The First Step to Fortune
Liu Shen stood in front of the Spirit Jade Store, hands on his hips, brows furrowed.
It looked like a relic from a past civilization.
The signboard was faded and barely hanging on, one strong gust away from being history. The wooden counter inside was chipped and stained, and the shelves were practically begging for mercy, either wobbling under the weight of dust or completely empty.
There were even cobwebs in the corners
Yes actual cobwebs.
Liu Shen exhaled deeply.
"I may be talentless in cultivation, but there's no way I'm letting my store be the laughingstock of the city."
Rolling up his sleeves, he grabbed a broom and got to work.
With a broom in one hand and determination in the other, Liu Shen swept, scrubbed, and polished every inch of the store.
One hour in, the dust and cobwebs were eradicated.Two hours in, the counters and shelves were reinforced and repainted.Three hours in, the Spirit Jade Store looked like a real shop again.
Sure, it wasn't luxurious, but it no longer screamed: "Enter at your own risk—tetanus included!"
Liu Shen stepped back, admiring his work.
"Not bad. But something's missing…"
Then, it hit him.
Dusting off his hands, Liu Shen walked to the center of the store and placed his palm on the floor.
Through the Spirit Commerce System, he had received a low-grade Spirit Gathering Array—a formation designed to gently attract spiritual energy to an area.
Not strong enough to turn this place into a cultivation paradise, but enough to enhance the ambiance and make customers feel comfortable.
DING![Spirit Gathering Array Activated!]
A faint ripple spread through the shop. The air felt fresher, the spiritual energy denser—not enough to be obvious, but just enough to be noticeable.
Liu Shen smirked.
"Now this feels like a proper cultivation store."
Just as he was about to step outside to attract customers, the shop's door creaked open.
A young man in common disciple robes took one step inside, looked around… and immediately turned to leave.
Oh, hell no.
Liu Shen lunged forward, blocking the exit with a businessman's greatest weapon—a shameless grin.
"Ah, welcome, my friend! Don't be shy, come in!"
The man paused, glancing around. His brows furrowed slightly.
"…The air here feels different."
Liu Shen clapped his hands. "Good eye! That's because my store is enhanced by a genuine Spirit Gathering Array. It helps maintain a pure, refreshing environment—perfect for any cultivator!"
The man hesitated, but his curiosity was piqued. "Really? Then why does this place still look… kind of average?"
Liu Shen chuckled. "Ah, my friend, true treasures aren't found in flashy packaging! Let me prove it to you. As my first customer, I'll even offer you a free sample!"
The man narrowed his eyes. "A free sample? What's the catch?"
"No catch! No strings attached!" Liu Shen raised a hand solemnly. "If you don't like it, you can walk out right now."
The man let out a long sigh. "...Fine. But if this is a scam, I'm reporting you to the Merchants' Guild."
Liu Shen smiled confidently.
"Buddy, after today, you'll be my walking advertisement."
Liu Shen led the man to the counter, where he carefully unsealed a small pouch of Heavenly Brew Tea Leaves.
The moment the aroma spread, the man's eyes widened slightly.
Liu Shen brewed the tea with precise movements, letting the golden liquid settle in a small porcelain cup.
"Go ahead," Liu Shen said, sliding the cup forward.
The man picked it up, took a cautious sip—
—And immediately froze.
His eyes trembled, his breath hitched. Then, without a word, he sat cross-legged on the floor, entering a meditative state.
A faint spiritual fluctuation spread around him.
Liu Shen smirked.
"Hook, line, and sinker."
A full minute passed before the man snapped out of it, his face filled with shock and excitement.
"I—I just gained insight into my next technique!"
Liu Shen nodded wisely. "Marvelous, isn't it? That'll be 10 Spirit Coins per pouch!"
The man, still dazed, slapped down 20 Spirit Coins.
"I'll take two!"
DING![First Sale Completed! You have earned 50 Spirit Coins and a Basic Shelving Upgrade!]
Liu Shen grinned.
"And just like that… business is booming."
As the day passed, word spread fast.
"Did you hear? Spirit Jade Store has a new cultivation tea that actually works!"
"That place? I thought it was a scam?"
"No, really! I tried it myself! The spiritual energy inside is also stronger!"
More customers trickled in.
Each one walked in skeptical and left with lighter pockets and full bags.
Liu Shen's earnings skyrocketed.
Funds: 120 Spirit Coins
(For reference: 1 Spirit Coin = 1 Dollar in this world.)
The Basic Shelving Upgrade was automatically applied. The once rickety shelves were replaced with sturdy, polished wooden displays, making the store look significantly more professional.
Liu Shen crossed his arms, nodding in satisfaction.
His father passed by the shop in the evening, stopping mid-step when he saw the increase in foot traffic.
His mother, peeking in later, looked pleasantly surprised at the store's improved state.
Even his siblings heard the rumors.
By the time Liu Shen locked up for the night, he couldn't stop grinning.
This was just the beginning.
System Progress
Shop Name: Spirit Jade StoreStore Rank: E (Improved!)Reputation: 1 Star (Locals acknowledge your existence.)Funds: 120 Spirit CoinsInventory:
7x High-Grade Spirit Stones Heavenly Brew Tea Leaves (7 packs remaining) 1x Beginner's Business Manual
New Mission Unlocked!
Expand the Product Line – Introduce a new unique item. Reward: 200 Spirit Coins, Storage Upgrade
Liu Shen leaned back, stretching with satisfaction.
"Alright. We're in business."