Liu Xiaoyu, who had been waiting inside, snickered as they stepped in, sending another voice transmission to him. "Boss, you really know how to stir things up."
He replied, "It's our chance to profit. Next time, I'll let you do all this by yourself. Go and guide everyone to the viewing platforms and set up your stall. I'll handle these two groups."
Liu Xiaoyu saluted before ushering those who weren't part of the Ironclad Blood Sect and Cerulean Cloud Sword Sect to the audience seats surrounding the raised platform that was now pulsating with strong spiritual energy, making everyone gasp in awe again.
Even those who'd already seen the platform used still couldn't get over how advanced the inscriptions and array formations covering it were.
Nonetheless, some were already pulling out spirit stones, hoping to place their bets.
Liu Xiaoyu grinned as she hollered at the finished set up of her betting stall.
"Alright, everyone! Place your bets! Who do you think will win? The esteemed Sword Fairy Jiang Jianxin, or the boorish Ironclad Blood Sect Elder Hu Zhen?" She twirled a brush between her fingers, ready to record wagers.
The odds were heavily stacked in Jiang Jianxin's favor but a few stubborn gamblers still bet on Elder Hu, likely swayed by his ruthless reputation.
As the members of both sects heard that, hushed murmurs began before a disciple from both sides ran up the stairs to place their bets on their respective representative.
Acting like he hadn't seen that, Lin Mo started as he introduced the wondrous platform made by the divine beings of the pantheon.
"Well then. As you can see, dear customers, that platform can allow anyone to fight unbridled without the fear of taking your opponent's life. The moment you stepped in, you'd be under the platform's array formation that will protect you from taking any fatal damage."
At every detail he mentioned, both sides couldn't help but frown at how advanced it was than any formation they were aware of.
Seeing their reactions, Lin Mo internally smirked.
This was the kind of reaction he was expecting. He may not have the overwhelming power that others assumed a shopkeeper of a 'Divine' store should have, but he had the next best thing. Divine facilities that could make even sect elders feel like frogs in a well.
Jiang Jianxin took a deep breath, regaining her composure after the brief awe she felt upon entering.
Her eyes shone with interest as she observed the platform's inscriptions. The longer she looked, the more she felt that even their most accomplished array master would not be able to understand its mysteries. Likewise, even with her vast knowledge of sword dao and formations, she couldn't recognize the intricacies behind the platform's workings. It was truly something beyond the knowledge of their realm.
Meanwhile, the Ironclad Blood Sect cultivators looked less impressed and more unsettled.
The scar-faced elder, in particular, seemed to sense that something was off. But as a man of pride and ego, he suppressed his unease and maintained his arrogant stance.
Lin Mo clapped his hands. "Alright, let's not waste any more time. Our duelists, please step onto the platform."
Jiang Jianxin nodded and gracefully leaped onto the arena, her movements so fluid it seemed as if she was merely stepping on air. A subtle yet sharp sword aura followed her, making even the spectating cultivators feel a light sting against their skin. She drew her sword with a whispering chime. A faint silver aura surrounded her blade, and the sheer presence of her Sword Intent made the air hum.
The scar-faced cultivator grunted and stomped onto the platform, which caused a slight tremor. He glared at Jiang Jianxin, cracking his knuckles before unsheathing his thick, heavy saber. Unlike her refined elegance, his aura was brutish and forceful. He's like a mountain pressing down upon his foes.
Lin Mo raised his hand. "Now then, let's go over the rules. Since this duel is taking place within the [Divine Arena & Exhibition Hall], external weapons and items bought from the store are permitted, as Fairy Jiang suggested earlier. The winner will be declared if the opponent conceded defeat or rendered incapable of continuing by the platform's formation."
"Do not be afraid to go all out, dear customers. The formation will protect your lives and the moment a fatal injury is about to be dealt, it will immediately intervene. Now then–"
Lin Mo's voice carried through the grand arena as his presence commanded the attention of all. "Let the match begin!"
With a flick of his wrist, the arena's formations flared, signaling the official start.
Up above the golden screen once again lit up, giving the audience better angles and a close up of the duel down below.
And as Lin Mo jumped out of the stage, the two cultivators began sizing each other up.
Sword Fairy Jiang Jianxin stood poised, her sword held in a relaxed yet absolute stance.
The manifestation of her Sword Intent surrounded her. It was like flower petals yet so sharply-refined that even those outside the platform felt its invisible edge.
A single breath of hesitation, and one could find themselves cut without ever seeing the strike.
Across from her, Elder Hu Zhen of the Ironclad Blood Sect grinned savagely, his grip tightening around the hilt of his massive saber.
His aura exuded pure brute force, his Saber Intent like an unstoppable landslide, crashing through all in its path. Unlike the refined and precise nature of Jiang Jianxin's swordplay, his strength lay in sheer domination. A clash of styles as much as a battle of wills.
Their cultivation level is both at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage. With their Elder status, they are no doubt already an elite force of any major sects within the region.
Many from the audience already had their breath held as they waited. Some were wondering what kind of store products would be used by both sides, while some just wanted to see the action between experts .
Normally, no expert of their level would go all out in a duel as it's not worth it but thanks to the Divine Convenience Store's platform, they could forget holding back and showcase the extent of their power.
Elder Hu Zhen was the first to move. His foot slammed against the arena floor as he dashed forward like a meteor.
His saber roared with a thick, bloody light as he cleaved downward, aiming to split Jiang Jianxin in half.
The dominating force of his swing created a violent gust that sent waves of spiritual pressure crashing into the surrounding barrier.
Jiang Jianxin had already moved, not waiting for her opponent's strike to hit her.
Like a ripple across a still lake, she flowed. Her figure shifted effortlessly to the side.
The moment Elder Hu's saber crashed into the ground, she struck.
A single, elegant flick of her wrist and then a whisper of silver light.
Hu Zhen's eyes widened as a fine line of crimson bloomed across his sleeve.
A gasp echoed through the audience.
"Huh?! She's already landed a hit?!"
"That was barely a second! Sword Fairy lives up to her name!"