The sudden appearance of an immaculate being instantly alarmed the three ’esteemed guests’ as their bodies instinctively felt the divine laws radiating from her.

Eventually, they found themselves standing from their seats and prostrating themselves on the plush velvet carpet, their heads bowed so low they nearly touched the floor.

Lihua looked at them indifferently before turning to Lin Mo, who had already stood up to greet her, a sweet and radiant smile forming on her lips. Having been informed by Lin Mo about these three guests, she intentionally engulfed them with a hint of her divine aura. Despite being a mere incarnation, exerting a bit of her authority, as long as it doesn’t surpass the limitations of the First Heaven, will not trigger a reaction from Heaven’s Will.

"Mhm. It appears you have guests past the closing hours, Lin Mo." Lihua said as she once again shifted her gaze to the three kneeling experts, "Did Celestial Flame Lord, Jadebone Sovereign, and Ancient Mangrove order you to come? The Violet Deity will not take this well."

The three experts of the Western Sacred Lands shuddered. To hear the true names of the divine entities they worshipped and derived their lineages spoken so casually shattered whatever remaining fragments of their worldview left intact.

Indeed. The entity before them was a divine being. The Divine Convenience Store is truly backed by one.

Patriarch Skyflame now found his forehead slick with cold sweat. "We... we dared not presume, Exalted One. We... we merely sought to understand the anomaly that our ally, the Violethaven Temple, described as a heretical threat."

"A heretical threat?" Lihua let out a soft, melodious laugh. She smoothly walked over to the plush velvet seat and sat down beside Lin Mo. "The Violet Deity has always been notoriously dramatic, opposing our Pantheon at every turn. But no matter, he and his faction will never stand on the same side as us. But to call this heresy is truly hypocritical of him."

Hypocritical or not, the three of them were definitely aware of it. With the Western Sacred Lands being the most prosperous region on the continent and the Violethaven Temple being one of the three most dominant sects within it, it will never admit that the fault lies in them.

Looking at their shivering figures, Lihua gradually retracted her aura, easing the pressure on them. Then, her voice turned gentle, "Please, stand up. I’m merely an incarnation, not worth your extended groveling. As our Shopkeeper stated, you are currently the store’s guests."

Lin Mo nodded, gesturing to the seats opposite the low table. "Indeed. As I mentioned downstairs, inside these walls, you are not our enemy. You are prospective patrons. And the Divine Convenience Store treats its patrons with the utmost respect."

Slowly, hesitantly, the three towering figures of the West rose to their feet. They moved with the stiff, careful motions of men walking on a frozen lake that was threatening to crack. They sat on the edge of the plush cushions, their previous confidence in their abilities tucked in as their eyes shifted between the serene face of the Shopkeeper and the blindingly divine presence of Zhenren Lihua.

Meanwhile, Wu Meiyu moved silently. She retrieved a fresh set of cups and poured the steaming [Morning Star Coffee] for Lihua, before refreshing the cups of the three Patriarchs.

"Your Highness, you have become an indispensable figure in our establishment. I hope you continue to support Lin Mo," Lihua praised, accepting the cup. She took a delicate sip as her eyes closed in genuine appreciation.

"It is my honor to serve the store and the Shopkeeper, Exalted One," Wu Meiyu finished smoothly, bowing her head in perfect deference. The validation from a true divine being sent a thrill through her, solidifying her resolve.

Although she had already heard the same validation from Taihao, Goddess Xingxing, and Sage Danzhu, hearing it from Lihua further reinforced her decision to stay.

Not minding what the three experts were currently thinking, Lin Mo stood up and produced the divine artifact shaped as a tuning fork in his hand, respectfully presenting it to the Goddess.

"Zhenren Lihua, this is the divine artifact that you have loaned me. It became a phenomenal tool that allowed our patrons to successfully close one of the Highland Realm Anchors. I am now returning it to you."

Lihua opened her eyes, her gaze falling upon the [Harmonic Resonance Instrument]. A gentle smile played on her lips as she received the artifact.

The three experts had their jaws slacken. Did they hear it right? A divine artifact?

