Divine Convenience Store

Captain Zhao signaled his platoon, and the guards formed a loose perimeter around the cultists. They're ready to pull out their weapons in case the cultists go back to their words.

Luo Ming kept his expression neutral, though inwardly he was not pleased at this treatment.

The High Priest had anticipated resistance, but being treated like heinous criminals who didn't know the reason still stung when they already mentioned their purpose. They're cultists. They follow their faith! If the Great Poison Demon decreed to kill someone, that is not committing a crime but a show of faith!

Still, he kept his calm and focused on the mission. The winds of change might have arrived for the cult but that didn't mean it would erase the cult's notoriety. Furthermore, the store's power was worth this humiliation.

How could he taste the Frosty Lotus Brew and chew on those delectable breadsticks if they get banned from entering the city where the store was located?

As they marched through the city gates, the streets of Fanling buzzed with life.

Mortals and cultivators alike cast wary glances at the moss-green robes, whispering among themselves.

The cult's notorious reputation preceded them, but the presence of the City Guards kept the tension from boiling over.

Luo Ming's contingent moved with purpose, their steps steady despite the scrutiny. He could even sense the spiritual perception of Core Formation Stage cultivators sweeping over them. They belong to some Righteous and Neutral Faction's Sect Elders. There's also the subtle warning from the early Nascent Soul Stage City Lord, Wei Xian.

They truly wouldn't be able to leave the place in one piece if they spread terror in the city.

Eventually, the Divine Convenience Store came into view. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

Its unassuming facade stood out amidst the traditional architecture of Fanling City.

A small crowd had already gathered outside, cultivators and mortals alike lining up in an orderly fashion. The doors were still closed but the faint chime of their opening echoed moments ago lingered in the air.

Luo Ming's eyes narrowed as he took in this view. The influence of the store had already reached far and wide, attracting many forces to become their loyal patrons.

If the Poison Demon Cult continued with their conquest, they would have to face everyone who would come to the defense of Fanling City in order to protect the peace of the Divine Convenience Store.

Captain Zhao halted his platoon a short distance from the store. "This is as far as we go. You're on your own from here. But we'll be watching."

Luo Ming nodded curtly. "Understood. We'll conduct our business and leave."

As the guards stepped back, Luo Ming turned to his contingent. "Form ranks. No weapons, no aggression. We're customers today, nothing more."

The Priests and Acolytes obeyed, though their unease was noticeable. They adjusted their robes, brushing crumbs from their sleeves and tucking away empty wrappers that they had eaten on the way.

It was a testament to how deeply the store's products had infiltrated their ranks. Luo Ming took a deep breath, steeling himself, and led them toward the line.

Eventually, they were joined by the Poison-bearer spies with the lead of Luhan. They were called to join them in order to distribute their purchases and not arouse suspicion from the Shopkeeper who would think they're trying to hoard their products.

—

Inside the Divine Convenience Store, Lin Mo stood close to the entrance as he watched the line of customers stepping inside the store.

His spiritual perception enhanced by [Stillwater Perception] had already sensed the approaching spiritual signatures.

The cultists were unmistakable, moderate to high strength, disciplined, and carrying a faint demonic tinge.

He glanced at his side. Liu Xiaoyu was still fiddling with her Viewing Jade while donning her usual energetic smile as she greeted the incoming customers.

Their young staff member, Xiao Ya, was already placed on the cash register, ready to serve the customers.

And as for Yangyang, she already returned to the Shopkeeper's Quarters after finishing the calibration of the [Spirit-Dispersing Beacon].

The disc pulsed once, then faded into invisibility as it activated, sending out a subtle wave of spiritual interference.

"It's live, Shopkeeper. If they try anything, their energy will fizzle out before they can blink." Yangyang's voice echoed in Lin Mo's head.

Although inspired by the [Aura of Harmony], its function was different. Customers can still rage out, but it will prevent them from using their spiritual energy to intimidate or cause trouble.

"Good job, Miss Yangyang." Lin Mo acknowledged as he, too, joined Liu Xiaoyu in greeting their customers with his professional smile.

