In the Inner Training Grounds of the Azure Gale Sect, Yan Chen stood at the edge of a tranquil courtyard, observing the group of disciples sparring under the dappled sunlight filtering through the towering bamboo. Their movements were crisp and their mastery of the Azure Gale Steps was evident in their speed and agility. Yet, his attention was fixed on one figure standing apart from the others.
The disciple in question, Fan Hui, was a promising talent in the sect. Though not the strongest, his meticulous approach to cultivation and steady temperament made him an ideal candidate for Yan Chen's current task.
In his hand, Yan Chen held the Blossoming Lotus Breathing Technique. It's the manual he had purchased from the Divine Convenience Store. While he could already attest to its authenticity, it still needed to be verified by having someone practice it.
It was a Breathing Technique that could go hand in hand with their Azure Gale Steps. If it was proven to be more beneficial compared to their current foundational cultivation technique, it could elevate the strength of their sect.
He had already given the manual to Yan Wei, as ordered by the Sect Master. He memorized it right away the moment he realized it was the technique that his Second Uncle had bought from that store.
However, the result would still have to wait as it wasn't easy to switch foundational cultivation techniques, especially for someone like Yan Wei, who was approaching the Foundation Establishment Stage.
Fan Hui, on the other hand, could still smoothly switch it out because of his lower cultivation of the Spirit Gathering Stage.
"Fan Hui," Yan Chen called out, his voice echoing through the inner training hall.
The young disciple immediately ceased his practice and approached, bowing respectfully.
"High Elder, this disciple greets you."
Yan Chen nodded at his gesture before handing him the manual,
"This is the Blossoming Lotus Breathing Technique. Study it and practice it as your new breathing technique. It is said to balance the body and spirit, enhancing both cultivation speed and overall harmony of your body. I want you to study and practice it. Report any noticeable changes in your cultivation."
Fan Hui accepted the manual with reverence, his eyes flickering with curiosity. "I will not disappoint, High Elder."
Yan Chen nodded. "I'll give you three days. If you encounter a problem, look for me right away. Do not rush the process. Focus on understanding the technique's essence."
Fan Hui bowed deeply, clutching the Blossoming Lotus Breathing Technique manual with both hands. His eyes gleamed with determination, though a trace of apprehension lingered in his expression.
"Thank you for entrusting me with this, High Elder. I will do my best to meet your expectations," He said earnestly.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Yan Chen pleasantly nodded before handing him a pouch, "Good. Here are spirit stones and Spirit Replenishing Pills to assist you. Don't use them sparingly. If your result is beyond satisfactory, the sect will reward you with more resources."
As he accepted the pouch, excitement filled his chest. Bowing his head further, Fan Hui's grip on the manual tightened slightly. "I understand, High Elder. I will give it my utmost focus."
As Fan Hui turned to leave, Yan Chen's gaze lingered on him for a moment.
The High Elder's expression remained calm, but his thoughts were turbulent.
This was not just a test of the technique. It was a test of the store's authenticity. If the Blossoming Lotus Breathing Technique yielded significant results, it would affirm the Divine Convenience Store's value to the sect.
Even if the store couldn't be bought, its products alone could provide the Azure Gale Sect with another avenue to bolster its current strength.
In the middle of Fanling City, the City Lord Palace could be seen as an imposing structure standing higher than most establishments around it. Within the palace's inner chambers, City Lord Wei Xian sat in quiet contemplation, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of his intricately carved chair. He's a man with an imposing figure but his graying hair and weathered face reflected the years of his leadership and experience.
He had been appointed as the City Lord for ten years and his influence within the whole city had been solidified when he led the defense of the city against the monster wave from the Abyssal Forest in his first year of tenure.
At the moment, he was listening to his trusted aide, Zhou Liang, as he reported about this peculiar store that sprouted from an obscure side of the city.
Zhou Liang, a middle-aged man with a lean build and a meticulous demeanor, stood before the City Lord with a scroll in hand. "My Lord, this so-called Divine Convenience Store continues to draw attention. As of now, disciples from several prominent sects have been seen entering and leaving the establishment, all of them carrying peculiar items outside. Yesterday, a confrontation had been sighted between the Crimson Vale Sect and Azure Gale Sect but instead of an explosive conflict, they were reported to have been coaxed into switching their form of competition to whoever can spend the most within the store."
Hearing that, Wei Xian's brows furrowed as his fingers paused mid-tap. "The Divine Convenience Store... It seems to be more than just a merchant's venture. What of the items they sell? Have our people learned anything of their nature?"
Zhou Liang nodded, unrolling the scroll to reveal detailed accounts. "Yes, my Lord. The items range from common-looking snacks to high-grade artifacts and cultivation manuals. The most intriguing aspect is their pricing. Initially, the prices were exorbitant, but they've recently been adjusted to reflect a more balanced market value. By recently, I mean today."
Wei Xian leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Adjusted pricing? That implies the store is responsive to its customers' feedback. Unusual for a merchant. What else have you uncovered?"
"The store appears to operate under strict neutrality," Zhou Liang continued. "It welcomes all sects and factions without bias. However, it is protected by a unique aura that discourages conflict within its premises. Additionally, there are rumors of some kind of hotline for customer complaints. A concept unfamiliar to this realm."
Wei Xian's lips twitched in amusement. "A hotline? What the hell is that? And what of the shopkeeper and the divine beings?"
Zhou Liang hesitated, his expression thoughtful. "The shopkeeper is said to be initially a mortal. However, he seems to have started cultivating yesterday and yet eyewitnesses reported that he already reached the 3rd level of the Spirit Gathering Stage. On top of that, his demeanor and confidence never budged even against prominent cultivators like the High Elder of the Azure Gale Sect or the Emissary of the Verdant Sky Pavilion. He interacts with cultivators of all levels without fear, and some reports suggest he possesses an unusual charm that disarms even the most hostile patrons."
Wei Xian stroked his beard, his mind turning over the possibilities. "3rd level? Is he a prodigy? For someone as weak to be a shopkeeper managing a store of this caliber…it is certainly intriguing. What of the sects? How are they responding?"
"The Crimson Vale Sect, Azure Gale Sect, and Verdant Sky Pavilion have all shown interest. Representatives from these sects have been seen frequenting the store, and there are whispers of plans to establish deeper connections with it."
Upon hearing that, Wei Xian rose from his chair, his commanding presence filling the room.
"That is preposterous. This cannot go on any longer, Zhou Liang. We have to pay a visit to it. If it truly offers what the rumors suggest, it could shift the balance of power in this region. We cannot afford to ignore it."
"Indeed, my Lord. Shall I arrange an official to make the visit?"
"I will have to see it for myself. Something is nagging me to check it out at least once or I will regret not doing so." He paused for a moment as though he was contemplating something. After that, he turned to Zhou Liang.
"Have the guards maintain order around the area. I will visit the Divine Convenience Store discreetly. Based on your investigation, it sprang up out of nowhere. We have to be cautious in approaching it."
Zhou Liang bowed deeply. "Understood, my Lord. I will make the necessary arrangements. Shall I accompany you?"
"Unnecessary. Zhou Liang, your presence here is essential. Keep an eye on the city while I'm away. If this store is as extraordinary as the rumors claim, we may need to adjust our policies to accommodate its influence. Whether its presence here will bring good or bad to our city, I will be the judge."
Zhou Liang nodded with a resolute expression. "As you command, my Lord. Please exercise caution.