Wait... could it be?! The story of The Divine Damsel of Devastation also spoke of a method involving the sacrifice of one's life!
And the Ahe mentioned in this tattered notebook... seemed connected to the goddess from The Divine Damsel of Devastation!
In the opera, the goddess was a young girl who, after vanquishing evil spirits and learning the arts of the adepti, returned home—only to find her home long gone.
Yun Jin's gaze fell on the red cord tied behind Shenhe's long hair. Suddenly, she remembered a line from The Divine Damsel of Devastation:
[The crimson thread binds the forgotten woodcutter.]
Crimson means red—could the "crimson thread" be the same red cord Shenhe wears?
And this opera's story must have taken place in this very village in the Tianheng Mountains.
If the contents of the tattered notebook were true, then the "goddess" in The Divine Damsel of Devastation—was not a heroic maiden who willingly destroyed evil spirits... but rather, a poor little girl cast into a mountain cave by her own kin in a desperate life-for-life ritual!
Realizing this, Yun Jin couldn't help but look at Shenhe with a touch of sorrow.
By now, she had pieced together most of the truth behind The Divine Damsel of Devastation. Perhaps Shenhe wasn't as fearless as the goddess in the tale—yet the story told by the adepti was meant to inspire the world, after all.
As long as it moved people's hearts, that was enough.
Though this duel was a sure loss for Yun Jin, discovering such a truth was a reward in itself.
Shenhe's story was exactly the kind Yun Jin longed to tell—one that captured the joys and sorrows, love and hate of the mortal world.
...
Shenhe's [Exosisters Magnifica]'s attack had been blocked by Yun Jin, yet Shenhe showed no sign of panic.
"I activate [Exosisters Magnifica]'s effect!"
"This card can attack twice during each Battle Phase."
"[Exosisters Magnifica], attack directly again!"
With 2800 ATK, [Exosisters Magnifica] launched a direct attack at Yun Jin!
Yun Jin had nowhere to run—her Life Points dropped by 2800.
[Yun Jin, LP: 1200]
Next, [Exosister Sophia] remained in Defense Position, so it did not attack.
"Turn end!"
...
"Whoa! Boss Yun's in serious trouble!"
"She's got no cards left in hand..."
"Unless she top-decks a miracle next draw, it's over!"
"Still... that seems unlikely."
The spectators all showed concern for Yun Jin.
...
After Shenhe's attack ended, Yun Jin began her turn.
"My turn—Draw!"
She glanced at her card... and shook her head before ending her turn without a move.
As expected, Shenhe claimed victory. As the duel concluded, the crowd erupted in excitement.
"The Exosisters are so beautiful and strong!"
"Absolutely amazing~!"
"So jealous of Shenhe—her Deck is incredible!"
...
After the duel, Luya dispelled his enlarged form. He found a quiet spot and decided to rest.
Before he knew it, he had fallen fast asleep.
When he opened his eyes again, it was already afternoon.
Luya saw Cloud Retainer entering the shop and was overjoyed.
Cloud Retainer's visit could only mean one thing—she had discovered a way to mass-produce the game consoles!
...
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