Divine Convenience Store-Chapter 360: Who to send?

This SunnyDay, who managed to build something like that, could be a prime candidate for the position of the Branch Manager. They weren’t from a powerful sect seeking to expand its influence. Only a part of a small community, embodying the spirit of the store’s ’convenience’, born out of necessity.

But how to verify it? He couldn’t just leave the store now, not with the Divine Lecture only three days away. The entire realm’s attention was focused here.

Sending Liu Xiaoyu was a non-starter. Her Heavenly Physique would still attract every opportunistic cultivator and perhaps even powerful spirit beasts in the Southern Wilderness. It would turn a scouting mission into a rescue mission if she got chased and cornered.

As his thoughts swirled around it, Lin Mo walked back to the counter where his prodigious assistant was still busily scanning a customer’s selection of store products.

Noticing his approach, she looked up and tilted her head. A mischievous spark could be seen in her eyes. "What’s up, Boss? Did you find another crisis for me to punch?"

Lin Mo shook his head before approaching closer, showing her the Bulletin Board thread on his own Viewing Jade.

"I need to send someone on a scouting mission. Tell me, who do you think is suitable?"

Liu Xiaoyu’s eyes lit up with adventure as she read the post. "Sunstone Village? Southern Wilderness? Oh! Boss, are you thinking of finding our new Branch Manager there?"

"Something like that and before you asked me why I wouldn’t put you in that position... you’re better off being here, don’t you think so?" He answered with a grin as he patted her shoulder.

The young woman narrowed her eyes at him before eventually nodding in satisfaction. "So, you don’t want me leaving your side, Boss?"

"Well, you’re free to interpret it any way you want to."

"Boo. You’re still a spoilsport, Boss. Anyhow, a discreet scouting mission, huh?" Xiaoyu tapped her chin, feigning deep thought for a moment before a sly grin spread across her face.

"Boss, I think you have the perfect person for it. Someone who would probably jump at the chance to do a favor for you. Especially for you."

Her eyes darted meaningfully across the store.

"Who?" Lin Mo followed her gaze. It drifted past the bustling snack aisles and the chattering cultivators, landing on a section the other customers were actively avoiding.

The reason was a small crowd of Poison Demon Cultists. Their moss-green robes were so recognizable that many customers who belonged to orthodox sects didn’t want to mingle with them.

They weren’t causing trouble. However, they were gathered around a specific display shelf, their expressions a mix of reverence and intense concentration.

Lin Mo recalled what was on that shelf. It was the expanded section of talismans and pills. Unlike the most popular [Spirit Embodiment Sticker Seals], [Card Talismans] and [Spirit Replenishing Candies], the ones displayed on that shelf were those with negative effects like curse or poison.

Naturally, they’re not too deadly, but their quality far exceeded what their cult or their worshipped Great Poison Demon could produce.

And standing slightly apart from her subordinates, browsing the more expensive items was Venom Master Xun of the cult’s Arachnid Branch. Standing behind her was Marrow Weaver, the former member of the Bone Ash Syndicate.

Venom Master Xun had arrived earlier via the [Celestial Shuttle Network]. Thankfully, without her usual entourage of spider beasts. She was dressed in simpler, dark-blue robes that toned down her usual seductive flair.

Maybe it was for her to blend into the background. However, given how she seemed to have been following him earlier with her gaze, Lin Mo pretended not to see her.

Surely, she was currently at the store to finally have her promised conversation with him.

"You mean her?"

He wouldn’t be that opposed to that suggestion. But would she really take the job? Shouldn’t she be waiting to enter the tower at the Abyssal Forest too?

"She’s a peak Core Formation Stage cultivator, Boss. A simple scouting mission should be easy for her." Xiaoyu whispered back. "And she’s been trying to get on your good side ever since she got her hands on the Viewing Jade. Give her a chance to prove her devotion to you. Don’t worry, I won’t tell Elder Yu about this."

"This girl. Why bring up Miss Yu?" Lin Mo flicked her forehead as he shook his head. But he wasn’t shutting down that suggestion. "Alright. I’ll go and try her."

He made his way towards the Poison Demon Cultists.

As he approached, the acolytes noticed him and parted respectfully, revealing Venom Master Xun. She turned, her usual seductive flair seemingly making its return. He had to keep his eyes on her face to not be distracted by her plump bosom.

"Shopkeeper," She greeted with an elegant curtsey, bending her back slightly forward, which somehow intensified that dangerous seductive flair of hers. "Have you finally going to grant me the audience you promised?"

"Well, as you can see. Our store is still kind of busy. I actually have to apologize this time for disturbing your browsing time, dear customer." Lin Mo replied smoothly, glancing at the woman acting as her loyal assistant.

"Apologize? Why would the Shopkeeper apologize to a humble patron like me?" Xun’s lips curved up into a playful smile. "Unless... you have a proposition?"

Lin Mo mirrored her smile. "You’re sharp, Venom Master. I do. A business proposition. Or rather, a special commission for a loyal patron of our store."

He projected the post from ’SunnyDay’ in front of her. "I need an expert in information gathering to travel to this Sunstone Village. I need a full report on their ’Community Hub’ and their leader, ’SunnyDay’. It needs to be handled with discretion. Don’t want to spook them because of our store’s interest."

Venom Master Xun’s eyes scanned the post as her smile widened with genuine intrigue. "A humble village bartering ores for seeds? Shopkeeper, you have a peculiar sense of delegation. Why not send one of your allied sect’s elders?"

"Because an elder from the Cerulean Cloud Sword Sect showing up in a remote wilderness village is an event," Lin Mo stated plainly. "A member of the Poison Demon Cult, known for operating in the shadows and dealing with unique resources, could be seen as just another traveler seeking rare materials. Your presence is a more natural cover."

He paused to let the implication hang. "Besides, I require a certain... nuanced perspective. One that understands how influence is built from the ground up, not just through brute force."

The compliment, framed as a practical assessment of her skills, landed perfectly. Her expression shifted from playful seduction to shrewd calculation.

"A nuanced perspective," She mused as she tapped her long, elegant finger on the intangible screen. "And for this... nuanced report, what is my compensation? Gratitude, I presume, is not a currency your store officially accepts."

"You’re right, it’s not. My offer is this," Lin Mo said, laying out his terms. "First, a guaranteed seat to the upcoming Divine Lecture. Both general and specialized lectures. And second, I’m willing to sit down with you to talk about... whatever you have in mind, dear customer."