearance would attract the Federation's crackdown, even the other three emperors would not let me go. A mark that can make all ninth-tier card beasts submit has already touched the reverse scales of the Three Emperors."

Sasaki's expression grew grave at these words. If Long Yin's special ability were leaked, even the Three Emperors might personally act to destroy him. Sasaki's heart tightened. "Boss, until you are fully grown, you must never reveal this mark!"

Long Yin gave a bitter smile. "Let's hope so."