"Fifty-four spirit stones in revenue," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "And I get... zero? Not even a bonus for surviving an attempted robbery and selling noodles to a high-maintenance emissary."
Liu Xiaoyu peered over his shoulder, her curiosity piqued. "Boss, what's this 'Novice Progress' thing? Does it mean we're leveling up the store?"
Lin Mo shrugged, his eyes still glued to the panel. "Huh? You can see this?"
"Why? Am I supposed not to?" Liu Xiaoyu tilted her head.
Thinking about it, he was always referring to the panel every time to see the prices of the products. There was no indication that it was exclusive to him.
"Ugh. Forget it. Maybe if we hit a hundred, we unlock something useful. Like an anti-bandit barrier or a panic button."
"Or maybe a breakroom for your hardworking assistant," Liu Xiaoyu quipped, flopping onto a nearby stool.
Lin Mo shot her a tired look. "Hardworking? You hid behind the counter when things got dicey."
"Self-preservation is part of the job," She retorted, sticking her tongue out. "Besides, I sold more items than you did today, Boss. That scholar was ready to write an ode to potato chips because of me."
Lin Mo chuckled despite himself. "Yeah, congratulations on your poetic sales pitch. Just don't expect a raise anytime soon."
As Lin Mo stared at the system interface once again, a faint golden glow suffused the store. The soft chime that accompanied it was different from the usual system alerts. More melodious and almost celebratory.
Lin Mo stiffened, his earlier exhaustion giving way to a familiar sense of dread.
"Congratulations, young man!" Taihao's voice boomed, his radiant form materializing somewhere in the middle of the store before floating towards them.
The deity looked as jovial as ever, his golden robes shimmering like sunlight on water. "Your first day as the manager of the Divine Convenience Store has been a resounding success!"
Lin Mo groaned, rubbing his temples. "Define success. I sold some noodles, barely survived a robbery, and spent most of the day convincing people that toothbrushes aren't weapons."
Taihao laughed heartily, clapping Lin Mo on the shoulder. "Precisely! You adapted, persevered, and upheld the sanctity of this divine establishment. As promised, I have a reward for you."
Liu Xiaoyu perked up immediately, her exhaustion vanishing as she leaned over the counter. "Reward? Boss, what do we get? Spirit stones? Cultivation manuals? Maybe something to stop thugs from breaking the place?"
Taihao wagged a finger at her. "Patience, young lady. This reward is for our diligent shopkeeper. Though, of course, its benefits will extend to the store as well. You'll get your daily wage."
Lin Mo crossed his arms, eyeing Taihao suspiciously. "Let me guess. It's another one-time-use feature that disappears the moment I need it most?"
Taihao's grin widened. "Oh, ye of little faith. Behold!"
With a dramatic flourish, Taihao waved his hand. A scroll of golden light unfurled before Lin Mo, its inscriptions shimmering with ancient runes.
The golden scroll hovered before Lin Mo, its inscriptions radiating an aura of profound power.
Liu Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned closer, trying to decipher the glowing characters. It was mystical for her. Somehow, after the earlier commotion, she couldn't put up her initial bravado anymore. Now, she has become nothing more than an adorable shop assistant to Lin Mo who's sometimes helpful.
"Behold!" Taihao announced grandly, his voice echoing throughout the store. "This is your reward for surviving the first day. 'Heaven's Favor: Celestial Providence'. A gift directly from our Divine Pantheon itself!"
Lin Mo raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Great. What does it do? Write poetry? Summon noodles? Or maybe it makes customers less annoying?"
Taihao chuckled, ignoring the sarcasm. "Heaven's Favor is a top-tier celestial providence that will mark you as one favored by the heavens. It enhances your luck, shields you from minor dangers, and subtly influences fate in your favor. Cultivators would kill for this."
Lin Mo frowned, still skeptical. "So, it's like... a permanent good luck charm?"
"Not just that!" Taihao said with a flourish. "It will also speed up your cultivation when you finally decide to embark on that path. You'll find bottlenecks easier to overcome, resources more effective, and breakthroughs less elusive. Truly, a divine blessing!"
