The White Ember Sect was nestled in a mountain range northeast of the Abyssal Forest and the city where the Divine Convenience Store appeared.
It's like an impregnable fortress if seen from the foot of the mountain and on its gate carved the sect's philosophy. Strength through refinement.
Xue Biyu approached the sect's gates. His movements appeared to have been burdened by contemplation. Although his outward expression remained composed, his mind was still churning from the events of the previous day.
No matter how much he tried to do so, he couldn't take the mystical store out of his mind.
In fact, he returned to check it out one more time.
Unfortunately, he wasn't informed that the establishment had a closing time.
Not wanting to spend the night waiting outside it, he decided to just return to his sect.
Besides, he was aware of the whims of divine beings. They mostly show up once in a certain area and never be heard from again.
If he didn't go back, there was a chance for him to waste his time waiting only to find out that the store would never open again.
The talisman he had purchased, the Heavenly Shield, was tucked safely inside his robes. He had nothing to use it for and there wasn't any opportunity to do so.
Furthermore, he believed that its value was far too great to squander without necessity. That's why he's going to hand it over to someone who would be able to examine it in all its intricacies.
As a mid Foundation Establishment Stage expert, it was barely useful for him as it was clearly meant for those below his current realm; namely, the Spirit Gathering and the Spirit Condensation Stage.
The shopkeeper was no cultivator, that much was certain. Yet the aura of that place and the presence of the divine energy was undeniable. It was openly demonstrated by Zhenren Taihao.
Xue Biyu suppressed a shiver. The casual erasure of those thugs was still fresh in his mind.
"Elder Xue, welcome back." The disciple manning the gate enthusiastically greeted him before hurriedly opening it for him.
He nodded expressionlessly and continued inside.
The serene energy of the sect greeted him. Its coolness brushed against his skin like a protective shroud.
He glanced up at the ornate carvings etched into the stone walls, the stories of their sect's illustrious history depicted in vivid detail. Yet today, those tales felt strangely insignificant.
As he ascended the stone steps toward the inner halls of the sect, another disciple hurried toward him, bowing deeply.
"Elder Xue. Sect Master requests your presence in the main hall."
Right after that, the disciple scurried off, leaving Xue Biyu to ponder.
'Did the word of the appearance of that store already reach the sect master?'
He adjusted his robes and strode toward the hall, leaving that question hanging in his head.
He ran into a few more disciples and other Elders before he managed to reach the main hall which was seated at the highest peak.
The White Ember Sect's main hall was quite spacious. Its high ceilings were adorned with white patterns resembling roaring flames.
Seated at the head of the hall was Sect Master Lin Yuanzhi, his sharp features exuding authority. His robes, embroidered with golden and white flames, reflected his mastery over fire-based techniques.
Xue Biyu entered with a bow, his steps measured. "Sect Master."
Lin Yuanzhi motioned for him to rise. "Biyu, welcome back. I trust your journey to the Abyssal Forest yielded insights?"
Xue Biyu hesitated for the briefest of moments. "It was... eventful but not in a way you would've expected, Sect Master."
"Eventful?" The Sect Master's gaze sharpened, his interest piqued. "Elaborate."
"I came across something mystical."
He reached into his robes and produced the talisman, holding it out with both hands. The Sect Leader's eyes narrowed as he examined it from his seat atop a dais.
"This talisman... A divine-grade?!" The Sect Leader's eyes widened as his fingers brushed the glowing inscriptions. "Where did you acquire it?"
"From a... unique establishment that has appeared in the nearby city. The Divine Convenience Store. It is unlike anything I have encountered before."
He recounted his experience in the store, from the curious arrangement of items to the overwhelming presence of Zhenren Taihao.
The Sect Leader listened in silence, his expression unreadable. When Xue Biyu finished, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the talisman.
"A store that sells divine-grade items..." the Sect Leader said slowly. "And protected by a being of Taihao's caliber..."
"It could be an opportunity, Sect Leader," Xue Biyu said. "If we can establish a connection with the shopkeeper, the White Ember Sect could secure a significant advantage."
"Or it could bring calamity," The Sect Leader replied, his tone sharp. "Such power rarely exists without cost. The factions that learn of this place will not hesitate to seize it by force. I should also take a look. If it is as you say… We have to be the first ones to take the benefits of aligning ourselves to the divine establishment. As you know, the Abyssal Forest has become more restless lately. We have to prepare for any eventuality."
Xue Biyu inclined his head respectfully. "I understand, Sect Master. Shall I arrange an escort for your journey to the store or should I accompany you instead? The store may or may not remain in that place."
Lin Yuanzhi waved a dismissive hand. "No need. A low profile is essential. We cannot afford to reveal our interest prematurely. I will go in disguise, alone. This Divine Convenience Store may be a blessing, but it could also be a honey trap. If the being behind it is truly divine, we must tread carefully. If it disappeared by now, there's a chance that it may appear somewhere else. A divine-grade item like this cannot be faked."
Xue Biyu hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Sect Master, I must caution that while the shopkeeper appeared mortal, his demeanor was... unique. There's a certain air around him like he's not from our realm."
Lin Yuanzhi's lips quirked in a faint smile. "Interesting. Maybe it is the divine being's power at work. If he is indeed merely a mortal, he may have been given a Celestial Providence. We might see a rise of another expert. Mhm… I will see this place for myself."