Staring up ahead, Wei Lan couldn't help but tilt her head at the city officials' reaction upon entering the store that her father called a 'divine establishment'.
When she heard about it yesterday as he brought a peculiar bag home, she was skeptical of its authenticity and believed her City Lord of a father had been deceived. Hence, despite not wanting to take some time off from her hobby of making flower brooches, she put on a nice dress, fit for her trip outside, to see for herself what's the hype about it.
On the way, her carriage ran into the carriage carrying a few city officials whom she had met before. Among them was her father's trusted aide, Zhou Liang. And after finding out they had the same destination, they decided to accompany her. She's their lord's daughter, after all.
Wei Lan, on the other hand, couldn't help but be intrigued by their evident eagerness. She thought, 'If there's some kind of trickery, I'll expose them and kick them from our city.'
Now, however, as Wei Lan stepped into the Divine Convenience Store just a few steps behind those few officials, she found Xiaoyu, who appeared to be the same age as her, wearing an intriguing outfit, cheerfully greeting her before she could take a proper look.
"Welcome to the Divine Convenience Store, Miss! Feel free to browse." The cheerful assistant smiled brightly with infectious energy, "If you need help, just let me know! Oh, and check out our special bundles over there—they're a real bargain! For you, Miss, I recommend that one. Our Xing Xing Glimmer Bundle!"
Wei Lan blinked, momentarily taken aback by the girl's enthusiasm. Her gaze shifted past Xiaoyu to the interior of the store. The layout was clean and organized yet it felt so foreign.
Even the shelves holding the items were seemingly out of this realm. Not to mention, the variety of items coming in all shapes and sizes, some of which she'd seen her father carried back home.
The vibrant displays and strange yet enticing packaging drew her attention immediately.
"This… doesn't look like a scam," Wei Lan muttered under her breath, her skepticism softening as curiosity took over.
She wandered toward the bundles Xiaoyu had mentioned, her delicate fingers brushing against the packaging of the four bundles that had just been added to the store. The bright colors and detailed descriptions caught her eye, but what truly intrigued her was the faint pulse of spiritual energy emanating from the items.
But soon, she stopped at what Xiaoyu pointed out specifically, the Xing Xing Glimmer Bundle which consisted of the Spirit Tress Comb, Sparkling Moonlight Powder, and Radiant Glow Lip Gloss. Although they're not packed together like the first four bundles, her hand couldn't but be drawn by their intricate designs and luxurious feel.
The Spirit Tress Comb, in particular, seemed to glimmer faintly under the store's lighting, its craftsmanship impeccable. Wei Lan picked it up, her eyes narrowing slightly as she examined the comb. The intricate carvings on its surface seemed to shift subtly, almost as if they were alive.
"Is this… a spirit-grade artifact?" she asked, her voice soft but tinged with awe.
Liu Xiaoyu, who had been observing her reaction with a triumphant grin, nodded enthusiastically. She's always ready to promote the bundle she created herself. She pulled out her own set that Lin Mo purchased for her earlier for demonstration. "That's right, dear customer! The Spirit Tress Comb isn't just a comb; it nourishes your hair with spiritual energy, leaving it shinier and healthier. It's one of our most popular items, especially for someone as elegant as you, Miss."
Wei Lan arched an eyebrow, her skepticism returning briefly as she watched Xiaoyu comb her hair and it indeed felt like there was an instant improvement in it.
"And the others? This Sparkling Moonlight Powder and Radiant Glow Lip Gloss. What makes them special?"
Xiaoyu clapped her hands together, her excitement bubbling over as she also produced them from her bag,
"Oh, you'll love these, dear customer! The Sparkling Moonlight Powder enhances your skin's natural glow, giving you a radiant, moonlit look. Perfect for evening banquets or formal gatherings. And the Radiant Glow Lip Gloss? It not only gives your lips a beautiful sheen but also contains a mild protective charm against minor spiritual disturbances. Practical and beautiful!"
Wei Lan's interest was instantly piqued as she saw the already beautiful Xiaoyu glow even further.
She placed the comb back to try and see if the products that Xiaoyu had were the same. She picked up the powder, examining it closely. The texture looked flawless, and the faint shimmer reminded her of starlight on a clear night.
Her fingers brushed over the lip gloss next, the elegant packaging and subtle magical aura captivating her attention.
"... I-impressive. But they're too expensive. 100 intermediate-grade spirit stones? Those other bundles…" Wei Lan's voice trailed off as she glanced toward the other bundles. The prices ranged from 25 to 50 intermediate-grade spirit stones, a stark contrast to the 100 spirit stones required for the Xing Xing Glimmer Bundle. Her brow furrowed slightly as she weighed her options.
"I know it's a bit pricier because the other bundles are limited ones made in order to contribute to preparing for the threat coming to our city. This, however, Miss can think of it as an investment in yourself! These items aren't just about beauty; they enhance your presence and your confidence. If you have a beloved, you can make them fall head over heels for you one more time!"
Wei Lan hesitated, her fingers lightly tracing the intricate designs on the products. She couldn't deny the allure of the items, nor could she forget her father's unusual enthusiasm for the store. Her gaze shifted to Xiaoyu, who stood there radiating confidence, her hair shimmering under the store's lights as though it had been kissed by moonlight.
"Fine," Wei Lan finally said, her tone reluctant but her eyes betraying a spark of excitement. "I'll take the bundle. But only because I want to see if it lives up to your claims."
Liu Xiaoyu clapped her hands in delight. "You won't regret it, Miss! You can pick them up and bring them to the counter. Shopkeeper will pack it for you."
As Xiaoyu darted off to tend to another customer, Wei Lan couldn't help but glance around the store again. The other customers were bustling about, inspecting the bundles and marveling at the store's unique products. The city officials were deep in discussion near the Purification Set, their expressions a mix of approval and intrigue.
"A threat to the city… Why did I not hear that from Father?" She murmured to herself.
Perhaps seeing her looking lost, Zhou Liang approached, his expression similarly captivated. "My lady, these bundles are remarkable. Are you fine? Do you need me to accompany you? This store is truly impressive. It's no wonder the City Lord spoke so highly of this place."
Wei Lan turned to him and smiled, "Indeed but Steward Zhou, is it true? We're under threat?"
Zhou Liang's expression shifted slightly, his brows furrowing as he weighed his words carefully. "Lady Wei, you can rest assured. City Lord and our soldiers have it covered."
"Don't give me that, Steward Zhou. I'm already an adult. I cannot always be sheltered. If there's something I can do then I will not hesitate to offer my help. I'm not some princess, I've also cultivated."
Upon saying that, Wei Lan's spiritual aura faintly flared, revealing her cultivation level. Though not as advanced as those nurtured by cultivation sects, it was evident she was no ordinary noblewoman. She's a 1st level Spirit Condensation Stage cultivator.
Lin Mo who was watching them for a while now couldn't help but shake his head at that display. 'Like father, like daughter, I guess? At least, she probably took after her mother for appearance.'