Divine Convenience Store

Lin Mo blinked, still half-dazed from the rush of his cultivation breakthrough. "Another bigshot? Who is it this time? Don't tell me it's the Crimson Vale Sect's patriarch or something."

Liu Xiaoyu grabbed his arm, practically dragging him toward the door. "No. But he's at the same level as them."@@novelbin@@

Lin Mo stumbled slightly as Liu Xiaoyu dragged him toward the counter just outside the door to their quarters. Her urgency left no room for questions.

Naturally, his mind raced as he tried to process her words.

A bigshot? Disguised? At the same level as a sect patriarch? It's not like he hadn't dealt with someone at the same level before. It's not even a few hours since the Pavilion Master left.

"Xiaoyu, calm down," Lin Mo said, attempting to steady her as they reached the counter. "Who is it? And why are you so sure he's a big deal?"

He could see the said customer, roaming around the store, browsing each shelf with keen interest. From his appearance, his disguise was really poorly done. While he didn't like an aged-old man, his sharp and fiery features were evidently screaming 'expert'. Only a fool would not think of that.

Liu Xiaoyu leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Boss, it's the Sect Master of the White Ember Sect. I'm certain of it. Even in disguise, his aura is too distinct to mistake. He's trying to mask it, but I can feel the subtle pressure. It's like standing near a volcano that hasn't erupted yet."

Lin Mo tilted his head, "The White Ember Sect? The one where our first customer hailed?"

"Yes. That one!" Liu Xiaoyu exclaimed.

Hearing her confirm that as though she was truly confident with the customer's identity, the same question from earlier popped up in his head.

How can his assistant recognize these supposedly illustrious figures of each sect? It's like she had received an education about them during her childhood, making her remember the head of each notable force within the region.

Lin Mo could only think of one possibility for that, she was either a princess of some kingdom or she belonged to another similarly large force.

Although he was curious earlier from seeing the Pavilion Master's reaction upon seeing her, he failed to ask about it because of what happened.

"Huh… Xiaoyu, I am wondering. Are you actually a prodigy from a huge sect or a reclusive family? Your knowledge is unreasonably vast for someone so young. You recognize sect masters, you know cultivation techniques, and you can even assist me with my own cultivation. Care to explain?"

Liu Xiaoyu froze mid-step, her ears twitching slightly as her face turned an amusing shade of pink.

She looked away, suddenly very interested in the shelf stocked with Spirit-Infused Potato Chips.

"W-What? Me? A prodigy? Pfft, don't be ridiculous, Boss! I'm just a humble assistant sent here to help you run the store."

Lin Mo crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Humble assistants don't typically recognize disguised sect masters at a glance. Or teach cultivation techniques. Or react like this when asked a simple question."

She flailed her arms in exaggerated protest. "Boss, you're overthinking it! I just… have a knack for recognizing people, okay? It's a talent, not a secret identity or anything!"

'Yeah, right. If she's this defensive, she's just making it very obvious.' He thought.

Before Lin Mo could press further, the disguised customer approached the counter, his sharp eyes seemingly focused on Lin Mo as he placed a small basket filled with items on the counter.

Although not that noticeable, Lin Mo picked up the surprise that momentarily passed in the customer's eyes. And clearly, it's the surprise of seeing something unexpected.

At first, he thought it was about Xiaoyu again but the customer before him had his gaze locked on him.

Watching him approach, Lin Mo found his movements to be fleeting, each step exuding an understated confidence that matched Liu Xiaoyu's earlier assessment.

"Shopkeeper," The man said, his voice carrying a subtle weight as he looked around him, "I've heard rumors of this store's… uniqueness. I must say, they don't do it justice."

Hearing that, Lin Mo snapped back into his professional demeanor, his customer-service smile sliding effortlessly into place. "Welcome, esteemed customer. We aim to exceed expectations. I trust you've found everything to your satisfaction?"

The man nodded slightly as he put down his basket filled with an assortment of products. "For now, yes. However, I cannot help but be curious. How does a store like this come to be? Your wares are extremely unique. Most seemed to have been influenced by another culture. It's unlike anything found in this region."

Lin Mo chuckled lightly, ringing up the items with practiced ease. "We strive to provide convenience and solutions, dear customer. What you've seen as unique may not be so in the future. As for its influence, I must say you're half-right on that one. Unfortunately, the specifics about our store are a trade secret."

The man's lips quivered in a faint smile, though his eyes remained sharp. "A fair answer. And this establishment. Does it intend to remain neutral in the affairs of the sects and factions in this region?"

As he was already expecting someone of his stature to probe him like that, Lin Mo's smile didn't waver. "Neutrality is one of our core principles. The Divine Convenience Store welcomes all customers, regardless of their affiliations. Our goal is to provide value and convenience, not to take sides. As long as you have spirit stones to buy our products you're always welcome as our dear customer.

"A wise stance. One that will likely serve you well… if you can maintain it."

That last part sounded like a warning but also a reminder. Despite his sharp and fiery appearance, this customer was quite gentle. Or maybe it was because of the Aura of Harmony? Impossible, since Yan Chen and even the Pavilion Master had taken notice of it.

Lin Mo paid it no heed as he bowed slightly. "We intend to."

As Lin Mo finished packing the man's items, Liu Xiaoyu leaned in slightly, her tone suddenly sweet and cheerful.

"Esteemed customer, if I may ask, how did you hear about our store? Was it from one of our previous visitors?"

The man's smile deepened, clearly not intending to take off his mask. "Word travels quickly among those who pay attention. And this store has already made an impression on certain… influential individuals."

Not wanting to push it any longer, Liu Xiaoyu beamed, clapping her hands together. "That's wonderful to hear! We hope to continue impressing all our customers."

Lin Mo handed the packed bag to the man, who accepted it with a nod. "Thank you for your business, esteemed customer. If there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to return."

The man paused, his gaze lingering on Lin Mo for a moment longer. "I'll keep that in mind. Until next time, Shopkeeper."

After thinking for a moment, Lin Mo finally understood why he couldn't help but inspect his body.

His cultivation.

If Xue Biyu reported to his Sect Master about this mystical store, he would also point out the mortal Shopkeeper.

And yet, here he was, now a cultivator.

With that, he turned and strode toward the exit, his presence still commanding even in his unassuming disguise.

As the door chimed shut behind him, Lin Mo let out a long breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Well, that was one troublesome customer down. Should we expect more Sect Masters to arrive?"

Behind him, Liu Xiaoyu excitedly placed her hands on his shoulders, squeezing them as though she was giving him a message, "Great job, Boss! And also, congratulations! You finally did it! And you even exceeded expectations, 2nd level right from the start!"