Xue Biyu had been feeling restless lately. Ever since leaving his closed-door cultivation session and encountering that peculiar store in Fanling City, he would always find himself thinking about going back to it because it was starting to affect his meditation.
Although he only bought that defense talisman back then, the appearance of Taihao was still replaying in his mind. Encountering such a divine being had left a lasting impact on him.
Even at the moment when the Sect Master and the elders of the White Ember Sect were discussing the matters regarding the Abyssal Forest and Poison Demon Cult, his thoughts couldn't help but drift back to that store.
"Elder Xue, is something the matter?" Perhaps noticing his uneasiness, the Sect Master, Lin Yuanzhi, addressed him.
Xue Biyu straightened, quickly masking his wandering thoughts with a composed expression. "No, Sect Master Lin, I was merely contemplating the implications of the Poison Demon Cult's movements."
Lin Yuanzhi studied him for a moment before nodding.
Xue Biyu closed his mouth, he wanted to mention the Divine Convenience Store again but in this setting, he could only wait until the Sect Master himself brought it up.
He also visited it after Xue Biyu's report, after all. And what he gained from that trip was a variety of the store's peculiar products, most of which were mundane-looking yet carried surprising effects.
Xue Biyu recalled the Sect Master's expression when he returned. A rare mixture of intrigue and interest. If a powerful figure like Lin Yuanzhi had also been baffled by the store, then it was only a matter of time before it became a key factor in the sect's movements.
Just as he was lost in thought, Lin Yuanzhi finally spoke.
"…Regarding the Divine Convenience Store, I have had the opportunity to experience its wares firsthand. Although I may have visited it in disguise, the peculiar Shopkeeper must've seen through my identity."
With that declaration, everyone, including Xue Biyu was startled. If an expert like their Sect Master wanted to disguise himself, it would be near impossible for someone to figure out his identity.
Yet, he claimed the Shopkeeper saw through him.
Xue Biyu, in particular, remembered the frightened look of the same Shopkeeper during the scuffle against those thieves who tried to rob the store.
"As for how it can influence our sect, it depends on what kind of stance we will take. While its existence remains an enigma, the products it offers are undeniably practical. Some defy common alchemical understanding, and others provide conveniences even cultivators lack."
Xue Biyu's heart skipped a beat. He knew it! The store had already left an impression. Sect Master was the same as him!
One of the elders stroked his beard. "I have also heard some rumors from the passing merchants and our people dispatched nearby that city. It is said that even sect disciples of other forces and city officials frequent this shop. Do you believe it is worth further cooperation, Sect Master?"
Lin Yuanzhi tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair. "I do. In fact, I believe our sect should establish an official relationship with this store."
The gathered elders exchanged glances, a few raising their brows in interest.
Xue Biyu leaned forward slightly. "Sect Master, do you intend to send an envoy?"
"No. Envoy won't do much. It operates differently. For now, I will encourage you to visit it once and make your own opinion. Let the disciples experience the store's products firsthand as well. See how it operates and how it interacts with its customers. This isn't an ordinary merchant trying to curry favor with sects. Their intention is rooted in spreading influence through its products."
Xue Biyu's lips parted slightly in surprise. Lin Yuanzhi wasn't just acknowledging the store's potential; he was actively encouraging the elders to experience it themselves. This must be his chance. He can take a look at the store again and quell the restlessness of his mind.
Another elder, a woman with streaks of silver in her dark hair, frowned slightly. "Sect Master, are you suggesting we integrate this store's resources into our cultivation routines? Wouldn't that make us dependent on an external force?"
Lin Yuanzhi exhaled slowly. "That's precisely what we must determine. If the Divine Convenience Store is truly a reliable source, then rather than rejecting it out of suspicion, we should be the first to adapt. Perhaps, we were already late on being first."
With that, the elders nodded to themselves, each one already thinking of how they would approach this newly rising influence in the region.
Luo Ming was a high-ranking Priest of the Poison Demon Cult. But unlike most priests who were free to move, he had been stuck to be the High Priest's assistant who often received the brunt of his anger whenever something unpleasant happened with the cult's plans.
A night ago, one of the Acolytes handling the spies from the Fanling City had delivered the sample products from what they labeled as a 'peculiar store'.
The High Priest seemed to have been pleased with the offering that it specifically gave the order to prepare for a takeover the moment they breached the walls of the mortal city.
However, when the Acolyte returned empty-handed last night, the High Priest once again became furious, he even ordered the Acolyte to be fed to the Abyssal Hounds and sent another one to deliver spirit stones in order to obtain more sample products.
The atmosphere within the stronghold became increasingly tense, as failure was not tolerated within the Poison Demon Cult.
Luo Ming, as the unfortunate assistant to the High Priest, was given the task of gathering spirit stones and ensuring the new Acolyte successfully obtained more products from the Divine Convenience Store.
He stood outside the High Priest's chamber, gripping the sealed spatial pouch filled with spirit stones tightly.
He waited for a moment before a guttural voice from within the chamber called out, "Enter."
Taking a deep breath, Luo Ming stepped through the heavy doors.
Inside, the chamber had a suffocating acid smell from the poisonous pot the High Priest had been stirring.
With his entrance, the High Priest sat upon a throne made from the fused remains of countless bones, still draped in moss-green robes.
"You have the stones?" the High Priest rasped, his voice filled with an unnatural weight.
Luo Ming immediately bowed, presenting the pouch. "Yes, High Priest. The Acolyte is already prepared to leave for Fanling City."
The High Priest extended a bony hand, and with a flick of his fingers, the pouch floated to him. He poured a few spirit stones onto his palm, inspecting them before sneering.
"This should be enough to acquire more samples. But I changed my mind. I want you to infiltrate the city and have those little Poison-bearers bring you to the store."
Luo Ming stiffened, "High Priest?"
The High Priest narrowed his eyes as his spiritual energy swirled around him like a furious storm, causing the demonic beasts outside to howl in fear. "Find out what makes that store special. The spies have already failed once. This time, you must dig deeper. If the shopkeeper truly welcomes all customers… then let him welcome us. Represent our cult and convey our intention. If they know what's best for them, they will do well to hand over the operation to us. Otherwise…"
Luo Ming swallowed hard. The meaning behind those words was clear. If infiltration and observation weren't enough, they would begin exerting pressure.
And if that didn't work, a forceful takeover was the next step.
"Yes, High Priest. It will be done."
"I will send an advance force to the border of the forest. Use the chaos it will create to slip through their defenses. The Great Poison Demon will not tolerate failure again. Succeed, or you will suffer a fate worse than those hounds."
Luo Ming bowed deeply, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Understood, High Priest."
With a flick of his robe, the High Priest dismissed him, his attention already returning to the bubbling cauldron of toxins before him.
Luo Ming stepped out of the chamber with his heart pounding. He had finally gotten the chance to leave the High Priest side. Yet, the mission placed upon his head was so heavy he'd rather stay behind.
Alas, refusing wasn't an option.
If the Divine Convenience Store proved to be a serious obstacle, the cult would not hesitate to escalate matters.
He clenched his fists, glancing toward the abyssal forest stretching beyond their stronghold.