The High Priest's sunken eyes narrowed as he examined the packaging.
"This is what they're raving about? Consumables in peculiar packaging? How laughable. Do they think these trifles will turn the tide of battle?"
He tore open the bag of chips with a sharp flick of his wrist, pulling one chip out and inspecting it closely.
His lips curled in disdain when he sensed the faint trace of spiritual energy emanating from the chips, "A weak infusion at best. Suitable for mortals and low-level cultivators. Hardly worth any concern."
Still, he popped the chip into his mouth, his expression skeptical as he chewed.
The crunch echoed amidst the growling of the corrupted beasts. What felt like a bland taste was followed by a burst of flavor that caught him off guard.
The High Priest's eyes widened slightly, the unexpected complexity of the taste causing a momentary lapse in his composure.
"This… This is… acceptable," He admitted begrudgingly, though his tone remained laced with contempt. "But it is nothing more than a distraction. There's still nothing special with this store."
Upon saying that, he opened the can of Heavenly Dew Soda with a click and a burst of bubbly fizz made him wince slightly before the sweet, heavenly flavor wafted to his nose.
His bony fingers tightened around it as he lifted the can to his mouth.
The High Priest's throat worked as he drank deeply, the cool, effervescent liquid sliding down his throat with an unexpectedly refreshing sensation. His eyes trembled in subdued delight as the soda's subtle sweetness exploded into a cascade of vibrant flavors, tinged with a faint surge of vitality that coursed through his veins.
He was momentarily silent as he stared at the can as if it held the secrets of the universe or better yet, a key to the chamber of his revered Poison Lord.
The oppressive aura of the chamber seemed to falter, replaced by an awkward stillness.
The trembling subordinate dared to speak, his voice hesitant. "High Priest… your thoughts? I forgot to mention, that soda is supposed to be drunk cold."
The High Priest's expression darkened, his skeletal fingers crushing the can with a sudden burst of toxic energy. "Huh?! Why did you not tell me?! Do you want to die?!"
The young man knelt on the ground, his head banging on it a few times, "I apologize, High Priest!"
Looking at him almost breaking his forehead, the High Priest waved his hand as he muttered in fury, "Ugh. No matter. This is nothing but a trick! A frivolous attempt to lure the weak-willed! These items are insignificant in the grand scheme of the Poison Demon's will!"
Despite his harsh words, a flicker of doubt lingered in his gaze as he turned his attention to the Spicy Taihao Noodles. The packaging's vibrant design and the enticing image of the steaming noodles seemed to mock him.
After reading the preparing instructions on the back of its packaging, he sneered, tossing the package to the kneeling young man who caught it nervously, "Prepare it. Let us see if this so-called 'noodle' is worth even a fraction of the reverence it receives."
The young man scrambled to comply, his hands fumbling as he followed the instructions on the back of the packaging. Within minutes, the chamber was filled with the rich, savory aroma of the noodles, mingling with the acrid stench of corruption in their surroundings.
The High Priest's nose twitches involuntarily. He took a step forward, his gaze fixed on the bowl now steaming in his subordinate's hands.
"Leave," He commanded curtly.
The young man bowed deeply, placing the bowl on a nearby pedestal before retreating hastily.
Alone with the noodles, the High Priest hesitated as he stared at its enticing visuals. His pride warred with his curiosity as he couldn't help but admit that he was already watering from the mouth.
Finally, he picked up the chopsticks, his skeletal fingers surprisingly deft as he twirled a portion of the noodles.
The moment the noodles touched his tongue, his eyes widened in disbelief.
The rich, spicy broth carried a depth of flavor that no other exotic ingredients in the Abyssal Forest could ever bring about. The heat was perfectly balanced, invigorating yet not overwhelming. With each bite, a subtle surge of energy spread through his body, soothing the strain of his overexerted spiritual energy.
The bowl was empty before he realized it.
Staring at the now-empty bowl, the High Priest's expression became a mixture of frustration and begrudging admiration.
"This… this is dangerous. Such indulgence could sway even the most disciplined mind. Forgive me oh Great Poison Demon!"
Yet, despite prostrating himself to beg for forgiveness, he rose abruptly.
His robes billowed as he turned toward the chamber's exit.
"Inform the spies. They are to infiltrate this store, not destroy it. Gather every detail. Its origins, its suppliers, and its connection to the divine. Pose like a customer and procure more of its products. Especially consumables like these samples. Also, prepare for a takeover once we breach the walls of that mortal city."
As the High Priest strode away, the faint hum of his spiritual energy mixed with the demonic energy vibrated louder, cowing the demonic beasts down below. However, the lingering aroma of the noodles remained, a scent the High Priest had unconsciously grown to long for.
It became a silent testament that even in the heart of the Evil Faction, the store's influence was present.
Unlike what happened outside the Divine Convenience Store, the night within it passed peacefully.
Although Lin Mo was prepared to take the floor and surrender his bed for their guest, the space expanded when they weren't looking, providing a corner for Yangyang where she could set up the Customer Hotline equipment and her bed.
Nevertheless, as he had already taken his first steps in cultivation, he stayed up for most of the night, meditating to increase his comprehension of the Silent Stream Breathing Technique and quietly breakthrough.
Liu Xiaoyu did the same as she got spurred on watching Lin Mo progress at a speed that was baffling even to her.
As dawn broke over Fanling City, the Divine Convenience Store awoke to a crisp, golden light filtering through its enchanted windows.
Lin Mo stretched, shaking off the remnants of his meditation. His body felt lighter, his spiritual energy flowing more smoothly than the day before.
The system even greeted him with notifications about his successful breakthroughs.
[Cultivation Progress: Spirit Gathering Stage – 5th level]
[Celestial Providence Activated – Bonus Progress]
[Cultivation Progress Spirit Gathering Stage – 6th level]
As he stared at those system windows, Liu Xiaoyu who had just finished her own meditation greeted him with a bright smile but right as soon as she read what was written on those floating boxes, her smile froze as she exclaimed.
"Morning, Boss! You look refreshed. What the heck?! Boss! That's cheating! Spill some of your Heaven's Favor on me as well! I'm still halfway to solidifying my current stage! At this rate, you'd catch up to me soon! Who am I supposed to protect then?"
Lin Mo tilted his head as he acted oblivious to Liu Xiaoyu's dramatic outburst.
"Not my fault, Xiaoyu. Complaint to Taihao. But aren't you a prodigy? Come and meditate beside me next time. Who knows? My Celestial Providence might transfer to you, just like those lucky customers."
Liu Xiaoyu pouted, crossing her arms as she glared at him. "Alright! Let's do that!"
"Mhm. Great. See how good of a boss I am to you?"
"Hmph! If you're so good, prepare our breakfast today, Boss! I'll go check the store and inventory!"
"This little… Go ahead."
With a grin, the energetic assistant ran out of their sleeping quarters. When she passed by Yangyang's corner, she bowed and greeted the divine functionary who also looked like didn't rest throughout the night. Her corner had already been transformed into something like an office cubicle, reminding Lin Mo of the life he used to lead.