The onlookers of Liyue stared wide-eyed at the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, their mouths hanging open, unable to close.
It was as if they were witnessing the most unbelievable sight in all of Teyvat. Seeing the Blue-Eyes White Dragon in reality was a completely different experience from watching it on the screen moments ago.
One young boy in the crowd fainted outright—the sight was far too overwhelming for a child…
Even Hongyi of the Millelith instinctively stepped back a few paces, his body trembling from shock.
He stood frozen, eyes locked onto the giant dragon, as though captivated by its beauty and power.
His lips parted, yet no sound escaped, utterly consumed by the overwhelming scene.
The dragon's scales gleamed brilliantly, each as dazzling as a jewel, leaving all in awe.
The Blue-Eyes White Dragon's majestic form and overwhelming aura struck a terror and reverence deeper than what people felt even when facing Hilichurls.
In this moment, people forgot to breathe, forgot everything around them.
Their hearts held only this dragon—its unparalleled beauty and might.
"This is a Duel Monster!"
"It's unbelievable!?"
"With a monster like this, I'd never be afraid of Hilichurls or Slimes again!"
"Ah! Wonderful! I must report this to our Feiyun Commerce Guild!"
"We'll buy them in bulk!!!"
"No, I must quickly inform Lady Ningguang!"
"This is technology not even in Snezhnaya… I must report it to the Tsaritsa!"
All at once, the eyes and ears of every major power began to move.
Those who had just been complaining that Luya's cards cost 4000 Mora apiece and were too expensive…
Now, they thought—
Worth it!
Absolutely worth it!!!
A card that could summon a monster, for only 4000 Mora!?
A single Zhongyuan Chop Suey cost 6600 Mora. For less than the price of one dish, you could get a Monster Card!
Too cheap!!!
While Hu Tao and the other citizens of Liyue were still reeling in shock, Zhongli was the first to recover.
"Shopkeeper, this Blue-Eyes White Dragon."
"I find it most pleasing. Might you…"
"Sell it to me?!"
"As for the price, name whatever you wish."
Zhongli himself didn't know why, but he felt a natural affinity for the Blue-Eyes White Dragon… he wanted it desperately.
Zhongli's mastery of Liyue's traditions surpassed any scholar's. Presiding over the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he conducted rites for all things between heaven and earth. Dress, auspicious timing, ritual tools, ceremonial order—entrust any of it to him, and nothing would go awry.
Yet this man of such refinement and scrupulous attention to detail—
would stroll out into the world with empty sleeves.
Business required payment, transport required fare, yet Zhongli never carried Mora, leaving others to pay in the end. The finest opera, the sharpest browlines, exquisite food, clothing, and objects—he delighted in all, except the act of paying.
Ask him about it… and he'd only say: "Is that so? All these years, no one has ever quarreled with me over money."
But through the wear of millennia,
this was the first time Zhongli had so greatly desired something… and so, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon—he was determined to have it.
Faced with Zhongli's request to buy the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Luya shook his head with a smile:
"Sorry…"
"This Blue-Eyes White Dragon is not for sale."
"And it cannot be pulled from card packs. This Blue-Eyes White Dragon is the shop's treasure!"
Hearing this, Zhongli let out a heavy sigh:
"It seems… fate does not bind me to this item."
As the God of Contracts, Zhongli would never forcefully take what was not his. Though he longed for the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, if it was declared not for sale—he would respect that.
After a few moments, Hu Tao and the others also returned to their senses.
"What!?"
"Not for sale, and can't be pulled from packs?!"
"As expected… a card this magnificent is no ordinary thing!"
"Ahhh! But I really, really want it!!!"
"If this Blue-Eyes White Dragon were placed in the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, every evil spirit and foul creature would vanish in an instant!"
"And just imagine the prestige it would bring to future funeral rites!"
"Shopkeeper, please sell it to me!?"
"This Hall Master has plenty of money—name your price!!!"
Looking at the impatient Hu Tao, Luya put away the Blue-Eyes White Dragon and cleared his throat.
He addressed the crowd gathered below the Duel Stage:
"Everyone! Though this Blue-Eyes White Dragon is not for sale."
"However!!!"
"One month from now, this shop will host a Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Tournament. And the champion's prize will be three Blue-Eyes White Dragons—"
"Along with 80 million Mora in cash!!!"
...
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