"Your Highness, that's Fanling City." The coachman of the Royal Carriage called out to Princess Wu Meiyu as the battered walls of the border city appeared on the horizon.
Wu Meiyu leaned forward slightly, her gaze sharpening as Fanling City came into view. The weathered walls stood tall and sturdy like silent sentinels against the sprawling plains. The cracks and scars on them bore witness to the years of enduring the Southern Wu Kingdom's frontier struggles, especially against the demonic beasts and evil cultivators on the other side of the Abyssal Forest.
Yet, even from a distance, she could sense the lively energy from the hubbub of activity inside.
The presence of the Divine Convenience Store invigorated the city, weaving through its streets like an unseen force that inspired new life and energy.
"Fanling City. It's smaller than I imagined, yet it feels… alive." Wu Meiyu murmured, her fingers brushing the ornate box Shen Jinhai had given her. She had already finished its contents, but with every peddler or merchant caravan she ran into on the road, she'd buy a few of their Divine Convenience Store wares, especially the indulgences that she couldn't part with anymore.
The captain of her Royal Army escort, Zhu Min, rode up beside the carriage. His armor clinked softly as he inclined his head. "Your Highness, we've spotted increased traffic ahead. Merchants, cultivators, even some rogue wanderers. All converging on the city. We'll hoist our flag to open a path for you to enter. The City Guards will recognize it."
Wu Meiyu nodded, her eyes narrowing as she observed the distant figures dotting the road. "Go ahead. I can already see the City Lord above the wall. There's no need for us to be discreet."
"As you command, Your Highness," Zhu Min replied, signaling to the contingent with a sharp gesture. The Royal Army adjusted their formation, their banners hoisted up, drawing the gazes of not just the City Guards but also the people lining up to enter the city.
The sight sent a ripple through the crowd outside Fanling City's gates, murmurs spreading like wildfire as travelers and merchants parted to make way.
The City Guards atop the wall snapped to attention, their spears glinting as they saluted the approaching retinue.
Above them, City Lord Wei Xian stood with his arms crossed, his stern figure framed against the sky, his gaze fixed on the royal carriage.
Wu Meiyu stepped out once more as the carriage rolled to a stop just beyond the gates, her presence commanding silence from the onlookers. The breeze tugged at her jade robes, and her eyes swept over the city filled with curiosity and a hint of admiration.
Zhu Min dismounted and took his place at her side, his hand resting lightly on his sword hilt as the Royal Army fanned out in a protective arc.
Wei Xian descended from the wall, his heavy armor clinking as he approached. His face, weathered by years of governance and battle, softened slightly as he bowed deeply. "Your Highness, First Princess Wu Meiyu. Fanling City is honored by your visit. I received your message and have prepared the estate that you requested along with the servants to tend to your needs during your stay."
Wu Meiyu inclined her head gracefully, her voice carrying a quiet authority. "Thank you, City Lord Wei. Your hospitality is appreciated. I've come as Royal Envoy to establish ties with the Divine Convenience Store. I trust you've been informed of its significance?"
Wei Xian straightened, his stern demeanor returning as he nodded. "I have, Your Highness. The Shopkeeper's influence has reshaped this city in mere days. Trade booms, cultivators flock here, and even the threats at our borders seem… less daunting, thanks to his wares."
Wu Meiyu's gaze sharpened, though her smile remained. "Good. Then we're aligned in purpose. I'd like to meet this Shopkeeper Lin at once. Lead the way, City Lord."
Wei Xian gestured toward the city's heart, where the Divine Convenience Store stood. "Of course, Your Highness."
The Royal Army fell into step behind Wu Meiyu as Wei Xian led the procession through Fanling's bustling streets.
Although most of the attention was gathered on them as they made their way to the Divine Convenience Store, Wu Meiyu's spiritual perception and heightened senses extended outward to catch snippets of conversation as she passed through them.
"...heard the Viewing Jades are selling like hotcakes again this morning! I have to go and pick up some to sell to the other cities. Those jades are so useful and get you connected to a wide network of public information!" a merchant exclaimed to his companion.
"...talismans from that store turned my last hunt into a breeze," a rogue cultivator bragged, flashing a [Spirit Embodiment Sticker Seal] to his awestruck friend.
"...they say a divine being showed up today. Golden robes, radiant as the sun!" a young girl whispered excitedly to her mother, who shushed her with wide eyes. I don't know if that's true. It's only for a moment, then she's gone."
Wu Meiyu's lips twitched upward. A divine being? That matched Shen Jinhai's hints and her own suspicions about the store's backers. She filed the tidbit away, her curiosity sharpening as their group finally reached the street where the Divine Convenience Store was located.
As they approached the store, its unassuming facade came into view. Simple wood and stone yet radiating a subtle aura that drew the eye. The line of customers stretched out from the door, with City Guards keeping order, ensuring that no one would cut in line.
Wu Meiyu paused, her senses brushing against a higher type of energy emanating from the building. It was faint but undeniable. Divine thread is woven into its very foundation.
"Remarkable," She mused as she continued in her steps, but unlike the City Gates, Wei Xian stopped at the end of the line, gesturing for Wu Meiyu to stand there.
She tilted her head, not understanding what the City Lord wanted her to do, but Wei Xian simply bowed respectfully as he said,
"I apologize, Your Highness. Cutting in line is against the store's policy as it sees everyone in the same category, 'customers'. Please understand."
Taken aback, Wu Meiyu's lips twitched as she glanced into the long queue, wondering how long it would take for her to step inside.
She was tempted to pull out the written decree and enforce the authority of the Royal Family. However, she pushed that thought to the back of her head, remembering her objective as well as what happened when the Silver Lotus Hall agents did the same.
"No worries. What's a few minutes of waiting?" She waved her hand coolly, maintaining her grace and poise. However, she was inwardly looking forward to seeing the Shopkeeper and giving him a piece of her mind.
Suddenly, an uproar echoed from among the customers as someone fiddling with a Viewing Jade exclaimed, "Whoa! Look, there's an update to the tower in Faguang City. It says the Emissary of Verdant Sky Pavilion cleared the second floor!"
Not understanding what it meant, Wu Meiyu turned to the City Lord, but to her surprise, he also pulled out a similar artifact and fiddled with it in haste.
"Excuse me, City Lord. What is that artifact, and what are they talking about? Tower?"