Divine Convenience Store-Chapter 577: Indulging in the Atmosphere

With no one around, the hallway seemed even more ethereal at the moment. It was lined with polished bamboo floors and illuminated by soft, recessed lighting that mimicked the gentle glow of fireflies. The humidity remained high, carrying the scent of the spring water and rare herbal essences.

"Since the staff is wrapping up, I'll guide you myself. Consider it the final part of your private tour." Lin Mo said, walking towards a suite near the end of the hall.

The digital panel on the door was empty at first, but as soon as he registered Yu Qingyan into the log of the [Celestial Hot Spring] as a patron availing a private suite, the calligraphy above the door frame shimmered into existence: [The Verdant-Kissed Bamboo Glade].

"It reads your spiritual signature," Lin Mo explained as the door slid open. "Since you cultivate wood-attribute arts from your pavilion, the room adjusted itself. It's a smart system."

"How convenient." She whispered in satisfaction.

They stepped inside the suite. Lin Mo allowed her to enter first before following inside.

The transition was seamless yet profound. The humidity remained, but the scent shifted from general herbs to the crisp, clean fragrance of pine needles and jasmine.

The suite was breathtaking. It was an open-air pavilion, or at least, an illusion of one. It seemed to be perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a bamboo forest dusted with snow.

In the center lay a steaming rock pool, the water was milky white in color and radiating a heat that battled the artificial chill of the air. Wind chimes could be heard jingling rhythmically as they created a calming, melodic tune that fit the atmosphere.

"This is… beautiful. If I didn't know we're inside your store, I'd believe this place existed somewhere in the upper heaven." Yu Qingyan marveled at the sight.

She walked to the edge of the pool and knelt, dipping her hand into the water.

"And the spiritual energy... it's perfectly balanced. Yin and Yang, Cold and Life. Did you just say it is tailor-made for me?"

"It is," Lin Mo agreed, standing beside her. "This is the premium experience. It accommodates the patron perfectly. Not only can you wash your body and relax, but you can also harmonize your cultivation here. You've just broken through. Your core is stable, but your energy channels are likely still adjusting to the sudden jump in power and the slight shift in your elemental affinity. A soak here would save you weeks of meditation."

He gestured to the small changing area screened off by paper dividers.

"There are robes prepared. The [Floating Service Dock] is active if you need refreshments. I'll... wait outside, or head back down if you prefer solitude."

Yu Qingyan looked up at him. The steam from the pool curled around her, softening her features. The [Twin-Frost Resonance Ring] on her finger seemed to twitch as it sent a wave of warm, hopeful emotion through their link. Whether it was from her or from Lin Mo, she had no idea. Perhaps, both.

Taking that into consideration, she stood up and closed the distance between them. "Where are you going? You're my guide. You have to see this through, Lin Mo."

Hearing his name being uttered by her in full, he almost stuttered in response, "I mean… This is now your private space, Qingyan. How can you bathe in the spring if I'm here standing in the same room as you?"

He understood how flimsy his excuse was, but that's all he could muster.

Unfortunately for him, Yu Qingyan seemed to be well-informed, "You accompanied the Venom Master in one of these private suites, did you not? I heard."

Lin Mo stiffened slightly. He had no idea who told her about that but clearly, he couldn't just lie his way out of it.

"That was... a medical procedure. She was on the verge of a qi deviation."

"So? I am on the verge of a celebration," Yu Qingyan countered as a playful yet bold spark lit up in her eyes. "Is the Shopkeeper so biased that he only attends to emergencies and not victories?"

She wasn't asking for dual cultivation. She was asking for companionship. For him to stay.

Lin Mo sighed as a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He looked at the serene pool, then at the woman who had traveled across the region to aid him. The woman who had conquered a Secret Realm for his network, and who now wore a ring linked to his soul.

Refusing her now would be... inconveniently cruel.

"I suppose I can spare a few minutes," Lin Mo conceded. "But just a foot bath. I'm still dressed for work, and I don't have a change of clothes handy."