Liu Xiaoyu gasped as she practically bounced on her heels with a hint of envy flashing in her eyes, "Boss, this is huge! Do you know how rare something like this is? You could probably charge a fortune just to let someone sit next to you to bask in your luck! Expect me to do that from now on!"
Lin Mo rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, no. Anyhow… I still don't know how to cultivate. Isn't this a bit premature?"
Taihao's smile didn't waver. "All in good time, young man. The path of cultivation is yours to choose, but this providence will ensure you're not starting from scratch. It's an investment in your potential as the manager of this esteemed store. See how we're taking care of you? That 54 Spirit Stones is just the start. Keep up the sales and see our establishment prosper!"
With another wave of his hand, the scroll dissolved into motes of golden light.
They swirled around Lin Mo before sinking into his skin. A warm, invigorating energy surged through him, making him feel lighter, sharper, and strangely more... alive.
"Well?" Taihao asked in an expectant tone. "How does it feel?"
Lin Mo flexed his fingers, tilting his head thoughtfully. "I feel... less like I'm about to collapse from stress. I guess that's something."
"That's the spirit!" Taihao said with a hearty laugh. "As for cultivation resources, fear not. With each milestone you reach in managing this store, the system will unlock new rewards. Your journey has only just begun!"
Liu Xiaoyu pouted, crossing her arms. "Wait. What about me? I worked hard too, you know? And I didn't get celestial providence like the boss."
Taihao stroked his beard, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "I told you, my dear assistant. You don't have to worry about your cultivation resources anymore. You'll also earn your wage and credit that you can use to buy something from the store."
Liu Xiaoyu's pout deepened, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "So, I get paid with... store credit? That's like working at a bakery and being paid in bread!"
Taihao grinned, unperturbed. "Precisely! What better way to ensure your loyalty than to reward you with the finest goods this establishment has to offer?"
Lin Mo snorted, shaking his head. "You hear that, Xiaoyu? Your paycheck comes with an employee discount. Congratulations."
"Gee, thanks," Liu Xiaoyu muttered, crossing her arms. "I'll remember that next time someone swings a sword at me."
"Now, now," Taihao interjected, raising a glowing hand to silence the brewing banter. "I haven't forgotten about you entirely, little assistant. In honor of your... enthusiastic service, I'll bestow a modest blessing. It's not celestial providence, but it will ensure you're more... useful in times of need."
Liu Xiaoyu perked up immediately, her earlier grumbling forgotten. "Really? What kind of blessing?"
Taihao waved his hand again, summoning a small orb of silvery light. It floated gently toward Liu Xiaoyu, settling onto her forehead before dissolving into her skin. She blinked, a faint shimmer lingering in her eyes.
"Congratulations," Taihao said with a wink. "You've been granted 'Heaven's Reflex'. Your reaction speed, agility, and perception have all been subtly enhanced. A perfect complement to your role as the store's assistant. Work hard in your cultivation and soon you can expel those types of troublemakers from earlier yourself."
Liu Xiaoyu twirled experimentally, her movements suddenly smoother and faster. "Whoa! I feel... lighter! Faster! Like I could actually dodge a sword now!"
"Don't get too carried away," Lin Mo muttered, though he couldn't suppress a small smile as he watched her hop like an energized rabbit, "If you break something, it's coming out of your paycheck."
Taihao clapped his hands, his booming laughter filling the store.
"Excellent! With these blessings, the two of you are now better equipped to handle the challenges ahead. Remember, young man, this store is no ordinary establishment. It is a beacon of divine commerce, and its success rests squarely on your shoulders. Sell and protect. This one won't be able to use Divine Reprimand or Intervention anymore. Read some books lying out there if you will. Ask your assistant for… you know, assistance. She'll know what to get you."
"Great," Lin Mo replied dryly. "No pressure or anything."
Taihao's grin widened as he began to fade, his golden form dissolving into the air. "Farewell, for now, my industrious shopkeeper and his spirited assistant! Rest well, for tomorrow brings new opportunities... and new customers!"
As Taihao vanished, silence returned to the store.