Divine Convenience Store
Chapter 353 - 353: Benevolent Shopkeeper

They made their way through the perimeter, past the vigilant sect disciples and Poison Demon Cultists who, despite their earlier clash, now stood in an uneasy truce. Their eyes constantly darted between each other and the towering Conduit Tower. In their hands however, were various snacks sold by the store.

One sect disciple was eating breadsticks. Then, one cult Acolyte was snacking on potato chips. They looked at each other and gulped down. Without a word, they extended their respective packets to each other, executing a trade.

Similar sights could be seen at every corner of the tower's vicinity as the orthodox and unorthodox mingled with each other. It was a step towards cooperation.

Meanwhile, as word of Lin Mo's arrival had already spread, many cultivators nodded respectfully as they passed. Some even showed off what they're eating before asking when a new flavor or a new snack would drop. They cannot part from them anymore.

A while later, they found Patriarch Liu Tianfeng with a relaxed posture as he faced down Shadow Veil Clan's Elder Ji, Elder Chen and another old man leading them of the Shadow Veil Clan.

Compared to the Elders, that old man was at least at the level of a sect master. But even then, he had no choice but to bow his head at the Void Refinement stage old man.

All three of them looked significantly more haggard than before, their black cloaks rumpled and their faces pale. The disciples they brought huddled nervously behind them.

"Patriarch Liu, we… we were here as one of the Divine Convenience Store's willing patrons. Why is the Poison Demon Cult allowed in but we are not? Is this not a discrimination. You must have misunderstood our intentions." Elder Ji stammered, sweat beading on his brow. Against a Void Refinement Stage cultivator, he was nothing but an ant. But he knew he had to say something. Now they got a taste of the Divine Convenience Store's power of convenience, they couldn't let it go anymore.

"Misunderstood?" Liu Tianfeng's eyes narrowed as his pressure fell upon their shoulders. "Go ahead. Explain."

Just as the Shadow Veil Clan's group was about to kneel down, Lin Mo and his group walked over, his amiable merchant smile firmly in place.

"Hmm? Dear customers, what seems to be the trouble here?"

"Shopkeeper!" Elder Ji almost wept with relief at his arrival. He pushed forward despite the pressure. "Thank the heavens you're here! This… Patriarch Liu is unfairly denying us access! We're loyal patrons, just like the Poison Demon Cult! Why are we being excluded from this… this magnificent tower, shuttle network and your convenience?"

The Shadow Veil Clan Leader also stepped forward, his voice surprisingly smooth despite his haggard appearance. "Shopkeeper, I am named Wei Fang, Clan Leader of the Shadow Veil Clan. My elders have informed me of the recent events. We seek no conflict, merely the same convenience offered to all your patrons. Yet, we are barred."

Lin Mo's smile remained unwavering, though a subtle glint entered his eyes. Naturally, he was aware of their intention when they arrived yesterday at the store. If they didn't get caught up with the arrival of the Liu Family and the Violethaven Temple, they would also be one of those who'd come knocking for Liu Xiaoyu and her Heavenly Physique.

Their plans simply changed after seeing the might of the Liu Clan and how Lin Mo easily shattered the heaven-grade weapon of the Violethaven Temple's Grand Elder.

"Clan Leader Wei, Elder Ji, Elder Chen," Lin Mo greeted with a voice resonating with an almost effortless authority despite his calm tone. "Welcome. I understand your predicament. The Divine Convenience Store prides itself on offering convenience to all, without prejudice. However, convenience also comes with responsibility, you see."

He paused, letting his gaze sweep over the Shadow Veil Clan members, lingering for a moment on Elder Ji.

"I was not unaware of your… keen interest in my assistant, Liu Xiaoyu, and her unique physique. As well as your clan's historical tendency for… less-than-transparent dealings."

Lin Mo's smile tightened slightly as it slowly lost its warmth. "While I applaud your newfound appreciation for our store's products, the recent agreement with the orthodox sects and the Poison Demon Cult ensures a united front against external threats. Internal squabbles or attempts to cause trouble in our store or even our employees are intolerable."

