[Data Extraction: 10% Complete]

[Anchor Designation: VYFB#0010]

[Outer Realm Identified: Viridescent Hollow]

[Description: A realm saturated with primal energy characterized by its viridescent glow. Nature thrived within the realm. However, the inhabitants developed into aggressive territorial entities and a single race reigned supreme, enslaving the other races.]

[Primary Inhabitant: Vyrnethi (intelligent, long-lived species), Dyshanti (a collection of different species classified as inferior)]

[Intent: Establish a permanent dimensional bridge to the Realm of Nine Heavens for resource extraction and territorial dominance.]

[Note: Further extraction will reveal strategic details (requires more Dimension Essence).]

[Store Beacon deployment in progress (activation upon Anchor’s full stabilization).]

The moment the extraction finished, Lin Mo and his group exited the Anchor space through the rift that opened up within the core’s chamber, reappearing right within the underground chamber where the City Lord Wei Xian was waiting.

That saved them the waste of using the [Emergency Escape Talisman]. Given that the Anchor would not be producing more Fledglings while the link was up, it was pointless to stay inside there. Not to mention, the foreign energy saturation would spell disaster for the City Guards and the diviners.

Lin Mo confirmed that he could still absorb the foreign energy like it was nothing. However, he had a store to look after.

As for the monk, he might appear unaffected, but he’s not like Lin Mo. He, too, would also be unable to ignore the saturation as time passed.

With his vision clearing up, Lin Mo opened his eyes to the same underground chamber. The familiar sensation of the spiritual energy washed over him like a cool breeze after a journey through an alien haze. City Lord Wei Xian’s imposing figure loomed ahead, watching them intently as they gathered themselves.

Eventually, his eyes locked onto Lin Mo, searching for answers, while the guards and diviners behind him shifted, their faces a mix of relief and curiosity.

“Shopkeeper,” The old yet imposing figure of the City Lord stepped forward, “Have you succeeded? What did you find inside?”

Lin Mo’s wry grin flickered as he straightened his back. He dusted off his sleeves with a theatrical flourish and fixed his uniform before adopting his usual tone.

“Mhm. Good catch, dear customer. We succeeded in investigating the Anchor space and successfully extracted some data regarding our soon-to-be uninvited guests.”

Huiyin stepped forward, his tattered robes swaying as he clasped his hands in a shallow bow. “Amitabha, City Lord. The Shopkeeper speaks truthfully. This Anchor seeks to weave a permanent thread between realms. Its intent is invasion and plunder. This poor monk sensed its hunger—a will to dominate.”

Elder Wen also chimed in, “City Lord. We must prepare for its activation.”

Captain Zhao, along with his squad, moved over, but they didn’t say anything anymore as Lin Mo waved his hand, showing the City Lord the system panel showing the log of extracted data.

Following that, he also accessed the newly updated panel of the Anchor.

[Anchor – VYFB#0010]

[Status: Activating (Estimated Time: 120 hours + 46 hours Temporary Link delay)]

[Estimated Threat Level: Moderate]

[Energy Signature: Viridescent Energy (Strengthening)]

[Accessibility: Spirit Condensation Stage to Core Formation Stage]

[Note: Anchor alignment is currently delayed by the temporary link. More details will be uncovered after activation.]

The City Lord’s aura flared briefly, his fist clenching. “Resource extraction? They dare treat the Nine Heavens as their quarry? Shopkeeper, you’ve bought us time, but what’s our next move?”

Lin Mo put a hand on his chin. Why is he now asking for his opinion? Shouldn’t he be the one in charge here?

But then again, the City Lord called him when they detected the Anchor’s alignment. Asking his opinion must’ve been born from the fact that he’s more knowledgeable about this phenomenon than him.

In the end, the City Lord was a sensible leader.

“We’ve got options, City Lord. The Anchor’s Core is like a shop counter. It’s open for business but we can control the terms. And similar to the Conduit Tower, I’ve deployed a Store Beacon, so when this thing fully activates, our Divine Convenience Store will have a direct line inside. You can allow cultivators to venture inside and clear it. For now, we prepare. Arm your guards, rally the sects, and stock up on [Emergency Escape Talismans]. I’ll keep milking the Core for data as essence rolls in.”

