Divine Convenience Store-Chapter 345: More Tribulation

"But what of the maintenance?" A Core Formation Elder from the Azure Gale Sect questioned as skepticism crept into his tone. "Such a marvel must consume astronomical amounts of spiritual energy. Who bears that cost?"

This time, Venom Master Xun answered, "The Shopkeeper, of course. For now, at least. He did mention the cost of ’Dimension Essence’ for activation and maintenance. It is the currency that the tower challengers acquire inside. But it can be converted from spirit stones. How marvelous, Shopkeeper. I can’t wait to meet him again."

With a dreamy look as if she’s staring at Lin Mo from far away, the alluring Arachnid Branch Venom Master got every other cultivator wincing at her act.

Meanwhile, Yu Mingrou glanced at Venom Master Xun, her eyebrows slanting slightly as she thought of her granddaughter, who also seemed fascinated by Lin Mo. If Xun was going to be her competition to his heart, she’d have to do something.

"Xun, is it? And you trust the Shopkeeper’s benevolence on this? He is, after all, a merchant."

"Oh. His benevolence, Pavilion Master," Venom Master Xun retorted with a theatrical shrug, "is backed by divine beings. And his ambition for profit aligns perfectly with our... convenience. As long as he keeps selling these miraculous artifacts and offering such wonders, why question his methods? He’s not one to propagate harming our realm. For all we know, he’s here to save it. Is he not?"

Ending that with a smirk that got everyone whispering with one another, Venom Master Xun contentedly took a step forward, approaching the kiosks where the High Priest lingered.

She then turned around and said, "Now, who wishes to be the first to experience the Celestial Shuttle Network?"

The Sect Masters hesitated for a moment, their innate caution warring with an overwhelming curiosity. This was an unprecedented opportunity, a direct link to the divine convenience that had reshaped their understanding of the realm.

Finally, Sect Master Yan Tianfeng stepped forward, a determined look on his face. "I will. For the sake of the Azure Gale Sect, and to truly understand this marvel. Who will join me on this inaugural journey?"

Several elders and disciples, their excitement outweighing their apprehension, eagerly volunteered. The High Priest simply watched, a triumphant glint in his eye. He knew this was just the beginning. The Divine Convenience Store was going to be more influential in the future. Leading a revolution not just in commerce but in every aspect of life. And through the Great Poison Demon’s guidance, he intended for the Poison Demon Cult to be at the forefront of its expansion.

—

Meanwhile, at the Jade Hollow Plains, heavy thunderclouds started forming in the sky next to the Conduit Tower.

On one side, the Azure Gale Sect was circling their young master Yan Wei who was sitting cross-legged to wait for his minor tribulation for his breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Stage. Ideally, he was hoping for a Perfect Foundation like Xiaoyu but he’d be satisfied to at least get a Solid Foundation.

Scattered around him were a few store products that specialized in lowering the difficulty of the tribulation. There’s a modern-looking umbrella called the [Tribulation-repelling Umbrella]. It was one of the items that wasn’t getting sold frequently at the store but its purpose was straightforward. It could block tribulation lightning. With minor tribulations to Foundation Establishment often only had three to four bolts, blocking one of them was already valuable. There were also [Spirit-Absorbing Mats] laid out beneath him, drawing ambient spiritual energy to aid his recovery during the tribulation.

His father, Sect Master Yan Tianfeng, had personally delivered these to him before leaving for the Abyssal Forest.

On the other side, a similar scene was unfolding. Zhou Rui, who got the support of the Crimson Vale Sect, sat in a lotus position, a crimson aura flickering around him.

Unlike Yan Wei’s serene preparation, Zhou Rui’s expression was one of fierce anticipation as he continued chanting ’Benefactor’, thinking about Lin Mo and how his life had made a turnaround ever since he was saved by the store.

He also had an umbrella on his side and a [Crimson Bloom Elixir] in his hand, ready to consume it the moment the first lightning bolt struck. His cultivation was also at the peak of the Spirit Condensation Stage, and he too aimed for a Perfect Foundation, much like Liu Xiaoyu.

Both of them watched Liu Xiaoyu’s tribulation the other day and it gave them both enlightenment, allowing their preparation for tackling it to speed up.

Elder Chu Yueying stood among the disciples of Crimson Vale, watching over Zhou Rui while also browsing the Bulletin Board. She was in contact with Yu Qingyan who had just passed the border of the Eastern Abyssal Domain to spread the Divine Convenience Store products at the Northern Arctic Dominion.

