Back in the store, Lin Mo was still attending to the store normally, unbothered by the chaos happening outside the city. Most customers browsing the store's products were the same since the danger had yet to reach them.
"Those sticker talismans seem to be a hit because of their price and utilization. Who thought of that?" Lin Mo wondered as he glanced at the current inventory of the said talisman. While the other talismans were also selling well, those talismans that could temporarily boost their strength depending on the illustration on the sticker were flying off the shelves at an alarming rate when one of the disciples saw it and liked the illustrations on it.
The "Sticker Summon" talismans had become an unexpected best-seller. The simplistic design, featuring colorful illustrations of warriors, beasts, and spirits, made them appear almost childish at first glance. But the moment a cultivator activated one, they would momentarily fuse with the summoned entity, gaining its power for a short time.
The affordability and ease of use made them incredibly appealing. Especially to lower-ranked cultivators of below Foundation Establishment Stage who couldn't afford expensive spirit-grade artifacts or premium talismans. Before long even city guards might buy them if they caught wind of its usefulness.
Lin Mo stroked his chin as he skimmed through the product details in the system.
[Spirit Embodiment Sticker Seal - Basic Set]
[Description: A set of single-use talismans that temporarily grants the user a fraction of the power of the illustrated entity. Perfect for cultivators in need of a quick boost or a momentary edge in battle.
Duration: 1 minute - 3 minutes (Varies depending on user compatibility and cultivation level).
Price: 5 intermediate-grade spirit stones per pack.]
"Looks like the market is finding new uses for the peculiar products faster than I expected. When the store first opened, everyone was skeptical about them but now… they'd instantly pick any new products appearing in the store. This is great. When the modified Summoning Card Talismans appear in the store, a new entertainment form may quickly proliferate in this region. It won't be an exaggeration to see sects settle their disputes over dueling each other."
Just as he was about to be lost in his ruminations, the store's automatic doors slid open, letting in a new customer.
A tall and delicate young man dressed in thick white robes stepped in. He exuded an aura of someone who used to be servile to a superior. Just like how Lin Mo acted around his superiors at work in his previous life.
His gaze carefully swept across the brightly lit interior of the store, lingering momentarily on the rows of neatly arranged products and visibly expressing awe about them.
Following that, he stepped forward as his eyes focused on Lin Mo, his shoulder subconsciously drooping as he lowered his head.
Lin Mo raised an eyebrow at his behavior. Nevertheless, he put on his professional smile, greeting this new customer, "Welcome to the Divine Convenience Store. How may I help you?"
Then, he noticed the three Poison Demon Cult spies that they caught and released yesterday walking behind this new customer, their shoulders shaking slightly in fear.
Luhan, in particular, was making signs with his face as though trying to warn Lin Mo about the young man.
'A cultist? Is he an Acolyte or a Priest?' Lin Mo started drawing his theory about the identity of this new customer.
With the Aura of Harmony in place, there's no reason for him to be afraid of this young man. Not to mention, he appeared to be someone not used to being in charge.
Soon, the man shifted his gaze to the counter where Lin Mo was sitting behind and maintained his bent posture.
His mouth opened and closed as he whispered orders to the three before approaching the counter. With that, Luhan and the other two bowed, not towards the young man but to Lin Mo as though they were apologizing to him as they were ordered to go and pick up the products for the young man. They each grabbed a shopping basket before disappearing within the aisles of the convenience store.
Lin Mo tapped his fingers on the counter, observing the young man with mild curiosity.
He wasn't quite what he expected from a member of the Poison Demon Cult. But then again, his first encounter was with Luhan and his ilk.
But this one… he truly had the bearing of someone who spent years bowing to another's will, not leading.
'Someone high up in the hierarchy but not in charge. Maybe?… Is he a direct subordinate of the High Priest?' Lin Mo speculated as he maintained his friendly customer service demeanor.
Soon the young man finally spoke, "Shopkeeper, is it? I've heard much about this store… I won't beat around the bush. You must've recognized my subordinates, right?"
"Indeed, I kicked them out later as a warning but if they're only here to shop, I don't mind. The same goes for you, dear customer. Feel free to browse."
"How intriguing. Are you not aware of what's happening beyond the walls of this city? Or are you intentionally acting oblivious to trap us here?" With a skeptical tone, the young man started looking around him, trying to detect if there was a trap laid for him.
"I am aware. But dear customer, I will repeat it. This is the Divine Convenience Store. You're welcome as long as you're a customer. We'll cater to you even if you're a demon or a chaotic deity. We aim to provide convenience to our customers, if you're not looking for it, then you're in the wrong store."
Lin Mo calmly responded despite sensing Yangyang already standing behind the door, probably ready to jump at the young man once he gave the signal.
He couldn't help but suspect that the bespectacled functionary who claimed herself to be a mortal might have a bone to pick with the followers of a Chaotic Deity.
The young man took a while before replying, his shoulders once again drooping low as if his courage to talk back had deflated.
Luo Ming sighed inwardly. He had come here expecting resistance, maybe even hostility, but the Shopkeeper's response caught him off guard. No fear, no aggression. Just the calm professionalism of a merchant confident in his product.
He couldn't help but think that the High Priest had been hasty with his deployment of their advanced forces to allow him to infiltrate. And yet, Luo Ming believed he could enter the city easily even without the chaos. The path that the Acolyte and the other spies used before were still unguarded, after all.
He looked around again, noting the strange layout of the store. The lights were unnatural, the shelves too orderly, and the sheer variety of products made it feel… unreal. To him, it felt like he entered a different world the moment he stepped inside this store. And yet, this place had already started changing the battlefield outside.
With a soft exhale, he straightened his back slightly, attempting to reclaim some of his authority. "Then, as a customer, I have a few questions."
Lin Mo gestured for him to continue.
Luo Ming turned around and pointed at the beautifully packed Spirit Embodiment Sticker Seal as if he was dreading its existence, "What are those talismans? I've seen many talisman masters, but none create things like these. It's as if they were mass-produced, yet each one is flawless in function. Also those… bundles? Why do you sell them? They seem to be geared toward those cultivators fighting outside. Where do these products come from? I can sense a familiar energy here. It's close to what we, as believers of the Great Poison Demon, can feel whenever our 'He' would grace us with his presence."
Lin Mo gave him a practiced smile. "Alright, you should slow down with your questions, dear customer. I'm afraid most of the answers to your questions are proprietary information. I cannot reveal it. However, allow me to answer one thing since it's public knowledge by now. Our Divine Convenience Store's backing is divine beings. Most likely, at the same level or even stronger than your 'Great Poison Demon'."
At first, Luo Ming frowned because of how long-winded Lin Mo became when he could simply answer 'No' but the moment he brought up the backing of the store, his frown deepened and his brows furrowed. Calling other divine beings stronger than the one he believed in was taken by him as an affront.
Just as he was about to fly out in rage at Lin Mo, a soothing energy wrapped around him, dissipating the thought of rampaging in his head.
"W-what… do you mean by that?"
In the end, that's all Luo Ming could manage to utter.