Around thirty minutes later, after more customers inquired about the poster regarding the Celestial Duel Platform Alpha Test, Lin Mo opened the [Divine Arena & Exhibition Hall] again, inviting everyone who wished to spectate.
As they were extremely curious about what that platform was, many followed him, both new and returning customers who paused their browsing of the new bundles and products on the shelves.
Unlike yesterday when he hosted an exhibition match between Yan Wei and Zhou Rui, Lin Mo stepped into the updated platform alongside his assistant Liu Xiaoyu.
While he remained stoic and professional, the young woman was as bubbly as ever. She looked like she was bouncing as she hopped and skipped to the other side of the platform that serves as the arena and stage.
Once the audience settled down, Lin Mo raised his hand to silence them before clasping it behind his back as he spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone.
"Welcome, dear customers, to the Celestial Duel Platform Alpha Test. As mentioned by the poster inside the store, I, along with my assistant, Xiaoyu, will be showcasing to you an upcoming product of our Divine Convenience Store."
He flicked his fingers and the golden screen up above showed the introduction of the [Celestial Duel Platform].
The first paragraph talked about how it can be considered an entertainment platform where anyone, as long as they possessed the [Celestial Duel Gear] and [Celestial Duel Cards] could conjure an illusory arena where they could battle it out with someone else by summoning through the cards.
The images of the Gear and Cards were also highlighted as they showed off a bracelet-like artifact that could be worn easily on one’s wrist as well as a pack of what looked like glossy and thick Card Talismans.
Lin Mo couldn’t help but shake his head at it as it was truly almost a rip-off of that popular trading card game from Earth.
But then again, the [Celestial Duel System] that Zhenren Lihua created which contained the rules of the game and other important details sets it apart from it.
To his surprise though, the audience was utterly captivated.
The mere notion of summoning entities through cards and engaging in battles of strategy and power intrigued both mortals and cultivators alike.
Some called it to be like the Spirit Embodiment Sticker Seals but they were instantly refuted by those who had bought the expensive Summoning Card Talismans like Yu Qingyan.
"Wrong! Those Celestial Duel Cards must be the same as the Summoning Card Talismans! Look. The design is similar." One disciple from the Lightning Amethyst Sect pulled out the said card talisman.
"Summon! Skeleton Knight!" He poured his spiritual energy into it and before everyone’s eyes, he summoned a Skeleton Knight who stood twice taller than him. It was decked in a shimmering silver armor, covering most of its fleshless body.
Those with lower cultivation were instantly intimidated but those who were Spirit Condensation Stage and above looked on with interest.
It’s a physical manifestation of what was inside the card. Unlike the Sticker Seals where it’s merely a spiritual projection that would merge to a cultivator’s body, it’s an actual summon.
However, no matter how imposing it appeared, its strength remained at the peak of the Spirit Gathering Stage.
The Disciple then ordered it to perform some moves like jumping or brandishing its sword.
Everyone clapped which made the disciple smug about it. He then turned to Lin Mo on stage as though waiting for his confirmation.
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"Dear customer there is correct. It is similar to Summoning Card Talismans that our store was still offering. However, it was modified and reworked."
Lin Mo’s calm voice carried through the hall, drawing the audience’s attention back to him.
"The [Celestial Duel Cards] function similarly to Summoning Card Talismans in that they allow users to summon entities. However, the fundamental difference lies in the system that governs their usage. If engaged in the [Celestial Duel System], it introduces structured battles with specific mechanics, rules, and strategies. These are not mere summoning talismans; they form a comprehensive dueling format between Celestial Duelists."
The golden screen above them shifted, displaying a new set of details alongside the basic mechanics:
[Celestial Duel Gear: A specialized artifact bound to the user’s spiritual signature, allowing them to engage in duels and materialize the cards by drawing their spiritual energy. A mortal lacking the necessary spiritual energy can supplement it with spirit stones to activate]
[Celestial Duel Cards: These cards contained a variety of summoned entities, ranging from spirit beasts and legendary warriors to mystical formations and even environmental effects.]
