The two professors exchanged a quick glance, their stoic masks cracking slightly at the price. A total of fifty high-grade spirit stones wasn’t a small sum, even for an institution like Red Lotus Academy. But Grandmaster Lian didn’t hesitate.
She reached into her spatial ring and produced a small pouch, the faint clink of spirit stones audible as she presented it in front of her..
"Done," She said, her voice steady. "We’re eager to see this platform’s potential."
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Lin Mo nodded, accepting the pouch and passing it to Xiao Ya at the register to tally who then immediately distributed the Viewing Jades to them.
Following that, Lin Mo turned to his energetic assistant, instructing her "Alright then. Xiaoyu, you’re up. Here’s the gear and the cards. Give them all a show and explain any technical difficulties that they will encounter."
Liu Xiaoyu’s grin widened as she saluted. Her lively energy was infectious enough to make everyone snicker in delight.
"Got it, Boss!"
She walked away, guiding Grandmaster Lian and the people of the Red Lotus Academy, to the multipurpose hall.
Following them were the customers who stopped browsing to watch another show again.
Not long after, Zhou Rui popped up on Lin Mo’s side, ready to open another betting stall. They nodded at each other in understanding before the disciple of the Crimson Vale Sect followed the crowd, ready to stir up the audience to fork out their precious spirit stones for a gamble.
—
Somewhere in the middle of a road within the Southern Wu Kingdom, the carriage and the contingent of the Royal Army escorting the First Princess Wu Meiyu to the Fanling City momentarily halted as another carriage approached from the front.
Princess Wu Meiyu herself ordered the coachman as she recognized the banner of their Southern Wu Kingdom as well as the unique insignia of the Left Minister Shen Jinhai who was clearly on his return trip from his enlightening visit to the Divine Convenience Store.
The air along the dusty road grew still as the two carriages faced each other, their banners fluttering faintly in the breeze.
The Royal Army contingent surrounding Princess Wu Meiyu’s carriage stood at attention, their armor gleaming with spiritual energy as most of them wore high-quality mortal-grade artifacts.
Across from them, Left Minister Shen Jinhai’s smaller retinue exuded a quiet confidence, their own gear, however, was bolstered by the store’s wares. They’re now decked in peak-quality mortal-grade artifacts while packs of Card Talismans were slotted under their belts.
Wu Meiyu stepped down from her carriage, her silken robes flowing like liquid jade as she moved with the grace befitting her station.
The soldiers parted respectfully as she stepped forward, her gaze fixating on the approaching figure of Shen Jinhai, who emerged from his own carriage.
His sharp eyes met hers, and though his expression remained composed, there was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze before he bowed in her direction.
"Left Minister Shen," Wu Meiyu greeted, her voice soothingly smooth for everyone’s ears, "I see you’ve made haste back from Fanling City. I trust your visit to the Divine Convenience Store was fruitful?"
Shen Jinhai bowed deeper before answering. "Your Highness, it was more than fruitful. It was revelatory. Never have I seen such a wondrous merchant shop. Their influence was already rooted within the region despite only opening their business for a week or so. Its potential is extraordinary, something that can make waves of change within our kingdom.. I’ve secured goods that will strengthen our kingdom’s position, though I suspect you already know of its wonders." Your next chapter is on freewebnovel
Wu Meiyu’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Indeed, I’ve heard much. Enough to convince Royal Father to appoint me as Royal Envoy to the store. I’m on my way to Fanling now to establish formal ties with the Shopkeeper."
Shen Jinhai’s brows lifted ever so slightly, though he masked his surprise well. "Royal Envoy? A bold move, Your Highness. The store is no trifling matter. Its power transcends mere commerce. I trust you’re prepared for the… complexities of dealing with such an entity?"
"I am," Wu Meiyu replied, her tone unwavering. "The Kingdom cannot afford to lag behind while sects and other powers align themselves with it. You’ve seen its wares firsthand, Minister. Tell me. What should I expect from this Shopkeeper Lin?"
Shen Jinhai paused, considering his words carefully. "He’s an enigma, Your Highness. Unassuming at first glance, yet unshakably resolute. He bows to no authority but respects fair dealings, as you’ve likely heard. His store operates under its own rules, and he enforces them with a calm that belies his strength. The Silver Lotus Hall learned that the hard way."