—

The same as the other days, cultivators and mortals alike dispersed into different parts of the store. Some picked up the green shopping basket, readying themselves to buy more than one item, while some walked to the counter, ready to barter whatever items they had for Store Credits.

Eventually, someone noticed the Viewing Jades and they began inquiring about them. Before they could ask, however, Xiao Ya or Lin Mo would point them to the poster behind.

When the cultists led by Luo Ming stepped inside, Liu Xiaoyu retreated into the store as she didn't want to deal with them.

And so, it was on Lin Mo's shoulder to greet them, "Dear customer, welcome back to our humble store. Feel free to browse. We have a lot of new products in stock."

Luo Ming paused in his tracks as he glanced at him and gestured to the spatial pouch slung at his waist. "Shopkeeper, we're here to purchase in bulk. Is it true that you have some policy about it?"

"Indeed. To provide convenience to everyone, we'll only allow a maximum of one box per customer when purchasing the indulgences we're offering. There's also a certain limit on every item… However, it appears you brought more people to accommodate your needs," Lin Mo continued with a business-like tone as his Stillwater Perception subtly gauged Luo Ming's intent. He could tell that they were here under the High Priest's order. "But dear customer, I advise you not to mention buying in bulk openly. Just split up and ensure that you do not inconvenience the other customers."

With his expression remaining impassive, Luo Ming inclined his head slightly at Lin Mo's words, a flicker of understanding passing through his eyes.

He received the Shopkeeper's subtle warning. Although the store welcomed any customers, the cultists would keep on being scrutinized because of their notoriety. Openly flaunting their intent could stir unrest among the other customers and the last thing they needed was to provoke the city's defenders or the store's mysterious power.

He turned to his contingent, issuing his command.

"You heard the Shopkeeper. Split up. Take what we need, but keep it discreet. No more than one box per person for the indulgences and don't draw attention. Luhan, distribute the Poison-bearers among the ranks. Let them blend in."

After saying that, he waved his hand, distributing the spirit stones they'd be using to purchase.

The Priests and Acolytes moved first as they dispersed into various areas of the store. Luhan and his group, who were still acting as a spy for the cult, gave a curt salute before weaving through the crowd with his team, their plain robes making them less conspicuous among the moss-green cultists.

They moved with purpose, picking up green shopping baskets and casually browsing the shelves as if they were ordinary patrons.

The hope of getting out of the cult was still lit up in them. And given how their lives these past few days were anything but difficult compared to before, they could tell that the cult was changing its direction.

Lin Mo watched them fan out, his Stillwater Perception tracking the faint ripples of their spiritual signatures.

The cultists were disciplined, he'd give them that—no overt hostility, no sudden moves. The [Spirit-Dispersing Beacon] hummed invisibly in the background, its subtle interference ensuring the demonic energy mixed with their aura remained dormant.

He nodded to himself, satisfied for now, and returned to greeting the other customers trickling in.

Liu Xiaoyu, having retreated to the shelves, busied herself with restocking a display of Heavenly Dew Soda and Frosty Lotus Brew cans that the cultists filled their baskets with.

She kept one eye on them, her playful demeanor replaced by a cautious alertness.

"Boss," She sent a voice transmission to Lin Mo, "They're behaving, but they've got that hungry look. Think they're planning something big?"

"Probably," Lin Mo replied. "They've got the spirit stones and the numbers. Let them shop. Keeps them out of trouble for now."

Whatever they're planning, Lin Mo could point that out to the High Priest's ambition to get a smoother flow of the store's product to them. And despite his refusal to make the High Priest an Official Distributor in the future, the old man was serious about it as if he had gotten a divine revelation from the Great Poison Demon to shift their focus from conquering to paving the way for the store in spreading the store products on the other side of the Abyssal Forest.

Of course, that's still just his speculation. He still has to see if the Divine Interface System would make a [Field Test Report] regarding how they will use the store's products.

As his mind wandered on that, the store received another group of customers. Grandmaster Lian had arrived with an entourage from the Red Lotus Academy.