[System Notification]
[Divine Jade Token has approached the effective range of an active Conduit Tower]
[New Feature Unlocked: Tower Integration Protocol]
[Description: The Divine Convenience Store can now establish a direct trade link with designated Conduits. The Shopkeeper, a Store Staff, or an Official Distributor can deploy a Store Beacon inside the tower, enabling on-site transactions by connecting to the Conduit Tower's System. Customers challenging the tower can purchase goods via Dimension Essence that can be gained from the dimensional creatures inside.]
[Note: if a Conduit Tower is either conquered, the Divine Interface System can take over to maintain its operation. However, Spirit Stones will be used for maintenance costs and a Portal can be opened to the Fractured Plane it originated from ]
[Note 2: In the event of another Tower Break, which is caused by not challenging it and clearing at least the 1st floor, the Store Beacon will have to be redeployed.]
Startled at the unexpected chime of the system, Lin Mo's eyes widened slightly, cracking his calm facade. "Well, well, well. What the hell is this? Lihua never told me the Divine Interface System or the Jade Token I've given Yu Qingyan will result in this."
Liu Xiaoyu glanced over as she sensed his unnatural reaction. "What's that, Boss?"
"The system just threw us a curveball," Lin Mo answered, showing her the system messages that he had yet to close. "That Distributor Jade Token I gave Miss Yu… it's linked to the tower now. We've got a new feature: Tower Integration Protocol. We can set up a trade link inside that Conduit Tower."
Upon reading through it, Liu Xiaoyu's eyes also widened, her Viewing Jade forgotten in her hand. "This… Boss, a trade link? You mean we can sell stuff inside the tower? Like, right inside it? Didn't you say it'll be like a passage between our realm and the Fractured Plane?"
"Exactly. However, this seems to be something Taihao and Lihua set up beforehand. The Divine Interface System reacted to it through Miss Yu's jade token."
He then pointed at it, "Hmm. It should be something like a transdimensional shop that they can access through the tower's system itself. And they'll be using Dimension Essence as currency. Possibly it's like those spirit stones that the gargoyles and the flesh golem dropped. If the tower's conquered, we can continue running it ourselves which will have the added benefit of opening a portal to the Fractured Plane."
"Oh! I understand it better now, Boss! That's genius! We'd be the only shop with a foothold inside the tower! I can already imagine someone buying a Heavenly Dew Soda to refresh themselves before challenging a stronger opponent inside!"
"Mhm. And that's how we're going to spread 'convenience'."
Although he said that, Lin Mo had some qualms about it. 'Just how far did they plan this out? Or is this an intended development for the store?'
Back at the Jade Hollow Plains, Yu Qingyan stared at the spot where her Jade Token had floated and shone, her brows furrowed. It already floated back to her hand but she still couldn't wrap her head around what just happened.
The ray of light had been brief but unmistakable. It even drew everyone's gazes at her.
Hurriedly, she poured her spiritual energy into accessing the [Distributor Interface]
But as soon as she did, the notification about it covered her entire vision.
[Distributor Yu Qingyan has entered the range of the Conduit Tower's effective range]
[The Divine Jade Token has activated the Divine Interface System's Tower Integration Protocol. As an Official Distributor, you are authorized to deploy a Store Beacon within the Conduit Tower. Contact the Shopkeeper for further instructions.]
Yu Qingyan blinked, then muttered under her breath, "Shopkeeper, what have you dragged me into now?" She quickly moved to the [Communication Hub] and composed a message
Yu Qingyan: "Shopkeeper. The jade token just reacted to the tower. What is this about Tower Integration Protocol and Store Beacon? Please explain?"
After tapping send, she faced everyone as she racked her mind on how to explain what just happened.
"Everyone, stay calm. This Jade Token. It came from the Store. I'm waiting for the Shopkeeper to clarify what's happening. It seems the Divine Convenience Store has a way to connect with this tower, but I don't have all the details yet."
The gathered cultivators exchanged glances, their exhaustion momentarily overshadowed by curiosity and suspicion.
Yan Chen sheathed his longsword, his azure energy dimming as he stepped forward. "A connection to the tower? From that store? Emissary Yu, what exactly does this mean?"
Zhao Jianshi crossed his arms, his crimson saber still faintly glowing as he eyed the silent tower. "If the Shopkeeper's wares can influence this thing, we need to know how. That flesh golem was no joke—anything tied to this tower could shift the balance here."
Yu Qingyan raised a hand to forestall further questions, her expression calm but her mind racing. "I'm as surprised as you are, Elders. The jade token I carry as the store's Official Distributor just activated something called the 'Tower Integration Protocol.' I've asked the Shopkeeper for clarification. He'll know more. For now, let's secure the area and wait for his response."
Xue Biyu landed nearby, his white flames flickering out as he joined the group. "The store's reach keeps growing. First talismans, now this? If it can link to the tower, it might give us an edge. Or a problem."
Chu Yueying landed next to Yu Qingyan and whispered, "You're becoming more entangled with the Shopkeeper and his store, Qingyan. How enviable."
Yu Qingyan rolled her eyes and didn't reply to her. Instead, her eyes caught the meek Qianmeng squeezing herself through the crowd,
"S-senior Yu, does this mean the store can help us fight whatever's inside? Will you and the others stay here to stand guard? Those items you gave us turned the tide out here…"
Yu Qingyan offered her a small smile. "Not exactly, Qianmeng. The store only provides 'convenience'. If I'm reading this right, this tower… it's going to attract not just us but a lot of other cultivators. Your city won't be able to return to its previously solitary state. But don't worry. No one will take advantage of your citizens. If anything, the influence of the store will maintain the peace within your city. See those major sects? All of them are the store's customers."
Yan Wei grinned, nudging Chen Suyun. "Hear that? Junior Sister, we may have to stay here. There's something more to this tower. And I… the young master of the Azure Gale Sect will be the first to see it! Not even Zhou Rui can beat me to it!"
Zhou Rui shot back from his spot near the formation discs, "Dream on, Yan Wei! I'll also stay here to investigate this place for my sect, and Benefactor. I'll take you up on your challenge when we return to the store!"
Although their voices were loud, the others picked it up as nothing but lighthearted. It somehow eased the tension among the defenders, though the tower's ominous presence kept them on edge.
The gigantic door pulsed faintly with foreign energy as if it was calling them to step inside and see what was waiting for them within.