When Su Han gripped the Fire Qilin Sword, he immediately felt a sense of goodwill and joy transmit into his mind. It felt like the sword was wagging its tail at him, just like a little dog.
After playing with it for a while, Su Han comforted it gently. "Good boy. But we can't go out to slay enemies yet. Rest for now."
With a single thought, the Fire Qilin Sword turned into a streak of light and flew into his dantian.
At that moment, the fire element in the air began to slowly gather into Su Han's body.
Sensing the subtle changes within, he opened his eyes and sighed in amazement. "So this is the advantage of a divine weapon... it cultivates for you. No wonder people say that land, law, companion, and treasure are the four foundations of the path."
With nothing urgent to do, Su Han gave a few instructions to his shop assistants and then went out of the city to cultivate. After last time's commotion, he had learned his lesson, training should be done outside the city so as not to attract unwanted attention.
At the Hall of Ten Thousand Peoples.
Once Su Han's shipment arrived, Master Mao temporarily closed his restaurant and immediately had workers start remodeling.
"Please wait a bit, dear guests! This is Master Su's design. You'll get a surprise soon!"
Seeing Master Mao halt business and haul in massive wall panels, the patrons were filled with curiosity, while his business rivals could only envy him bitterly. Being associated with the wildly popular comic shop was enough to make them green with jealousy.
Several hours later, the renovation was complete. The customers who had been waiting eagerly couldn't hold back and rushed in.
The moment they entered, they were stunned by the sight of a colossal Buddha statue mural.
"Whoa, that's beautiful! Isn't that the Leshan Giant Buddha? So magnificent!"
The wall was nearly three meters tall, and the massive poster panels matched its size. The fire qilin beneath the Buddha's feet gave the mural an overwhelming sense of grandeur.
Then one guest turned toward the left and saw a cold, handsome man holding a sword against his enemy. "Bu Jingyun is so cool! Wielding the Supreme Sword, what a hero!"
"I disagree! The Sword Saint is the real deal, his white hair and immortal bearing make him feel like a true sage."
"No, no, the most beautiful are still Miss You Ruo, Chu Chu, and Second Dream! They're like fairies come to life!"
"The strongest will always be Nameless!"
Even after sitting down, the patrons couldn't stop discussing the characters. Some got so excited they started shouting for Master Mao to bring wine.
Once news of the Hall of Ten Thousand Peoples' renovation spread, crowds poured in by noon, the place was busier than festival day.
Master Mao couldn't stop grinning. He laughed heartily. "Welcome, everyone! Ten percent off today, if you bring your Wind and Cloud comic, you get a discount!"
By bundling with Su Han's comics, Master Mao's business boomed.
Ten percent off wasn't much, but his customer flow increased tenfold!
Meanwhile, other restaurants were left desolate. The owners were fuming in secret, they'd all tried to meet Su Han, but he wouldn't even grant them an audience. What could they do?
At the entrance of the Hall of Ten Thousand Peoples.
Keqing stared at the endless line of people, dumbfounded. "Good heavens... they just remodeled a little, and it's this popular?"
Today, she had come at Ningguang's invitation for a meal together.
She hadn't expected the simple renovation to cause such a sensation. Ningguang smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I already booked a private room. Let's go."
"Mm."
As they entered the hall, Ningguang's gaze was immediately drawn to the murals on the walls. Just a few days ago, the Hall's decor had been plain.
A few calligraphy scrolls.
Some antique ornaments.
The same as every other restaurant in Liyue, nothing special.
But today, it was completely transformed. Gigantic comic pages stretched across entire walls.
Beautiful landscapes and vivid characters, just looking at them gave Ningguang the illusion that the comic heroes were standing right before her.
She couldn't help but sigh. "The sense of immersion is incredible."
Keqing glanced around, speaking softly. "It's amazing... When I first saw the comic shop's style, I thought it was refreshing, but seeing it on this scale... the impact is even stronger."
"More than that," Ningguang added, "the way the scenery comes alive, it's lifelike. Even the top artists of Liyue Harbor would admit defeat. No wonder the customers love it."
In a business where food quality is similar, creative presentation was everything, and clearly, the Hall of Ten Thousand Peoples had taken the lead.
Though Ningguang wasn't usually fond of martial arts tales, this novel approach to decor made her feel the trip was worthwhile.
And if even Ningguang thought so, then other customers naturally did too.
When they reached their private room, the atmosphere was entirely different. A musician was even playing soft melodies nearby.
Ningguang took a sip of tea and smiled. "It seems Master Mao truly put in effort. His cooking was already good, with this transformation, his business will soar to new heights."
Keqing nodded. "Yes, but I think this idea must have come from the comic shop owner."
She'd known Master Mao for years. The man was honest and traditional, there was no way he could've conceived such a bold transformation without help.
Ningguang smiled knowingly. "You've made me curious about this shopkeeper. I've heard he doesn't know martial arts, was once chased by hilichurls, and even served as a guest consultant for the Hall of Rebirth. He might be a valuable business partner."
"Wait, you're thinking of becoming an agent too?"
"No," Ningguang replied, eyes narrowing in thought. "I'm considering other ventures. Comic distribution itself doesn't earn much, but the business potential hidden within... that's where the real profit lies."
Keqing fell silent. Ningguang's insight was sharp as always, she saw beyond the surface.
Before long, their food arrived. While waiting, Keqing pulled out the latest Wind and Cloud chapter and began to read.
After the defeat of Xiongba, the world of Wind and Cloud had entered a rare period of peace.
But fate was cruel. A new enemy appeared, the Lord of the Temple of No Mercy: Absolute Godless.
He was even stronger than the previous villain. In the ensuing conflict, Bu Jingyun and Chu Chu suffered greatly. Later, they learned that the Supreme Sword had never been properly sharpened. To make it battle-ready, it needed the heart's blood of one's beloved.
In order to help Bu Jingyun defeat his foe, Chu Chu made a desperate choice. She disguised herself as an assassin and attacked him, knowing that the sword would awaken only with her blood.
When the Supreme Sword pierced through her chest, Bu Jingyun was frozen in disbelief. He never imagined Chu Chu would go this far for him.
"Why... why did you do this?"
"Don't cry, Yun... There are too many enemies. If my blood can sharpen your Supreme Sword, then maybe... we can finally live in peace."
Though gravely wounded, Chu Chu still thought only of him. Her tenderness made tears well up in Keqing's eyes.
"What a foolish girl... Chu Chu."
She must have decided from the moment she learned of the sword's requirement.
Bu Jingyun held her tightly, tears streaming down his face. "You're so foolish, Chu Chu. My Chu Chu... I'd rather the Supreme Sword never awaken than see you bleed even a drop!"
The blade he once treasured was now tossed aside, while Chu Chu weakly shook her head. "But then... how will you defeat the enemy?"
"I'll find a way," he choked. "I will."
As the doomed lovers spoke their last words, Bu Jingyun's tears fell upon the Supreme Sword.
The long-silent divine weapon suddenly gleamed with brilliant light. The sword that refused to awaken with his lover's blood now shone from the purity of his tears.
A single crystalline tear slid down Keqing's cheek as she closed the comic.
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