—

After staying for another hour just discussing things with the City Lord and the monk, the City Guards escorted Lin Mo back inside the city and dropped him in front of his store.

It was his first trip outside, but it ended up as an otherworldly expedition. He also fought for the first time, and while he believed he did well, Monk Huiyin did most of the job. But the feeling of being able to contribute still flooded his chest as if he had finally seen the fruits of his labor for the past two weeks.

“Shopkeeper, you’re finally back. How was your trip?” Breaking him out of his melancholy, the clear voice of the First Princess caught his attention.

Still wearing the green and white stripes of the store, she had her hands on her hips as she stood by the elevated entrance, looking down at him.

Her regal presence was still overwhelming but after interacting with her for the past three days, Lin Mo was pretty used to her charm already.

He glanced past her shoulder and into the store. No one was at the counter, but there was still a line waiting to have their items checked out.

Lin Mo’s lips twitched. This royal highness abandoned her post to welcome him, huh?

“Your Highness, slacking on the job already?” Lin Mo teased. He climbed the steps to the store’s entrance, brushing past Wu Meiyu with a playful nudge. “Careful, or I’ll dock your pay for leaving the counter unmanned.”

Wu Meiyu widened his eyes in astonishment and her lips curved into a pout that could’ve charmed even a demonic beast. “Shopkeeper, since when am I getting paid? Anyhow, I was merely curious why you remained outside even after returning. Your head is in the clouds.”

“Do I look listless?”

“You do!”

“Alright. My bad. You’re off the hook. Now, go back inside. Our customers are waiting.”

Upon saying that, Lin Mo glanced to the side and found the First Princess’s Royal Guard Captain Zhu Min watching their exchange with a weird expression. He probably had no idea whether to step in or not. But given that it was Wu Meiyu’s wish to put on the store’s uniform, he eventually pretended not to hear them.

“Unbelievable, Shopkeeper. Aside from my Royal Father, no one has treated me like this before.”

“Treated you like what? You’re my temporary employee, right? And I’m your boss.”

Not knowing how to retort to that, Wu Meiyu rolled her eyes in indignation.

Lin Mo chuckled at her reaction before stepping back into the confines of the Divine Convenience Store.

Almost instantly, the familiar hum of the [Everlasting Spirit Fountain] greeted him, its subtle pulse syncing with the spark in his chest and soothed his energy channels that had been mixed with the foreign energy within the Anchor.

The store was still alive with activity if he had never stepped out for a few hours. Aside from those waiting in line at the counter, cultivators and mortals alike browsed the shelves for their purchases and ate their snacks in the dining area while fiddling with their Viewing Jades. A few customers would also walk in and out of the multipurpose hall where the rambunctious activity was still in full swing.

Yan Wei’s rented five hours were still not up.

When he checked the Bulletin Board, Liu Xiaoyu had already gained her own title, the ‘Duel Queen’.

He checked the recordings and began posting the duels on the Announcement Page, further showcasing the store’s newest product.

As Wu Meiyu returned to the counter, he checked on Yangyang inside the quarters, relaying to her what he had uncovered during his trip.

After that, he stood behind Wu Meiyu, watching over as usual, while his mind gradually became occupied with the recent events once again.

His trip to the underground ruin had been profitable, both in essence and experience. The jump to the 7th level of Spirit Condensation Stage felt like a bonus, though the foreign energy’s lingering warmth in his meridians kept him on edge. The activation of his Celestial Providence was an unexpected but welcome boost. Still, having delved into what’s behind the Anchor, a certain anxiety couldn’t help but creep into his head.

He knew he shouldn’t be burdened by it, but from this point onwards, he’d continue to get entangled with them.

“So much for being put here to only manage the store.” He muttered in resignation.

“Shopkeeper, stop looking over my shoulder. Why not take over from me? You left me here for two. No. Three hours. Remember? Or are you only going to daydream there?” Wu Meiyu called out to him.

With a wry smile, Lin Mo walked over, “Alright. You can take a break, Your Highness.”

“Eh?” Surprised at his response, the First Princess remained rooted at her spot, watching him close in.

“What? Do you think I’m heartless enough not to hear you out?”

“No… How should I say it? Shopkeeper, you must have a lot on your mind.”

“Perhaps you’re right. But at the end of the day, this is my life now, First Princess. Whatever happens, I’ll continue providing convenience for every customer.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep