Yu Qingyan forced a smile, doing her best to maintain her composure despite the knowing amusement sparkling in her grandmother's eyes.
"Indeed, Grandmother. A new establishment has opened in Fanling City. It requires a thorough evaluation due to the… unique nature of its goods."
"Unique, you say? Not simply… irresistible?" The Pavilion Master countered, her voice laced with playful sarcasm. "Tell me, child, do these unique goods perhaps have a way of making our usually steadfast emissaries completely forget about diplomacy and duty, opting instead to ponder which particular item or snack they are about to buy?"
Yu Qingyan winced internally, recognizing that the situation was spiraling into a comedic, almost embarrassing exchange with her own elder.
"The store does possess a… certain allure, Grandmother. Its impact seems to be greater than I initially expected."
She finally decided to accept that she might actually like her growing fascination with that particular store. Although not fully, since there's an element that doesn't make any sense. But at least she has already become self-aware of her unique state in contrast with the others in her pavilion.
The Pavilion Master leaned back into her chair, her laughter finally fading as she scrutinized Yu Qingyan more thoroughly with an amused smile.
"Fascinating, indeed. A store that can ensnare the attention of the Verdant Sky Pavilion's sharpest strategist and yet remain within her grasp. This is, without a doubt, an anomaly that merits our consideration. But still... Is there something more that troubles you? You haven't even started scheming on how to establish that said place to have a contract with you. Yet."
'Oh if you only knew how I easily got rejected,' Yu Qingyun inwardly thought.
"I am merely observing how its power can be applied. And if a small portion of its resources, or effects, are acquired by our pavilion, our own influence could reach a higher place within the realm."
Yu Qingyan cringed at her poorly made explanation as her Grandmother continued laughing at that pitiful attempt. Her reaction told everything. Yu Qingyan hadn't found a decent excuse at all.
The Pavilion Master's sharp gaze lingered for a moment before she broke into a lighthearted hum that managed to create an echo in the large, well-designed room.
"Alright, Qingyan, I've had my fun. It warms my old bones to see that you have found something else that piques your curiosity outside my teachings for all these years. Besides," Her smile grew slightly as she continued with an intention that finally had Yu Qingyan slightly apprehensive, "I was hoping you would show up already, so I didn't need to make our young members feel nervous."
"Did I interrupt something important?"
She tilted her head before turning her gaze outside, observing how the younger disciples were starting to go about their usual routines despite her unexpected encounter and delay.
It seemed that for her they're all in their element. All except herself.
"Of course not. Now, tell me, granddaughter. You mentioned this place required careful consideration, didn't you?"
"I believe so, Grandmother."
The old woman nodded, her eyes twinkling as she prompted Yu Qingyan to share everything else that troubled her that seemed insignificant but slowly and surely was slowly taking over her thoughts and current way of being. She leaned in closer.
"Interesting." The Pavilion Master leaned back in her ornate chair. Her eyes suddenly twinkled. "Well, I may need first-hand experience in order to confirm whether or not it is as you say. May you accompany me to that store sometime this week?"
Yu Qingyan's composure cracked for a second as her lips parted in surprise. "You… You wish to visit the Divine Convenience Store yourself, Grandmother?"
The Pavilion Master's grin widened, her sharp eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.
"Why not? If this establishment is capable of captivating my granddaughter to the point of nearly forgetting her duties, I must see it for myself. Besides… It has been decades since I've indulged in anything as frivolous as snacks or fizzy drinks. Perhaps it's time to broaden my horizons."
Yu Qingyan's mind ached. On one hand, having the Pavilion Master visit the store could lend credibility to her own fascination and possibly establish a stronger relationship with the shopkeeper. Her current dilemma of not having enough spirit stones to visit may also be solved.
On the other hand, the idea of her esteemed grandmother walking into the Divine Convenience Store, examining instant noodles or any other strange item within the store like a curious child, was almost too much to bear.
"Grandmother, while I respect your curiosity, the store is… unconventional. It may not be to your taste," Yu Qingyan said carefully. "Its wares and atmosphere may not align with your expectations."
The Pavilion Master waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense. If it can intrigue you, it can intrigue me. Besides, I trust you to guide me through this experience. You are, after all, the expert on this peculiar establishment."
Yu Qingyan felt her cheeks flush slightly. "I wouldn't call myself an expert…"
"Modesty doesn't suit you, Qingyan," Her grandmother teased. "Now, when shall we go? Today, perhaps?"
"Today?!" Yu Qingyan's voice rose an octave before she quickly composed herself. "Grandmother, surely you have more pressing matters to attend to."
The Pavilion Master tilted her head, feigning deep thought. "Hmm… none come to mind. Unless you'd like me to summon the council and discuss the merits of fizzy beverages at length?"
Yu Qingyan sighed, realizing there was no escaping this. "Very well, Grandmother. I shall make the necessary preparations."
"Excellent." The Pavilion Master's smile softened as she stared at her fidgety granddaughter, "Do not fret, Qingyan. I trust your judgment. If this store is truly as remarkable as you say, it may hold opportunities we cannot yet foresee."
Yu Qingyan nodded as she felt her resolve hardening. "I will ensure our visit is fruitful."
The Pavilion Master chuckled again, her playful demeanor returning. "And perhaps I'll get to try this Heavenly Dew Soda for myself. It sounds… invigorating."
As her granddaughter exited the main hall, the Pavilion Master clapped her hand once and another young woman appeared next to her. It was her personal assistant that she was keeping by her side.
"Jing'er, you'll be coming with us. Go to our Verdant Sky Bank's Vault and open my stash. It should have around 10000 high-grade spirit stones, correct? Maybe we can buy that store ourselves. Divine being or not, if they opened a store, resisting the allure of wealth will be difficult."
"Understood, master." The young woman bowed before disappearing again, her unwavering eyes devoid of surprise or greed as if the stash she was tasked to procure wasn't an astronomical amount.