Divine Convenience Store

Lin Mo's sudden burst of speed caught Yu Qingyan off guard, her jade-green eyes widening for a split second before her merchant's poise snapped back into place.

Lin Mo's fist, guided by the [Foundational Martial Technique], arced toward her, a controlled strike aimed to test her reflexes rather than land a real blow. The [Ironfang Wolf] mirrored his advance, its claws slashing at the [Rookie Idol] with a guttural snarl, aiming to pin the shimmering unit down.

Yu Qingyan's lips twitched into a sly grin, her own movements fluid as she sidestepped Lin Mo's punch with an alluring grace. Her own movement technique wasn't in play, but her cultivation base, even suppressed to his level, carried the polish of years spent navigating the various trades and sect disputes.

She spun gracefully, her verdant robes flaring like a blooming lotus, and flicked her wrist to activate a Spell Card from her deck.

[Melodic Pulse].

A wave of harmonic energy rippled from her Celestial Field. The musical notes swirled around the [Rookie Idol] and amplified into a shimmering barrier. The [Ironfang Wolf]'s claws met the barrier and sparks flew as the melody dulled its ferocity, slowing its charge.

The idol, no longer clumsy, swayed with newfound confidence, her microphone glowing as she sang a single, piercing note that staggered the wolf.

Lin Mo skidded to a halt, his own momentum carrying him past Yu Qingyan as her spell disrupted his rhythm.

He clicked his tongue, yet was thoroughly impressed. He knew the gap between them, and it was displayed by her properly. "Not bad, Miss Yu. I like that you won't even let me get a free hit."

Yu Qingyan's laugh was sharp, her competitive spark flaring brighter. She was surprised. She wouldn't lie about that. Lin Mo had always been a man filled with mystery for her. Ever since meeting him, the atmosphere around him remained the same, even if his starting position was a mere mortal behind the counter of a divine establishment such as the store.

"Flattery won't save you, Shopkeeper. I intend to grant your wish of a fair fight. Take it as my obligation as your favorite distributor."

She raised her hand, and another card appeared between her fingers, "Let's raise the stage. [Moonlit Dancer]!"

A Level 2 unit materialized in a cascade of silver light, a lithe figure draped in a flowing silver dress that glimmers like moonlight on water. Her jet-black hair swirled as she spun while adorned with lunar pearls. She twirled under the lunar veil, her steps a hymn to the night, captivating all who witnessed her celestial dance.

In front of Lin Mo, her movements seemed to weave a hypnotic rhythm that pulsed through the overlapping Celestial Fields. Her presence amplified the [Rookie Idol]'s melody, the combined notes forming a suppressive aura that pressed against Lin Mo's spiritual energy, restricting him from instantaneous movement again. Likewise, his [Ironfang Wolf] became vulnerable to the [Rookie Idols]'s next attack.

From the sidelines, Liu Xiaoyu crunched her potato chips louder, her grin widening. "Oof, Boss is in trouble! Miss Yu's building a combo already. Little Spring, Mei Ling, are you recording this? This is gonna be a masterclass!"

Little Spring's recording jade crystal glowed brighter, capturing every moment, while Mei Ling whispered, "Elder Yu's so cool! Her idols are like a performance troupe!"

"Of course! That's why I also like this deck! They're so graceful and unique!" Liu Xiaoyu rubbed her nose as though she were the one being praised.

Yangyang also offered a commentary. She might not have played a game of Celestial Duel yet, but she understands its core mechanics. "Shopkeeper's holding his own, but Elder Yu's synergy is tight. Her deck thrives on momentum. He needs to disrupt her rhythm or he's done."

Lin Mo's eyes narrowed, his not-so-great instincts kicking in as he assessed the stage.

Yu Qingyan's [Moonlit Dancer] and [Rookie Idol] were weaving a dangerous synergy. Their combined melodies tightened like a net around his [Ironfang Wolf] and his own movements.

The [Melodic Pulse] still lingered and its harmonic pressure sapped his spiritual energy with every step.

His dantian pulsed, the spark within his chest flickered as if urging him to act fast. He wasn't a prodigy like Xiaoyu or a seasoned cultivator like Yu Qingyan but he'd survived boardroom meetings and now Anchors by thinking three steps ahead.