[Celestial Duel Arena: The battles took place in an illusionary domain created by the platform, ensuring no real damage occurred to the participants or spectators. The Divine Convenience Store’s Platform will have the most advanced arena but anyone can conjure an Arena anywhere but the visuals that can be conjured will naturally be less than it.]
[Victory Conditions: Participants will win by either depleting their opponent’s Celestial Energy or overwhelming them strategically, forcing them to surrender]
Lin Mo allowed the crowd to digest this information before flicking his fingers again. Find adventures at freewebnovel
The words "Structured Battles. Strategic Combat. Balanced Engagements." appeared in bold, followed by a visual demonstration.
"Now, rather than simply explaining it all in words, why don’t we demonstrate it?"
A murmur of excitement swept through the hall. Some cultivators, especially those from larger sects, exchanged looks of curiosity.
The Poison Demon Cultists, including the High Priest and Luo Ming, observed from the back with quiet intensity.
The golden screen then showcased an image of a pair of duelists standing opposite each other, each with a glowing [Celestial Duel Gear] on their wrist. Their [Celestial Duel Cards] floated in front of them, forming a semicircle, shimmering with golden light.
Lin Mo saw it earlier and Yangyang confirmed that they’re from the Divine Pantheon like her. Not a deity but mortals still forging their divinity.
Most likely they’re part of the Development or Research Division, working under the divine beings.
The screen flickered and the second image illustrated a battle in progress.
One of them had summoned a flaming lion, while the other had deployed a frost-cloaked swordsman.
Unlike the traditional summoning talismans that merely called forth entities, the summoned creatures were interacting dynamically, engaging in strategic combat rather than just blindly following their summoner’s commands.
At that sight, gasps rippled through the crowd.
"You mean… the summoned entities follow the preset battle rules?" A merchant asked, his eyes shining with interest. His head was already simulating how he could sell this kind of product to nobles from the mortal kingdom.
Lin Mo nodded. "Correct. The [Celestial Duel System] ensures a fair and balanced fight by regulating spiritual energy consumption, ability cooldowns, and even terrain effects packed with each [Celestial Duel Card]."
"Additionally, duelists cannot simply overpower their opponent by sheer cultivation base. As I’ve said, it is merely for entertainment. Another way to bring fun by promoting convenience. Everyone has to rely on strategy and the card synergy of their decks plays a crucial role."
Another image appeared on the screen, depicting the [Celestial Duel Gear] in greater detail. The sleek, bracelet-like artifact bore a glowing interface where cards could be slotted in mid-battle, allowing for real-time decision-making.
"The Gear serves as both a conduit and a limiter," Lin Mo explained. "It ensures the battle remains within safe parameters, preventing unnecessary destruction. Furthermore, the system enforces battlefield restrictions. External interference is impossible. If the interference was too strong, the Celestial Duel would instantly be terminated."
"Then, if a Core Formation expert were to duel against a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator using this system, the weaker one still has a chance to win?" City Lord Wei Xian also showed interest as he questioned skeptically.
He’s supposed to watch over the Poison Demon Cult but in the end, he also got too intrigued about the poster.
Lin Mo’s lips curled into a slight smile. "If they have the right strategy and card setup then yes."
With that confirmation, speculation started spreading through the audience. This was an entirely new form of combat, one that disregarded raw cultivation in favor of wit, adaptability, and careful planning.
For those who lacked overwhelming talent or deep foundations, this was an unprecedented opportunity.
Also, this reminds them of strategy board games that are also a form of entertainment for both cultivators and mortals alike.
However, unlike those board games, what the Divine Convenience Store was about to offer, may revolutionize that industry.
"Alright," Lin Mo continued. "Enough explanations. A true demonstration speaks louder than words. I, along with my assistant Liu Xiaoyu, will engage in a Celestial Duel Exhibition Match."
Upon saying that, he extended his hand and with a shimmer of golden light, the sleek, mystical-looking gauntlet appeared on his right wrist.
On his opposite side, Liu Xiaoyu had also equipped her gear, though hers looked slightly different. Hers was more elegant and decorated, befitting her energetic personality.