Divine Pantheon. Celestial Workshop. Divine Forge of Chuang.
The Development Division of the Divine Pantheon was situated in the Celestial Workshop and was handled by one of the Pantheon's divine beings Zhenren Chuang, a divine blacksmith who left his mark on the annals of the Celestial Realm for crafting legendary weapons that renowned cultivators, immortals and divine beings wielded to create their own stories.
His form was broad and powerful with skin glimmering like tempered steel. Sparks danced around his muscular arms as he worked at an enormous anvil, striking a piece of radiant ore with a hammer engraved with his celestial runes.
Each strike echoed within the entire forge with divine energy shaping the metal into something beyond mortal comprehension.
If Lin Mo could see him working right now, he'd think he was forging a divine-grade weapon but after three strikes of his hammer, a mortal-grade sword that had been tempered to perfection was thrown to a pile of similarly grade equipment.
He would then pick up another radiant core, repeating the same three strikes and successfully forging a different mortal-grade artifact.
A while later, a robed functionary, one of his mortal attendants dealing with communication outside the forge, arrived while holding a scroll. Unfurling it, he began his report.
"Zhenren Chuang, here is the summary of products manufactured by our workshop for the Divine Convenience Store according to Zhenren Taihao's estimations and suggestions."
Chuang's hammer paused mid-strike, his sharp eyes narrowing.
He reached out, and the scroll floated to him. His gaze over the contents.
[Product Completion Report: Batch #048]
[Weapons for the Combatant's Arsenal Bundle: Successfully imbued with basic divine reinforcement. Suitable for prolonged mortal use, minimizing wear and tear without making it break into the spirit-grade tier]
[Purification Pills for the Purification Set: Increased effectiveness against demonic energy by 20%. No side effects on mortals.]
[Spiritual Energy Condensing Noodles: Now maintains effectiveness for both low-tier cultivators and high-level mortals. Taste enhancement was applied as per previous customer feedback. Will be deployed to various Instant Noodle Variants]
[New Trial Product – Summoning Card Talismans (Duel Variant): Pending review by the Research Division. Initial tests show stable projections, limited by the spiritual energy input of the user. Will begin mass production after Zhenren Lingyan's approval]
Chuang stroked his beard, nodding in approval. "Hmph. As expected. No failures this time. Bring me those card talismans, I'll look into it."
The functionary smiled wryly. "Understood, but Zhenren, you made it sound as if failures are common."
Chuang let out a rough chuckle. "Was my wording weird? For mortals, yes. But here in my forge, nothing leaves unfinished. Everything that goes to that shop is built to last. Even if it's the most mundane items."
As he rolled up the scroll, another mortal attendant arrived, bowing deeply. "Zhenren Chuang, Zhenren Lihua has arrived."
Chuang's brow raised slightly. "Lihua? What's she doing here?"
Ever since Taihao returned and proposed the establishment of the Divine Convenience Store, many members of their Pantheon had jumped into the project but at the moment, only Lihua and him were the most active.
He accepted all those absurd products that Taihao suggested producing while Lihua worked with Taihao to refine the Divine System Interface for the shop's management and evaluation.
The only reason he could think about her sudden visit was…
"Another suggestion for a new product?"
A moment later, a soft breeze swept through the grand forge, carrying the scent of blooming celestial flowers. From the entrance, Zhenren Lihua stepped inside. Many mortal attendants who worked in the workshop and the forge bowed to her undeniable authority.
Draped in robes of flowing gold and white, she exuded the grace of a celestial overseer.
Chuang smirked. "Lihua, visiting my forge? Now, that's new. Has that old fox finally influenced you with his ramblings?"
Lihua stepped forward, the divine flames reflected in her eyes as she took in the sight of him hammering away at what was, to her, just another pile of mortal-grade weapons.
With lips curved slightly, she ignored his teasing remark and instead produced a jade slip. "Taihao's ramblings aside, I'm here to discuss a suggestion submitted by our dear Shopkeeper."
Chuang wiped his hands with a celestial cloth. "Ah, Lin Mo's request, I assume? My forge made a trial product for it. The Research Division just needs to review it before it can be mass-produced."
Lihua nodded. "I see. You're quick. He wanted to turn into an entertainment-based system, creating structured duels and refining their mechanics beyond simple projection talismans. His reasoning is that cultivators may enjoy structured competition and strategy."
Chuang hummed, rubbing his chin. "That kid's got ideas, I'll give him that. The talismans were originally a niche product, produced from what Taihao mentioned to be a hobby in that realm. He never mentioned what it is for so I made it that way. Refining them for combat or structured play could change how mortals and cultivators alike perceive them."
Lihua passed the jade slip to him, her expression unreadable. "Here, this is from Taihao. He said you'll find the necessary details for its further development. He believes it aligns with the store's philosophy of offering convenience, entertainment, and practicality in one. You deal with the cards, I'll handle the Duel System to integrate it with."
Chuang grinned. "That old fox always has a plan."
He skimmed the details again before laughing. "Fine, fine. I'll put my best artificers on it. We'll reinforce the projections and create a rule set for dueling. Will you make it so cultivators can wager with these cards?"
Lihua gave him a pointed look. "Let's start with ensuring it functions properly before thinking of gambling systems. It's for entertainment first and foremost."
Chuang shrugged. "Fair enough. So, has the store's influence in the First Heaven started gaining traction?"
"Somewhat. It's still nothing major yet as we put the store in a relatively peaceful region. The only threat around is what's slumbering within the Abyssal Forest. But as you already know, believers of a Chaotic Deity have started moving nearby – those bundles he had the Divine System create were for him to profit from the upcoming conflict."
Chuang let out a deep chuckle, setting down the jade slip. "Hah! Now that's a proper businessman. Profiting off an impending crisis? Taihao picked an interesting mortal."
Lihua sighed yet amusement could also be seen in her eyes.
"It's his own way to take control of his new life, I believe. He's trying to stabilize the region and centralize it around the store. And by providing cultivators with supplies they wouldn't normally have, he ensures they'll be better prepared to deal with the Abyssal Forest's dangers. And if they grow dependent on the store… well, that only strengthens its influence."
"He's laying the groundwork for long-term control. Not bad. Not bad at all. Will those bastards sniff him out?"
Lihua shook her head, "Their influence is far from that region. There should be sufficient time to properly reestablish our influence in the First Heaven.
Dropping the topic there, she then glanced at the pile of weapons he had forged earlier. "How long until the next batch of supplies is ready?"
"By tomorrow, I'll have enough weapons, pills, and talismans stocked up for another week of sales," Chuang replied. "But if demand keeps growing , I might need to expand my workforce or create another workshop that could handle the increasing demand. Even divine craftsmanship can only work so fast."
Lihua nodded. "Then I'll leave it to you. I have other matters to attend to."
As she turned to leave, Chuang smirked. "Say, Lihua. Since you're handling the Duel System, why not drop by the store yourself one of these days? See the little Shopkeeper in action."
Lihua paused for a moment before casting him a side glance. "We're planning to do so after the store reaches its next tier. It should happen soon."
With that, she stepped out of the forge, her golden robes trailing behind her like flowing stardust.
Chuang watched her go, then turned his attention back to the anvil. He cracked his knuckles, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Well then, Lin Mo. Let's see how far you can push this little store of yours. Our fate hinges on your success."
He lifted his hammer, and with a resounding clang, the next mortal-grade masterpiece was forged.