In the First Heaven, a heaven-grade artifact is already approaching the limit. An immortal artifact, while still existing, will have to endure an artifact tribulation if detected by Heaven’s Will. Yet the Divine Convenience Store has casually produced a divine artifact. Even if it’s loaned, it was incomprehensible.

"Mhm. I’m glad to hear you successfully quelled the most imminent threat of the realm. You have not disappointed me. However, Lin Mo, you are the Shopkeeper. The being that represents us in the First Heaven. Can you... stop putting yourself in danger?"

Hearing that, Lin Mo was taken aback. After all, he asked the Goddess to come down as a backup for when he received these guests. To smooth things out and put them in a spot. Never did he expect that she would express this kind of concern over his safety.

Granted, it was probably a collective thought of the Divine Pantheon but hearing it from her still evokes warmth within his chest.

Wu Meiyu, on the other hand, couldn’t help but be alarmed. Even if it’s highly implausible, having a Goddess as a rival to Lin Mo’s heart would put her at a disadvantage.

Not to mention, she also knew about Xingxing’s proposal back then. She only put it to the back of her mind, considering Lin Mo politely turned it down, and the Goddess of Beauty and Refinement only descended for the Divine Lecture.

"Danger... I’ve been taking all precautions, Zhenren... I’m just a little Shopkeeper so I value my life the most. But I am eternally grateful for your concern." Lin Mo bowed again and deeper this time, fully expressing his gratitude towards the Goddess.

Watching this scene from where they were seated, the three experts were again speechless with their chests pounding in disbelief. A Goddess expressing such concern over a Foundation Establishment Stage young man... it was totally unheard of.

The three of them were already grateful to receive an order passed down from the immortal realm. But hearing the voices of the divine beings? They have never had such grace before. Their worldview is breaking.

Suddenly, Matriarch Deep-root stood up and bowed, "Exalted One, we have been rude and reckless in seeking out the store past its store hours. For that, we deeply apologize. We will take our leave and visit again when it’s appropriate."

Patriarch Skyflame and Jadebone apprehensively looked up at their companion. On one hand, they agree with her words, but on the other hand, they also feel embarrassed.

Do they really have to retreat now that they’ve stepped inside the store?

Meanwhile, Lin Mo turned his gaze at them and waved his hand, "Esteemed guest, what are you saying? You are already here. Why postpone it to another time? I have promised to give you a tour. Don’t worry, Zhenren Lihua will not take offense."

"Mhm. The Shopkeeper speaks the truth," Lihua agreed, her voice a soothing balm that nonetheless carried the absolute weight of a divine edict. She took another graceful sip of her coffee. "To invite guests into one’s home and turn them away at the door is poor form. The Divine Pantheon values hospitality as much as it values commerce. Sit, children of the West. The night is young, and the tea is excellent. Do not let your apprehension spoil a rare opportunity for discourse."

The phrase ’children of the West’ struck the three ancient experts like a physical blow. They were beings who had lived for thousands of years, patriarchs and matriarchs who commanded the fates of millions. Yet, before this incarnation, they were truly nothing but children.

Matriarch Deep-Root slowly lowered herself back onto the plush velvet cushion, her movements rigid. Patriarch Skyflame and Patriarch Jadebone also straightened up, their legendary pride completely dismantled. They sat on the very edges of their seats, looking less like titans of the Western Sacred Lands and more like nervous disciples awaiting judgment from a strict master.

Lin Mo smiled as he sat back down. He shot a subtle, grateful glance at Lihua. Having a literal goddess act as his hype-woman and enforcer of manners made negotiations infinitely easier.

"Now that we are all comfortable," Lin Mo began, his tone shifting back to the business. It’s time for him to reel in a few big fish. "Let us address the primary inconvenience that brought you across the continent. You’re curious about our store due to the Violethaven Temple’s stance against us. What do you think? I’ve heard they have just asked you to send your finest Foundation Establishment Stage disciples to explore an Anchor. Did they mention how their lives might just become a sacrifice to get in contact with the Highland Realm?"