'No, that doesn't make sense… unless he's deliberately trying to introduce something more foreign to this world than just the convenience store.' Lin Mo's thoughts churned as he tried to make sense of the appearance of those towers.
Taihao had been cryptic in his explanations, always hinting that Lin Mo would understand "in due time." But now, with this new information, it was hard not to suspect that the Divine Pantheon, or at least some of its members, were actively shaping the world's future.
The sudden emergence of these tower-like structures, coinciding with his store's rise, wasn't a coincidence. It can both be the reason and the cause. Something beyond his understanding of this realm is happening and only Taihao or perhaps the ones at the Third Heaven have an idea of what exactly it is.
And if this truly was something akin to the "awakened towers" from the stories he'd read back on Earth…
Then this realm was about to change forever. It wouldn't just be about cultivating to reach immortality anymore… Everyone around him may have to fight for their survival.
Yu Qingyan studied his expression. "Judging from your reaction, you know something about these towers, don't you?"
Lin Mo's lips twitched. This woman was sharp. Too sharp for her own good. He had to be careful with his words.
"Miss Yu, as much as I appreciate your trust in my vast knowledge–"
"...You're about to give me a vague answer, aren't you?" She interrupted, folding her arms.
Lin Mo chuckled. "You catch on fast. I appreciate the information you've shared. It's valuable. But let's just say… I have my suspicions. Because these tower-like structures aren't foreign to me. Or in other words, I have encountered them before. In my previous world."
"In your previous world? That's right. While many new customers now have no idea about your origins, many of your early customers are aware that you're someone who isn't originally from our realm… Do you mean to say there are also tower-like structures in your world? What do they do?"
"Ah. Let me clarify something. They exist but only in fiction. They're just fantasy written by many authors. A setting in a piece of literature, if you want me to be specific."
"That… That's absurd. They're fiction in your world, but they have become a reality here. So, do they also possess the same trait?"
"Pretty much. Indestructible. Releases monsters of unknown origins. Offers an entirely different world inside. More often accompanied by trials."
Yu Qingyan's brows knitted together in deep thought. "That's… unsettling."
Lin Mo smiled wryly. "But Miss Yu, they can also be destroyed. Or rather, cleared. One just has to climb up and finish all of the trials within or conquer it, depending on how each one actually works."
The idea that elements from his world's fiction were manifesting here was also unsettling for Lin Mo. Not to the extent that he's starting to worry. If it happened on Earth, then he would certainly worry. But here? With all these cultivators who defy the laws of physics around? Hell, those monsters better be so strong or they'll just truly turn into nothing but a trial ground for young disciples.
"Miss Yu, I wouldn't be too hasty in spreading this information. After all, my assumption might be wrong. But there's no reason not to be vigilant." Lin Mo said as they finally stepped out of the isolated space containing the immortal-grade artifacts.
"Indeed, Shopkeeper Lin. However, if something like that appears nearby, can I consult with you? I'm certain every force in our region will scramble to control or study it. Whether you share your knowledge or not, people will come to their own conclusions."
Lin Mo nodded, "I don't mind. If it's nearby and it starts posing a threat to our store, then we will naturally not ignore it."
It was only a matter of time before the major sects and powers started claiming the towers as their personal training grounds. But what if these weren't just 'training grounds'? What if they were something more sinister?
However, without a precedence, those would remain unanswered questions.
"Tell me, Miss Yu. These towers. Are they appearing randomly, or is there a pattern?"
Yu Qingyan tapped her chin, considering. "From what we gathered, they've emerged in places of high spiritual energy density. Most are near ancient ruins, sacred grounds, or historically significant battlefields."
"I see. So, there's some kind of prerequisite for a tower to manifest. Whoever's behind them must have something to do with something foreign to this realm."
Yu Qingyan nodded grimly. "Exactly."
Lin Mo leaned back. "Well, I'd love to sit here and philosophize about the fate of the world, but I'm a mere manager of the Divine Convenience Store. Not to mention, I'm also a mere Spirit Condensation Stage cultivator."
Yu Qingyan rolled her eyes. "Correction, Shopkeeper. You're a manager of a divine establishment. And you went from being a mortal to a Spirit Condensation Stage cultivator in a little more than a week."
Lin Mo waved a dismissive hand, his smirk widening. "Ah, but that's just my natural talent shining through."
Yu Qingyan scoffed, "Natural talent? Who are you fooling? More like divine nepotism."
He chuckled without denying it. Indeed, Taihao left him with the Celestial Providence and that's enough to make his progress to be anything but conventional.
Still, even with all the advantages, he had yet to truly grasp the scale of the changes happening in the realm. At the moment, he's nothing but a pawn with the Divine Mandate to manage the store.
After a while, Lin Mo and Yu Qingyan moved back to the table by the entrance, discussing the restocking of her inventory for her next Official Distributor trip.
It didn't take long since she just needed Lin Mo's approval and she could start picking what to stock up in her Distributor Inventory, filling the maximum capacity value of 15000 high-grade spirit stones.
Ten minutes later, Lin Mo walked her to the door.
Before leaving, she turned back with a meaningful smirk. Her sharp eyes shining under the ethereal glow of the convenience store's signboard. "Shopkeeper Lin, I do hope you're prepared for what's coming. Because whether you like it or not, your little store is about to become the focal point of something much bigger."
Lin Mo watched as she gracefully turned around, the moonlight basking her figure highlighting her beauty.
Once again, he couldn't help but tease her, "Oh? You sound almost concerned for me, Miss Yu. How touching."
Yu Qingyan huffed at his non-serious answer, "You really don't know when to stop. Ugh… Forget it. I'm just looking forward to seeing how you handle the madness that's about to unfold."
"I don't think it will reach us so soon. On the other hand, you should be careful on your next trip, Miss Yu. You're our precious Distributor and Golden Patron. I'll be in trouble if anything happens to you."
Yu Qingyan raised a brow at him, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Oh? So, you do care. "
Lin Mo shrugged. "Of course. Losing a reliable source of income would be a tragedy."
She let out an exasperated chuckle. "Well, don't worry, Shopkeeper Lin. I can take care of myself. You just focus on keeping your store from turning into ground zero for whatever catastrophe is brewing."
With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared into the night, her silhouette vanishing into the shadows of the quiet street.
Lin Mo stood at the entrance for a moment, watching her go before exhaling deeply.
The moment the glass doors shut behind him, Liu Xiaoyu, Xiao Ya and Yangyang emerged from the Shopkeeper's Quarters.
Looking at their expressions, Lin Mo could tell that they have been watching her interactions with Yu Qingyan closely.
"Boss, you have a good atmosphere going with Miss Yu. Why did you send her home so soon?" Liu Xiaoyu hopped like a bunny as her eyes shone with curiosity.
"Because her business is over for tonight." He flicked her forehead before turning to the Divine Interface System.
The translucent panel appeared overhead as the day's evaluation arrived.
[Day 9 Evaluation: Excellent]
[Sales Summary: 421 Transactions – Revenue: 12302 Intermediate-grade Spirit Stones]
[Betting Stall Revenue: 1856 Intermediate-grade Spirit Stones]
[Distributor Revenue: 50000 Intermediate-grade Spirit Stones]
[Distributor Upgrade Fee: 10000 Intermediate-grade Spirit Stones]
[Rewards: +20 Spirit Stones to Personal Balance for both Shopkeeper and Assistant, +15 Spirit Stones for the Staff]
[Tier Progression: Thriving Store (96035/1000000), Golden Card Patron (11/20)]