Divine Convenience Store

Left Minister Shen Jinhai sharply asked as intrigue flickered in his eyes. "Masked cultivators?"

On the other hand, the City Lord's frown grew deeper.

He believed this was not a coincidence. The Divine Convenience Store had already drawn too much attention from the sects, rogue cultivators, and even kingdom officials. There's no way mysterious forces will fail to do as well.

"Minister Shen, would you care to accompany me?" Wei Xian asked. He wasn't concerned about the Divine Convenience Store. If it could deal with the Poison Demon Cult easily, even a more prestigious sect than the ones in their region would fail to make it budge.

The Left Minister nodded as he smoothly rose to his feet. "Lead the way."

Without delay, the two powerful figures exited the mansion followed by a few officials and the City Guards. They swiftly made their way through Fanling City's bustling streets.

The presence of the City Lord and the City Guards did not go unnoticed. Citizens and cultivators alike moved aside. They whispered amongst themselves wondering what it was about while some started following with curiosity.

By the time they neared the Divine Convenience Store, they immediately sensed the spiritual energy in the area seeming about to boil from the tension.

There, they found a group of masked figures in dark robes with silver outlines standing before the store's entrance.

Their cultivation levels were truly as reported by the City Guard. Each one emanated the pressure of at least a Foundation Establishment expert.

However, despite their imposing presence as they let their spiritual pressure run wild, they weren't able to take a step closer.

Blocking their way was an unexpected sight.

The Divine Convenience Store's customers.

At the forefront stood Yu Qingyan.

With her arms crossed and an amused smirk on her lips, she's also flaunting her half-step Core Formation Stage aura, resisting the masked figures.

Beside her, Elder Chu Yueying exuded a quiet, icy hostility.

Yan Wei and his Azure Gale Sect disciples stood loosely yet alert, ready for battle. The young master even wore his spirit-grade cap.

And somehow, even Grandmaster Lian and Pill Master Ying's group returned as they were positioned calmly among the customers, their presence reinforcing the undeniable fact that they were ready to defend the store against anyone who'd come to make trouble with it.

"You people have been standing there for a while," Yu Qingyan spoke lazily, her keen eyes narrowing slightly. "If you're here to shop, then step right in. If not, then kindly get lost. You're disturbing business."

One of the masked figures finally spoke. It was filled with authority and arrogance as if their group was confident to disregard any dissent from the cultivators present.

"We are here under orders. And we would advise you to not interfere."

"And whose orders might those be?" Elder Chu Yueying spoke this time, her voice was frosty and sharp.

They let a few seconds hang in silence before the leading masked figure reached into his robes and pulled out a token.

A collective silence fell over the gathered crowd as they recognized the insignia.

A sharp, silver lotus with a crossed-sword emblem beneath it.

Even the City Lord Wei Xian's expression darkened upon seeing it.

The Silver Lotus Hall.

One of the Southern Wu Secret Divisions. An elite intelligence faction that reported directly to the Royal Family itself.

"Minister, are they really from that hall?" Wei Xian asked the high-ranking official with him. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

"Hmm. They should be. But why are they operating in broad daylight? Am I out of the Palace for too long? It appears this store that you've just pointed to me has already reached the ears of His Majesty." Left Minister Shen answered.

Soon, the leading masked figure finally continued as he pulled a scroll and unfurled it for everyone to see. Apart from the cultivators at the level of Yu Qingyan, everyone knelt from the pressure that spread out from the unfurled scroll.

"Listen. We have been sent by His Majesty's decree to investigate this so-called 'Divine Convenience Store.' We are not here to cause trouble. We are merely announcing our presence as instructed" His gaze swept over the customers before lingering on the entrance, most of which were already kneeling. "However, we will enter whether you permit us to or not."

Some customers frowned, and others exchanged glances.

Yan Wei let out a low whistle as he was among those who managed to struggle to stand up. As they're not part of the kingdom, they're naturally not obligated to kneel before them.

