Divine Convenience Store

While Xiao Ya was gone, the store continued to operate at its usual brisk pace. Customers came and went, browsing shelves filled with different goods, both modern and ancient. The Bundle Sets were still getting sold even after the skirmish at the edge of the Abyssal Forest yesterday. And speaking of that skirmish, many sect elder figures and city officials went to Lin Mo first when they arrived at the store, asking him the secret about the products' quality.

He didn't entertain them that much and just pointed them to the Customer Hotline, letting Yangyang deal with them as he continued checking out the line of customers.

He was waiting for someone to ask about the [Divine Combat & Exhibition Hall] so he could flex about the multipurpose hall to them and its functions, but everyone was so occupied with the new products on the shelves and the more spacious aisles.

Maybe it would take a more curious mind before they noticed that huge door on the other side of the store.

On the other hand, Liu Xiaoyu, the energetic assistant of the store, continued flexing her Heaven's Reflex as she went from aisle to aisle, assisting customers and throwing her sales pitch at them, making them buy more than they intended to.

He noticed his face a little redder than usual and figured out that she had used the Xing Xing Glimmer Bundle that he had bought for her after the bet. She's already a beautiful young woman, and like this, she's going to start catching the attention of the male customers.

"No. Some disciples were already trying to flirt with her. Too bad for them. She's so dedicated to her work." Lin Mo shook his head.

A little while later, Xiao Ya returned, looking much more refreshed and energetic. Her small frame was balancing a tray carefully as she made her way toward the counter.

"Boss Lin! Sister Xiaoyu! I brought food!" She announced proudly.

On the tray were two neatly plated dishes. One was a fragrant bowl of Spirit Rice paired with braised starfire beast meat, and the other was a serving of steamed cloudfish drizzled with a mild, nourishing sauce.

Lin Mo raised a brow. He didn't recall having ingredients to make those. But then, upon seeing the sticker that had been left behind on the plate, he realized that the meals were part of the Instant Meal Cultivation Kits. It seems their lounge had also gotten a few of them as their food supply.

"You didn't have to bring me food." He eventually said, acting stoic, yet he was already gulping down his saliva. They smelled so good. It's been a while since he had a true proper meal aside from the convenience store goods. Even if it's still a microwaved meal, it's complete with rice and side dishes.

Xiao Ya puffed her cheeks. "But Boss Lin works hard too! You should eat!"

Liu Xiaoyu, who heard the girl's voice, immediately bounded over. Her eyes shone with delight upon seeing the steaming meals. "Boss, our Xiao Ya made us a meal. Why not just accept it? We haven't eaten yet anyway."

Lin Mo sighed in defeat and accepted the tray. "Fine. Thank you, Xiao Ya."

Just as he was about to step away from the counter, Yangyang stepped out of their quarters and said,

"Shopkeeper Lin, if you're gonna eat, let us take over for a bit." The bespectacled 'mortal' from Divine Pantheon had a small smile on her lips.

However, one look and Lin Mo could tell that her stepping out had to do with a previous complainant on the Customer Hotline. She probably encountered someone so stubborn and obnoxious she needed to step away from it for a while.

—

While the Divine Convenience Store bustled with customers, the City Lord Mansion was quite busy after receiving a notice from the kingdom's capital.

A high-ranking official of the kingdom had just arrived in the city.

City Lord Wei Xian stood at the entrance of the mansion. Despite his usually imposing presence, his expression was calm yet inwardly tense. He was a powerful cultivator in his own right but even he had to tread carefully when dealing with someone of this caliber. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

The visitor was none other than Left Minister Shen Jinhai, an esteemed official from the Southern Wu Kingdom's Royal Court.

His name alone carried significant weight, as he was not only one of the kingdom's key decision-makers but also an influential figure in the military. He was also a former City Lord who guarded the kingdom's borders against its enemies. He climbed the ranks and eventually reached the position beneath the throne when he supported the previous Crown Prince for his succession.

