A multipurpose arena made perfect sense as an expansion for Lin Mo.
First, it also aligned with the upcoming Celestial Duel Platform and the Summoning Card System, creating a venue where customers could duel in a controlled environment.
Instead of forcing duels outside or in improvised locations, the store could host official Summoning Battles or whatever it was going to be called when the store customers picked it up. It could then be completed with an audience, referees and even betting opportunities if permitted in the long run.
Second, it wouldn't just be limited to dueling – be it the normal cultivator duels or the game that would be made.
A multipurpose arena could also be used for product demonstrations, testing new artifacts, sparring matches, tournaments, and even educational workshops for cultivators seeking to improve their techniques.
Lin Mo could even ask the divine beings of the Pantheon to show their faces once in a while, making their presence known in the realm. They
Third, it would also create a prestige factor.
If the Divine Convenience Store had an exclusive arena – a place where elite cultivators, sect leaders, immortals and even divine beings could engage in controlled battles – its reputation would soar.
Customers wouldn't just come in to buy the store's products, they'd also come to experience the convenience and novelty of the store.
Lastly, it further cemented the store's community-building efforts. Cultivators loved competitions, challenges, and proving their strength. The arena would become a place where rivalries were formed, legacies were built, and talents were discovered.
Lin Mo could see it clearly, it could give birth and proliferate a new culture into this realm. It does not necessarily have to be a copy of what Earth does, mimicking just a bit of it will be enough to make this place more progressive. It'll be a lot better to let them spend their days just meditating to transcend mortality and ascend to the next heaven.
He could also tell that the Divine Pantheon's ambition might not be restricted to the First Heaven. The Divine Convenience Store might also appear in the higher heavens, spreading more of their influence.
Soon, the transition happened seamlessly.
One moment, Lin Mo was still discussing the expansion with Taihao and Lihua who were both interested in the points he raised. Then suddenly, a new door appeared at the far end of the store, shimmering with golden engravings.
Above it, an elegant yet powerful calligraphy spelled out:
[Divine Arena & Exhibition Hall]
The moment the group stepped through the door, they were greeted by a massive coliseum-like structure, far larger than what should have been possible given the store's physical space.
Lin Mo was tempted to step out of the store to check if the building next door had been replaced by it but according to the system, it exists in the same space as the store. The outside world was unaffected but inside, it's like entering a pocket world where the space could seamlessly expand depending on what the store requires.
That's also why their quarters could freely expand.
Inside, the air was suffused with spiritual energy.
At the center of the arena was an enormous battle platform, its edges lined with runes that pulsed faintly. Clearly, it was covered by powerful formations embedded into the ground.
The material of the platform itself wasn't ordinary stone but some sort of refined spiritual alloy, reinforced to endure high-impact battles without sustaining damage.
The arena seating stretched in a full circle, rising in tiers that could easily accommodate hundreds of spectators, perhaps even thousands.
The higher seats were adorned with floating sigils that seemed to indicate private viewing areas. Perhaps VIP sections for Golden Card Patrons or other esteemed customers.
Above the battlefield, a transparent dome-like barrier shimmered, a clear sign of protective formations meant to prevent stray attacks from harming the audience.
Lin Mo took a deep breath, feeling the vast potential radiating from the space. This wasn't just an addition to the store; this was a statement.
"This is insane…" Liu Xiaoyu whispered in awe, her eyes sparkling as she took in the grand sight. "Even our family didn't have the means to create such a grand stage.
Yangyang also spoke, her voice trembling slightly as she alternated her gaze between the arena and the two divine beings taking in the scene calmly, "It's more refined than I expected. The Divine System is already so mysterious, but it could also do this?"
Lin Mo nodded, stepping onto the platform. The surface beneath his feet was smooth but exuded a faint pressure as if acknowledging its purpose.
"How big is this? Two football stadiums?"
Taihao, who had been silently admiring the architecture, let out a knowing chuckle. "The size is irrelevant, young man. Everything can still be expanded. See how convenient the Divine System Interface we left for you? As long as it's at a reasonable level, it could realize what you could make. The store isn't simply an experiment for us. It's an investment into our influence's long-term presence. Combat is the foundation of the cultivation world and if your store is the one hosting the most prestigious battles, your influence will be beyond just commerce."
Lin Mo looked back at Taihao, "You mean we're turning the store into a hub for both commerce and competition."
Lihua was the one who answered him, "For now, we can't say for sure. It all depends on how you'll continue running the store. In short, its development relies on you and your unconventional mind."
Lin Mo let out a chuckle. "No pressure, huh?"
He gazed around the coliseum once more, envisioning it filled with excited cultivators, prestigious sect leaders, and even rogue experts looking to test their skills or showcase their prowess.
He then glanced at his companions and their similarly excited expressions. Xiao Ya was even slack-jawed at everything she'd seen. The girl might not be able to sleep tonight.
After inspecting the multipurpose arena, they returned to the store which expanded a little bit, widening the isles and adding more shelves, organizing the type of products too.
The customers wouldn't need to spend a lot of time searching for specific talismans or pills anymore as each aisle was now categorized under glowing, floating signboards. There were even labels attached at the top of each shelf that further broke them down. For example, Energy Replenishing Pills and Candies had their own shelves. They could pick between modernized products or not.
More appliances could be seen in one corner. There were now five microwaves running in spiritual energy. The automatic hot water dispenser was also expanded to three. Customers didn't need to line up to cook their noodles anymore.
Lastly, packed meals were now neatly arranged in a refrigerated section, complete with labels indicating their ingredients, nutritional value, and even recommended pairings with other store products.
The convenience of the store had reached a whole new level.
"This is incredible," Liu Xiaoyu exclaimed, her eyes wide as she took in the changes. "Our store truly leveled up in the blink of an eye."
Yangyang said with a thoughtful expression. "The organization is much more efficient now. Customers will be able to find what they need faster, which should increase overall satisfaction and sales."
Xiao Ya, still recovering from the awe of the arena, managed a small smile. "It's… it's amazing. I can't believe I get to be a part of this."
Despite his attempt to not get too excited, Lin Mo failed to reel in his grin as he shook his head at the sight of the expanded store, "Can this still be called a convenience store? It's becoming a supermarket when it comes to size and scale. It just needs a fresh section for it to be categorized as such."
With this, the rewards for reaching the next tier were pretty much over.
When they returned to the counter, Lin Mo faced Taihao and Lihua again.
Understanding what was going on in his head, Taihao faked a cough, while Lihua nodded before saying.
"Go ahead, Lin Mo. You can ask a question and we'll answer truthfully. But do forgive us if there are things we cannot divulge yet."
Lin Mo gently nodded, thinking it was fair for now. Taihao called the store an 'experiment' earlier but then he also retracted it by saying that they invested a lot for this to work.
Even if they're letting him run the store, it's only because of his knowledge and unconventional methods that he brought from his previous world.
The more the store grows, the more secrets he'll be privy to. Or that's what he's hoping to happen.
"I wish to know more about the divine beings of the Pantheon involved with the store. Especially the ones behind the Celestial Workshop. The Development and Research Division."