Divine Convenience Store

"First, is there someone operating the Divine System Interface behind the scenes? The system can answer most of my inquiries in a heartbeat. Just recently, it whipped up those packages pretty fast. Is it always that responsive to external crises?"

Yangyang tilted her head slightly, her glasses glinting in the store's soft light. "I apologize, I am also unaware of the specifics of the system. But from my general knowledge, it is designed to adapt dynamically to the needs of its customers and the environment. When a significant event, such as the Abyssal Forest crisis, arises, it analyzes the situation and prepares solutions to maximize the store's influence and sales potential."

"So it's truly not just about providing convenience, it's about business strategy," Lin Mo remarked with a wry smile. "What about the tracking on the products that produce the Field Test Report? Isn't that a little… invasive? We can be sued for that in my previous world."

"I must correct you on your first remark, Shopkeeper. It is still for convenience but it's acting with the guidance of your intention. It reads the intention behind your query."

At that answer, Lin Mo couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. She's not wrong, after all.

His intention was clearly mixed up with his query of assisting with the looming crisis. The Divine System Interface simply followed him.

"Regarding the tracking functionality, it is limited to the performance of the products themselves, not the actions of the individuals using them. It ensures the system can collect data on product effectiveness, which is crucial for refining inventory and meeting customer needs. Rest assured, the store does not monitor personal details or activities beyond what is necessary for operational purposes."

"Alright, I'll take your word for it. Now, about the Poison Demon Cult. How much does the Divine Pantheon know about their activities? And why isn't anyone from the Celestial Realm stepping in to deal with them?"

"The Divine Pantheon is aware of the Poison Demon Cult's existence and its history of disrupting the balance in the First Heaven. However, direct intervention is rare and reserved for situations where the stability of the Nine Heavens as a whole is threatened. The current crisis, while concerning, is still considered a regional issue that mortal forces should handle. That said, the Divine Convenience Store's presence here serves as a stabilizing influence, providing resources that can help local forces address the threat."

Lin Mo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "So, in other words, we're on our own unless things get really out of hand. Figures."

Yangyang offered a small, apologetic smile. "I understand your frustration, Shopkeeper. But the Divine Pantheon has faith in your ability to navigate these challenges. The store is not just a business, it can be a tool for empowering those around you. The more you succeed, the more influence the store will have, and the greater its ability to affect change."

Lin Mo studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Fair enough. Thanks for the insight, Yangyang. You've been more helpful than I expected."

Yangyang's cheeks tinted slightly pink at the unexpected praise, and she adjusted her glasses again. "I-It's my duty to assist, Shopkeeper. If you have any further questions or concerns, I'll be staying in the store for the time being."

"Staying nearby?" Lin Mo raised an eyebrow. "You mean you're not heading back to the Celestial Realm? What about the customer hotline?"

Yangyang waved her hand with a flourish. The communication artifacts, the monitor and other equipment she used in the Hotline Chamber appeared.

"I will be setting these up in your chamber, Shopkeeper. Zhenren Lihua instructed me to remain in the vicinity of the store for a short while to gain insight and provide direct support. I'll be available should you need anything."

Lin Mo couldn't help but put a hand on his forehead as he muttered, "What the hell is this? We only have two beds and she will stay here for the time being? Am I going to take the floor tonight?"

Yangyang blinked, clearly uncertain what he meant by his rambling. Before she could respond, the door to the back room creaked open, and Liu Xiaoyu emerged, holding a tray filled with steaming plates of food.

"Boss! Dinner's ready! Oh, who's this? We have a guest?" She stopped mid-step, her ears twitching as she noticed Yangyang.

Lin Mo glanced between Liu Xiaoyu and Yangyang, his expression caught between exasperation and resignation, "Yeah, Xiaoyu, meet Yangyang. She's a functionary from the Divine Pantheon. She'll be staying with us for a while."

Liu Xiaoyu's eyes lit up with curiosity as she approached Yangyang, her imaginary tail swishing energetically behind her.

"A functionary from the Divine Pantheon? Eh? So… you're not from here? Are you also a divine being?"

Yangyang adjusted her glasses, her posture stiffening slightly under Liu Xiaoyu's enthusiastic scrutiny. "I'm afraid not at the moment. I'm still a mortal working under the divine beings of the Pantheon. I'm here to assist the Shopkeeper and provide support as needed. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Liu Xiaoyu."

Liu Xiaoyu tilted her head, seemingly as confused as Lin Mo earlier. For the cultivators in this realm, the concept of a divine being was beyond their current knowledge. In other words, few were knowledgeable about the other upper heavens. That's why she couldn't wrap her head around a mortal from the Divine Pantheon.

She scanned Yangyang using her Spiritual Perception and that easily caused her to frown.

What she sensed wasn't spiritual energy but an inexplicable energy similar to what Taihao and Lihua naturally radiate. Divine Energy.

"Xiaoyu, cat got your tongue?" Lin Mo smirked at Liu Xiaoyu's uncharacteristic silence. "What's wrong? You're usually full of questions."

Liu Xiaoyu's ears twitched, and she blinked rapidly before snapping out of her daze.

"Boss! She's strange! I mean, she feels divine but not really? It's confusing! Is she really a mortal?"

"Honestly? I also have no idea. But you can think of her as someone who came from the same place as Taihao."

Naturally, he was also curious but as Yangyang said earlier, it was a knowledge that was too high level for him at the moment.

"I understand the confusion, Miss Liu Xiaoyu."

"Xiaoyu is fine, Sister Yangyang!"

"Okay… Xiaoyu. Let me clear that up, I'm a mortal from the Celestial Realm. The realm where the Divine Pantheon is located. I'm still considered a mortal in the eyes of the true divine beings. In the future, I will become one as well." Yangyang once again nudged her glasses making it look like her habit whenever she's trying to compose herself.

Liu Xiaoyu tilted her again, still not fully understanding what she meant.

"Alright, enough. You'll get wrinkles on your face if you keep creasing your forehead like that. Put it down here and let's eat. Miss Yangyang, since you're going to stay with us, you should try it too. They're the store's products anyway." Lin Mo flicked her forehead, bringing her out of her contemplative state.

Yangyang hesitated, her gaze shifting between Lin Mo and the steaming plate of food in Liu Xiaoyu's hands.

The enticing aroma wafting from the plate seemed to momentarily disarm her composure.

"I… suppose I should. It would be prudent to familiarize myself with the store's consumables," She said, though her tone carried a hint of nervousness.

"Great! Come on, Sister Yangyang!" Liu Xiaoyu chirped, placing the plate on the table and pulling out an extra chair. "Boss and I always eat together after closing. It's the best time to relax!"