City Lord Wei Xian had even gotten a few medals from him during one of the campaigns before he got accorded the title of Baron and the responsibility to govern the Fanling City, the kingdom's territory facing the Abyssal Forest directly.

The arrival of such a figure so soon after the Poison Demon Cult's attack meant one thing. Scrutiny.

But considering the distance between Fanling City and the Royal Capital, the arrival of the Left Minister was so swift, making the City Lord lack the preparation for a proper welcoming ceremony.

"Minister Shen," Wei Xian greeted respectfully, cupping his fists in a formal bow as the impressive figure stepped out of his carriage and approached them, "It is an honor to welcome you to Fanling City."

The man before him exuded an aura of authority. His refined yet imposing presence, dressed in a flowing dark brown robe embroidered with a silver tortoise image, was enough to make lesser officials uneasy.

His deep-set eyes and streaks of silver in his neatly tied hair spoke of both wisdom and experience.

Minister Shen nodded in acknowledgment. However, his expression was unreadable, which made it hard for the gathered official to breathe in his presence.

"City Lord Wei, no need for formalities. My visit was rather unplanned, but I happened to be in the region when I heard of the skirmish against the Poison Demon Cult."

Wei Xian tensed slightly, carefully choosing his words. "Yes, Minister Shen. We managed to repel the cult's forces with minimal casualties, thanks in part to the timely efforts of several prominent sects in the region and powerful individuals."

Minister Shen's gaze swept over the assembled officials and cultivators behind the City Lord, his sharp eyes missing nothing. "Hmm. That is indeed fortunate. But I have read the report… and there were peculiar details. The swiftness with which your forces recovered, the unexpected breakthroughs among cultivators, and…" His voice lowered slightly. "...rumors of an unconventional source of aid."

Wei Xian remained composed. "Fanling City is fortunate to have many capable allies. Why don't we enter first, Minister Shen?"

Minister Shen's gaze lingered on Wei Xian for a moment before he let out a quiet hum and stepped forward. The city lord and his officials guided him into the mansion, where a formal reception awaited.

As soon as they entered the grand hall, a servant approached to offer refreshments, but Minister Shen waved them away. "No need for pleasantries. Let's get to the heart of the matter."

Wei Xian inclined his head. "Of course, Minister Shen. I assume you have specific concerns?"

The Left Minister took a seat, his eyes remaining sharp. The air around him made it feel like he was declaring that he wouldn't leave the place with his questions unanswered. While this wasn't an official visit, his position alone carried sufficient authority to conduct an impromptu investigation.

"Tell me, Wei Xian. You're the type of soldier who's not good at hiding something. What truly caught my attention upon reading the report were the scattered accounts of items and tools that do not belong to any known sect, clan, or hidden forces within our kingdom."

"It is true that Fanling City has acquired a new source of goods. One that has, in many ways, contributed to our survival." The City Lord answered with a wry smile.

"And where might this miraculous source be?"

Wei Xian hesitated. He had long since decided that concealing the Divine Convenience Store was pointless. It would only be a matter of time before someone in the capital caught wind of it.

However, he also knew that introducing such a powerful figure to the store could bring unpredictable consequences. How would the Shopkeeper react to the Left Minister? Will he keep being unfazed and welcome him with a smile?

Before he could speak, another official interjected nervously, "Minister Shen, I believe City Lord Wei is referring to the newly emerged shop in Fanling City. An establishment that calls itself the Divine Convenience Store."

Minister Shen raised his brows. But as he was about to speak, a City Guard rushed into the hall, pale-faced and frantic.

"City Lord! Urgent news!"

Wei Xian frowned as it felt a little disrespectful to the important guest but the word 'Urgent news' made him drop his notion to shout at his subordinate, "Speak. Be mindful, Left Minister Shen is here with us."

The City Guard gulped and nodded before quickly reporting, "A group of unknown cultivators have appeared in the city. Strong ones. Each of them is at least at the early Foundation Establishment Stage. They're wearing masks and their auras are oppressive. They claimed they were merely 'passing through,' but their movements suggest otherwise. The guards are wary. They are… they are heading to that store!"