"Alright, Miss Yu," He said as he flicked his wrist, drawing another card from his [Celestial Beasts] deck. "You've got a nice stage, but I don't think I can surrender like this. It'll be embarrassing. I intend to impress you, you know?"

With a grin, he slapped the card into his [Celestial Duel Gear], its sleek frame humming as it processed the summon. "[Stormclaw Raptor], let's shake things up!"

A Level 3 unit roared into existence, its sleek, feathered form crackling with faint arcs of lightning. The raptor's talons gouged the earthen Celestial Field, its amber eyes locking onto the [Moonlit Dancer] with predatory intent.

Its presence sent a gust of primal energy rippling through the stage, momentarily disrupting the melodic aura.

The [Ironfang Wolf] shook off its daze, snarling as it repositioned beside the raptor.

Yu Qingyan's brows arched. She's unshaken but her eyes glint with respect and a hint of amusement, "A raptor? What kind of animal is that? Looks like a bird. Bold move, Shopkeeper. If you're going to impress me, beware that my idols might captivate you."

She flicked her wrist again, playing a Spell Card with a flourish. "[Celestial Crescendo]!"

A cascade of shimmering notes erupted from her Celestial Field, the illusory notes swirled faster as the melody intensified. The [Moonlit Dancer] spun, her lunar pearls glowing brighter, while the [Rookie Idol] sang a soaring counterpoint.

The spell's effect bolstered their synergy, granting both units enhanced speed and strength that made their bodies shine like starlight.

The [Stormclaw Raptor]'s lightning-charged lunge struck the [Moonlit Dancer]'s guard, its talons sparking harmlessly as the unit spun to absorb the blow.

Lin Mo clicked his tongue, his spiritual energy dipping to 60% from the raptor's summon. The [Crimson Flow Phantom Steps] kept him mobile, but Yu Qingyan's field control was suffocating.

Her units were acting out a performance, each move building on the last. He needed to break her momentum before she summoned something even stronger or better yet, attack him directly. If that happened, how would he guard against her?

From the sidelines, Xiaoyu's voice cut through the tension, her potato chip crunching pausing for dramatic effect. "Boss, you're letting her set the pace! Throw a curveball or she'll bury you in sparkles!"

Little Spring giggled, her recording jade crystal glowing as she captured the raptor's failed strike. "Shopkeeper Lin's beasts are fierce, but Elder Yu's idols are too pretty! It's like a festival!"

Mei Ling nodded, clutching her own [Celestial Duel Gear]. "I want to try the [Celestial Idols] deck too! Elder Yu makes it look so fun!"

Yangyang adjusted her glasses, her tone calm but analytical. "Shopkeeper's beasts are aggressive, but Elder Yu's deck is about control. He needs a Spell Card to disrupt her field or he'll be locked down."

Ignoring the commentary down below, Lin Mo decided on a more aggressive approach.

Close in on Yu Qingyan and rely on his [Crimson Flow Phantom Steps] to stay ahead. She suppressed her cultivation. She wouldn't be as dominant if she couldn't keep up with his speed.

With that thought in mind, he mentally commanded his units while letting the clock tick for a new card to be drawn on his deck. He disappeared from his position and reappeared on Yu Qingyan's side, his arms stretching out, not to hit her but to tackle her down.

It was a calculated risk, his movement technique carrying him in a blur of motion that cut through the harmonic haze of Yu Qingyan's Celestial Field. His arms stretched forward, aiming to pin her in a playful grapple rather than strike, banking on surprise to disrupt her rhythm.

The [Stormclaw Raptor] and [Ironfang Wolf] surged in tandem, the raptor's lightning-charged talons arcing toward the [Moonlit Dancer] while the wolf lunged at the [Rookie Idol], their primal roars clashing with the idols' melodic aura.

Yu Qingyan's eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and delight, her merchant's instincts kicking in as she twisted her body with a dancer's grace. She didn't summon a new card or activate a spell, instead, she leaned backwards, her movement fluid as she tried to slip out of Lin Mo's reach. Her verdant robes fluttered like a willow in the wind, and she spun, her fingers brushing his outstretched arm as she attempted to redirect his momentum with a gentle push.

However, Lin Mo took that into account!

With a sudden burst of energy, he dodged his attempts and successfully tackled her, the two of them landing on the hard floor.

"Shopkeeper, you're getting bold!" She yelped, her voice carrying a melodic lilt that echoed her deck's theme as she found herself pinned down by him.