It was a flimsy excuse again, considering he could just pull out a robe from the system inventory.

Yu Qingyan's smile brightened. "That is acceptable. Come."

She led him to the edge of the pool where a wooden bench sat. They sat side by side, removing their boots and rolling up their trousers.

As their feet submerged in the milky water, a groan of pure relaxation escaped Lin Mo's lips. The water was infused with [Frostfire Root] essence, creating a tingling sensation that seeped deep into the bone. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"See that?" Yu Qingyan stifled a laugh as she scooted closer to his side. "Even the Convenience Saint needs a moment of peace."

"Peace is expensive, Qingyan," Lin Mo replied, fully conscious that the distance he tried to put between them was already crossed. That's why, after weighing his choices, he decided to just indulge in the situation again. Just like earlier when Wu Meiyu lent her shoulder to him.

He shifted slightly, allowing Yu Qingyan to practically lean a small part of her back against his chest before closing his eyes, "But I admit... this is nice."

Yu Qingyan's face took on a crimson hue as she realized how intimate their positions had become. Nevertheless, she's not one to just lose her composure.

She leaned back, fully indulging in what he allowed her to do.

Like that, they sat in silence for a while, the artificial wind rustling the bamboo leaves and the wind chimes.

Their connection through the rings was on full display. They could feel each other's heartbeat and how relaxed they were at the moment.

For Lin Mo, he could feel her joy, her relief, and a deep, abiding affection that she no longer tried to hide.

For Yu Qingyan, she could sense his weariness. Not the physical exhaustion of a battle, but the deep, thrumming mental load of a man holding up the sky for everyone else. Beneath his calm exterior and confident smiles, she felt the constant calculation, the worry for his staff and his peaceful life, the vigilance against the Violethaven Temple, and the heavy responsibility that the divine beings placed on him.

But deeper than that, beneath the layers of the Shopkeeper and the Convenience Saint, she felt a profound, grounding warmth directed at her.

It wasn't the burning passion of a lover yet, but it was the unshakeable trust of a partner.

It was enough to make her Golden Core jump in joy and weep in sympathy.

"You carry too much," Yu Qingyan whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling bamboo. "Even with the Princess and Xiaoyu helping you... you still feel like you have to solve the realm's problems alone."

"Someone has to," Lin Mo murmured, his eyes still closed. "The divine beings provide the tools, but tools don't build houses. People do."

"Indeed, then let us be the pillars. Amidst the appearance of these Anchors and Outer Realm invasions… let me handle the Northern Arctic Dominion..." Yu Qingyan said with conviction. "The Arctic Sea Palace has agreed, but they are just one sect. The region is vast. There are nomadic tribes on the ice floes, ancient beasts slumbering in the glaciers, and that 'Frozen City' that had been divined by the compass."

"And you want to find them all?"

"I want to connect them all," She corrected.

"I see. That means you will keep venturing far from here."

"What? Worried you won't see me again?"

"Not exactly. What I'm worried about is… how can I come to you quickly if you need my assistance?"

Although he could just say yes there, Lin Mo still decided to tone it down like that.

And Yu Qingyan understood it. Instead of saying anything else, she tilted her head to his side, resting on his shoulder.

"Qingyan?"

"Quiet, Lin Mo. Allow me to savor this moment."

Lin Mo wryly smiled but accepted her request.

Then, just as Lin Mo was about to lift his arm and stretch it around her back, a loud, cheerful chime echoed, shattering the mood instantly.

It wasn't the door but the system interface, popping up right in front of them.

[Day 26 Evaluation: Excellent]

[Tier Progression Update: Renowned Store (35,541,232/100,000,000)]

[A new Feature has been unlocked due to high social interaction in the Celestial Hot Spring!]

[Feature: Social Link. Patrons can now add 'Friends' on their Viewing Jades, create 'Group Chats', and share their location status.]