Divine Convenience Store

Zhou Liang couldn't help but sigh as he lowered his voice, "My lady, don't tell the City Lord and I apologize if I cannot give you the full information, we have to keep a tight seal to this information at the moment."

"I understand. Just tell me enough."

"There has been increased activity from the Poison Demon Cult within the Abyssal Forest. While the immediate threat to the city is uncertain, precautions are being taken. That's part of why I am visiting the store along with the other officials. We are to assess whether this store's products can bolster our defenses in fending off the possible siege."

Wei Lan's eyes widened slightly, her grip tightening on the Sparkling Moonlight Powder she held.

"The Poison Demon Cult? Those vile heretics dare encroach upon Fanling City's borders? They cannot be contained at the other side of the Abyssal Forest anymore?"

"It appears so," Zhou Liang replied grimly. "They've been spotted corrupting demonic beasts and establishing strongholds within the forest. Many disciples from surrounding sects have been reported missing. If left unchecked, their influence could spread. The City Lord is working with the sects to coordinate a response, but it's a delicate situation."

Wei Lan's gaze flickered toward the counter, where Lin Mo was calmly ringing up purchases for a line of customers. "And this store… will it truly be capable of aiding in such a crisis?"

Zhou Liang nodded, "In truth, this store was the one who relayed the information about the activity in the forest. From what we've heard, the Divine Convenience Store's products have already proven their worth in the Abyssal Forest. Disciples from the Crimson Vale and Lightning Amethyst Sects owe their lives to the items sold here. If the bundles and equipment can help them, they can help us too."

Wei Lan's skepticism began to waver but she couldn't dismiss the fact that in the end, this store was running a business, not a charity. In the end, they're aiming to profit out of the pockets of their customers.

Observing the bustling activity around her. The store's energy was infectious and there's the certain feeling that seemed to calm her nerves down. Wei Lan took a deep breath as her resolve firmed.

"Very well, Steward Zhou. Let's see what this store can offer. If these products are as effective as they claim, then perhaps they'll be key to protecting our city."

Zhou Liang bowed slightly. "A wise decision, my lady. I'll assist you in selecting what you need."

"But first, let me just… check this out." With an embarrassed smile, she lifted the Xing Xing Glimmer Bundle in her hands.

"Oh… Of course, I'll wait for you, my lady."

Wei Lan approached the counter where Lin Mo greeted them with his usual professional smile. "Welcome. I see you've made your selection. The Xing Xing Glimmer Bundle, an excellent choice."

Wei Lan placed the items on the counter, "Yes, your assistant was quite convincing. I hope these products live up to her enthusiasm."

—

Lin Mo watched as Wei Lan shyly tucked the bundle she bought and then returned to where Zhou Liang was standing.

He could already smell the fragrance of profit from them, especially those other officials who had already bounded over different sections of the store. Some went to walk-in coolers, fascinated by their utility before focusing on the carbonated drinks. Some stood before the variety of snacks but as always, the potato chips always drew their attention.

Was it because of its packaging? Lin Mo mused.

As more and more customers entered, Lin Mo and Liu Xiaoyu gradually grew so busy that monitoring each customer became impossible for them.

Inside their quarters, Yangyang was quietly watching from the corner of her screen the few monitoring cameras placed at different corners of the store and one right at the entrance, showing the line forming outside. Mostly mortals who brought different items such as herbs, ore, or even mundane ornaments. They would try their luck to trade for store credits with the Barter System.

She had no idea when those monitoring devices were installed but she found an icon for it when she booted the artifact she was using to monitor data.

In the end, she attributed it to Zhenren Lihua as she's the proprietor of the equipment she brought down in the realm.

Since the store had just opened, there were no complaints yet so she could freely observe the store's operation.

"This… Isn't the store too cramped? Can Shopkeeper keep up with this number of customers?" She muttered to herself, a part of her getting a little intrigued at Lin Mo and Liu Xiaoyu who had yet to break from the pressure.

After ten minutes, she watched as the lady from earlier returned to the counter, her basket filled with at least three pieces of each bundle that had been prepared by the Divine System Interface.

—

Meanwhile, in the Verdant Sky Pavilion, Yu Qingyan was once again about to leave using her carriage. She had received the news from the City Lord of Fanling City about the situation but because their sect was located further into the plains than the other forces, her grandmother deemed it not worth it to be agitated. Besides, their Pavilion was also within another city. If anything, they could support the city in its defense rather than going out to the frontlines. They may be part of the Neutral Faction but they're more like merchants than a proper cultivation sect.

Nevertheless, they were also monitoring the Abyssal Forest since a road close to it was a trade route they were managing. She already sent out orders to their forces to tighten the defenses of outposts watching over them.

"Grandmother keeps pestering me about the Shopkeeper but she's misunderstanding something! I'm returning for his products, not the Shopkeeper himself!" Yu Qingyan muttered under her breath, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush as she stepped into the luxurious carriage. The servants outside exchanged knowing glances but wisely kept their expressions neutral.

Inside, a young Pavilion disciple, Little Spring, couldn't resist teasing her.

"Elder Yu, you've mentioned the Shopkeeper quite a bit these past few days. Are you sure it's only the products that interest you?"

Yu Qingyan shot the young disciple accompanying her a sharp glare, though the redness in her cheeks deepened.

"Little Spring, I've told you before, it's not like that! When did you become so bold to tease an elder?"

"My apologies, Elder Yu but I wasn't teasing you. I was curious."

Hearing that, Yu Qingyan sighed, "The Divine Convenience Store is simply unique. Its products are invaluable. I'm thinking of partnering with it to open another shop in our city! Grandmother tried to buy it but I think that's not the way."

Little Spring covered her mouth with a delicate hand, hiding her grin. "Of course, Miss. Your dedication to ensuring the sect's well-being is truly admirable. If a branch of the store opened in our city, the Shopkeeper would be minutes away instead of hours."

Yu Qingyan huffed, crossing her arms as she looked out the window. "You little. Just focus on the journey and meditate. I handed you one of the products I bought from that store. Use it well."

As the carriage rumbled down the path, Yu Qingyan couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation as she imagined the new products the store might have stocked yet somehow, Lin Mo's mug flashed in her mind unbidden, causing her to shake her head in frustration. "Why do I keep thinking about that smug Shopkeeper? It's the products, Qingyan. Focus on the products!" she muttered under her breath.

Little Spring giggled softly, her ears sharp enough to catch her elder's murmurs but wisely chose to remain silent. She knew better than to poke further at Yu Qingyan's flustered state. She still wanted to live longer. Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire

Suddenly, the carriage abruptly stopped causing the interior to shake.

Following that, the coachman's voice rang out, "Who goes there?! You dare block the carriage of our Pavilion? Are you blind?!"