Wei Fang's gaunt face twitched but he maintained a placid expression. "Shopkeeper, those are baseless accusations. My clan merely sought to—"

"Save it, Clan Leader," Lin Mo cut him off smoothly. "We are aware of your initial objectives, and how they shifted after witnessing the Liu Family's might and my… demonstration."

Although he didn't have the Starshot Revolver with him anymore, he subtly gestured with his hand, mimicking the firing of it.

He then gestured to the Conduit Tower. "This tower, like the one at Jade Hollow Plains, is a resource for all. And the Celestial Shuttle Network is for everyone. However, access is contingent on adherence to the principles of fair play and non-aggression. The Poison Demon Cult, for all their… eccentricities, have agreed to these terms. They even fought alongside the orthodox sects to secure this tower."

"If you wish to participate, Clan Leader Wei, your clan must agree to the same terms. No secret dealings, no attempts to exploit vulnerabilities, and absolutely no interference with the personal lives or well-being of my employees. Is that clear?"

Wei Fang's jaw tightened as his sharp eyes shifted to Liu Tianfeng, who merely watched with an impassive expression. The old patriarch clearly didn't see the Shadow Veil Clan as a threat.

"Shopkeeper," Wei Fang began as his voice lost some of its earlier smoothness, "My clan is a major force in the Inner Abyssal Circle. We cannot simply bow to the whims of—"

"The whims of a mere Shopkeeper? Is that what you want to say, Clan Leader?" Lin Mo interjected, his smile returning, though it held a hint of coldness like he was insulted. "The choice is yours. Embrace cooperation and fair trade, or remain excluded from the wonders we offer. Our doors are open, but only to those who respect our rules. Of course, you can still visit our store should you so wish, but I believe it would become an arduous journey now that an alliance have been created between the sects on our side and the cult."

"Shopkeeper," Wei Fang's voice was strained, a thin veil of civility barely covering his simmering rage. "You speak of rules and fairness, yet you hold a monopoly over these… divine gifts. What guarantee do we have that your store won't simply… favor one faction over another, as you do with the Poison Demon Cult?"

"Guarantee?" Lin Mo's eyebrows arched, his smile unwavering. He glanced at Liu Tianfeng, then at Jiang Jianxin and Xiaoyu, who were observing the exchange with keen interest.

"My guarantee, Clan Leader Wei, is the trust I've cultivated with my loyal patrons. Ask the Sect Masters and High Priest currently celebrating their new transportation network. Ask them if the Divine Convenience Store plays favorites. The only favoritism shown is towards those who embrace convenience and cooperation, and against those who choose conflict and disruption."

He gestured towards the Celestial Shuttle Network hub, a subtle, almost imperceptible flick of his wrist. "The network is open to all. The tower is open to all. The store is open to all. Your clan's past actions have simply placed you on a different footing, one you now have the opportunity to rectify. Or not. The choice, as always, is yours."

Wei Fang gritted his teeth, his sharp eyes darting between Lin Mo's serene face and the unyielding posture of Liu Tianfeng. He understood the implied threat. His clan, already grappling with the influence of other factions within the Inner Abyssal Region. Now with the unknown threats from the Towers and Anchors, he couldn't afford to be fully cut off from these new, powerful resources. The store's products were too valuable, and the Celestial Shuttle Network too revolutionary, to ignore.

He took a deep breath, the placid mask returning to his face. "Very well, Shopkeeper. The Shadow Veil Clan will abide by your… terms. We will sign the mutual defense pact against external threats and refrain from… interfering with your employees. We seek only fair access to the Conduit Tower and the convenience of your store."

Lin Mo's smile widened, a genuine warmth returning to his eyes. "An excellent decision, Clan Leader Wei. I assure you, you won't regret it. You'll find that cooperation yields far greater rewards than conflict. Patriarch Liu and Master Liu, I'll leave this matter to you."

He turned to Liu Xiaoyu's grandfather and father before turning around, strutting away like a benevolent merchant.

Jiang Jianxin had a flicker of interest in her gaze. Xiaoyu looked like she was holding her laughter. And Xiaoping stared at Lin Mo like his new idol.

Meanwhile, the father and son duo of the Liu Family faked a cough before addressing the Shadow Veil Clan again.

With that matter done, they made their way back to the Celestial Shuttle Network hub, ready to try out the new form of convenient transportation.