Siuteo

In the heart of the Azure Continent lies a legendary establishment known as Origin Mall.
This extraordinary store offers goods beyond imagination: a sip of its cola can instantly replenish one's vitality; its spicy snacks grant the strength to overcome powerful foes; the games it offers can accelerate cultivation progress; and its novels impart profound techniques and insights.
Origin Mall boasts a vast array of offerings, catering to leisure, entertainment, dining, and training needs alike.
However, there’s one rule that all visitors must remember: never cause trouble in the store. The owner, though unassuming, is unimaginably powerful.

The Omniversal Merchant

"The screen shows the game they're playing," Luo Chuan explained casually.

Old Bai's eyes widened in disbelief. Could they truly battle monsters in a game?

Judging by the screens, there was no discernible difference between this virtual world and reality.

"Boss, may I take a closer look?" Old Bai asked.

With permission granted, Old Bai walked over to Bu Lige and the others, observing their gameplay intently.

Once more, the shop returned to its usual calm. But within Old Bai's heart, a storm of astonishment raged.

The more he watched, the more alarmed he became.

He finally understood what Luo Chuan meant by "game."

At one point, Bu Lige made a critical mistake and was slain by a monster. Yet, in the next instant, he was resurrected unharmed and rejoined the battle.

If this technology were introduced to the military, soldiers' combat effectiveness would multiply severalfold!

Cultivators could use this to hone their skills without risking injury!

Such artifacts exist in the world?

The implications were staggering. Through repeated battles, one could amass valuable combat experience without endangering oneself.

If anyone else had told Old Bai about such a thing, he would have dismissed it as nonsense. After all, combat experience traditionally came only through real-world practice.

But now, seeing was believing, and his perspective had been entirely overturned.

A voice snapped Old Bai out of his thoughts.

Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang removed their helmets, exhaling deeply.

The two shook their heads slightly, dispelling the lingering trance of the immersive game.

The Tower of Trials was so realistic it was almost indistinguishable from the real world.

"Who are you?" Gu Yunxi asked, noticing Old Bai behind them.

Recognizing the cloud emblem on their robes, he knew they were students from Soaring Cloud Academy.

"Bai Hong? Are you the expert advisor to the Heavenly Star Emperor—Old Bai?" Jiang Wanshang exclaimed in surprise.

"Old Bai?" Gu Yunxi echoed, her face lighting up with astonishment. She, too, had heard of him.

After introductions were exchanged, Old Bai couldn't help but ask, "You're both students of Soaring Cloud Academy. What brings you here?"

"Wan Chang and I were exploring Nine Stars City when we stumbled upon this shop tucked away in a remote alley," Gu Yunxi replied with a smile. "Curiosity brought us inside, and we discovered that everything here is extraordinary! Visiting Origin Mall has been the highlight of our trip."

Jiang Wanshang nodded in agreement.

The two turned to glance at Luo Chuan.

As expected, his expression remained indifferent, showing no reaction to their words.

By now, they had grown accustomed to his demeanor.

At that moment, Bu Shiyi, noticing the commotion, exited her game and removed her helmet.

She greeted Old Bai with a respectful nod. "It's good to see you, Mr. Bai."

Old Bai smiled warmly. "Ah, the young lady from the Southern Protector family. The last time I saw you, you were just a baby. How time flies—you've grown into such a fine young woman."

A Curious Encounter