Besides, cultivation sects and the mortal kingdom had a clear separation in power. The sects would never point their swords at the kingdom as long as they leave them alone with their pursuit of Immortal Ascension.

"Oho, what's this? Silver Lotus Hall? I heard about you from my father. He said you're dogs of the kingdom. Are you trying to bark in front of this divine establishment?" He grinned, his usually obnoxious voice carrying the prestige of the Azure Gale Sect.

The masked figures didn't react to Yan Wei's taunt but a faint pressure once again surged from their group, causing some of the weaker cultivators in the crowd to stumble back.

However, Yan Wei was shielded by the figures of Grandmaster Lian and Pill Master Ying who stepped out of the crowd and faced the masked figures as well.

With their appearance, those who were inside the store when Lin Mo did the demonstration for the Viewing Jades earlier exclaimed.

"The Golden Patrons!"

"Wow. They're acting like the store's security!"

Ignoring all those exclamations, Yu Qingyan shook her head as she directed her gaze at the rest of the masked figures, pressing down pressure on them just like what they did to the weaker cultivators.

"Silver Lotus Hall, huh? Do you know what you are doing? We may be in the city of your kingdom's border but are you certain about using force to get past us?"

Chu Yueying also spoke up, "Investigating, hmm? Then why does it feel like you're coming to raid this establishment?

Yan Wei crossed his arms, clearly enjoying the confrontation. "Besides, what do you need to investigate? Is it about the store's products? Why not ask us? You see. We just kicked the Poison Demon Cult's ass yesterday! Here, I'll do some demonstration."

Upon saying that, he pulled one Spirit Embodiment Sticker Seal and immediately plastered it on his arm.

With only a hint of spiritual energy to activate it, the spiritual projection of an emerald phoenix emerged behind him, causing a huge gust of wind to blow before it merged with his body.

Under everyone's eyes, they sensed Yan Wei's spiritual aura rose to rival an early Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator.

The Azure Gale Sect disciples cheered at their young master's imposing figure while the other customers who had yet to try the product also gasped in awe.

Stepping aside, Grandmaster Lian and Pill Master Ying exchanged glances.

Neither of them had expected to find themselves standing on this side of the conflict. They had arrived at the Divine Convenience Store with their own skepticism, even a trace of hostility. And yet, here they were, standing as its defenders.

'Ridiculous,' Grandmaster Lian thought. 'Why am I even doing this? I'm part of the Red Lotus Academy. The kingdom funds us!'

Pill Master Ying sighed inwardly. 'This… My body moved by itself. I should've gone home after exiting the store, not get caught in this kind of standoff...'

Yet, despite the two masters' reluctance, neither of them moved away. They remained standing with the other Golden Patrons. Grandmaster Lian even got her interest piqued by the sticker seal Yan Wei used. It's truly extraordinary, making her wish to learn how to make it in the future.

The leader of the Silver Lotus Hall remained silent for a moment before rolling the decree back into his sleeve.

"This is not a request. By royal decree, we will enter." His tone was absolute.

Yu Qingyan rolled her eyes. "Try it then."

The leader raised his hands and the masked figures shifted slightly, their postures tensing up as if they were about to force their way in.

The crowd held their breath as the entire street once again teetered on the edge of violence.

DING!

But then, the sound of a familiar chime echoed from behind the cultivators, breaking the tension.

And before their eyes, the Divine Convenience Store's entrance swung open, revealing a young man with peculiar clothing of green and white stripes.

The Shopkeeper Lin Mo.

His gaze swept over the scene, landing first on the Golden Patrons, then on the imposing masked figures.

He sighed as if dealing with rowdy customers rather than elite kingdom operatives. He had been watching the commotion since it started.

He's actually waiting for them to step in and let the Aura of Harmony do its magic but the store's customers and Golden Patrons took it upon themselves to block their way in.

And now, it evolved to this. A conflict was once again about to happen.

He had no choice but to step out and put a stop to this absurdity. It's extremely disruptive for the business!