Chapter 20: The Whispers of Mondstadt—The Legend of the Blind Box Shop
The night in Liyue was brightly lit, and the last group of customers reluctantly left Ling Feng's blind box shop. Hu Tao, holding her newly acquired "Ghost Camera," waved at Ling Feng with a grin. "Boss, I'll be back tomorrow! This camera is so fun—I'm going to take commemorative photos of every guest at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
Ling Feng smiled helplessly and watched her leave. After closing the door, he let out a long sigh and leaned against the counter. A system notification echoed in his mind:
**[Ding! Host has completed the Liyue main storyline quest. Blind Box Shop reputation has reached 'Citywide Sensation.' Next phase objective: Expand the shop to Mondstadt and open a new chapter.]**
"Mondstadt, huh?" Ling Feng murmured to himself, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. The city of freedom, blessed by the Anemo Archon, might just be the perfect next step for him.
A few days later, Ling Feng quietly set up his blind box shop on a street in Mondstadt. The shop was located next to the "Angel's Share" tavern, a bustling area with high foot traffic and close proximity to the Knights of Favonius headquarters, ensuring safety. The shop's exterior was modest, but the signboard with the words "Multiverse Blind Box" stood out prominently.
On the first day of opening, Ling Feng didn't make a big fuss. He sat behind the counter, leisurely brewing a cup of tea, waiting for the first customer to arrive.
*Ding-ling—* The doorbell chimed softly as a blonde girl peeked inside, curiously examining the shop.
"Welcome," Ling Feng greeted with a smile, standing up. "This is the Multiverse Blind Box Shop. How may I assist you?"
"Blind box shop?" The girl blinked. "I'm Barbara, a sister from the Church of Favonius. I heard this place has magical items?"
"That's right," Ling Feng said, pointing to the blind boxes on the counter. "For a certain amount of Mora, you can randomly obtain treasures or abilities from across the multiverse."
Barbara hesitated for a moment before pulling out some Mora from her pocket. "Then... I'll give it a try."
She chose a blue blind box and carefully opened it. A soft glow emanated from the box, revealing a delicate badge inside.
**[Ding! Customer Barbara has obtained the *Idolmaster* Exclusive Badge. When worn, it enhances singing charm and grants the 'Stage Aura' effect.]**
"Wow! It's so pretty!" Barbara exclaimed in delight, pinning the badge to her chest. She hummed a few notes, and instantly, her voice seemed to carry a magical quality, making the air around her feel sweeter.
"Thank you, boss!" Barbara bowed happily to Ling Feng and dashed out of the shop. "I'm going to practice my new song!"
Back at the Church of Favonius, Barbara eagerly began her practice. Standing in front of a mirror, she softly hummed a newly learned song. As her voice flowed, a faint halo of light appeared around her, like a spotlight on a stage.
"Is this... the stage aura?" Barbara stared at her reflection in amazement. She had never imagined possessing such a magical ability.
The next day, Barbara decided to hold a small concert at Mondstadt's plaza. Standing on a makeshift stage, she took a deep breath and began her performance.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Barbara. Today, I'd like to share a new song with you."
As her voice filled the air, the stage aura gradually expanded, enveloping the entire plaza. The audience was captivated by her beautiful singing, and soon, a crowd had gathered.
"Wow, Miss Barbara's voice is so enchanting!"
"I've never heard such moving music before!"
"Miss Barbara, you're Mondstadt's pride!"
After the concert, Barbara was surrounded by enthusiastic fans. She smiled and thanked everyone, her heart filled with joy.
"All of this is thanks to that blind box shop," Barbara thought to herself.
The next morning, Barbara returned to the blind box shop. She decided to try her luck again, hoping to obtain more magical items.
"Boss, I'd like to try my luck again," Barbara said with a smile.
Ling Feng nodded. "Of course, welcome back."
Barbara chose three blind boxes of different colors and carefully opened them.
The first box contained a bottle of *Sailor Moon* transformation potion.
**[Ding! Customer Barbara has obtained *Sailor Moon* Transformation Potion. When consumed, it grants temporary transformation abilities.]**
"Transformation potion?" Barbara looked curiously at the small bottle in her hand.
"Give it a try," Ling Feng encouraged.
Barbara drank the potion and was instantly enveloped in a flash of light. When the light faded, she had transformed into a glamorous idol warrior in a stunning dress.
"Wow! This is amazing!" Barbara exclaimed excitedly.
The second box contained a *K-On!* music score.
**[Ding! Customer Barbara has obtained *K-On!* Music Score. When played, it summons music spirits.]**
"Music spirits?" Barbara flipped through the score and began to hum softly. As the music flowed, tiny music spirits appeared around her, dancing to her melody.
"They're so cute!" Barbara said in delight.
The third box contained a *LoveLive!* glow stick.
**[Ding! Customer Barbara has obtained *LoveLive!* Glow Stick. When waved, it enhances the audience's enthusiasm.]**
"A glow stick?" Barbara picked up the glow stick and waved it gently. Instantly, the audience's excitement surged, and cheers erupted.
"Thank you, boss!" Barbara bowed happily to Ling Feng. "These items are incredible!"
As Barbara's concerts grew increasingly popular, the reputation of the blind box shop spread rapidly. Residents of Mondstadt flocked to the shop, hoping to obtain their own magical items.
Ling Feng sat behind the counter, watching the bustling crowd in his shop, a sense of accomplishment filling his heart.
"Mondstadt is indeed an interesting place," he murmured.
**[Ding! Host has successfully opened a branch in Mondstadt. Blind Box Shop reputation has reached 'Emerging Fame.' Reward: Wind Element Affinity increased. Can summon gentle breezes to assist in business.]**
Ling Feng smiled faintly and stood up, walking to the window. In the distance, the statue of the Anemo Archon stood sacred under the moonlight. He whispered softly, "The whispers of Mondstadt have only just begun."