Chapter 31: The Mysteries of Qi Xing

Under the endless, alien sky, Lysar began recounting the tale of the vast land they stood upon. "This realm," he intoned, "is Qi Xing. It dwarfs Earth, the planet you once knew, by ten times, enveloping in its embrace vast oceans, expansive forests, and towering mountains."

Li Yang's eyes darted across the horizon, trying to process the sheer vastness of Qi Xing. He felt like an insignificant speck amidst an enormous canvas of nature.

Lysar continued, "For what seems like eternity, I have guarded this remote stretch of Qi Xing. My vigil was not without purpose. It was in anticipation of your arrival, the key to a prophecy written in the stars."

His ethereal form floated toward Li Yang, and without a word of warning, he glided into the moon-shaped pendant around Li Yang's neck. The pendant emitted a soft glow as it absorbed Lysar. "For now," Lysar's voice echoed from the pendant, "I'll reside here, accompanying and guiding you."

The surreal nature of the situation left Li Yang dumbfounded, but he felt a strange comfort with Lysar's presence so close. "Let us venture to the nearby city," Lysar's voice suggested, pulling Li Yang from his reverie.

As they made their way, Lysar started to unravel the unique combat system of Qi Xing. "Forget all you learned on Earth. Here, battles are dictated by the Five Elements: Metal (金), Wood (木), Water (水), Fire (火), and Earth (土). These elements intertwine, strengthening some while weakening others."

Li Yang listened intently. The system sounded intricate, demanding not just physical prowess but intellectual acumen.

Lysar wasn't finished. "Qi Xing houses five formidable races: The Plant Clan, The Beast Clan, The Avian Clan, The Mechanical Clan, and The Demon Clan. While you might associate the Plant Clan with Wood, their attribute can sometimes be Metal, especially depending on where you find them. Every race here has its elemental alignment, adding layers to the complexity of our battles."

It was a lot to take in, but Lysar continued, "And, if you're to survive and thrive, you need allies. I grant you the power of Transformation. With it, you can turn beings you encounter into cards. But capturing isn't as simple as it sounds; a being must be at its weakest for the transformation to work."

Li Yang held up a hand, his face contorted in confusion, "Wait, so you're saying I'll be dueling with cards? Like some... card game?"

Lysar's laugh was a musical sound, "Indeed, but it's no mere game. Here, it's a matter of life and death."

The vast city loomed ahead, teeming with life. From afar, Li Yang could see members of the different clans, each exhibiting unique elemental auras. He also noted card duels taking place, with vibrant energies clashing as the combatants wielded their cards.

As they entered the city, Li Yang's mind raced with thoughts of mastering the elements, understanding the different clans, and becoming adept at the art of Transformation. Qi Xing's mysteries were unraveling, and Li Yang, with Lysar by his side, was eager to plunge into its depths.