Within one of the courtyards within the Azure Gale Sect, Yan Wei, the pompous young master and the son of the Sect Master was in serious concentration as he meditated while chanting the mantra of the Blossoming Lotus Breathing Technique. He was at a critical juncture of successfully cultivating it.
The battle from the day made him realize that his performance wasn't any different from Zhou Rui's. He wanted to surpass him and show that disciple of the Crimson Vale Sect that he was better.
The Breathing Technique was called a lost manual by his Second Uncle, and since it was bought from the Divine Convenience Store, he immediately trusted its authenticity.
After all, everything from that store so far had proven to be beyond what ordinary craftsmen could replicate. If they could sell mass-produced talismans and elixirs that rivaled grandmaster-level work, then a "lost" cultivation technique must be just as formidable.
His body trembled slightly as the energy affected by the mantra coursed through his meridians, each breath refining the spiritual qi in his dantian. The Blossoming Lotus Breathing Technique was truly an exceptional foundational cultivation technique. It didn't just enhance qi absorption but also cultivated a unique lotus resonance, balancing one's body and spirit.
Yan Wei clenched his fists. He could feel it. His meridians were strengthening, his spiritual energy becoming purer, eliciting harmony within.
Next to him were empty packs of Energy Replenishing Candies and Spirit Enhancing Gum, both purchased from the Divine Convenience Store.
Their effects had allowed him to maintain this cultivation session for far longer than he normally could.
He exhaled slowly, stabilizing his energy.
Soon, his chanting reached its end, and a lotus-shaped glow briefly flickered around his body before vanishing into his dantian. He opened his eyes, his gaze sharper than before.
He was successful. He cultivated the 1st layer of the Blossoming Lotus Breathing Technique!
A triumphant grin spread across his face as he began consolidating his new Breathing Technique to match the Azure Gale Sect's foundational movement technique, the Azure Gale Steps.
He picked up another candy and chewed it before pulling out a can of Heavenly Dew Soda and chugging it down.
"It's been a while since I visited the store. Heh… now that I finished the task Father gave me, I should be able to bring everyone there again. Good timing, I'm out of chips and soda."
The night passed, and a new day welcomed the store.
Lin Mo opened his eyes and found Liu Xiaoyu sleeping on the side. This prodigious assistant of his had once again been blessed by his Celestial Providence, allowing her to experience another breakthrough but in exchange, she got knocked out in exhaustion.
He stood up and stretched out, feeling a comfortable sensation in his body. Not far from his bed, Yangyang was at her desk, manipulating the PC-like equipment that she brought for her customer service representative work.
"Miss Yangyang, you're quite a workaholic. Good morning."
"Mhm. Good morning, Shopkeeper Lin." She looked up at him and smiled as she nudged her glasses.
"I was wondering, you mentioned a few days ago that you're in the middle of forging your divinity. Is that the same as how cultivators meditate? I'm intrigued. Taihao mentioned that I also had a hint of divinity within my body."
Yangyang tapped a few more keys before adjusting her seat to face him. "In a way, yes. But forging divinity isn't as simple as gathering spiritual qi to surpass the limits of your body. Cultivators refine their qi to strengthen their meridians and dantian, eventually breaking through into higher realms. But divinity… it's something entirely different. It requires faith, comprehension, and a unique resonance with the laws of the world."
Lin Mo stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So it's like understanding the essence of the world rather than just accumulating power?"
"Exactly. That's why gods are worshipped. Faith fuels their divinity. Some cultivate it through their own willpower, while others rely on the belief of followers." Yangyang adjusted her glasses. "You'll find more about divinity as you continue on the path of cultivation. For now, you should not mind the hint of divinity Zhenren Taihao mentioned and focus on your cultivation.."
Lin Mo let out a small chuckle. "I see. I'll keep that in mind. By the way, what do you like for breakfast? We still have time before the opening, so let's eat first. And can you wake up Xiaoyu for me? You know that girl, she's too energetic for her own good."Yangyang giggled as she nodded, "No problem. Anything will do."
With that, Lin Mo stepped into the Employee's Lounge where the bathroom and kitchen were located.
Around an hour later, the door to the Divine Convenience Store opened.
Lin Mo and Liu Xiaoyu who were already decked in their convenience store uniform welcomed the line of customers already crowding outside.
"Boss! I can't see Xiao Ya!" Liu Xiaoyu exclaimed as the first stream of customers entered. A lot of them stood in awe at the newly-expanded interior of the store, wondering what had happened overnight.
"There she is." Lin Mo pointed somewhere where the small figure of the young girl was trying her best to squeeze into the door.
As soon as Liu Xiaoyu found her, the young woman jumped in, pulling the girl out.
"This is bad for our employee, Boss Lin. You know? Shouldn't we give them a backdoor to enter from?" Liu Xiaoyu said as she returned, bringing the dizzy Xiao Ya.
"Well, let's see what we can do later. I will ask the system to create some kind of hidden entrance that will open only to our employees. We both didn't expect that they'd gather around our store this early in the morning. It seems like the word has spread even further than we expected," Lin Mo said with a wry smile, observing the rush of eager customers pouring into the store.
Xiao Ya, still slightly dazed from the crowd, shook her head rapidly before saluting Lin Mo in a disciplined manner. "Boss! I'm here for work!"
Lin Mo chuckled. "Good. Go into the quarters and change into your uniform. You know where your locker is, right? Help Xiaoyu assist any customers who need help. Look at them… it's like they arrived at another island."
Xiao Ya beamed with pride, puffing out her tiny chest. "Leave it to me, Boss!"
As the girl ran off, Liu Xiaoyu chuckled as she looked at the customers getting dazed at the expanded interior of the store. Some looked up to the floating signboards with their mouths wide open in awe. Some eagerly started checking out each labeled shelf, maybe trying to find if every product in it was truly what was stated.
"If I am in their shoes. I'll feel the same way. Most of them visited yesterday and now they find our store has expanded. What do you think? Will someone get curious enough to check the arena?
Lin Mo rolled his eyes playfully. "Maybe someone will return here and ask what's the deal with the [Divine Combat & Exhibition Arena]. For now, let's just make sure we don't get trampled."
The morning rush had begun. They have no more time for idle chats.
[New Golden Patrons: 0/5]
[New Customers: 0/50]
[Repeat customers: 0/25]