Meanwhile, in the Celestial Dragon Ark, Wu Tianlong examined the haul the Dragon General had returned with. The [Emergency Escape Talisman] sat prominently among the pile, its intricate runes glinting under the ark's spirit lamps.
He picked it up, pulled out his own escape talisman that didn't activate when he was in the tower, and compared them.
Although he's not someone well-versed in talisman making, it was easy to tell the higher quality of the store product.
Annoyed, he quickly tucked it back to the pouch before turning his attention to the other essential products that the Dragon General pointed out..
Various kinds of talismans and the most sought-after sticker seals were neatly stacked beside the boxes of candies that were becoming a substitute to a bitter pill, potato chips, instant noodles, and beverages.
"What are these indulgences, Uncle Long?" Wu Tianlong raised an eyebrow, picking up a soda can.
Long Jianyu coughed, his stern facade cracking slightly as he lied through his teeth, "Emissary Yu insisted that you must try them, Your Highness. Even the First Princess enjoys them. I… sampled one myself. They're delicious… Uhm, I mean… they're not bad."
To hear the steel-faced Core Formation general fumbling in his words made Wu Tianlong even more afraid of the store.
If it could already influence a person like him, will he be able to hold onto his belief?
While thinking about that, Scholar Weiwei put down his quill and reached for the potato chips.
The moment the always composed scholar quivered from the flavor spreading in his mouth, Wu Tianlong halfheartedly reached for a can of Heavenly Dew Soda.
Of course, he kept his dignity as he tried to inspect what kind of metal was used to create the vessel. Aluminum alloy was naturally something that could be replicated, especially for the divine beings specializing in it, but the quality of ore used in it couldn't be compared to the ones used on Earth.
They're more sturdy and could even conduct spiritual energy, preventing it from having a dent or even cooling its contents by channeling through it.
Still skeptical, Wu Tianlong popped the tab, the fizz breaking the silence.
He stared at it for a long time as the sweet and enticing aroma flew to his nose.
With shaky hands, he brought it to his lips and took a sip.
Almost instantly, his eyes widened as the crisp, sweet flavor hit his tongue. For a moment, his skepticism wavered, replaced by a flicker of begrudging appreciation.
Dragon General and Scholar Weiwei observed him from the side, ready to offer their opinion in case he rejected it. But to their surprise, loud, audible gulps rang inside the room.
"This… isn't too bad." Wu Tianlong muttered as he set the empty can down. "Keep them in cold storage, Uncle Long."
The Dragon General bowed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "As you command, Your Highness."
Back in the Divine Convenience Store, Yangyang approached Lin Mo, the [Heavenly Mirage Illusion Orb] cradled in her hands.
"How is your experience, Shopkeeper? The advanced course is meant to push even peak Spirit Condensation cultivators to their breaking point. You took down four of the six tigers and navigated half the terrain before the worm got you. For someone with no combat experience, that's remarkable."
Hearing that praise, a wry grin tugged at Lin Mo's lips as he dusted off his wrinkly uniform. "Thanks, Miss Yangyang. It would be quite a despairing situation if it happened in reality. There is no escape for me."
"Don't put yourself down like that, Shopkeeper. Isn't that why you're training tonight?" Yangyang said, her tone encouraging. "The [Crimson Flow Phantom Steps] is yours now. But mastery isn't just in the mind, it has to be digested by your body too. With three increasingly difficult obstacle courses, your body has mostly digested it all. What's left for you is to gradually use it to its full potential as you climb up the ranks."
"That's right, Boss! You're not half-bad for someone who only knows how to bark orders." Xiaoyu chirped as she appeared from behind Yangyang.
"Yeah, right. I can now run away if I'm in danger." He shrugged.
"Pfft. Don't worry, Boss. Your prodigious assistant will protect you in the future."
With even the young girl cheering him up like that, Lin Mo had no time to be depressed at his failure.