MistyRain: Yueying. You should’ve come with me... I think I’ve come across a fortune.

CrimsonDaisy: Fortune? Have you found Lin Mo there? Shouldn’t he be exploring an Anchor with the Sword Fairy?

MistyRain: I have no idea. But this... I believe he’ll be interested in this.

CrimsonDaisy: Huh? What is it then? Don’t hold me in suspense. What did you encounter?

MistyRain: ... A Secret Realm?

CrimsonDaisy: You... How did you stumble into one when you’re supposed to peddle the store’s goods? And right after you pass the border.

MistyRain: Don’t ask me. I’m only telling you this because I know you’re not a tattletale, no matter how crafty you are.

CrimsonDaisy: Of course. Why will I covet something you find? I can find treasures on my own.

MistyRain: You mean extort men who want to woo you, you vixen.

CrimsonDaisy: What of it? Jealous? Go on and seduce Lin Mo before someone else gets to him.

MistyRain: Someone else? Like you?

CrimsonDaisy: Yeah. If you don’t do it, then I will.

MistyRain: Psh... Let’s not talk about that. So, will you be able to come?

CrimsonDaisy: Huh? Why me? Shouldn’t you contact your Grandmother?

MistyRain: I will but I want to explore this place first... And I need your expertise.

CrimsonDaisy: My expertise... I’ll charge you a fortune.

Before she could read Yu Qingyan’s reply, the thunderclouds started crackling with lightning as the spiritual energy started getting disturbed by the impending appearance of tribulation clouds and lightning.

The Jade Hollow Plains began thrumming with the anticipation of two concurrent Foundation Establishment tribulations. The disciples from both sects were whispering, comparing their two young men’s chances against the heavenly lightning. Xiaoyu’s tribulation, amplified by the Tower, had set a new benchmark for difficulty and showmanship. While the other cultivators simply watched on as they had nothing else to do other than fiddle with their Viewing Jades or come inside the tower to challenge it. The newly appeared [Celestial Shuttle Network] hub at the side of the tower was also surrounded by curious cultivators but no one dared to enter it yet.

Rumble!

Without any more warning, the first bolt of lightning arrived.

A jagged arc of pure silver descended with a deafening crack, tearing through the stormy sky. It split into two, one streaking towards Yan Wei, the other hurtling towards Zhou Rui.

On Yan Wei’s side, the [Tribulation-repelling Umbrella] flared, its spiritual inscriptions glowed brightly as it spun above him. The lightning struck, dispersing against the umbrella’s shimmering barrier with a loud boom, sending harmless sparks raining down.

Yan Wei remained serene, a faint smile on his lips, already drawing on the [Spirit-Absorbing Mats] for immediate recovery.

On Zhou Rui’s side, the crimson aura around him pulsed intensely. He raised the [Crimson Bloom Elixir] to his lips, downing it in one swift gulp just as the lightning descended. The elixir’s potent energy surged through him, amplifying his defenses. The lightning struck, and a wave of crimson qi erupted from Zhou Rui, meeting the bolt head-on. The ground beneath him cracked, but he remained unmoving, his eyes gleaming fiercely.

The crowd gasped, then erupted into murmurs. Yan Wei’s defense was flawless, a testament to the store’s artifacts. Zhou Rui’s was a display of raw power, fueled by the elixir and his own defiant will.

Chu Yueying tapped her Viewing Jade, typing quickly.

CrimsonDaisy: Both handled the first bolt perfectly. Yan Wei’s umbrella is remarkable. Zhou Rui’s aura is formidable, the [Crimson Bloom Elixir] is potent.

MistyRain: Impressive. However, I expected nothing less after Xiaoyu’s display and the array of store products available for them. How many more bolts do you think it will take for them?

CrimsonDaisy: Usually three or four for a minor tribulation. But with the Tower’s influence still lingering... perhaps five. It depends on their foundation. They both aim for a Perfect Foundation.

Rumble!

The second bolt descended, thicker and faster, its silver arcs twisting like furious serpents. Again, it split, aiming for both cultivators with increased intensity.

At this, the Bulletin Board exploded with new threads.

[Yan Wei’s Umbrella is a Cheat Code! I need one for my next breakthrough! – BlessedCultivator]

[Zhou Rui is a True Warrior! He’s facing it head-on! – CrimsonBloodFan]

[The Shopkeeper Assistant’s Legacy Continues! Two More Geniuses Tackling Tribulation at the Tower! – GossipMaven]

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