Divine Convenience Store

As the sky outside the store gradually turned purple, Lin Mo relaxed on the counter, taking a seat on his cushioned stool while drinking a can of hot coffee. Its bitterness and sweetness melded perfectly as it soothed his throat.

His spiritual perception was constantly monitoring the interior of the store, not missing any irregularities.

Although not frequently, there were already quite a few attempts to shoplift. With the existence of spatial pouches, it would've been an easy task to accomplish. Unfortunately for those who attempted, the Divine Interface System running through the store had a safeguard in place. It's impossible to put any store products, even a small Energy Replenishing Candy, into any kind of spatial storage. That safeguard would only be lifted after being scanned by the barcode scanner attached to the cash register.

Shoplifting is still possible. They just have to make sure to carry the item outside. If Lin Mo fails to catch them, then they'll have that product for free. They earn it. But if he catches them, he already has penalties in place. He inputted it into the Divine Interface System to be enacted.

1st offense will be a slap on the wrist. They just have to pay for what they're trying to steal or put it back where they picked it up.

It's a simple warning. Even though they wanted to skimp on paying, most shoplifters will still have spirit stones to pay. He'll still give them a chance to turn over a new leaf.

One banned customer is one less customer, after all.

He won't take his words back about welcoming anyone as a customer, and he won't give up on them right away if they show some bad faith.

Rest in peace to those first-day thugs that got obliterated by Taihao though.

For the 2nd offense, he's either going to have them fork out five times the value of the product they're stealing or… have them work in the store as a temporary hand until they pay their dues.

The Divine Interface System will be the one to set their task, either restocking shelves or assisting customers. Will it include some kind of mind control? Possibly. But they're working to pay for their mistake anyway. The rate will be 1 low-grade spirit stone per hour. So, if they tried to steal a Heavenly Dew Soda – which is already cheap – they only have to work for three hours.

Who would steal a soda anyway?

Alternatively, if they don't want to be stuck working, a repeat offender can also choose to be banned from the store for a month. Their faces will be on a poster to make an example out of them. If they try to bypass the ban by asking a friend or buying from a merchant reseller, it will result in their friend or the merchant being banned as well. He'll naturally include an advisory about it.

The system will determine it with its tracking capability on some items. Lin Mo had no idea how that would work ideally, but it might be different to how the system could create a Field Test Report at the other side of the forest.

3rd offense is naturally a no-brainer. It'll be a permanent ban. No more third chances. At most, they can only watch from outside and window shop, but they can never step inside the store anymore.

He also introduced similar guidelines for troublemakers. First, a warning. Second, a penalty or temporary ban. And third, a permanent ban.

He's going to write an announcement about it when someone triggers the second offense. For now, it's a surprise.

"If the mortals can behave, why can't the cultivators?" He inwardly shook his head as he recalled the poor mortals still trying to barter whatever mundane items they could find for store credits.

At least, even though most of them were bringing junk with no value, they're pretty honest – even if their stories were hilarious. It must have to do with them being powerless against cultivators. If they try to steal, they know it won't end well for them.

After a while, Lin Mo refreshed the Bulletin Board, skimming the latest threads and comments while he comfortably soaked in the spiritual energy being emitted by the [Everlasting Spirit Fountain]. His Passive Spiritual Energy Absorption was once again showing its prowess as he could already sense his dantian stirring as it approached his next breakthrough.

"If I'm reading about myself in a text format on my world, I'll be damn pissed at myself at how lazy and carefree my cultivation feels. I'm not doing anything special at all."

Shaking his head and clearing his thoughts, he shifted his attention to the interface.

The Sword Fairy's exit truly sparked a frenzy as many users were already speculating about who will Floor 4. They naturally listed all the peak Foundation Establishment Stage challengers, but it's still the Sword Fairy who's getting the most votes. Some argued that Spirit Gathering and Spirit Condensation challengers are also in contention considering the tower is adjusting based on their cultivation base, but they were shot down because none among them had cleared Floor 2. Every Floor 2 clears are done by a Foundation Establishment Stage at least.

Apart from that, since the Sword Fairy revealed that it rewards Blue Chest upon clearing Floor 3, many debated the value of what they can acquire in it. No one knew what she received from it yet but whispers of a 'silver blade of unmatched quality' were spreading like wildfire, claiming that it was not her main sword.

Then there was the Crown Prince.

The thread [The Crown Prince arrives at Jade Hollow Plains - NeedMorePotatoChips] had ballooned with updates:

- Anon123: He's arguing with Elder Yan now! Keeps insisting the store's behind the tower. Elder Zhao's just watching like it's a show.

- SodaIsLife: Emissary Yu stepped in. I saw her handing him a [Heavenly Dew Soda]. He actually shut up for a second when he tasted it!

- PavilionRat: Emissary Yu ripped him off too. She asked for a high-grade spirit stone as payment for it.

- SpicyNoodleFiend: That's hilarious! The Dragon General and the Scholar following him also got a taste and they're all speechless.

- PavilionRat: Breaking News! Crown Prince just sent a squad toward Fanling City. Guess he's not buying the 'trial ground' story. He said he's also going to challenge and clear the tower to expose the Shopkeeper."

- RedGlazer: Hurry and inform Shopkeeper! More customers are coming his way.

- ImBroke: Too late. He's reading this, I'm sure. Shopkeeper, give us some discounts! Emissary Yu is charging us more than the store price!

Ignoring that last comment, Lin Mo chuckled, "Stubborn guy. But that's to be expected of someone ignorant while holding that much authority. Good thing the First Princess got a taste of store products first."

After saying that, he went back to his direct message panel with the said princess.

She started sending him a bunch of messages when he replied to her initial message. Most of her messages were filled with question marks as her curiosity over Lin Mo and the store continued to swell.

His responses were short and lacking in detail, frustrating the royal princess. But in his defense, he couldn't simply tell her everything as some of her questions were also things he had no knowledge of. For example, the brewing process of the Heavenly Dew Soda or where they can find a seed for the spirit-infused potato.

Rainplum: "Shopkeeper, I have decided. I will be staying in your shop for most of the day to observe. Will that be allowed?"

After thinking for a moment, he typed his reply while sporting a sly grin, "As long as your guards stay outside. We're operating a store that sells convenience, not a hang-out spot to spy on, dear customer. If you'd like to nurture trust and partnership, you can put on our uniform and work alongside my assistants. I don't mind having an extra 'royal' hand."