Standing at the side, Zhongli heard Hu Tao's invitation to duel.
He immediately nodded, slipped his right hand into his pocket, and pulled out a particularly exquisite little pouch.
The pouch wrapped his Deck snugly, with not a gap in sight.
This pouch was made from the finest fabric—commissioned by Zhongli from a craftsman just last night.
It was for the sole purpose of protecting his Deck from physical wear and tear!
In Liyue, if someone pays meticulous attention to detail and maintains unshakable standards in certain matters, there is a word to describe them: "particular."
Zhongli, clearly, was particular about everything...
"Then, Hall Master, please step onto the Duel Stage and duel me."
"This match—we'll keep it controlled."
Hu Tao immediately said:
"Zhongli, are you scared?! But don't worry, I'll go easy on you~"
Unlike Hu Tao, who favored Zombies and Gravekeepers,
Zhongli had a deep fondness for Dragon-related cards.
Though he had not pulled a Blue-Eyes White Dragon...
When he returned to the parlor, among the two hundred packs he opened, he did pull quite a few other Dragon monsters.
The Dragons on those card artworks… were ones Zhongli had never seen in Teyvat. Each one stretched the limits of his imagination!
Like [Genesis Dragon]
Level 6│ATK 2200│DEF 1800│Dragon│LIGHT
Its body clad in black scales, eyes glowing crimson, wings spread wide as it soared through the air...
And [Nebula Dragon]
Level 8│ATK 2000│DEF 0│Dragon│LIGHT
Covered in green scales, radiating starlight all over its body, as though a visitor from beyond the heavens.
[Hieratic Dragon of Sutekh] also caught Zhongli's fancy...
Level 8│ATK 2800│DEF 2000│Dragon│LIGHT
Bathed in golden light, shining brilliantly, even from the artwork, one could sense a holy aura.
Moreover, when Hu Tao saw Zhongli's love for these Dragons, she even gifted him the [Red-Eyes Black Dragon] she had pulled. In return, Zhongli gratefully gave her all the Zombie monsters he had pulled.
These Dragon monster cards, though not as mighty or majestic as Blue-Eyes White Dragon…
Still, Zhongli had an innate affection for them.
Thus, he added all his favorite Dragons to his Deck, forming a Dragon Deck built around his own understanding.
At the same time, he also included some Dragon-related Spell Cards.
Yet the one that lingered most in Zhongli's thoughts was still that Blue-Eyes White Dragon in Luya's possession!
For the championship of this Liyue Harbor Duel Tournament, Zhongli was determined.
Yesterday...
After finishing their Decks, Zhongli and Hu Tao had sat in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, analyzing how powerful their Decks were...
However, since they lacked a Duel Stage, when it came to interpreting certain card effects, the two often disagreed, arguing frequently.
Some effects Hu Tao thought could be activated, but Zhongli insisted they could not...
So after they finished building their Decks, they had not been able to settle things right away in the parlor.
Now, with Luya's shop providing a Duel Stage, the two could finally resolve it!
Zhongli and Hu Tao's duel drew the attention of the casual customers inside the shop.
One was the Hall Master of Wangsheng, the other the parlor's knowledgeable consultant.
"Whoa!?"
"Mr. Zhongli versus Hall Master Hu!"
"This'll be fun, this'll be fun!!!"
"Who do you think will win?"
"I'm betting on Mr. Zhongli! His attention to detail is unmatched, and his insight into dueling is profound!"
"No way, Hall Master Hu will definitely win!"
"I'll put 100,000 Mora on Hu Tao to win!!!"
"200,000 Mora, I'll take Zhongli~"
While the shop was abuzz with heated debate over Hu Tao and Zhongli's duel...
A young man wearing a water-blue robe and sporting short teal hair stepped inside.
His face was gentle, and though a boy, he was dressed almost like a dollish girl...
This was none other than Xingqiu, the second young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild of Liyue Harbor, known since childhood for his diligence, learning, and courtesy.
However, even such a refined young man had a side as swift as a startled hare.
As the heir of a great merchant house, Xingqiu's duty was to navigate the ruthless business world. The word "chivalry" should have been ever more distant from him.
Yet, with the help of his Vision, he had begun accomplishing legendary feats he once only dreamed of.
He could never abandon the guild's affairs, but so long as he could occasionally act out his ideals of justice, it filled Xingqiu with satisfaction.
Recently, Xingqiu had heard from his subordinates that a Duel Monsters Specialty Shop had just opened near Feiyun Slope.
The moment he heard, he was intrigued!
He immediately asked: "What is Duel Monsters?"
His men showed him the Monster Cards they had bought from the shop.
They also recounted Luya and Hu Tao's duel to him.
Upon hearing it, whether as a business opportunity or as a pastime for Xingqiu, Duel Monsters held immense appeal.
So early this morning, Xingqiu left the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
When asked where he was going, he simply said, "To steal a half-day of leisure!"
For Xingqiu...
Stealing a half-day of leisure sometimes meant going to Wanwen Bookhouse to browse the latest novels;
Sometimes it meant pestering Lady Yun at Heyu Tea House to create a new drink.
And on special occasions, it meant acting out his own brand of chivalry.
But this time, it meant coming to the Duel Monsters Specialty Shop—and… He had brought plenty of money!
The moment Xingqiu stepped through the door, Luya noticed him. The instant he laid eyes on Xingqiu, Luya knew today's stock would sell out easily.
Watching Xingqiu enter with a look of delight, Luya's heart brimmed with joy:
"Another rich one!"
"Too bad... only 300 packs left..."
...
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