After assembling the three [Celestial Idols], Xiaoyu didn’t let up.

She commanded her [Opal Harmonist] to strike, its staff unleashing a beam of prismatic light that slammed into Yan Wei’s [Azure-winged Griffin], sending it staggering backward, its wing pierced open.

The [Jade Serenade] strummed a piercing note, targeting Zhou Rui’s [Celestial Manticore], which roared in pain as its scorpion tail got severed.

Yan Wei gritted his teeth, ignoring his gradually decreasing spiritual energy as another card got added to his existing hand..

“This young master… won’t lose!” He popped another [Spirit Replenishing Candy], the burst of energy stabilizing his Celestial Field as he summoned the newly-drawn card, Level 2 unit: [Stormclaw Bear].

The beast roared as it took over the [Azure-winged Griffin] and charged toward Xiaoyu’s [Opal Harmonist].

However, its attack was intercepted by the [Jade Serenade], whose lute was sacrificed by throwing it on the bear’s path.

On the other side, Zhou Rui downed another [Spirit Rejuvenation Tea], his spiritual energy slowly creeping back to 25% and slapped a [Spirit Embodiment Sticker Seal] on his right wrist. The spiritual projection of an Infernal Warclaw merged with his body, enhancing his overall stats.

At the same time as he leaped towards Xiaoyu, he summoned a new [Thunderhoof Stag], its lightning-crackling antlers charging at Xiaoyu’s [Jade Serenade].

“One last push, Miss Xiaoyu!”

Xiaoyu’s grin returned, fierce and unyielding. “You’re both stubborn, I’ll give you that! But this stage is mine!”

Not minding Yan Wei and Zhou Rui closing in on her, she drew and activated her final card. [Starlit Idol Ascension].

WOOSH~!

The weakened [Jade Serenade], which lost its weapon, transformed into a majestic figure with its crystalline form radiating a blinding light.

A new lute appeared in her hands as it evolved to the Level 4 Unit – [Diamond Serenade].

TINK~!

The [Diamond Serenade] strummed a single chord, and a shockwave of spiritual energy swept the stage. Yan Wei’s [Stormclaw Bear] and the injured [Azure-winged Griffin] dissolved into motes of light, their forms unable to withstand the celestial resonance.

Meanwhile, Zhou Rui’s [Celestial Manticore] and [Thunderhoof Stag] staggered, their spiritual energy drained to near collapse.

Xiaoyu raised her hand, her [Celestial Duel Gear] glowing as she pointed at Yan Wei and Zhou Rui. “Time to wrap this up, dear customers! You fought well, but the Divine Convenience Store always delivers!”

She commanded her [Diamond Serenade] to strike, its lute unleashing a final, devastating note that rippled through both Celestial Fields.

TWANG~!

And matching the timing of her unit, Liu Xiaoyu’s figure blinked from her position, facing Yan Wei and Zhou Rui’s charge head-on.

She used an arm to deflect Yan Wei’s rapier before kicking him away, what little spiritual energy he had left seemingly dispersed from his body. As his weapon clattered on the stage, Liu Xiaoyu switched her target to Zhou Rui, whose astonishment had yet to set in.

“How are you this strong, Miss–”

Liu Xiaoyu didn’t let him finish his question as she clawed at his chest, ripping away the protection provided by the sticker seal before throwing him down on the ground.

Zhou Rui tried to counterattack with his saber, but the wave from the [Diamond Serenade] knocked it away from his hand.

With the two summoners down on the ground, Liu Xiaoyu’s remaining units took care of their flickering beasts as their Celestial Field slowly dissolved.

A few breaths later, Liu Xiaoyu landed on the ground, the remaining [Celestial Idols] gracefully posed in front of the audience as they played a victorious melody complete with colorful effects as though mocking the two young talents who started the duel.

At the same time, the divine-grade formation shimmered and the golden scoreboard up above got updated. Yan Wei at 0%, Zhou Rui at 0%, Xiaoyu at 55%.

The crowd erupted, spirit stones flooding the betting stall as Grandmaster Lian and her students scrambled to tally the winnings.

Xiao Ya jumped up and down, her voice piercing the din. “Sister Xiaoyu won! She’s the best!”

The Bulletin Board thread exploded, users from across the Nine Heavens posting in a frenzy:

[IdolFanatic]: DIAMOND SERENADE?! Xiaoyu, my goddess! I’m buying that deck tomorrow!

[CloudSaberFan]: Senior Brother Zhou Rui fought hard, but Xiaoyu’s on another level. Shopkeeper Lin’s assistant is a monster!

[SouthernEmber]: I’m selling my spirit beast to get to Fanling City. This platform’s worth every stone!

Yan Wei, panting heavily, managed a grudging nod as he picked up his rapier. “Tch… well played, Xiaoyu. This young master… acknowledges your skill. But don’t think this is over!”

