Divine Convenience Store

The early morning sun had cast a golden glow over the Crimson Vale Sect's sprawling grounds when Zhou Rui and his group of disciples returned, their robes slightly disheveled from the arduous journey. The mission to transport the unconscious and injured Lightning Amethyst disciples had been grueling but they were successful and rewarded handsomely for rescuing them.

However, as they were entering the sect gates, Elder Chu met them with her sharp gaze sweeping over them like a vicious vixen.

"Zhou Rui," Elder Chu called, her voice crisp and authoritative.

"Elder Chu." Zhou Rui and his group stopped and bowed to the esteemed figure in front of them.

Elder Chu nodded approvingly, "You've done well delivering the intel and escorting the Lightning Amethyst disciples. You brought honor to our sect. But there's no time to rest. Sect Master Hong Ying has given you a new task."

Zhou Rui straightened, suppressing a sigh of fatigue. "Understood, Elder Chu. We're here to receive the order."

"You are to guide me to that 'store'." Elder Chu continued, "Sect Master Hong Ying is intrigued by the products you mentioned in your report. She has instructed me to assess their quality personally. Depending on my evaluation, we may consider forging a long-term relationship with this establishment. And to reward you and your fellow disciples for your contribution, depending on the price, you're free to select a bundle of your choice from what they're supposed to offer according to your report yesterday."

Zhou Rui's exhaustion was momentarily replaced by a spark of pride. His report had caught the Sect Master's attention, and now Elder Chu herself was involved. He couldn't help but take pride not just as a Crimson Vale Sect disciple but also as his Benefactor's agent to spread the word about the store.

"It will be an honor to guide you, Elder Chu."

Elder Chu raised an eyebrow, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Good. Freshen up first and take some rest if you will. We'll leave in an hour"

"Yes, Elder Chu." Zhou Rui bowed deeply before turning to his group who were all excited to hear about the reward being granted to them by the sect.

—

Back at the Divine Convenience Store, Lin Mo's gaze swept over the newcomers.

His eyes naturally focused on the Elder leading the group. She exuded the same air of elegance with her crimson robes flowing smoothly like Yu Qingyan but she reminded Lin Mo of coquettish women back on Earth, the kind who wielded their charm as skillfully as a blade, making men who fall for it be their slaves.

Her sharp eyes scanned the store's interior, taking in the vibrant displays and the curious assortment of items with a mix of intrigue and skepticism.

Elder Chu's lips curled into a faint smirk as she approached the counter, her disciples following closely behind. Her sharp gaze locked on Lin Mo. Beside her, Zhou Rui was making an apologetic gesture towards him as though saying, 'Apologies, Benefactor. Our Elder forced me to reveal everything I know about you.'

Well, he couldn't blame him for that, Zhou Rui still had to follow the seniority in their sect.

"You're the Shopkeeper?"

"That's correct," Lin Mo replied with a polite nod. "Dear customer, feel free to browse and if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask."

After a moment, she nodded curtly, the coquettish smile on her lips never leaving, "I am Chue Yueying. An Elder of the Crimson Vale Sect. I've come to evaluate the products your store offers. My Sect Master is particularly interested in items that can aid in combat and purification."

As always Lin Mo's professional smile didn't waver. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire

"You've come to the right place, Elder Chu. I trust Zhou Rui over there had already reported the news regarding Abyssal Forest. Our store prepared limited bundles tailored directly to assist dear customers in the upcoming crisis."

Elder Chu raised an eyebrow. Despite the current topic of their conversation, Lin Mo couldn't help but feel like the way she looked at him was as if she was prying into his soul.

Or maybe he was only reminded of someone he knew back on Earth with the same demeanor as this Elder.

"Limited bundles? Oh. Those prominently displayed near the entrance."

"Yes. We currently offer four specialized bundles: the Scout's Survival Kit, Combatant's Arsenal, Purification Set, and Emergency Bundle. Each is designed to meet specific needs, whether for exploration, combat, or handling the Abyssal Forest's unique threats."

"I see. Well then, we'll take our time to browse, Shopkeeper."

With a wink, Elder Chu turned and walked back to the display shelves, her disciples following like a shadow.

Her sharp gaze swept over the vibrant packaging and detailed descriptions.

Lin Mo saw her picking up the Purification Set bundle, reading the short description on the pack which listed its contents.

Zhou Rui and the other disciples became her enthusiastic assistants, telling her of their uses.

Then, one by one, the Crimson Vale sect disciples that followed the Elder picked up a bundle of their choice before Elder Chu herself had her basket filled, picking three of each bundle.

However, she didn't stop there. She picked up another basket and handed it to Zhou Rui who immediately walked over to the shelves further inside, picking up the popular indulgences offered by the store; snacks, noodles and sodas.

Upon returning, Elder Chu had them place their items on the corner before turning to Lin Mo, "Shopkeeper, I'll also be paying for our disciples, please give me the total cost."

"Right away, dear customer."

Lin Mo didn't expect that she was quite generous. Judging from the number of items they picked, she might just become the second loyalty card holder after Yu Qingyan. After all, the other three qualified patrons after the price adjustment had yet to return to the store.

As Lin Mo rang up the items, Elder Chu leaned casually against the counter, her sharp eyes observing his every movement.

Her smirk widened as she spoke with a teasing tone.

"Shopkeeper, not only are you charming but also efficient. I came to understand why this mysterious store has immediately garnered such attention. Mayhaps, we can talk over afternoon tea or something, I'd like to know more about you."

Lin Mo didn't miss the flirtatious undertone, but his professional smile remained firmly in place. As he thought, this woman was a vixen.

"Efficiency and quality are the hallmarks of our store, dear customer. We aim to provide the best experience for everyone who walks through our doors. I'm afraid I have to decline your invitation dear customer, as you can see. Our store is busy."

Elder Chu chuckled softly, resting her chin on her hand as she watched him work. Clearly, his swift rejection didn't faze her. Instead, she found it as a challenge.

"You're right. A shame. It's rare to find someone so composed under pressure. Perhaps I should visit more often instead and talk to you whenever the store is in a lull."

Lin Mo glanced up briefly, meeting her gaze, "The Divine Convenience Store is open to all, Elder Chu. You're welcome anytime."

Just as Elder Chu opened her mouth to respond, the chime of the door interrupted her.

The arrival of another customer drew Lin Mo's attention.

There, the familiar figure of the Emissary of the Verdant Sky Pavilion entered his vision.

Their eyes met but Yu Qingyan's eyebrows immediately jumped as she saw the woman bent over the counter with a flirty smile on her lips.