Divine Convenience Store

The armored man strode into the store, his boots clicking against the polished floor with a weight echoing authority. His broad-shouldered frame was accentuated by the black and silver armor he wore, radiating a faint spiritual energy.

His presence immediately drew attention, and even Liu Xiaoyu, who was always excited to welcome a new customer, paused mid-step to glance at him.

Lin Mo straightened his back, his professional smile sliding into place as he observed this new customer.

Although he didn't recognize him right away because of his bigger frame, Lin Mo recalled him as another figure to watch out for.

His earlier assessment was correct, this man wasn't just a warrior. He exuded an air of leadership, someone accustomed to giving orders and having them followed without question.

Upon taking a few steps inside, the man stopped, his sharp eyes scanning the shelves and the products displayed on them. His eyebrows furrowed and shook as he was clearly intrigued by what he was seeing. But ultimately, he frowned, dissatisfaction forming on his face.

After a moment, he turned and approached the counter, his eyes naturally locking on Lin Mo.

He instantly felt the pressure from this new customer's gaze. It was heavy and suffocating. However, it didn't feel hostile. Most likely thanks to the Aura of Harmony.

"Shopkeeper," The man started. His voice was expectedly deep and grating. "Do you know who I am?"

Lin Mo's smile didn't falter, though inwardly, he was clicking his tongue. He could tell that he was demanding recognition and perhaps, a show of respect.

"City Lord Wei," Lin Mo greeted, inclining his head slightly. Not much as a bow but enough to show that respect, "Welcome to the Divine Convenience Store. How may I help you? Please feel free to browse, we have a lot of wares that may cater to your needs."

Wei Xian's lips curved up in a faint smile, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Lin Mo. He recalled Zhou Liang's report about the Shopkeeper. He indeed looked ordinary yet, he had this unshakeable form as if he was unafraid of someone stronger than him.

'Is he that confident to be protected by the divine being behind him?' The City Lord mused.

"You know who I am, yet you don't seem the least bit intimidated. Interesting."

Lin Mo maintained his professional smile, his tone as calm as ever. "We treat all our customers equally here, City Lord. Whether they're mortals, sect leaders, or city officials, everyone is welcome to browse and shop at their leisure."

Wei Xian scoffed, "Equal treatment, is it? You opened a store in this obscure spot in my city. Have you asked for permission?"

Lin Mo's professional smile didn't waver, but his thoughts raced as he carefully crafted his response.

"City Lord Wei, your concern is valid. However, the Divine Convenience Store operates under unique circumstances. While we didn't explicitly seek your permission, I assure you our presence here brings no harm to your city. Quite the opposite, in fact."

Wei Xian crossed his arms, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the counter.

"No harm, you say? My city is abuzz with talk of your store. Sect disciples started coming and going, disrupting the traffic of our city gates, casting doubts and fears on my citizens." He leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze locking onto Lin Mo. "Tell me, Shopkeeper. What exactly is the aim of this store? A divine being backs you and I can sense that something is interfering with my impulse inside here, preventing me from getting too worked up. It's strange… Will you be responsible if those cultivators wreaked havoc over disagreements outside your store?"

Lin Mo chuckled lightly, maintaining his calm demeanor and ignoring most of the questions. He had no idea how to answer him, after all. Those were concerns that had to be addressed one by one. It's not something he, as a mere shopkeeper brought from another world, could easily solve.

"The store's aim is simple, City Lord. Convenience. We provide quality goods to anyone who walks through our doors, be they mortals or cultivators. As you may have noticed, we also offered the barter system for the less fortunate. It is an extension of that goal. After all, shouldn't everyone have access to convenience?"

"Convenience, you say? And yet, you seem to be running the most inconvenient operation for those who can't afford your prices."

Lin Mo wryly smiled. 'What is he getting out? What's inconvenient about it?'

"City Lord. Inconvenience is not welcome in our store, mortals may be different from cultivators but do they also have to be discriminated against by creating a new set of currency for them? We're adapting, just as your city has adapted to the presence of this store. Surely, you can appreciate the value of innovation."

Wei Xian's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable.

After a moment, he let out a low chuckle, the sound reverberating through the store. "You're clever, Shopkeeper. I'll give you that. But cleverness alone doesn't earn trust."

Lin Mo inclined his head slightly. "Trust is earned through action, City Lord. I invite you to explore our wares and see for yourself the value we bring. Perhaps you'll find something that piques your interest."

"That's not what I'm concerned about, Shopkeeper. It's the very presence of your store in my city. Soon, not only the surrounding sects and forces who show up to visit your city. Conflicts may arise. Seeing as there's only you and that little assistant of yours here, you also lack the means to secure your surroundings. You do not expect we will provide you security, do we? Especially when you're merely an establishment that just sprouted out of nowhere."

Lin Mo's smile didn't falter, though inwardly he sighed. The City Lord's concerns were valid. The Divine Convenience Store had indeed become a focal point of attention. Its growing influence is already disrupting the public security of Fanling City.

Just yesterday, if conflict broke out between the Crimson Vale Sect and Azure Gale Sect disciples, the destruction they could cause would be devastating.

The store wouldn't be able to extricate itself and avoid responsibility. After all, their conflict originated from the store.

"City Lord Wei. Your concerns are understandable, and I appreciate your vigilance in maintaining order in your city. However, I assure you that the store's operations are self-contained. Outside, the actions of our patrons are beyond our direct control, but we encourage peaceful resolutions and fair trade."

Wei Xian crossed his arms, his imposing figure still radiating authority. "Encouragement isn't enough, Shopkeeper. When conflicts spill into the streets, it's my guards who must intervene, my people who are affected. What guarantee do I have that your store won't become a liability?"

Lin Mo's mind raced as he considered his response. He couldn't promise absolute control over the actions of others, but he needed to reassure the City Lord.

And that's when he thought of a solution. Maybe not perfect, but it would solve this City Lord's concern.

"City Lord, if any of our store's patrons caused a disturbance in the streets after their visit, I will impose a ban on them from returning to the store. Not just the individual but also the faction they belong to. That way… they can keep each other in check. I assure you, they will rather behave than lose the means of purchasing our products."

"Furthermore, while I cannot guarantee the actions of every patron, I can promise that the Divine Convenience Store will take steps to minimize any potential disruptions. If necessary, I can also request additional support from other store patrons to ensure the safety and harmony of the city."

Upon hearing that, Wei Xian was more than intrigued, he was astonished. What Lin Mo was saying was that the store's influence on its patrons was already deeply rooted; they would listen to his requests.

If it's true. How scary is this establishment? It has only been a few days.