The moment Xianyun started up the game console, she could immediately feel its sophistication. It was built from the finest materials, and the console's surface—with its incredibly intricate printed designs—was unlike anything Xianyun had ever seen before.
At the instant it powered on, exciting music and passionate voice lines rang out together:
["As long as a single fragment of life remains within me, I will fight to the very end!"]
["If cards are swords and the Duel Disk is a shield, then I shall let glory dwell in the card held by my right hand, and let my soul reside within the Duel Disk upon my left!"]
In an instant, Xianyun was captivated. She used the joystick to navigate the screen, selecting a game stage.
By default, she chose Story Mode. The first stage was a tutorial duel against Joey Wheeler—a mode even beginners could use to learn the rules of Yu-Gi-Oh! with ease.
It was, in truth, a teaching device for basic dueling. Through this Duel Game Machine, Xianyun could quickly grasp what Yu-Gi-Oh! was all about.
Even without prior knowledge, she could pick it up swiftly. That way, when working on the Portable Game Console, she would know precisely what functions it needed.
Before long, Xianyun became so absorbed in playing that she forgot her original goal—to study the machine. Calming herself, she used the system-provided Deck and dueled Joey Wheeler, familiarizing herself with the rules of Yu-Gi-Oh!.
...
Time passed gradually. Since yesterday's Lantern Rite Duel Tournament had concluded—and with many of Liyue's most famous figures participating, including the Liyue Qixing's Lady Tianquan and Lady Yuheng—Luya's shop had instantly become one of the hottest spots in Liyue.
Many people came just to see it for themselves, whether for the delicious drinks, exquisite snacks, or the screening room showing the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime.
Occasionally, one could even spot well-known figures from Liyue Harbor—such as Hu Tao, Zhongli, and Xiangling—dueling inside the shop.
At that moment, a petite yet strikingly elegant girl entered Luya's shop. Luya recognized her immediately—it was none other than the heiress and lead performer of the traditional Liyue opera troupe, the Yun-Han Opera Troupe: Yun Jin.
Yun Jin's delicate brows curved like willow leaves, her deep blue hair flowed down to her waist, and her bright crimson eyes sparkled with grace.
Her small lips curved in a faint smile. She wore a hat adorned with white, pink, and green pom-poms, a pink cloud-shoulder mantle draped elegantly over her, a blue faux braid resembling feathers trailing behind, and a cinched waist tied with a ribbon bow.
The cuffs of her narrow sleeves were lined with cloud and geometric patterns for ornamentation.
To think—the head of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe herself, instead of tending to her work, had come to his shop! Seeing Yun Jin approach, curiosity shining in her eyes, Luya recalled her in-game introduction lines:
["My surname is Yun, given name Jin."]
["I am the head of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe."]
["Our troupe is currently performing at the Heyu Tea House. Please do come and see us sometime..."]
As Yun Jin drew closer—before she could even speak—Luya jumped in first:
"'They say hearing of someone is not as good as meeting them in person.' Today, I finally have the pleasure of meeting Lady Yun. It's truly an honor. My surname is Lu, given name Ya. Humble though I am, I am the owner of this Duel Monsters Specialty Shop. Our shop opened not long ago, and I'd be grateful for your patronage in the future."
Yun Jin froze for a second. How had this man just... stolen her own introduction lines right off the bat!?
Ordinarily, as the head of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe, Yun Jin would have no free time to visit such a place. The Heyu Tea House had long been one of Liyue's most beloved leisure spots. Its prosperity came from two things: the capable management of its owner, Master Fan Er—whose storytelling hosts were top-notch—and its partnership with the famous Yun-Han Opera Troupe.
As the head and leading star of the troupe, Yun Jin often performed there in person. Whether for its tasty refreshments or captivating tales, visitors always found something to enjoy there.
Yet the chance to hear Yun Jin sing was rare indeed. Thus, her devoted fans often lingered at the tea house, discussing her past performances and exchanging impressions. Many regulars were among her most loyal admirers—nine out of ten patrons were Yun Jin fans.
As Fan Er once said, "As long as Yun Jin sings even once in our tea house—heh! The Mora we earn could keep us closed for a month and we'd still profit!"
As both the head of the Yun-Han Troupe and one of Liyue Harbor's brightest stars, Yun Jin's voice was sweet, her stage presence captivating, her acting graceful yet full of life. Whether portraying a demure lady or a heroic woman of valor, she handled each role with flawless poise. Even more impressive, this young actress also wrote her own plays.
Beyond The Divine Damsel of Devastation, she had penned several other successful productions in recent years. As a rising celebrity in Liyue Harbor, Yun Jin's performances always drew large crowds.
However, lately, she had noticed something strange. Not only had fewer people come to listen to stories at the Heyu Tea House, but even those who usually came specifically to hear her sing had dwindled.
Even yesterday, when she performed The Divine Damsel of Devastation, there were barely any guests. It was the Lantern Rite—normally the busiest season—yet the audience was barely a quarter of what it should have been.
Yun Jin was baffled. After her show, she asked some regulars and learned that the culprit was none other than Luya's new shop on Feiyun Slope—the [Duel Monsters Specialty Shop]. This shop not only sold unique iced drinks unavailable elsewhere and fascinating snacks, but most notably, it featured a brand-new form of entertainment: Yu-Gi-Oh!
Yesterday evening, after finishing her performance, Yun Jin had dinner with her elders for the festival—and then secretly went to a rock concert.
For someone so poised and elegant, few knew her little secret hobby: she loved rock music. If her family ever found out, she'd never hear the end of it.
Moreover, after hearing everyone talk about yesterday's Lantern Rite Duel Tournament—how Keqing had won, with the Conqueror of Demons and Ningguang tied for third—an event involving both the Liyue Qixing and the Adepti—it had to be something spectacular! Yun Jin regretted missing out because of work.
So she decided to visit Luya's shop herself to see just what this Duel Monsters phenomenon was about. However, the fact that Luya had not only stolen her customers but even her signature greeting lines left her both amused and mildly exasperated.
Still, she found this shopkeeper to be quite an interesting young man.
Seeing Yun Jin lost in thought, Luya continued, "May I ask—what brings the famous flower of Liyue Harbor, Lady Yun, to my humble shop today?"
...
If you want to support, please consider Patreon, and read advanced chapters! Your support keeps this series going!
[Patreon.com/RedZTL]