Yu Qingyan’s caravan reached Fanling City at dawn, and the first thing she did after passing through the gate was to send Lin Mo a message. After all, at this time, the Divine Convenience Store should still be closed.

As her spirit-beast-drawn carriage turned onto the street leading to the store, customers waiting for its opening could already be seen forming a line outside.

Next to her, the young disciple, Little Spring, couldn’t help but comment, “Elder Yu, it’s truly impressive. They’re willing to wait outside in the chill of dawn just for a chance at the store’s goods. Or is it because of the limited stock of the Celestial Duel Gear Bundle? Shopkeeper Lin’s got this city wrapped around his finger.”

Yu Qingyan snorted in amusement with a grudging respect flickering in her eyes. “You’re so easily impressed, silly lass. It’s not him, it’s the store. Those talismans and snacks are worth their weight in spirit stones. But I’ll give him this. He knows how to keep the crowd hooked.” She tapped her Distributor-exclusive Jade Token, sending a quick follow-up message to Lin Mo.

Yu Qingyan: “Shopkeeper, we’re here at your doorstep. Do you have room for a restock and a chat? Tower cooldown is up, and I’m curious about that Anchor you poked around in.”

Inside the carriage, Qu Ling, the other Verdant Sky Pavilion disciple, peered out at the growing line, her soft voice carrying the same excitement as Little Spring.

“Elder, do you think we’ll get Celestial Duel Gear this time? I watched the recordings last night. Miss Xiaoyu’s [Diamond Serenade] was amazing!”

Yu Qingyan snorted, adjusting the silk hem of her robe. “We’ll get the gear, Mei Ling. I’ve got a standing pre-order with the Shopkeeper. But don’t get starry-eyed over Xiaoyu’s antics. Floor 4’s no joke, and I expect you both to climb higher this time.”

Little Spring grinned, undeterred. “Don’t worry, Elder. We’ll make you proud. But, um… maybe you can ask Shopkeeper Lin for a discount? You know, for being his favorite distributor?”

Yu Qingyan shot her a mock glare, pinching the girl’s cheek lightly. “Favorite, huh? I’m his only distributor! Anyway, you can ask him yourself, Little Spring. Lin Mo’s a merchant through and through. Discounts come with spirit stones, not flattery. Now, there’s a reason I brought you two and left the others back at our pavilion headquarters. Come inside with me.”

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the Divine Convenience Store, its green-and-white sign glinting faintly in the early light. The line of customers, cultivators and mortals alike, buzzed with anticipation, some clutching Viewing Jades as they debated the latest Bulletin Board threads.

Yu Qingyan stepped out, her merchant’s poise unshaken by the crowd’s eager stares. She scanned the storefront, noting the mystical sensation that the Divine Convenience Store radiates. Her chest throbbed faintly as if reminding her that she was once again getting pulled by the store’s otherworldly charm.

It’s certainly not because of Lin Mo!

—

Inside the multipurpose hall, Lin Mo closed Yu Qingyan’s message, not replying to her. Instead, he glanced at his prodigious assistant and then at Yangyang, “Miss Yangyang, I’m coming out to receive our Distributor. I’ll leave things here with you.”

The bespectacled functionary nodded.

Lin Mo then walked over to Xiaoyu and Xiao Ya, “Xiaoyu, bring Xiao Ya to our quarters. Have her rest. And after that… check if there are new products on our shelves. The system should’ve stocked everything again.”

“Okay, boss! But where are you going? Is it Miss Yu?”

Lin Mo’s forehead creased as Xiaoyu’s teasing tone hit a familiar nerve. “It’s just business, Duel Queen. Yu Qingyan’s here to restock and talk shop. Don’t go starting rumors on the Bulletin Board.”

He flicked her forehead lightly, earning a dramatic pout before she grabbed Xiao Ya’s hand and stuck her tongue out at Lin Mo.

“Come on, Xiao Ya, let’s raid the lounge for a snack before you nap! Boss here is off to charm his favorite distributor,” Xiaoyu said with a wink, dragging the giggling girl toward the shopkeeper’s quarters.

Lin Mo shook his head, not bothering to retort anymore. If she’s not so childish like that, wouldn’t she become another fairy that many could admire? Alas, it’s more fun for her to be more mischievous. But then, she’s also afraid to be seen by those who could recognize her and her origin, like that other prodigy from the Rising Sun Ocean Pavilion.

Watching Xiaoyu and Xiao Ya’s backs as they dashed away, he stepped out of the multipurpose hall and into the store’s main area.