Wu Meiyu’s eyes gleamed with interest. "So I’ve heard. Even our Kingdom’s intelligence officers bearing a decree were humbled by a shopkeeper. It’s almost poetic. And the products? Truthfully, I’ve only gotten my hands on the Spirit-infused Chips and the Heavenly Dew Soda from a merchant that luckily passed by that city. Those two products alone opened my eyes."
The First Princess couldn’t help but close her eyes as she reminisced the taste of those two products. She sparingly ate them, but despite doing so, she had long finished eating everything. And now, she’s craving for more.
"Beyond anything in our Royal Treasury," Shen Jinhai admitted, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret. "Indulgences that contained various effects, cold brews that sharpened the mind, pills, talismans, and artifacts that surpassed any master professional’s works. And there were these Viewing Jades, which connect their users to the Store Bulletin Board. Unfortunately, I have failed to acquire that last one. It hadn’t been released yet when I left. However, I’ve brought back everything I could to sample for the court."
He understood that the First Princess was slightly guarded against him. He was closer to the Crown Prince, after all. However, unlike the Right Minister, he didn’t want to dabble in court politics too early. His loyalty remained to His Majesty, the King.
Wu Meiyu nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "Then it’s as I thought. This store isn’t just a merchant hub. It’ll become a fulcrum of power. I intend to ensure the Kingdom stands at its side, not in its shadow."
"A noble goal, Your Highness. But be warned. The store attracts all manner, from desperate cultivators to scheming sects. Also, like I mentioned earlier, please accept my apology for not helping out the Silver Lotus Hall agents when they visited the store. I took it that they were under your orders and with a decree from His Majesty."
Shen Jinhai bowed once more, offering a more respectful gesture, "Your Highness, if you do not mind, would you like some snacks for the road?"
Wu Meiyu’s eyes flickered with amusement at Shen Jinhai’s offer, though she kept her expression composed. "Snacks, Minister? From the Divine Convenience Store, I presume?"
Shen Jinhai straightened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he reached into his spatial ring. "Naturally, Your Highness. I wouldn’t offer anything less."
He produced a small, ornate box, its surface etched with subtle runes that pulsed faintly with spiritual energy. Opening it revealed a selection of neatly packed items: a few packets of Spirit-Infused Chips and Breadsticks, a few cans of Heavenly Dew Soda and other beverages, and a small bundle of what looked like glistening Energy Replenishing Candies. "These are but a taste of what I acquired. Consider it a gesture of goodwill, and a preview of what awaits you in Fanling."
Wu Meiyu’s gaze lingered on the items, her earlier reminiscence of their taste stirring a quiet hunger. She inclined her head graciously.
"Your generosity is noted, Minister. I’ll accept this, though I suspect it’ll only deepen my anticipation for what lies ahead."
Shen Jinhai handed the box to one of her attendants, who stepped forward to receive it with a bow. "It will, Your Highness. The store’s wares are addictive in more ways than one. But I trust you’ll navigate its allure with the same sharpness you bring to the court."
Wu Meiyu’s smile widened slightly, a glint of challenge in her eyes. "I intend to. Thank you for the insight, Minister. Safe travels back to the capital. I’m certain Royal Father will be eager to hear your full report… and sample these delights himself."
Shen Jinhai’s lips curved up slightly and bowed once more, "May your journey be swift and fruitful, Your Highness. The Shopkeeper is a man worth meeting."
With that, the two parted ways. Shen Jinhai returned to his carriage, his retinue falling into step as they resumed their journey to the Southern Wu Royal Palace.
Wu Meiyu watched them go for a moment before climbing back into her own carriage, the ornate box now resting on the seat beside her.
As the Royal Army contingent resumed their march toward Fanling City, she allowed herself a rare moment of indulgence, opening the box and plucking a single Energy Replenishing Candy from the bundle.
The candy melted on her tongue, a burst of sweet vitality spreading through her body. Her spiritual energy danced in response, sharpening her senses and easing the faint fatigue of travel. She closed her eyes, savoring the sensation, and murmured to herself,
"Shopkeeper Lin, you’ve already ensnared half the kingdom without even trying. Let’s see what you make of me."
The carriage rolled on, the dust of the road rising in its wake as Wu Meiyu’s mind turned to the task ahead. Establishing ties with the Divine Convenience Store wouldn’t be simple, but she relished the challenge. If the Shopkeeper respected fair dealings, she’d give him just that – and perhaps, ensure the Southern Wu Kingdom emerged as a favored partner in his enigmatic enterprise.