When Luo Chuan declared his shop's policy to Bai Hong, his expression remained as calm as ever. However, upon closer inspection, a trace of discomfort flickered in his eyes.
Deep down, he felt heartache.
If he agreed to cooperate with the Star Empire, how many sales could he make in a single day? Tens of thousands of spirit crystals would likely be just the starting figure!
With the shopkeeper's 10% commission rate, he could earn thousands of spirit crystals daily without lifting a finger!
Heartache.
Discomfort.
At this moment of internal struggle, the system chimed in with its usual motivational words:
"As a man destined to become the world's strongest shopkeeper, the host must stick to your principles and not be swayed by money!"
Luo Chuan's only response was a sarcastic "Ha."
---
Since Bai Hong had already eaten a pack of spicy bars, he decided to purchase a bottle of cola next. However, as he paid for the drink, he couldn't help but sense the subtle shift in Luo Chuan's mood. Not wanting to overstay his welcome, Bai Hong hurriedly left the shop.
---
Back in the imperial city, Ji Wuhui, the emperor of the Star Empire, greeted Bai Hong with curiosity.
In the span of just a few hours, Nine Stars City had endured several critical incidents.
"Old Bai, what happened? Tell me everything," Ji Wuhui demanded.
Bai Hong smiled bitterly before recounting the events in detail.
When Ji Wuhui heard that a hidden powerhouse had opened a shop in one of the city's alleyways, his initial reaction was a mix of amusement and disbelief.
"This senior… truly…" Ji Wuhui shook his head with a wry smile. "Well, he certainly has personality."
"You're correct, Your Majesty. Despite his immense strength, the senior does not carry even a hint of arrogance. Based on my observations, I believe he has surpassed Pathseeker and stepped into the legendary realm of Eminence," Bai Hong replied solemnly.
"Eminence…"
Ji Wuhui sighed, a trace of helplessness flashing across his face.
The Star Empire was vast, but its strongest known individual was still Ji Wuhui himself, a Ninth Stage Pathseeker. Though the empire's foundations stretched back tens of thousands of years, such power was rare.
"But," Ji Wuhui continued, "considering the senior chose to open his shop in an obscure alley and enforce such unusual rules, it's likely he wishes to avoid attracting too much attention."
He frowned thoughtfully before issuing an order:
"Bai Hong, the existence of this senior's shop in Nine Stars City must be strictly kept secret."
Bai Hong nodded in agreement.
---
If Luo Chuan had overheard this conversation, he might have spat out blood in frustration.
He had gone through great lengths to let the people of Nine Stars City know about his shop's existence.
And yet, with just a few words, Ji Wuhui and Bai Hong had decided to conceal everything!
Truly, a pair of 'talents.'
---
"Oh, that's right." Bai Hong suddenly remembered something and retrieved a dark bottle from his space ring.
"What is this?" Ji Wuhui asked curiously.
"It's an item sold in the senior's shop, called cola," Bai Hong explained. "According to its description, it can instantly heal non-fatal injuries after consumption."
"And the price?" Ji Wuhui asked.
"Only ten spirit crystals."
"What?!" Ji Wuhui's eyes widened in shock.
The Star Empire was abundant in elixirs, especially with Nine Stars City's proximity to the Nine Stars Mountain Range. However, items like spicy bars and cola, which perfectly catered to specific effects, were incredibly rare.
Ji Wuhui's mind quickly turned to a pressing matter. "Wasn't the son of the Southern Protector recently attacked? I heard his hidden injuries have yet to heal. Send this cola to him immediately."
With that, Ji Wuhui had already devised the best use for this peculiar beverage.
-----
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