He produced his fan again and snapped it open, a weak attempt at reclaiming his swagger.

Zhou Rui used his saber for support and flashed a wry grin. “You’re terrifying, Miss Xiaoyu. The Benefactor’s lucky to have you. I’ll be back for a rematch… after I finish climbing the Tower with Celestial Duel Gear!”

Xiaoyu laughed, her hands on her hips as her units dissolved into motes of light.

“Anytime, dear customers! And I apologize for disrupting your rematch! You can continue!”

The young men wryly smiled and shook their heads at that while Liu Xiaoyu didn’t think much of it.

She turned to the crowd, her voice ringing with triumph. “Thank you, dear customers, for witnessing our newest product, the Celestial Duel Gear! Come on. Go down here and try it out!”

The crowd roared, some cultivators already clamoring to join the next match, while others could only look on as there were no more [Celestial Duel Gear] bundles.

Grandmaster Lian stood up, her attention still lingering on the match that had transpired. Soon after, she turned to her students, “Liying, Jiahao, Mingzhu. Prepare your notes and go down there to try it out. We’re studying this platform’s mechanics thoroughly. Shopkeeper Lin has given us a glimpse of the future and our Red Lotus Academy will be the first to adapt it to its curriculum. You three will be the leaders of your respective classes. In time, I’ll also bring you to that tower.”

—

In the Inner Abyssal Circle, Venom Master Xun reclined in her chamber, her Viewing Jade glowing with the latest Bulletin Board updates. Xiaoyu’s win started dominating the newer threads, but her focus was elsewhere.

A new message from Huangfeng’s hunting wasp buzzed into the chamber, its wings carrying a new message: “The High Priest’s envoys have reached the Bone Ash Syndicate. They’ve offered terms, but the Syndicate demands a share of the store’s wares and the return of its territory. The Priest decides to no longer negotiate. We’re being asked to mobilize and take them down while they’re still unprepared.”

Xun’s smile widened, her eyes glinting like a spider sensing a trembling web. The High Priest’s ambition was overreaching, as she’d predicted.

The Bone Ash Syndicate was a rabid dog. Useful, but not to be trusted. She’d follow the High Priest’s commands for now and then later swoop in with her Arachnid Branch’s resources, cementing her dominance.

Once again, she created another thread. It was already becoming a hobby for her. She’d do it again and again until the Shopkeeper’s attention was caught by her webbings.

After reading it twice, she sent it as her smile sharpened into a sly and seductive grin. The Shopkeeper was a puzzle, but puzzles were meant to be solved. Whether by charm, coin, or cunning, she’d draw him into her web.

—

Back in the store proper, setting aside the current uproar created by Xiaoyu, Lin Mo welcomed the Second Elder of Azure Gale Sect and guided him inside the divine-grade formation for the preview of the immortal-grade artifacts.

Like many before him, he couldn’t believe his eyes until he verified its authenticity. Elder Yan Chen immediately offered 100,000 high-grade spirit stones for the [Boundless Knowledge Jade] and 200,000 for the [Heavenly Mirage Illusion Orb].

Obviously, he declined that offer, repeating the same words he gave the other Golden Patrons who viewed the artifacts.

Although disappointed, Elder Yan Chen didn’t push it.

Once the preview finished, he went to the multipurpose hall to check on Yan Wei and his gang.

Meanwhile, Lin Mo walked over towards the entrance as a newcomer arrived in haste.

He noticed it from the Area Monitor.

The City Lord Wei Xian sent a City Guard stationed from the Anchor outside the walls of Fanling City.

Lin Mo could only think of one possibility: there’s a change in the Anchor.

“Captain Zhao?” He greeted the City Guard, who immediately clasped his hands and bowed towards him.

“Shopkeeper. Please come with us. City Lord said this is urgent, and you must see the development of that underground ruin.”

“Did it finally become active?” He asked, his words carrying a hint of cautiousness.

“Not exactly but it stopped being dormant. The City Lord said it would be wise for you to see it for yourself.”

Lin Mo hesitated for a moment. Not only was he worried about the First Princess getting overwhelmed at her post, but also… it would become his first trip outside the walls of the Fanling City ever since he got transported to this realm two weeks ago.

After thinking about it carefully, he pushed down that thought. What’s there for him to hesitate? Sooner or later, he also had to leave to see the Tower and walk the land of the Realm of Nine Heavens. He can’t always be holed up inside the store.

At least, he now has the means to escape if there’s even a hint of danger. His mastered [Crimson Flow Phantom Steps].

“Alright. Lead the way, Captain Zhao.” He straightened his back and pulled on his uniform, straightening its creases as he strode out of the Divine Convenience Store’s door.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep