[Customer Satisfaction Enhanced: +1 Spirit Stone Credited to Personal Balance.]
Liu Xiaoyu turned to Lin Mo, her expression a mix of awe and curiosity. "Boss, do you think she's plotting something? She seems way too interested in this place."
Lin Mo shrugged, pocketing the spirit stones and updating the system's sales record. "She probably is. But as long as she keeps paying, she can plot all she wants. We're not exactly in a position to turn away customers."
"True," Liu Xiaoyu agreed, her mischievous grin returning. "Though I still say she came back because of the noodles."
Lin Mo couldn't suppress a smirk. "You might not be wrong."
–
The street where the Divine Convenience Store was located was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the morning breeze and the footsteps of those who got a little curious about the mysterious establishment.
Or so that's the case.
Hidden among the rooftops and alleyways, figures moved with practiced stealth.
A young man clad in dark robes crouched on a nearby rooftop, his sharp eyes fixed on the store's glowing facade. His aura was restrained and his breathing silent as he observed the comings and goings of the strange establishment.
"Are you certain this is the place?" a voice whispered behind him.
Another figure, shrouded in a gray cloak, stepped out of the shadows. "Without a doubt. The rumors are spreading faster than wildfire. Have you seen that lady that just passed by? That's Yu Qingyan of the Verdant Sky Pavilion. Word is it's a store that sells divine-grade items and strange artifacts from another realm... It's already drawing attention from sects and rogue cultivators alike. However, they also said it is protected by a divine being."
The young man on the rooftop frowned, his gaze narrowing to a slit. "Divine being? Impossible. Tell me about the shopkeeper. Does he pose a threat?"
The cloaked figure chuckled softly. "Hardly. From what I've gathered, he's a mortal. No cultivation to speak of. But there's something... odd about him. His assistant, on the other hand, is only a Spirit Condensation Realm junior. Although her movements suggest she's trained in some rare technique."
"Interesting." The young man's tone was thoughtful, though his eyes gleamed with a predatory light. "If the rumors are true, this street wouldn't remain as desolate. We might see an upheaval happening in this city. No, in the entire region."
The cloaked figure nodded. "Exactly. That's why we must tread carefully. If we act too soon, we risk drawing the attention of the Verdant Sky Pavilion or other factions. But if we wait too long..."
The young man's lips curled into a cold smile. "We won't wait. Send a scout to test the waters. Buy something and then return it to us. We can think about pressuring the shopkeeper another time."
The cloaked figure hesitated. "And what if the result turned out better? If that woman from Verdant Sky Pavilion isn't making an aggressive move to potential competition, the rumors about it being protected may be true. Can we afford to offend them?"
"Tsk. Stop being a wuss. Alright. I'll go scout myself. Stay here and watch from a distance. If I spoke of my affiliation and he trembled in fear, the prestige of this establishment is nothing."
"Y-young Master, wait!" The cloaked figure tried to stop him but he had already jumped out of the roof and started walking towards the store.
–
Inside the Divine Convenience Store, Lin Mo was blissfully unaware of the eyes watching from the shadows. He was busy tallying up the current day's sales, the system panel glowing softly beside him.
[Sales Summary:
1 Cleansing Talisman: 3 Spirit Stones (Pending Debt)
1 Detoxifying Elixir: 10 Spirit Stones (Partial Payment)
12 Heavenly Dew Sodas: 24 Spirit Stones]
[Personal Balance: 8 Spirit Stones]
"Well, it's not a fortune, but it's progress," Lin Mo muttered, leaning back in his chair.
Liu Xiaoyu, who was running around, checking out every shelf turned to him with a grin. "Boss, we're doing great, right? At this rate, we'll hit the next tier in no time."
"Don't jinx it," Lin Mo replied, though a small smile tugged at his lips.
The peaceful hum of the Divine Convenience Store was interrupted by the doorbell's chime. Lin Mo glanced up from the system panel, noting the arrival of a new customer.
This one was different. He thought.
The young man who stepped in exuded confidence. No, arrogance.
His robes were pristine, embroidered with intricate golden patterns that practically screamed "I'm important!"
His hair was tied in a high ponytail, and his sharp features carried an air of disdain as if he were doing the store a favor by gracing it with his presence.
He was reminded of that annoying trope. 'He's not a Young Master, is he?'
Before the young man could fully step inside Liu Xiaoyu, the enthusiastic greeter, bounded over to the entrance. "Welcome to the Divine Convenience Store! Do you need anything? We have a lot of things in this store!"
The young man barely acknowledged her, his gaze sweeping over the store with thinly veiled contempt. "So, this is the place everyone's whispering about? Hmph. It's... underwhelming."
