As a rising star of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe, it was only natural that Yun Jin, the troupe's proprietor, would not be the first to take the stage. However, the Yun-Han Opera Troupe is, after all, a large opera company that carries on the tradition of Chinese opera.
The performers who took the stage first also received a round of applause from the opera enthusiasts.
The history of Liyue opera is long and storied.
Passed down to this day, the Liyue opera performed by this generation of artists is quite different from its original form.
Fortunately, today's Liyue opera still retains the intricate vocal music and the winding, complex melodies of ancient Liyue opera.
The continuous cycle of the old giving way to the new is one of the reasons why Liyue opera has endured through the ages.
While the people of Liyue watch the opera, foreigners naturally listen to the music. Although most foreigners who come to Liyue can understand the Liyue language and script.
However, Liyue culture is profound and extensive, and merely understanding the language and script does not mean they are well-versed in Liyue culture. There are many nuances that only those born and raised in Liyue can truly appreciate.
For example, the performance of "Yunhai Opera: The Chi" on stage—they only know it's some kind of mythical creature, but they are unaware of the history and cultural significance behind the Chi.
They simply marvel at how beautiful the music is and how skilled the singer is.
Whether music is truly without borders is still up for debate—after all, even Huskies can be sanctioned by so-called dog alliances—but the emotions conveyed through music can still be felt.
Some people with a good sense of music can even seamlessly follow the plot alongside the Liyue locals through their understanding of the music. Perhaps this is one of the charms of music?
As the performance of "Yunhai Opera: The Chi" concluded, Yun Jin finally took the stage.
Compared to the other performers, Yun Jin looked much younger, which surprised many first-time audience members. Could such a young girl really live up to the title of a leading performer?
As the saying goes, "They who remain silent will astonish when they speak."
Those who initially doubted Yun Jin's singing skills were completely won over the moment she opened her mouth. Her powerful movements and fluid handling of the flowery spear were things that could only be achieved with true skill.
Before long, the audience erupted in applause.
"Master Yun has long been a renowned leading performer, and his son and daughter-in-law have inherited his legacy. Everyone was speculating who would truly take up his mantle, but no one expected it to be this young Yun Jin."
Even some of Master Yun's long-time fans had to admit that Yun Jin's singing skills had surpassed her mother's and were approaching the level of her grandfather, Master Yun.
"So... can Yun Jin now be called Master Yun?"
Whether intentional or not, Bai Luo, holding a bunch of grapes, casually remarked while eating.
"You ignorant child, if you don't understand, don't speak nonsense. How can the title of 'Master' be used for a woman?"
The person who spoke was an elder from Master Yun's era, and he was one of the very few who did not approve of Yun Jin.
While Yun Jin's compositions were indeed exceptional, compared to traditional Liyue opera, her works were slightly different. She focused too much on innovation, often at the expense of the traditions left by their ancestors.
It was said that she was quite close to a peculiar woman named Xinyan, who dressed in strange outfits and spent her days tinkering with that foreign music called rock, which was unbearably noisy.
In the eyes of these elders, aside from opera, things like poetry and rock music were nothing but heresy.
For Yun Jin to constantly associate with such people was simply improper.
Especially her recent compositions, which ignored the tales of gods and immortals, instead fabricating love stories between mortal women and the Chi dragon. How improper!
He had long wanted to reprimand her for such behavior but had never found the right opportunity. Little did he expect that Bai Luo's foolish remark would provide him with the perfect chance.
The conversation between the two caused the ongoing performance to pause momentarily, and all eyes turned to them.
"Ah, I must say, I don't quite agree with the elder's words."
Putting down the grapes, Bai Luo habitually wore a gentle smile. If not for his black trench coat and the white mask tilted on his face, he might have looked like a dashing young gentleman.
"Might I ask for your esteemed opinion?"
The old man, having calmed down, also sensed that Bai Luo was no ordinary person, especially with the Fatui insignia on him, which made the elder lower his tone.
Unbeknownst to him, the bald Fatui member nearby and those who knew Bai Luo's true identity were already breaking out in a cold sweat.
They knew how troublesome this man could be and how dangerous it would be if he were angered. Both the Fatui and the Liyue side wanted to avoid a bloodbath. Some Vision holders were already preparing to intervene if necessary.
"In Liyue, there are immortals known as Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, Streetward Rambler, etc. Coincidentally... among them, Cloud Retainer, and Streetward Rambler are female. According to the elder's logic, do these two not deserve the title of 'immortal'?"
Bai Luo's words were sharp, leaving the old man sweating profusely and at a loss for how to respond.
If he agreed, he would be offending the immortals, which was a major taboo in Liyue, as the immortals were real, not mere fabrications.
But if he disagreed, his earlier belittlement of women would seem even more untenable.
"I say Yun Jin deserves the title of 'Master.' Who agrees? Who opposes?"
Looking around the silent Heyu Tea House, Bai Luo stood up and spoke with pride. Everyone he glanced at lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.
Not everyone had the courage to confront the Fatui head-on.
Even the old man, after being persuaded by those around him, sighed and sat back down.
He couldn't argue, he couldn't afford to provoke Bai Luo, and continuing to make a scene would only make him look like a stubborn old fool. He didn't want to ruin his reputation in his later years.
However, the resentment in his heart only grew stronger.
"I oppose!"
A clear voice rang out, startling everyone. When they turned to look, they saw that it was Yun Jin on stage.
"Thank you for your kind words, sir. Yun Jin is grateful."
"???"
Bai Luo regretted using his alias to sneak in.
Yun Jin bowed to Bai Luo and then turned to the old man. "Elder, a 'Master' is someone who is older and has broad knowledge. Naturally, people call him 'Master.' Is what Yun Jin said correct?"
"Correct."
Yun Jin's respectful address as "Elder" pleased the old man. Regardless of other aspects, Yun Jin's manners were impeccable.
Far better than a certain someone.
But then, the previously polite Yun Jin suddenly changed her tone and added, "However, those with broad knowledge are not necessarily old. Moreover, why can't women have great insight? Elder, you are straightforward and outspoken, worthy of the title 'Master.' But if a young woman can answer your questions, shouldn't she also be called 'Master'?"
The old man, who had been stroking his goatee, froze at Yun Jin's words.
This was the second time tonight someone had rebutted him.
But compared to Bai Luo's aggressive and unreasonable arguments, Yun Jin's words were logical and well-founded. If he continued to insist, he would only come off as a stubborn old man.
Whispers were already spreading among the audience.
"Master Yun speaks well! Let's have another song!"
In the quiet tea house, Bai Luo led the applause. Under his lead, the clapping grew louder, and the title "Master Yun" rolled off everyone's tongues more smoothly.
From that night on, the Yun-Han Opera Troupe no longer had a "Proprietor Yun," but a "Master Yun."