And sensing that the others were ready, Yangyang raised a question again, "What's next, Shopkeeper? Are you going to rest? You know the orb can be used simultaneously. You don't need to wait for another."
"If that's the case, let them try their mastered techniques too. It's my turn to watch them. Besides, I need to circulate my spiritual energy. This is the first time I truly drew out everything until I almost dried up." Lin Mo said as he sat down at the edge of the stage.
"Sounds good. Take your time, Shopkeeper. So, you two, what kind of simulation do you need?"
Liu Xiaoyu swiftly answered, "Combat, Sister Yangyang. Set up some easy opponents for Xiao Ya too."
"What about yours? Should I load up a Foundation Establishment Stage opponent?"
Upon hearing that, Lin Mo, who had just closed his eyes, couldn't help but peek. He found it a little strange. Even though he knew Liu Xiaoyu was stronger than what she let on, she was still only at the 8th level Spirit Condensation Stage, Yangyang's suggestion didn't even sound like she was joking.
"Sister Yangyang, do you want me to get beaten up right away? I'm only going to use the technique I mastered through the jade… it'll be foolish to jump ranks."
Although she said that, Lin Mo noticed the confidence radiating from her body and it made his curiosity about his prodigious assistant bubble up.
"Xiaoyu, let me see how strong you really are. You know? So I can compare my lazy ass to a prodigy like you."
"Boss, that's not funny. You're not lazy. You just started late." Liu Xiaoyu puffed up her cheeks before stomping away.
Yangyang looked at him and shook her head as though he said something wrong.
In any case, Lin Mo knew his words were unsavory, especially to someone who, despite her playful nature, cheered and believed in him.
"Alright, let me retract my words. Let me witness how strong you really are, Xiaoyu. The stronger you are, the better it is for our store, right?"
"Hmph! Once you catch up to me, I'll spar with you and beat you up, Boss."
Choosing not to reply to that, Lin Mo chuckled as he watched Liu Xiaoyu strut toward the center of the stage. Xiao Ya trailed behind, her steps more hesitant but her eyes were filled with determination.
The [Heavenly Mirage Illusion Orb] pulsed faintly in Yangyang's grasp, its iridescent glow reflecting the anticipation coming from the two girls.
"Alright, Xiaoyu, Xiao Ya," Yangyang started. "Let's set this up. Xiao Ya, we'll start you with a basic combat simulation for the Spirit Absorbing Stage. You can pick a weapon inside before it starts and you can change it anytime you want. You can pick what you think is most comfortable for you. And for you, Xiaoyu, I don't need to tell you what to do, right? You've seen the capabilities of this artifact. It can produce anything below immortal."
Xiao Ya nodded eagerly, clutching the hem of her tunic. "Yes, Sister Yangyang. I'll do my best in using the [Lotus Bloom Step] to complement my physique!"
Liu Xiaoyu grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Un. I'll let you decide on that, Sister Yangyang. Let's see how this [Tempest Claw Technique] holds up. Boss, keep your eyes peeled. I'll expect praise from you!"
Lin Mo raised an eyebrow and smirked. " Sure. I'm watching, Xiaoyu. Don't trip over your own ego."
She stuck out her tongue, then turned to face the stage as Yangyang activated the orb. The divine energy flared briefly, and the expanded stage rippled once more. Two distinct simulation zones formed side by side, each tailored to its challenger.
Watching all that from outside, Lin Mo couldn't help but let out a sigh of admiration. He now feels that the initial recommended price from the system is justified. It's a treasure worth waging a war for.
Somewhere in the region north of Eastern Abyssal Domain, a thin, bald monk stepped out of a burning estate gate, his long staff dripping with blood as it skid across the scorched ground.
Noticeably, an obsidian could be seen crumbling as though it had lost its foundation.
"Amitabha, may their souls be enlightened. How dare they treat this monk like a walking treasure? Do I look like a pushover?" He stopped and prayed silently, reciting a chant before looking up to the starry sky, "I must hurry… These Towers need to be eradicated."