Lin Mo raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Liu Xiaoyu.
"Great. Another critic," He muttered under his breath before adopting his professional tone. "Welcome. Let us know if you need anything."
The young man strode to the counter, his hands clasped behind his back. "You're the shopkeeper?"
Lin Mo nodded. "That's right. And you are?"
The young man smirked, clearly waiting for this moment. "I am Yan Wei, Young Master of the Azure Gale Sect. Surely, you've heard of us?"
Lin Mo stared blankly. "Nope."
Liu Xiaoyu snorted loudly, quickly turning it into a cough when Yan Wei shot her a glare.
"You dare claim ignorance of the Azure Gale Sect?" Yan Wei's voice rose slightly, his aura flaring just enough to rattle a few snack packets on the shelves.
Lin Mo held up a hand, unimpressed. "Calm down, Young Master. This is a convenience store, not a sect directory. What do you need?"
Yan Wei's smirk returned though it was tinged with irritation. "I've come to see if the rumors about this place are true. Divine-grade items, otherworldly goods... Let's see if you can impress me."
'How demanding. Yep. Really a Young Master. I better curry favor with him to avoid trouble. I don't have the magic Divine Reprimand anymore to expel unwanted customers', Lin Mo sighed inwardly.
Liu Xiaoyu perked up. "Oh, we've got plenty to impress you! How about our Heavenly Dew Soda? It's refreshing, revitalizing, and only two spirit stones per bottle!"
Yan Wei glanced at the drink display, his expression skeptical. "A beverage? Is that all?"
"We also have talismans, elixirs, and protective gear. What exactly are you looking for?"
Yan Wei tapped his chin theatrically as if pondering the mysteries of the universe which didn't really suit him.
"Something... extraordinary. Something that befits someone of my status."
Liu Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, I've got just the thing!"
She darted to a shelf and returned with a bright pink umbrella.
Lin Mo facepalmed as she watched the bunny-like store assistant return with what he was expecting.
"This," Liu Xiaoyu declared, holding the umbrella aloft, "is our Protection Against Celestial Tribulations – Limited Modern Edition! Stylish and functional!"
Yan Wei stared at the umbrella, his expression a mix of disbelief and offense. "You're joking."
"Nope!" Liu Xiaoyu said cheerfully. "It's divine-grade! Perfect for someone as... radiant as you. You can tide through major tribulations past the Nascent Soul Realm!"
Lin Mo coughed to cover a laugh, earning a sharp look from Yan Wei.
"Huh?! Do you think I'm in need of an umbrella?! Enough of this nonsense!" Yan Wei snapped. "Show me something worthy of the Azure Gale Sect!"
Lin Mo rolled his eyes and pulled up the system panel, scrolling through the inventory.
After a moment, he gestured to a shelf of shimmering talismans. "These are Heavenly Shield Talismans. They negate mortal and low-level cultivator attacks. Twenty spirit stones each."
Yan Wei's gaze flicked to the talismans, and for a moment, genuine interest sparked in his eyes. But his pride wouldn't let him admit it. "Hmph. Decent, I suppose. I'll take one."
"Great choice!" Liu Xiaoyu chirped, grabbing a talisman and bringing it to the counter.
As Lin Mo rang it up, Yan Wei placed a pouch of spirit stones on the counter with a flourish. "There. Consider this a contribution to your... quaint establishment."
Lin Mo counted the stones, suppressing the urge to comment on the young master's attitude. "Thank you for your purchase. Enjoy your talisman."
Yan Wei pocketed the talisman, his smirk returning. "Perhaps this store isn't entirely worthless. I may return... if only to see how long you last in this city."
With that, he turned and strode out, the doorbell chiming behind him.
Liu Xiaoyu watched him go, then turned to Lin Mo with a grin. "Boss, I think we've just met our most dramatic customer yet."
Lin Mo snorted. "If he comes back, you're dealing with him."
Inwardly, Lin Mo was relieved, 'Is that really a usual young master? I was waiting for him to say 'You dare?!' or find Xiaoyu a target to steal. Is she not attractive enough?'
He clicked his tongue.
Sensing the malicious unspoken comment, the young woman sharply turned her head to him, "Boss, are you talking down on me in your head?!"
"Of course not. Keep up the good work, my dear lovely assistant." He whistled before busying himself back on the counter. Awaiting for another, hopefully not-so-troublesome customer.
Somehow, he couldn't help but wonder when those customers from the first day would return. If Yu Qingyan did return just because she liked the taste of the instant noodles. Those who bought practical items should be too.