(T/N: I was sick for a bit and 'dying' in my bed, but I feel better now, so I'm back now.)
"If you wish to know what happened next, tune in next time!"
This phrase is the favorite parting line in the storytelling world. It always leaves the audience hanging, guaranteeing sleepless nights for those desperate to know more.
It's like this: imagine you're quietly enjoying a table full of delicious food, peaceful and undisturbed.
Then suddenly, someone bursts through the door, slams your meal onto the floor with a crash, and yells, "Your wife's been stolen!"
Forcibly ending your wonderful moment of enjoyment.
In an instant, every drinker at Third-Round Knockout wore a sour expression—faces like they'd just bitten into something terrible.
The crowd erupted in boos and complaints.
"Iron Tongue Tian! Quit leaving us hanging!"
"Seriously, Iron Tongue Tian! You stop right at the best part!"
"You're something else, Iron Tongue Tian!"
The audience shouted their dissatisfaction. Infuriating! If they weren't so good-natured, they might have rolled up their sleeves long ago.
Hearing all this, Iron Tongue Tian just smiled lightly. He snapped his folding fan open again and launched into another tale about Rex Lapis.
"These storytellers really know how to keep us waiting!" Chongyun said, exasperated.
"You get used to it." Xingqiu wore a calm expression. Clearly, this young master had endured this many times before.
He loved novels, operas, and storytelling—the chivalrous plots captivated him completely. And yes, these storytellers constantly left him hanging.
It drove Xingqiu crazy.
"I know it's inevitable, but I still want to complain." Chongyun rubbed his forehead wearily, then continued through gritted teeth.
"If it weren't for this ice pop, I might have fainted from my pure yang constitution again."
That cliffhanger nearly spiked his blood pressure.
"Haha! I recently found a book that might help suppress your pure yang constitution. I'll lend it to you sometime."
Xingqiu patted Chongyun's arm, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Seeing that sly expression, Chongyun's brow furrowed. Whenever Xingqiu looked like that, it meant trouble was brewing.
"I hope it suppresses rather than amplifies," Chongyun muttered.
"Of course! We're friends! I'd never hurt you!"
Xingqiu's grin widened. He couldn't wait to lend his best friend that absolutely thrilling Legend of Boren!
Legend of Boren tells the story of a show-off kid who constantly overestimates himself, acting as if the world would collapse without him.
Sure, the protagonist eventually dies from a cerebral hemorrhage caused by excessive showing off. But the earlier chapters? Pure gold for treating low blood pressure.
Xingqiu acquired this book through his heroic deeds—he borrowed it permanently from some Treasure Hoarders. A rare, out-of-print edition.
Apparently, it was self-published by Treasure Hoarder members who fancied themselves writers. The only copy in existence.
The content might be questionable, but it was worth keeping as a souvenir. Proof of his heroic adventures!
Hopefully, Chongyun could withstand this heavy blow from his best buddy.
"Come to think of it, where are Hu Tao and Xiangling?" Chongyun took a deep breath, paused for a moment, then bit into his ice pop again, puzzled.
"Ah, you know how busy those two are."
Xingqiu shook his head regretfully. He'd planned to invite them out today, but they both had work.
Xiangling needed no explanation—everyone knew she was Wanmin Restaurant's head chef. Affordable prices kept the place packed daily.
When she wasn't searching for new ingredients or inspiration, she was too swamped to think straight.
As for Hu Tao, she'd mentioned wanting to promote Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services while the festival crowds were thick. Who knew what she was up to now?
"We should all gather sometime." Chongyun finished his ice pop, cleared his throat, and said calmly.
"We'll find a chance."
---
In Liyue, storytelling wasn't the only pastime. During this lively festival, opera was absolutely essential.
Many opera performers graced Liyue's stages—male and female, each possessing genuine talent. Among them, Yun Jin was undoubtedly the most renowned.
On ordinary days, Yun Jin forgoes the elaborate headwear and painted faces. She dresses in a half-skirt ensemble, adorned with decorative elements from opera costumes: pompoms, pheasant feathers, a cloud shoulder cape, and flowing ribbons at the hem. Her garments feature cloud patterns and square-shaped designs as embellishments.
Today, Yun Jin stood on her dedicated stage, showcasing her melodious voice and elegant movements to the crowd.
Yun Jin hails from a family with deep roots in Liyue's performing arts. Since childhood, she's been immersed in operatic culture.
Her mother inherited her grandfather's legacy, once a celebrated star throughout Liyue Harbor. Her father, meanwhile, was a playwright.
Yun Jin is also the current head of Yun-Han Opera Troupe. She can draw inspiration to create new operas and perform them with her beautiful voice.
Without question, she's the harbor's premier opera star.
In the world of opera, she can only be described as a true genius.
Her style is uniquely her own—elegant and soft, much like the woman herself.
Yun Jin's singing is sweet, her stage presence charming, and her performances are renowned for their lively emotional depth.
Whether portraying a delicate and dignified young lady or a heroic woman of unwavering righteousness, she captures every role perfectly.
In simple terms, her vocal style and emotional delivery immerse you completely in the characters or scenes of the opera. It feels as if the figures and landscapes are standing alive before your very eyes.
Yun Jin is absolutely top-tier when it comes to opera. She's also the envy of many—after all, she's earned recognition from a Vision.
Rumors swirl about the origin of the Vision at Yun Jin's waist. Some say Rex Lapis himself came to hear her sing.
After listening, he acknowledged her mastery of opera and granted her his recognition.
Others claim Yun Jin created a particularly exceptional opera, earning Rex Lapis's approval through its outstanding quality.
Regardless, for someone as talented and popular as her, rumors and speculation are endless.
Yun Jin typically appears dignified and elegant, but she has her own little secret—one that doesn't quite match her outward demeanor.
That secret? Rock music. During her free time, Yun Jin enjoys listening to rock.
Unfortunately, this hobby always gets restricted by certain traditionalists within her troupe.
After all, she's their prized treasure. They absolutely cannot let rock's rebellious spirit lead her astray.
Not that their objections matter much. Despite her elegance, Yun Jin is still young. Her way of thinking has long diverged from the older generation.
Speaking of rock, that brings us to another Vision holder—a girl who could be described as truly fiery.
Her name is Xinyan. In Liyue Harbor, rock is considered an emerging art form, and Xinyan is its pioneering practitioner.
Unlike those born into artistic families, Xinyan grew up poor.
Life wasn't harsh, but compared to renowned artistic households, it certainly fell short.
Yun Jin is a genius of opera; Xinyan is a prodigy of rock music.
When Xinyan performs, she follows no rules. Anything can become her instrument.
Stage pillars, the floor beneath her feet, the audience's cheers and shouts—even the sparks and explosions from her Vision—all become highlights in her rock compositions.
Xinyan is tall, with dark skin and sharp, piercing eyes. To maintain her rock and roll mindset, she stays in her exaggerated performance attire year-round.
Walking down the street on ordinary days, she strikes others as utterly fierce—like some menacing thug.
But if you truly get to know her, you'll discover Xinyan is actually quite gentle.
Xinyan and Yun Jin are close friends, brought together by their shared love of art. Sometimes they wonder what sparks might fly if opera and rock combined.
In the eyes of the older generation, Xinyan's existence threatens to corrupt today's youth. But among young people, she's practically an idol.
After all, young folks are always curious about new things.
Regardless, a new era approaches. The older generation must learn to embrace the changing times.