Playing cards, I am your ancestor!-Chapter 284: Black Tortoise gave Tan Heming_1

"Brother Ming, are you really leaving?"

Luo Juerao watched Tan Heming pack his bags, his heart filled with anxiety and sorrow.

But he dared not show it.

He knew Tan Heming was suffering more than anyone else.

It had been two months since he lost his spiritual power, and the Association could no longer hold back.

His argument with his teammates had been revealed, and now some wanted Tan Heming to temporarily step down. He definitely wouldn’t be part of this year’s competition.

But they all knew the real problem wasn’t that. Taking a break from competition for a year or two wasn’t a big deal.

The serious issue was the Black Tortoise Card Tan Heming possessed.

Tan Heming didn’t pause his packing; he merely curled his lips. "No worries, I’m just going back to rest for a bit."

He sounded relaxed, but the weariness hidden beneath his tone was still audible.

Tan Heming used to be the center of everyone’s attention, but lately, he had grown accustomed to the fickleness of human nature.

He even faced scorn from some within the Empire, accusing him of rashly accepting the Black Tortoise Card.

Indeed, it was his fault. If he hadn’t accepted the Black Tortoise Card, perhaps things wouldn’t have turned out this way.

As they were talking, someone walked in.

The new team member, Duan Yuleng, entered with Ming Fuzhi, whom he referred to as his brother. Eyeing Tan Heming packing, Duan Yuleng sneered, "Brother Tan, I’m so sorry. The Association’s decision just came down. Fuzhi will replace you in this year’s competition. We hope that after Brother Tan returns to the countryside, you can rest well and hopefully come back to compete next year."

Ming Fuzhi raised his eyebrows at Tan Heming and deliberately gave a slight nod. "Hello, Brother Tan. I’m Ming Fuzhi."

Tan Heming watched him. Of course, I know who he is. Every association has reserve team members, and Ming Fuzhi is an excellent attacking player. But as long as I was here, he wouldn’t have had a chance to compete. Now that I’m in trouble, he’s become the best choice.

Luo Juerao’s face turned ashen. He scoffed, "Is that so? Then I hope the two of you can bring us the world championship this year."

Duan Yuleng laughed exaggeratedly. "Luo Bro, you make it sound so easy to win a championship! Of course, if that Black Tortoise Card were in my hands, maybe I could achieve a better effect... It’s a pity. Who could’ve thought that right after Brother Tan got it, something like this would happen?"

"You—" Luo Juerao’s face grew darker. "Duan Yuleng, this is a serious matter for all associations. You’d better pray this day never comes for you."

"That’s unlikely," Duan Yuleng drawled. "I probably won’t offend others like Brother Tan did. Otherwise, why would it be specifically him, right?"

Tan Heming had been listening all along. At this remark, his expression merely turned cold.

He was usually good-tempered and had endured enough cold shoulders recently; Duan Yuleng’s words didn’t particularly bother him.

His suitcase was packed. He had lived here for many years and owned a house, so he didn’t have much to move from the Association’s dormitory. A single suitcase was all he needed.

When he looked up, Tan Heming gave Luo Juerao a reassuring smile. "I’m leaving now. You guys train well."

Seeing Tan Heming like this, Luo Juerao’s eyes suddenly reddened for some reason, a surge of emotion welling up. "Brother Tan, let me see you out."

From the moment he joined the Association, he had been by Tan Heming’s side. He was known as Tan Heming’s best support, and Tan Heming had coached his play style.

In his heart, Tan Heming was no different from a real brother.

Now, seeing Tan Heming leave so dejectedly, the pain in his heart was no less than Tan Heming’s.

Tan Heming just nodded. As he passed Duan Yuleng, he heard the other’s sarcastic tone, "Brother Tan, a Black Tortoise Card, huh? You’ve single-handedly ruined the glory of the entire Empire. Yet, you seem so nonchalant. You really are thick-skinned."

"You motherf—"

Luo Juerao’s eyes instantly reddened.

He immediately stepped forward and grabbed Duan Yuleng by the collar, veins bulging on his forehead in anger. "Say that again if you dare!" 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Duan Yuleng wasn’t afraid at all. He let Luo Juerao grab his collar, even laughing as he said, "What? He lost the card, and now no one’s allowed to talk about it? The Empire sure is tolerant. If this were the Sanctuary, someone like him would probably be sentenced, right?"

"Son of a—"

Luo Juerao couldn’t hold back any longer. Just as he was about to throw a punch, Tan Heming grabbed his arm from behind.

"Xiao Jue, let it go."

Tan Heming wasn’t angry. He just looked coldly at Duan Yuleng. "Provoking me is pointless. Or are you trying to provoke Xiao Jue? Even if he beats you up today, he’ll face disciplinary action, but you won’t get off scot-free either. Do you want to be banned from competing before the season even starts?"

"I know you want the Black Tortoise. But if you keep this up, I swear, even if a new Black Tortoise Card appears, or any other Zhènguó-level Card for that matter, I absolutely will not let you get your hands on it."

Duan Yuleng’s expression gradually turned cold.

Tan Heming’s gaze was also icy as he looked at him.

Ming Fuzhi’s eyes sparkled faintly, but he didn’t get involved in their dispute.

Even now, having lost his spiritual power, Tan Heming still possessed a commanding aura. After all, he had been team captain for so many years.

Luo Juerao glared at Duan Yuleng and Ming Fuzhi, then left with Tan Heming.

Watching Tan Heming’s departing figure, Duan Yuleng clicked his tongue softly. "Nothing but a piece of trash who’s lost his spiritual power."

There will be plenty of ways to deal with him later.

Ming Fuzhi smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "Forget it. Let’s go out for a meal to celebrate."

Duan Yuleng flashed a triumphant smile. "Sure, let’s celebrate properly. The trash is gone, and you’re in."

Luo Juerao, now outside the door, was still reluctant. "Brother Ming, even so, you can still make it in Imperial City. You could coach us."

Tan Heming’s strategic vision had always been sound. He was also the team’s vice-commander, often taking charge during matches against unusual teams.

Tan Heming pinched the bridge of his nose. "Look at the mess we’re in. Do you think they’d listen to me if I stayed to lead them?"

He looked into the distance and sighed. "Xiao Jue, I know you’re worried about me. But with what’s happened, I don’t know what to do either."

"I’m going back to my hometown to rest for a while. I’ve been competing for so many years without a break. I haven’t seen my parents in a long time. Maybe this is an opportunity."

"Teacher Gong told me the Black Tortoise isn’t just any SSR Card. I know it hasn’t disappeared; it’s still in my mind. Perhaps, once I’ve figured things out, there might be a chance to recover my spiritual power."

His few words, spoken in a tone both resigned and helpless, nearly brought Luo Juerao to tears.