NOVPUBCerulean Cloud Sword Sect, Sect Master's Pavilion
Jiang Jianxin stood before Sect Master Li Changqing. The jade-tiled pavilion bathed in the soft glow of the evening lanterns and the moonlight shining above. Her silver sword rested quietly at her side, its sensation had become a counterpoint to the Sect Master's measured words.
"The [Soul Oath Talisman] is prepared," Li Changqing said as he slid a jade slip across his desk. It emanates spiritual energy that is akin to a binding power. "It will bind Lin Mo to secrecy regarding the Anchor's location."
He paused for a moment, his eyebrows sharpening like a sword, "Jianxin, your judgment in trusting the Shopkeeper is sound, but do not let his merchant's charm cloud your vigilance. The Poison Demon Cult's victory over the Bone Ash Syndicate proves the store's influence can be a double-edged blade. Not just to us but also the entire realm."
Jiang Jianxin bowed, her serene expression unwavering. "Understood, Sect Master. I'll ensure the Shopkeeper adheres to the oath. His method, whatever it may be, could possibly secure the Anchor before the three-day deadline. However, I think I must state this. I do believe in his character. Not his charm. He's far too different from the cultists in the Inner Abyssal Circle."
Li Changqing's eyes flickered with both caution and curiosity. "Mhm. I'm not undermining your judgement of character. However, we must be wise in these trying times. The Convenience Saint and his store's rise are no accident. Their products that defy our common sense – even if they came from divine beings – and his neutrality draws both righteous and demonic factions. He possessed knowledge that shouldn't be something a person of his stature should have…"
He trailed off as he conveyed his concerns to his disciple. "Do not forget what's at stake. Shopkeeper being on our realm's side is a boon but he's playing too impartially. The cult as we know it has caused deaths and suffering to many. Yet, they have been accepted as customers. Call it reforming them but it won't erase their sins."
Jiang Jianxin's fingers closed around the talisman, its cool surface pulsing with restrictive runes. "I understand. I'll report back once we've assessed his method, Master. The disciples are ready for another expedition, and Elder Shi's recovery bolsters our strength."
"Good. Go, Jianxin. And take Li Ruo with you. Her breakthrough is imminent, and the Anchor's foreign energy may be able to temper her cultivation."
With a final bow, Jiang Jianxin exited the pavilion, her mind already turning to the logistics of tomorrow's journey.
Her Viewing Jade pinged with a new message from Lin Mo, confirming he would prepare for the trip and was intrigued by the [Soul Oath Talisman]. His tone, even through text, carried that wry merchant's charm, but she sensed a steel beneath it. A resolve that she knew matched her own.
As she descended the mist-shrouded peaks, Jiang Jianxin's eyes glinted with determination. Her destination changed from her courtyard to a training hall. Sharpening her sword strikes is better than sitting idly by.
—
Inner Abyssal Circle, Bone Ash Syndicate's Fallen Village
Venom Master Xun stood atop the breached walls of the Syndicate's frontline village, her indigo robes billowing in the evening breeze. Below, her Doom Spiders scuttled through the rubble, their hatchlings weaving silk to secure the surrendering defenders. The Wasp Branch patrolled the perimeter, their buzzing wings becoming a constant reminder of the cult's dominance.
Marrow Weaver knelt nearby, her gauntlets dim and her head bowed, an empty can of [Heavenly Dew Soda] clutched reluctantly in her hand. She had already downed it to its last drop and she couldn't escape its grasp anymore.
Venom Master Huangfeng approached, his black armor gleaming with a faint venomous sheen. "Xun, the village is ours. The head honcho escaped, but we've captured most of their lieutenants. The villagers are… oddly compliant, thanks to the potato chips and soda. Your strategy worked."
Xun's predatory smirk returned, her fingers twirling a strand of spider silk. "Of course it did, Huangfeng. Convenience is a sweeter poison than any venom. The Shopkeeper's wares break hearts as easily as they break runes." She glanced at Marrow Weaver, her voice dropping to a silken purr. "Isn't that right, little bird?"
Marrow Weaver's jaw tightened, but she said nothing, her eyes fixed on the soda can. The [Heavenly Dew Soda]'s cleansing aura had already begun to soften the edges of her necrotic energy, though she refused to admit it.
Xun's Viewing Jade glowed, and she tapped out an update to her thread: "The Syndicate's village kneels, its bones woven into the convenience's web. Convenience conquers all, even the steel-willed. #ConvenienceConquers"
She pocketed the jade, her gaze drifting toward the horizon where Fanling City lay. "Huangfeng, strengthen the defenses here. Fanling can wait for a day or two."
Huangfeng's wasp-like eyes narrowed, but he nodded. "Understood. Your subordinate with the [Celestial Duel Gear Bundle] is en route. Did you have him purchase more than one?"
Xun laughed, a sound both alluring and chilling. "Why? Are you also curious? Did you like the gift I've given you?"
Huangfung's face darkened but he didn't deny it as his mind drifted to his Viewing Jade. Activating it and participating in the Bulletin Board felt like an opening to a new world to him.
—
The ship construct, courtesy of the City Lord, Wei Xian, glided smoothly over the plains, its sleek frame cutting through the twilight mist and cloud.
[Celestial Providence Triggered: All aerial threats are repelled, ensuring safe passage to the Jade Hollow Plains]
"How convenient. It's been a while since it triggered like this," Lin Mo murmured to himself as he stood at the helm, enjoying the view of the vast expanse above and below as well as the strong winds.
The combination of the [Silent Stream Breathing Technique] and [Vein of the Silent Stream] successfully minimized the occasional leaking of his Heaven's Favor to the customers. So, seeing it being triggered this time was such a welcome sight for him.
Lin Mo stood at the helm, the [Starshot Revolver] a reassuring weight at his hip.
"Boss? What are you murmuring about? Does your providence have to do with this peaceful airspace?" Liu Xiaoyu asked. She was leaning over the railing while browsing her Viewing Jade of the newer threads in the Bulletin Board.
Xiao Ya was sitting next to Wu Meiyu, who was meditating cross-legged near the prow, her spiritual energy circulating as she attuned to her [Celestial Duel Gear].
As for Yangyang. She also accompanied them but she mentioned only observing from the ship. She's really not the type to be excited over everything like his two energetic assistants.
"Yeah. Lucky us, we didn't need to fend off against giant birds, huh?" Lin Mo answered. He was expecting some trouble and a chance to shoot a bird or two with the revolver but for their trip to be smooth-sailing, there's nothing he could do anymore.
"Pfft. I can read your mind, Boss. You're itching to shoot, right?"
"Xiaoyu, sometimes it's better to shut up."
"Hehehe. Too bad for you, Boss. Your prodigious assistant has you read completely. Look, ArachnidMistress updated her post. There's no more mention of her coming to Fanling City. Did she change her mind?"
"Not exactly. She probably sensed that I've read her message."
It was subtle but there's that sliver of energy that was transmitted when he opened it earlier. Most likely, Venom Master Xun slipped it in to ensure that he's not ignoring her.
Before long, the Conduit Tower loomed ahead, its obsidian surface swallowing the moonlight above.
Cultivators milled about its base. Those with [Celestial Duel Gear] gathered together as they discussed strategies or bragged about their climbs.
Yan Wei's azure robes were visible among them, his pompous voice carrying over the crowd as he boasted about reaching Floor 4 earlier.
Many ship constructs were floating around the tower, one of which was too eye-catching. The Dragon Ark.
"That's my royal brother's ship. Shall I introduce you to him, Shopkeeper?"
Suddenly, Wu Meiyu from his side. Having sensed that they're about to arrive at their destination, she finished her meditation.
"No. We're not here to visit, right? We're here to see this tower."
"Hmm? And here I thought you'd want to rope him in further into the store."
"His subordinate is already a Golden Patron. He had gotten his hands on a Viewing Jade and was now a participant in our Store Bulletin Board. That makes him linked to our store. Golden Patrons like you may have some privilege but in my eyes, you're all the same. My dear customers."
As the ship stopped, many cultivators noticed their arrival. And upon seeing the iconic and peculiar green and blue uniform that they're still wearing outside the store, many immediately recognized the Shopkeeper of the Divine Convenience Store.
Whispers rippled through the crowd, their Viewing Jades flickering as cultivators posted updates to the Bulletin Board as threads buzzed with speculation about Lin Mo's presence at the Conduit Tower.
"Shopkeeper Lin is here!" A young cultivator exclaimed with awe as he nudged his companion. "Do you think he's also going to climb the Tower? Or sell discounted store products?"