The [Everlasting Spirit Fountain] hidden in the divine-grade formation continued to provide a soothing sensation as it filled the store with abundant spiritual energy. The [Spirit-Dispersing Beacon] was also loaded, ready to subdue any troublesome customer for the day.

The store was still closed, but the buzz of the waiting customers seeped through the walls, their anticipation already at its maximum even at this hour.

He pushed open the door, the early dawn chill brushing his face as he spotted Yu Qingyan standing by her spirit-beast carriage.

Her verdant green silk robes caught the faint light, and her sharp merchant’s gaze locked onto him immediately, a mix of appraisal and amusement in her eyes.

Longing was absent. After all, it’s not like they haven’t seen each other for a few days. Because at certain times or whenever possible, Yu Qingyan would initiate a video call through her Distributor Interface rather than simply sending a message.

Little Spring and Mei Ling flanked the Emissary of the Verdant Sky Pavilion, their silk robes crisp despite the long journey.

“Shopkeeper Lin,” Yu Qingyan called out to him as she stepped forward and gestured to the line of customers waiting. “You’ve got half of Fanling City camping at your door. I hope you saved some stock for your only distributor.”

Lin Mo crossed his arms, his grin matching her tone. “Elder Yu, you’re early. Couldn’t resist the lure of my talismans, huh? Or is it the Tower calling you back?”

He glanced at the customers, most of them already thinking that they’re about to enter. But to their disappointment, Lin Mo simply pointed at the signage that hadn’t been lit up yet. Yu Qingyan was simply an exception because of her relationship to the story.

“Alright. Let’s get you settled inside before this crowd storms the place. It’s still an hour before I graciously open the doors for them.”

Yu Qingyan’s lips curved, but she waved a dismissive hand, her jade bangle clinking. “Hmm? How generous. You’re opening earlier these days. Are you sure you don’t need to rest?”

Lin Mo shook his head. Rest? He’s now a cultivator. He could forgo sleep. And if he needed to rest for his mental health, he could rely on store products that had an excellent effect on them.

Of course, he was still not used to ignoring the pull of his bed. Maybe one of these days, he’d take a day off and just laze around inside his quarters – if it was possible at all.

“Worried about me, Miss Yu? I’m flattered.” Lin Mo intentionally put on a smirk, making Yu Qingyan flustered.

Next to her, the two disciples also grinned at the sight – they interpreted it as flirting on the Shopkeeper’s part.

Yu Qingyan’s cheeks flushed a faint pink, but she quickly masked it with a theatrical huff, crossing her arms to mirror Lin Mo’s stance.

“Flattered? Don’t get ahead of yourself, Shopkeeper. I’m just making sure my supplier stays functional. A tired merchant makes sloppy deals.” Her tone had a sharp edge but even a mortal could notice the flicker of amusement in her eyes. It’s like a cat toying with a particularly interesting mouse. Or so that’s how she saw it.

Little Spring stifled a giggle, nudging Mei Ling, who bit her lip to keep from laughing. The two disciples exchanged knowing glances, clearly enjoying the verbal sparring between their Elder and the Shopkeeper. Yu Qingyan shot them a sidelong glare, which only made their grins widen.

Lin Mo chuckled, unfazed, and gestured toward the store’s entrance. “Come on, Elder Yu. Let’s get you and your disciples inside before these two start posting about us on the Bulletin Board. I’ve got enough rumors to deal with thanks to Xiaoyu and that ArachnidMistress.”

He led the way, holding the door open as Yu Qingyan and her disciples stepped into the Divine Convenience Store. The comfortable sensation of the [Everlasting Spirit Fountain] washed over them, its subtle pulse washing away the dawn’s chill and filling the air with a faint, invigorating warmth.

The shelves were already restocked, their colorful talismans, snacks, and artifacts gleaming under the store’s soft lighting. The [Spirit-Dispersing Beacon] pulsed faintly in the corners, ready to maintain order once the doors opened.

Yu Qingyan’s merchant instincts kicked in immediately, her sharp gaze sweeping over the shelves, specifically the one with the Celestial Duel Gear Bundle as well as the shelf next to it containing the Card Packs and Card Boxes.

“Miss Yu, you can check that out later. Let’s first settle your caravan’s venture. If you didn’t get distracted by the Tower, you’d probably have sold out quicker, right? And it’s even three times your initial inventory.”

“Indeed. I deserve some praise for that, don’t I?”

“Hmm? Sure. Great job, Miss Yu.”

Behind them, the two disciples following them failed to hold back their giggles anymore. The atmosphere between the two was undeniably flirtatious.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep