Divine Convenience Store

"Hey, is this really happening? An exhibition match between Crimson Vale's Zhou Rui and the Azure Gale's young master Yan Wei? When did the store build this place?"

"Yes! Apparently, that stage has an array formation that dying inside will be negated and injuries will be minimized. The perfect place to settle grudges without consequences!"

"Damn, I was just here to buy some snacks, but this is way more interesting!"

The crowd of customers buzzed with excitement as more people poured in from the store, eager to witness the first official match in the Divine Arena.

Somehow, it got fully advertised outside that those who were just browsing their wares couldn't help but come inside the [Divine Arena & Exhibition Hall] to see what was happening.

At the moment, tension was quite visible as two groups of sect disciples were positioned at opposite sides of the viewing platforms, cheering for their senior brothers who were standing on top of the stage.

Zhou Rui and Yan Wei, however, were stunned as they took in the scene before them.

The massive multipurpose hall stretched beyond what should have been physically possible within the store. Rows upon rows of elevated seating lined the walls, while an enormous arena stage took center place, its surface engraved with intricate array formations pulsing with both spiritual and divine energy.

Above the stage, a shimmering golden panel displayed a live feed of the arena with the words:

[Upcoming Exhibition Match: Zhou Rui vs. Yan Wei]

"Unbelievable. How can a place like this exist overnight? Shopkeeper really went all out with this…" Yan Wei muttered, his usual arrogance momentarily replaced with awe.

Zhou Rui, however, clenched his fists with excitement. He wasn't that confident with their spending power. After all, Yan Wei was the son of the Azure Gale Sect's Patriarch. He was bound to lose against him.

Now, his Benefactor provided them a stage where it wouldn't just be about their petty spending competition anymore. This was a chance to test himself against a rival of the same generation in front of an audience, in a place where they could go all out without restraint.

Dialing back to what happened a few minutes ago, the moment they stepped into the hall with Liu Xiaoyu, they were met with Lin Mo who was with the City Lord, a high-ranking kingdom official, and the other Golden Patrons who managed to catch the moment Lin Mo brought the first two inside.
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After some twists and turns, Zhou Rui and Yan Wei were asked by Lin Mo if they wanted to continue their interrupted duel from before on the stage in the middle of the Divine Convenience Store's multipurpose hall.

The two of them immediately accepted as if they were fighting for the honor of their sect.

—

Seated at the center of what could be called the 'VIP section' with how great the view was from the position, Lin Mo casually sipped his Frosty Lotus Brew that his energetic assistant who's quick on the uptake handed over to them.

It's like she had read his mind and was now fully assisting with his current plan.

City Lord Wei Xian, Left Minister Shen Jinhai and the Golden Patrons apart from Yan Wei were also seated around him.

"So, Shopkeeper Lin," The City Lord was the first to break the silence, his deep voice carrying a hint of his intention to be enlightened. "Is this the work of the divine beings? Your space inside your store has expanded so much that one will think they arrived at a hidden realm if they stepped inside. On top of that, you now have this… what you call a 'multipurpose hall'. Tell me. What are your exact plans for this establishment?"

Lin Mo smiled lightly, setting his can down. "Mhm. This is indeed the work of the divine beings backing the store. I believe I've already answered that question before, City Lord. Our store is here to bring convenience to the realm."

He paused for a moment to let his words sink in.

"This [Divine Arena & Exhibition Hall] is as such. While what we're going to witness is an exhibition match, it will be more than just a place for it. It serves multiple purposes. Hence the word 'multipurpose'."

He gestured to the vast space around them, its grandeur far surpassing what should have been possible within the store's confines.

"At the moment, the arena's primary function is, of course, to serve as a battleground for cultivators. However, it is not a place for life-and-death struggles. Instead, the formation inscribed upon the stage ensures that no one can die within its bounds. Any lethal attack is automatically negated, and serious injuries are greatly reduced. This allows combatants to fight without holding back, pushing their limits without fear of permanent harm."

The Left Minister stroked his beard in contemplation. "Fascinating… If such a place became widespread, it would revolutionize combat training. Young cultivators could test themselves without the risk of crippling injuries or death. But what do you mean about its multiple purposes, Shopkeeper? Can you please list what else can be done here?"

Lin Mo nodded. He already expected such a question, especially from this official. He had just learned that he held the highest position just below the King of the Southern Wu kingdom as the Left Minister. There's a Right Minister with the same scope of power.

If he wanted to avoid more trouble like the one brought by the Silver Lotus Hall, he had to convince this old man and make him another loyal patron. When the Divine Convenience Store started opening its branches, it would be easy if he already had connections with the place.

Lin Mo gestured toward the arena stage where Zhou Rui and Yan Wei were standing as he started.

"As I mentioned, this hall is not limited to just duels and exhibition matches. The divine beings have ensured that this place can serve several functions. Aside from combat, the [Divine Arena & Exhibition Hall] will act as a venue for lectures, demonstrations, and even trade fairs for spiritual artifacts, medicinal pills, and cultivation techniques."

The Golden Patrons seated nearby exchanged intrigued glances. Yu Qingyan's eyes lit up as she spoke. She's the Emissary of the Verdant Sky Pavilion and her sect dealt more with trade than amassing forces, after all.

"A trade fair? You mean cultivators and merchants alike will be able to set up stalls within this hall and showcase their goods?"

Lin Mo gave a slight nod. "Indeed. While the Divine Convenience Store already supplies goods that far surpass common wares, we do not hinder external commerce. Cultivators and merchants alike may apply for designated event days where they can present their items to potential buyers in a controlled, secure environment."

His eyes then lingered a bit on Yu Qingyan, causing the woman to be a little flustered. But contrary to her expectation, Lin Mo was simply thinking about how he would bring up the Official Distributor position to her.

He already decided to pick her. As a Day 1 customer and the first Golden Patron who got so addicted to the taste of Heavenly Dew Soda and Spicy Taihao Noodles, she's naturally his best choice to be the first distributor of the store.

Furthermore, there's that fortuitous encounter waiting for her that had been granted by his Celestial Providence the moment she traveled outside the region.

City Lord Wei Xian exhaled in amazement. "Such an initiative… It would eliminate the risks associated with black-market dealings and theft. Furthermore, it would allow even unaffiliated cultivators to gain access to rare goods without needing to rely solely on sect connections. Although, wouldn't it hurt your sales, Shopkeeper?"

Lin Mo chuckled. "It doesn't matter, City Lord. We can't deprive everyone of their livelihood, no? Besides, I believe many will still choose to buy our products."

"Moving on, in addition to all of that, this place can serve as a venue for official sect challenges, inter-sect tournaments, and even empire-sanctioned contests. The fairness of the arena's array formation ensures that victory is determined by skill and not underhanded tactics like poisoning, hidden weapons, or interference from third parties."

Minister Shen Jinhai thoughtfully inquired, "And I assume there is a cost for using this hall?"

Lin Mo didn't bother hiding his grin. "Naturally. But that's a talk for another day. Today is just an exhibition. For now, enjoy the show and see the hall's capabilities firsthand."

As if on cue, the shimmering golden panel above the arena flashed, signaling the beginning of the duel.

The crowd hushed down in anticipation as Zhou Rui and Yan Wei took their stances.

Meanwhile, over in the corner of the hall, Liu Xiaoyu was in her element, standing behind a makeshift betting counter with a bright smile. A long line of eager cultivators, merchants, and even some members of the Silver Lotus Hall had already formed, each placing spirit stones on their chosen victor.

"Place your bets, place your bets! Will it be the bloodthirsty blade of the Crimson Vale Sect, Zhou Rui? Or the cunning storm of the Azure Gale Sect, Yan Wei?!" The young woman wearing the green and white stripes of the store announced cheerfully, her eyes shining with undisguised amusement.