"Here. These necklaces are the ones blessed by the divine being. It only contains a sliver of their energy but it's enough to provide these three protection from ordinary prying." After walking over to the subdued Poison Demon Cult spies, Yangyang put down three identical necklaces with a pendant of what looked like fangs of venomous demonic beasts. They pulsed quietly with an eerie energy, not quite demonic or spiritual but something close to what Yangyang was radiating. Divine energy.
Lin Mo's gaze lingered on the necklaces. He could feel the faint energy radiating from them, a chaotic and oppressive presence that made his skin crawl.
The other customers in the store, sensing the unusual atmosphere after witnessing such a spectacle, cautiously kept their distance. Nevertheless, Elder Chu, the Crimson Vale Disciples, and Yu Qingyan surrounded the three unconscious spies.
With the necklace already taken from them, everyone could instantly sense the putrid scent coming from their bodies. It's like they had been rotting underneath their clothes.
"Poison-bearers like them are the most pitiful followers of the cult. They're bound to be nothing but cannon fodders and guinea pigs. From what our sect gathered from sending people to the other side of the Abyssal Forest, they're mortals enticed by the cult. Once they've been baptized, their fate is already sealed." Elder Chu continued with what she said earlier.
Yu Qingyan also nodded as their Pavilion had gathered the same information about the cult.
"I see." That's all Lin Mo could say as he glanced at them. In his mind, they're still customers. He remembered them when they brought highly valued herbs for trading – although not as much as what the poison mushroom the girl brought today.
Are they dangerous? Probably. But just like how he's welcoming every customer. He wouldn't just discriminate against them. He wanted to convert them. To become loyal customers of the store.
"Setting aside everything, Miss Yangyang, is it? Are you also… a part of this establishment?" Yu Qingyan suddenly changed the topic as she turned to Yangyang. The earlier standoff had already been broken. It's like it never happened anymore.
"Oh. You are Yu Qingyan, correct? We talked to each other yesterday. I am Yangyang, the one handling the customer hotline." Yangyang answered.
Yu Qingyan's expression flickered with recognition. "Ah, so you're the one I spoke with. I didn't expect you to be here in person. Forgive my earlier misunderstanding."
Yangyang adjusted her glasses and smiled. "No need for apologies. My presence here is temporary. I'm observing the store's operations and providing direct support during this critical period. As for my relationship with the Shopkeeper…" She trailed her voice as she glanced at the two women whose interest already shifted to what she was about to say, "I'd like to leave that to your imagination."
Without waiting for their response, Yangyang returned to the door behind the counter, leaving Lin Mo to fend for himself.
Seeing that, Lin Mo helplessly muttered to himself, "Isn't she supposed to help me out?"
Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to the cash register which had been on standby for some time now.
"Uh. Dear customers, setting aside the disturbance. We're still in our store. Let's continue this transaction, Miss Chu. Your total comes to 1,200 intermediate-grade spirit stones. That includes the bundles, indulgences, and the purchases for your disciples."
Elder Chu's sharp gaze flicked from the unconscious Poison-bearers to Lin Mo, her expression softening into a smirk.
"I'm impressed you can still act , Shopkeeper. Aren't you the least bit worried? Word of your store has reached such dangerous elements."
"Worried? Not quite. On the contrary, they're still our dear customers. We don't discriminate. Unless they make some trouble on our premises, we treat everyone equally. Not to worry because I'll hand them to the authorities later.
Although not that satisfied with his answer, Elder Chu produced a small spatial pouch from her robes, "Very well, here's the payment. Our sect won't turn a blind eye to this though. We have a lot of questions that beg an answer. Also… I'm not giving up on getting to know you, Shopkeeper."
Lin Mo's lips twitched as he accepted it with a polite nod, "I'm flattered. You can call for the questions. Miss Yangyang will enlighten you about things you're curious about in our store. Here is your receipt and…" He paused for a moment as he pulled out a golden card from one of the drawers, drawing Yu Qingyan's attention. It's the same as the card she received, after all.
In the corner of his eyes, the notification about it was blinking.
[Notice: A customer has reached an accumulated purchase of 100 high-grade spirit stones]
[Loyalty Card requirement has been met]
[Issuing of the card is now available to the following customer: Chu Yueying]
"... Here's a loyalty card for you, Elder Chu. You're the second person to have the privilege to receive it. Congratulations!"
Elder Chu's brows raised as she accepted the golden loyalty card, her eyes glinting with intrigue. "Second, you say? I wonder who the first was. Perhaps someone worth competing with?"
Yu Qingyan's expression remained composed, though her fingers tightened slightly. She wanted to say she was the 1st Golden Patron but she had to mind her image, especially in front of Lin Mo and the disciple she brought with her.
"The loyalty card is certainly a symbol of commitment. I trust the Shopkeeper ensures its value matches its exclusivity."
"Of course, Miss Yu is right." Lin Mo replied, his professional smile unwavering. "The loyalty card offers discounts, early access to limited items, and other exclusive benefits. It's our way of rewarding our most valued customers. Although most of it hasn't been implemented yet."
Elder Chu tucked the card into her robes. She glanced at Yu Qingyan, already picking up the clue that she was the first cardholder,
"I'll be sure to make good use of it, Shopkeeper. Don't forget to keep things interesting for us."
Lin Mo nodded politely as she turned to gather her disciples.
"We'll take our leave now. Shopkeeper, I look forward to my next visit."
With a final glance at Yu Qingyan, Elder Chu exited the store, her entourage following closely behind.
The tension in the air seemed to dissipate with their departure, though Yu Qingyan remained at the counter, her gaze fixed on Lin Mo.
"Shopkeeper, you're giving those cards out so easily now?" She asked since Lin Mo never revealed the requirements for receiving it.
"Miss Yu, it's not about ease. It's about recognizing valuable customers who contribute to the store's growth. Besides, you were the first, weren't you?" He vaguely answered before deflecting it back to her.
Yu Qingyan's lips twitched, a small hint of annoyance bubbling up inside her "I suppose I'll have to ensure I stay ahead, then. After all, I can't let someone like her overshadow me."
Although not exactly sure why, flames of competition ignited within her.
"Thank you for your continued support, Miss Yu. And please relay a message for me to the Pavilion Master. She, too, is now eligible to receive the card. I will be handing it to her on her next purchase."
"Even my grandmother? Shopkeeper, what exactly is its requirement? Won't it lose its novelty?"
"I apologize but I won't reveal it as you've said, it will lose its novelty. But I guess I can make an exception for you as our first Golden Patron, so long as you promise not to reveal it."
"... Very well, I promise."
Lin Mo leaned in and whispered it to her ear. Not expecting him to do that, Yu Qingyan almost jumped away, her cheeks reddening from the sensation of his breath tickling her.
But before she could say anything, Liu Xiaoyu and the young girl from earlier walked to the counter, "Boss, how long are you going to flirt with our customers? We've been waiting, you know? Here… I helped her pick what she could sell well outside."
Yu Qingyan's flustered expression quickly shifted to a composed one, though the faint redness on her cheeks betrayed her. She glanced at Liu Xiaoyu and the young girl, her lips curling into a faint smile.
"Flirting? I think you're mistaken, Assistant Liu," Yu Qingyan said coolly, brushing her sleeve as she stepped back. "The Shopkeeper and I were simply discussing business."
Liu Xiaoyu smirked, clearly unconvinced. "Sure, Miss Yu. Business. Whatever you say."
Then Little Spring also chimed in, "Elder Yu, your face is red."