Section 2, The Mysterious Card

This is a structure he has never seen before, with intricate patterns composed of light blue lines covering the entire surface of the card. This one-star energy card is the size of a poker card, made of a material that has a slight flexibility, and the surface is smooth; however, if touched carefully, one can feel the raised patterns.

This old one-star energy card is one-tenth heavier than a regular energy card. The weight of a one-star energy card is already very light, making even one-tenth difficult to detect. However, Chen Mu had produced so many one-star energy cards that he felt the difference the first time he picked up this particular one-star energy card. The thickness is similar; this one-star energy card is slightly thicker than a standard one-star energy card

The lines are beautifully smooth, and the strokes are exceptionally skilled. Every curve and bend is rounded and full, showcasing a masterful touch

The design of this one-star energy card is unremarkable; it is the most widely circulated and commonly used standard design for one-star energy cards. However, what caught Chen Mu's attention was the brushwork on the card's surface

Failed experimental product? It seems this is the most likely scenario. Many years ago, a master attempted to improve a one-star energy card, ultimately resulting in failure. However, this failed experimental product somehow continued to circulate and was fortuitously discovered by Chen Mu.

Chen Mu held the side of the card up to the light, and upon closer inspection, he indeed discovered something peculiar. The card's edge, less than one millimeter thick, had two very faint boundary lines. It turned out that this card was actually made from three different materials bonded together, and because the colors of these three materials were very similar, it was difficult to notice unless examined closely.

I have taken these two cards with me. Chen Muchao raised the two one-star energy cards in his hand.

Chen Mu was taken aback. How could it possibly not be bright?

Chen Mu hurriedly placed the card back in front of him. He was unsure if it was due to the passage of time, but the edges of the card had begun to peel. Having initially lost interest in this discarded card, Chen Mu suddenly felt a twinge of curiosity. If his speculation was indeed correct, then this master from years ago must have believed that combining these three materials could improve a one-star energy card. Chen Mu had a clear understanding of his own level and that of the reference materials; he was likely even below the average beginner, as he had never received any formal training in card-making. If his speculation was indeed correct, then this master from years ago must have believed that combining these three materials could improve a one-star energy card. Chen Mu had a clear understanding of his own level and that of the reference materials; he was likely even below the average beginner, as he had never received any formal training in card-making.

Of course, he would only think about these things in his heart; he actually hopes for it. If Chen Mu were to act normally, then these energy cards in his hands would not end up with him, and these are all money!

Chen Mu was deep in thought, yet his fingers involuntarily glided over another one-star energy card. His gaze fell upon the second energy card he had just acquired

Weight—this card is slightly heavier than the typical one-star energy card. Having produced tens of thousands of one-star energy cards, Chen Mu is already very familiar with the weight of these cards. Regardless of the structure used, as long as it is a one-star energy card, its weight will not exceed a certain specific range

To analyze the structural pattern of a card, it is essential to identify its starting point, which is the point where the first stroke lands. Then, by following the lines and their connections, one can delve deeper, making it easier to understand.

What is this? Is it a card?

It took him a full ten minutes to recover from this state of confusion. He rubbed his eyes vigorously to ensure that he was not seeing things.

No problem, no problem. Little Black smiled and said that he had quite a harvest today; Chen Mu helped him find five unused energy cards, and his smile was almost crooked.

Is it likely for a master to create a worthless one-star energy card? This possibility seems quite low, Chen Mu pondered

Chen Mu felt somewhat disappointed; if that were the case, then this useless card would hold no value at all

It is evident that the weight of this card does not fall within this range

The first one-star energy card immediately caught Chen Mu's attention

This further puzzled Chen Mu. The term "Master-level one-star energy card" itself is somewhat strange; which card-making master would create a one-star energy card? If he had a five-star energy card instead, Chen Mu would find that much more normal.

However, the reality is that it truly cannot provide even the slightest amount of energy

The website https://mhetushu.com.com is incorrect, which caused Chen Mu to feel an even greater sense of confusion. In terms of tactile sensation, the material of this one-star energy card is extremely hard and has a substantial feel. According to general principles, the patterns engraved on it should have a stronger texture.

Most importantly, he has already calculated that the cost of a one-star energy card with this new structure is slightly higher than the type he is currently producing. Spending a large amount of money to practice a new structure that holds no significance for him is not his style. However, this energy card still has aspects worth referencing; a toroidal compression structure might be integrated into his own energy card design

Chen Mu, however, looked on with shining eyes. For three years, he had faced similar patterns every day. Although the structure was different from the one before him, the level of complexity was comparable. The twelve new structures had also accumulated a wealth of experience for him

While indulging in the self-satisfaction of his foresight, he smiled gently as he bid farewell to Chen Mu

After some thought, Chen Mu placed this somewhat strange card together with the newly discovered one-star level quantity card that he had just found.

After carefully examining the energy card in hand once more, Chen Mu still could not determine the cause of this peculiar phenomenon. The patterns contained no errors, and judging by the fluidity and elegance of the strokes, this was undoubtedly of master-level quality. Even though he had been crafting one-star energy cards for three years, with his own skills, he was unable to produce such graceful lines.

