With the last of the Azure Gale disciples finally departing, a quiet hum settled over the Divine Convenience Store.
Lin Mo leaned against the counter, his body aching with exhaustion and a strange sense of accomplishment. He watched as Liu Xiaoyu, who was now practically vibrating with leftover energy, began to restock the shelves with unnerving speed, her 'Heaven's Reflex' making her movements seem like a blur.
"Boss, we did it! You're so great! We actually did it! We sold tons of items in just this morning!" Liu Xiaoyu exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "Also… Did you see the way Elder Yan looked at you? I bet the Sect Master of Azure Gale will be lining up to buy from us soon. And Yan Wei's face when you casually told him to buy all those items! That was priceless! You played into his prideful arrogance, making him spend beyond what he was intending to!"
Lin Mo chuckled, shaking his head as he grabbed a rag to wipe down the counter. "Don't get too excited, Xiaoyu. Without the Aura of Harmony doing all the work to calm them down, we wouldn't have achieved this result. However, I'm certain they'll be satisfied with our products. And satisfaction leads to repeat customers."
Upon saying that, he swiped away the system notifications about the numerous Customer Satisfaction rewards that awarded him 1 spirit stone each to his Personal Balance.
What was left behind were the numerous system notifications, informing him of his Celestial Providence leaking out to his customers.
"Anyway, I'm starting to wonder if you're a secret merchant genius, boss!" Liu Xiaoyu continued, her voice full of genuine admiration. "You're great at making people spend their spirit stones. You even made Elder Yan lower his guard for a moment with your calmness!"
"Alright, stop flattering me. I'll treat you to something later. In any case, it's all about understanding the customer, Xiaoyu. Taihao left us to manage this store. We have to know what they need and then convince them that we're the ones who can provide it. And as always, a good product always sells itself."
—
The sound of approaching hooves echoed through the obscure street where the Divine Convenience Store was located. It gradually grew louder as a richly adorned carriage came into view.
The Verdant Sky Pavilion's emblem, a silver vine entwined with a jade blossom, was prominently displayed on its side, a clear indication of the occupants' importance.
The carriage was pulled by four majestic, white steeds. Their movements were fluid and graceful, and their harnesses gleamed with intricate golden patterns.
Inside, Yu Qingyan adjusted her robes, her mind filled with anticipation and apprehension.
Seated beside her was the Pavilion Master, her grandmother, whose sharp eyes surveyed the passing scenery with a knowing glint. The old woman's presence filled the carriage, her calm demeanor creating an atmosphere of both serenity and authority.
Opposite them sat Jing'er, the Pavilion Master's personal assistant, her expression unreadable as always.
"Grandmother, are you certain this visit is wise?" Yu Qingyan asked, her tone betraying a hint of nervousness. "The store may not be as…"
"As remarkable as you say?" The Pavilion Master finished, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Relax, Qingyan. I trust your judgment. And besides, a little bit of chaos is always good to shake up our mundane routines. Just think of this as a simple reconnaissance mission."
Yu Qingyan sighed inwardly. She knew her grandmother well enough to understand that this wasn't just reconnaissance. This was the Pavilion Master indulging in a moment of whimsical amusement due to her current fascination with the peculiar store.
However, thanks to this whim, the opportunity to quell her craving for the shop's products appeared before her.
As their carriage approached the Divine Convenience Store, they saw a group of cultivators, clearly departing from the store.
With their iconic azure robes, the Emissary of the Verdant Sky Pavilion would not fail to recognize them.
"Azure Gale Sect…" Yu Qingyan murmured.
The Pavilion Master's gaze sharpened, her playful amusement fading slightly. "Indeed. It seems the rumors of this store are spreading faster than wildfire. Their presence warrants attention. That's their high elder, Yan Chen, and the son of the Sect Master, Yan Wei."
Jing'er remained silent, her eyes flickered between the Azure Gale Sect disciples and the Divine Convenience Store, her expression unreadable.
The Pavilion Master signaled for the carriage to stop in front of them.
They weren't strangers to each other. As high-ranking members of different influential forces within the region, they had already met a few times.
Yan Chen's sharp eyes locked onto the emblem of the Verdant Sky Pavilion as his expression shifted into one of polite acknowledgment.
He raised his hand, signaling for the Azure Gale disciples to halt their departure. With measured steps, he approached the carriage, his aura calm but commanding.
The Pavilion Master stepped down gracefully, her presence radiating a natural authority that rivaled Yan Chen's. Her emerald robes shimmered faintly in the sunlight, the silver vine embroidery catching the light like living threads. Behind her, Yu Qingyan and Jing'er followed, their movements equally poised. Their otherworldly beauty was enough to make the young disciples mesmerized.
"Elder Yan," the Pavilion Master greeted, her tone warm but laced with the weight of her status. "It seems the Divine Convenience Store has captured your sect's attention as well."
Yan Chen inclined his head respectfully. "Pavilion Master Yu. It is a surprise to see you here. Indeed, this establishment is... intriguing. My disciples and I have just concluded our visit."
The Pavilion Master's lips curved into a faint smile. "Intriguing is an understatement, I believe. My granddaughter has spoken highly of this place and I decided to see it for myself. I trust your experience here was satisfactory?"
Yan Chen's gaze flickered briefly to the store behind him before returning to the Pavilion Master. The foundational cultivation manual of the Lotus Immortal Hall he had recently purchased was tucked securely within his robes.
"The wares are unique, and the shopkeeper is... far from conventional. I must admit, however. The quality is undeniable. I have no doubt you will find your visit worthwhile."
Yu Qingyan's cheeks reddened slightly at her grandmother's pointed glance. She maintained her composure by faking a cough.
"Grandmother, the shopkeeper is indeed unconventional but his goods are unlike anything found elsewhere."
Yan Wei, standing a few steps behind his uncle, couldn't resist a scoff as he intentionally showed off the products he bought.
"Unconventional is putting it lightly. The shopkeeper has a peculiar way of doing business, but I suppose even oddities can have their uses."
The Pavilion Master's gaze shifted to Yan Wei, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly at the cap that was peculiarly designed.
"Young Master Yan Wei, I presume? It is refreshing to see the Azure Gale Sect's younger generation taking an active interest in the world beyond their sect."
Yan Wei straightened, his pride flickering back to life under the Pavilion Master's scrutiny. Even in his proud moments, he couldn't dare offend the old woman.
"Of course, Pavilion Master. The Azure Gale Sect always seeks to broaden its horizons."
The Pavilion Master's faint smile didn't waver, but her tone carried a subtle edge. "A commendable pursuit. I trust you found the shopkeeper's wares to your satisfaction?"
Yan Wei hesitated, glancing at his uncle before responding. "They were... adequate."
Yan Chen cleared his throat, cutting off any further remarks from his nephew. "Pavilion Master, I will not delay your visit further. Should your esteemed pavilion find value here, I look forward to hearing your thoughts."
With that, Yan Chen inclined his head once more and signaled for his disciples to continue their departure. The Azure Gale Sect members filed out in an orderly manner, their presence gradually dissipating as they moved down the street.
The Pavilion Master watched them leave before turning her attention to the Divine Convenience Store. Her gaze lingered on the peculiar signage and the faint glow emanating from the interior.
"Interesting," She murmured, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Qingyan, lead the way. My eagerness has just been boosted. Let's see what this store has for us."
Yu Qingyan nodded, stepping forward as they continued towards the store, pushing open the store's doors for her grandmother.
The familiar chime rang out, and the Pavilion Master, accompanied by Jing'er, followed her inside.