Divine Convenience Store

The chime of the bell echoed softly as the last of the city officials filed out. Their faces looked a little bit satisfied with their purchases.
Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire

Apart from Wei Lan and Zhou Liang who bought some bundles, the other officials went to pick anything that caught their eyes. Their earlier skepticism over the unfamiliar establishment had instantly switched to a frenzied response where they even took a break, eating convenience store snacks on the available tables. They sampled the various flavors of chips, sodas, and even the newly added Fire Spirit Popcorn. They left with bulging bags and spatial pouches.

Lin Mo couldn't help but wonder if their reception would be the same if lunch meals that only needed to be microwaved were added. Ice cream and hotdog sandwiches would probably also be a hit.

And if the store expanded further, adding a fast food corner might not be impossible. It might be stepping away from the normal convenience stores on Earth but the concept of fast food was also circling around its convenience.

"Shopkeeper, can these be bartered? They're poisonous mushrooms."

Taking Lin Mo out of his contemplation, he looked at a mortal teenage girl showing a bag full of colorful mushrooms.

Lin Mo glanced at it with a mix of curiosity and caution. Poisonous mushrooms weren't unusual in a world teeming with spiritual energy. Heck even on Earth there's a lot of them. But here their value depended entirely on their potential uses. Alchemy, poison crafting, or even niche culinary applications.

He gestured for the girl to place the bag on the counter. "Let me take a look."

The girl nodded, carefully setting the bag down. Her expression was a mix of hope and nervousness, as though she wasn't entirely sure whether her offering would be accepted.

Lin Mo appraised it with the system just like how he always did with the mortals bringing items to exchange for store credit.

[Items Identified:

Rainbow Widow Cap: A rare poisonous mushroom with alchemical properties. Useful for crafting antidotes and potent poisons.

- Value: 5 low-grade spirit stones per piece

Venomveil Fungus: Common in the Abyssal Forest. Can be used as an ingredient for low-grade paralysis poisons.

- Value: 5 low-grade spirit stones per three pieces

Azure Spore Bloom: A rare variety with mild spiritual energy. Often used in concoctions for spiritual energy suppression.

- Value: 2 low-grade spirit stones per piece

Crimson Glow Puff: Highly toxic but valuable for creating spiritual flame-resistant coatings.

- Value: 1 low-grade spirit stone per piece

= Total Estimated Value: 50 intermediate-Grade Spirit Stones.]

Lin Mo raised an eyebrow as he read those detailed appraisals. The system usually only named the items they brought like low-quality herbs, ores or accessories.

And seeing their estimated value, this young girl just hit the jackpot.

"You've got quite the collection here. Did you gather these yourself?"

The girl nodded quickly, her eyes lighting up. "Yes, Shopkeeper! My family lives near the edge of the Abyssal Forest, and I help forage for herbs and fungi. These are the rarest ones I could find."

Lin Mo tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Not bad. You should move into the city though. It's dangerous these days. Our store values them at a total of 50 intermediate-grade spirit stones. You can exchange them for store credit or use them to barter for specific items."

The girl's face lit up as if Lin Mo had just dangled a lifeline to her but then her face darkened as she murmured cautiously, "50 intermediate-grade spirit stones? Is it possible to get the spirit stones, Shopkeeper? They're more valuable in gold. My family will need it more if we're going to move back to the city."

Lin Mo's brows furrowed slightly as he considered the girl's request. The Divine Convenience Store didn't typically deal in direct currency exchanges. Even after inquiring about the system, it didn't return an answer.

The Barter System that had been placed was only trading for store credits. That was already being generous to the mortals who had limited avenues in acquiring spirit stones.

After racking his brain for a moment, he gave her a suggestion.

Since resellers would soon pop up, might as well give this poor girl a head start.

"I'm sorry. We can only give you store credits. You can, however… exchange them for store items and sell them outside for gold."

"Is that possible?"

"There's no rule that you cannot resell our items. Traveling merchants profit in the same way. However, you have to be careful or you may get scammed. Only exchange a few at a time for your family's expenses. You should also use some to try and improve your condition. Who knows? You or someone from your family may have a talent for cultivation."

He had no idea why he was giving the girl tips like this but he was probably just feeling a bit of empathy towards her. She's skinny and living at the edge of a dangerous place like that. While he's not some magnanimous person who has a heart to save those in need, he doesn't mind giving them a chance to improve their circumstances, especially when it aligns with the store's operations.

The young girl's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, Shopkeeper! I'll follow your advice. Uhm, what should I exchange my credits for? Are there any items you'd recommend that would sell well?"

Lin Mo tapped his chin, glancing at the shelves as he handed her the card containing the store credits, "Snacks like Spirit-Infused Potato Chips or Heavenly Dew Soda are popular. You can also pick up practical items like talismans or low-grade spiritual tools. Those will fetch a good price in the city especially when you sell them to others for gold. If you're unsure, Liu Xiaoyu can help you choose."

"Got it! Thank you so much, Shopkeeper!" The girl bowed deeply, her nervousness replaced with a newfound determination.

Liu Xiaoyu, who had been listening nearby, skipped over with a grin. "Look at you, Boss. Your kindness is spilling again. Come on, let's get you set up! I'll make sure you leave with the best picks."

As Xiaoyu led the girl toward the shelves, Lin Mo couldn't help but shake his head when a system message popped up in front of him.

[Celestial Providence Activated: Customer's spirit roots will be strengthened, awakening a bloodline physique.]

'What the heck? Stop leaking my luck!' He shouted inwardly as she watched the back of the girl, following the energetic Xiaoyu browsing the shelves.

Just as he was about to relax, the new arrivals of a group of customers drew his attention.

This time, it wasn't a curious city official or a local merchant. Instead, it's a group of sect disciples led by a lofty figure, most likely an Elder. They were wearing the distinctive robes of the Crimson Vale Sect, the crimson hue of their spiritual energy too eyecatching to miss.

'Finally, my true bundle customers are here.' Lin Mo straightened, his professional smile returning. "Welcome to the Divine Convenience Store. How can we assist you today?