Chen Mu naturally thought about the material aspect. Could it be that this unknown master has found a new material for the one-star energy card? For the sake of his livelihood, Chen Mu has been dedicated to finding ways to reduce the cost of one-star energy cards, and this particular one-star energy card has sparked his strong interest

Under the light, Chen Mu carefully examined this energy card

The texture is too shallow, insubstantial and weak, this feeling... this feeling... Chen Mu furrowed his brows, recalling this familiar sensation

Carefully eliminate each factor, the structural drawing method is correct, there are no signs of previous use, and there are no indications of energy loss, yet it is unable to provide energy

So where exactly did the problem arise

Reinsert his energy card into the energy meter, and the room was once again filled with light. The energy meter was not broken, and this external factor was immediately ruled out by him

As he stroked the card, a sudden thought arose in Chen Mu's mind: could this be a discarded card in itself

Upon returning home, it was already 10 PM. After hastily eating something, Chen Mu eagerly took out the two energy cards he had obtained today to study them

Having been fully focused on work, he now feels somewhat fatigued

What kind of card is this? Chen Mu's curiosity was at an all-time high

Oh, it's not bright! The room remains in complete darkness, without a trace of light.

When Chen Mu completely peeled off the thin film on the surface, he suddenly froze, staring intently at the card, as if struck by lightning, completely dumbfounded

Suddenly, Chen Mu's eyes brightened, as if the result had been painted on a relatively shallow material

How could there be such a discrepancy with a one-star energy card made by a master

After hesitating for a moment, Chen Mu gritted his teeth and inserted the strange one-star energy card into the energy device at home

Impossible! This was the first thought that sprang to Chen Mu's mind. There were no signs of use on this card, and he could easily discern that the energy card was completely depleted. He could guarantee that although this energy card was old, it was one that had never been used.

This card appears quite old, clearly showing signs of age, and must be an early work of some master. However, what first caught Ye Chong's attention was not these two aspects, but rather its weight and thickness

Chen Mu murmured to himself unconsciously, his mind completely trapped in a state of semi-stagnation

At the acquisition station, he had seen those high-level cards before, although they were all discarded items, yet such complex and intricate cards were something he had never encountered before

Material? A flash of inspiration struck Chen Mu's mind as he suddenly recalled the slightly thick texture, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt it might be related to the material.

Chen Mu, having finally completed the work with the books, let out a sigh of relief

Moreover, the structure on this card is flawless, without any errors, and is far superior to the one-star energy card that Chen Mu created himself. Such an energy card should certainly not be damaged.

Carefully peeling back the layer of film that had begun to flake away, Chen Mu could not help but feel a sense of melancholy. No matter how sturdy the material, under the erosion of time, it is difficult to preserve its former brilliance

The silver threads, though as fine as hair, are somewhat difficult to discern with the naked eye. They appear to resemble the capillaries of the human body, creating an illusion of silver liquid flowing slowly.

Ordinary people, upon encountering such complex patterns, are likely to feel dizzy and confused, unsure of where to begin

Is it possible that ... ...

Closing his eyes, Chen Mu gently rubbed his index finger and thumb over the surface of this one-star energy card, carefully feeling the slightly raised patterns on its surface

Since this thought had crossed his mind, Chen Mu developed a certain interest in the material of this experimental card. Although this experimental card was a waste product, it undoubtedly bore the mark of a master, and its knowledge in various aspects was certainly beyond his own. It was precisely because he harbored this intention to learn from it that Chen Mu decided to study the three layers of material that were bonded together in detail

From the perspective of its surface texture, this one-star energy card appears unremarkable, utilizing the most widely used Barks structure, which is also the most common design. However, Chen Mu still sensed a hint of peculiarity in this card.

This is the primary reason why this card caught Chen Mu's attention. The one-star energy card is the earliest type of card to appear and is also the most widely used. Its specifications and standards were established right from the inception. Even to this day, the so-called standard structure and standard materials have not changed significantly since its founding.

How could one have such a feeling? It is truly strange

In Xiao Hei's mind, Chen Mu is quite an odd character. Judging by his attire, it is evident that he comes from a poor family. Children from such impoverished backgrounds never miss an opportunity to save even the smallest amount. The unused energy cards and * books * in their eyes represent a significant sum of money! However, Chen Mu strangely seems indifferent to these unused energy cards, instead showing great interest in the one-star energy cards, all of which are used.

However, he also possesses his own confidence, which is the one-star energy card! From the very beginning, he has solely focused on researching the one-star energy card, and he is incredibly familiar with it. Since the last minor adjustment made to the one-star energy card, there has been no breakthrough until now. Today, this card has provided him with another inspiration: since there is no way to make breakthroughs in terms of structure, why not try experimenting with the material instead

The black card surface, as dark as the night, is adorned with thousands of silver threads, delicate as hair, resembling a spider's web that covers the entire card. It appears chaotic at first glance, yet within any small section, one can discover graceful curves, meticulous structures, and intricate nestings that evoke a sense of wonder.

Chen Muxin felt a stir in her heart, her fingers deftly extracting a one-star energy card from among them, placing it in front of herself for a careful examination

Although the one-star energy card is complex, it is the simplest among all the cards. However, even so, it was not until three hours later that Chen Mu truly understood the function of each stroke. Yet, to create the same one-star energy card, he would still need a considerable amount of practice. However, he abandoned this intention, as extensive practice would mean significant consumption. At least until now, although he has some savings, it is still insufficient for such extravagance.

The fingers subconsciously brushed lightly along the edge of the card, when suddenly, they sensed something unusual.

This appears to be the most likely hypothesis

As the energy card was removed from the energy device, the room was suddenly plunged into darkness

His own speculation had completely deviated from the direction. What a failed experiment! This is clearly a card that has been disguised. With Chen Mu's limited knowledge, he naturally does not recognize what kind of card this is. In fact, the complexity of this card far exceeds Chen Mu's understanding; such intricate lines and such superb craftsmanship are things he has never seen before, nor even thought of.