More Money, More Problems (and More Opportunities)

Morning sunlight filtered through the Spirit Jade Store, casting a warm glow over the newly polished shelves. Liu Shen stood behind the counter, flipping through the Beginner's Business Manual he got from the system.

Most of it was basic common sense—stuff even a modern Earth salaryman would know.

"Smiling increases customer retention." "A clean store invites more buyers." "If a customer is hesitant, let them touch the product. The longer they hold it, the more likely they'll buy it."

"System, did you just hand me a 'Retail 101' pamphlet?"

[If the host already possesses common sense, feel free to disregard it.]

"Thanks for the revolutionary advice."

[You're welcome.]

Liu Shen sighed, closing the manual. Yesterday's success proved one thing—he could actually make this work.

But he also learned something else.

"I need more products."

=========

Mission: Expand the Product Line

Mission Objective: Introduce a new unique item.Reward: 200 Spirit Coins, Storage Upgrade.

Liu Shen tapped his fingers against the counter.

His Heavenly Brew Tea was a great start, but it was a rare product—something cultivators drank for insight and relaxation, not everyday use.

"I need something addictive. Something that makes people come back constantly…"

His eyes drifted to the system shop, which had recently unlocked Tier 1 Items after his first sale.

With a thought, the virtual catalog appeared before him.

System Shop – Tier 1 Unlocked!

 Basic Cultivation Pills – 5 Spirit Coins per bottle. Refined Qi Condensation Elixirs – 15 Spirit Coins per bottle. Mystic Salted Peanuts – 2 Spirit Coins per bag. Everfresh Spiritual Water – 1 Spirit Coin per bottle. Spirit-Infused Beef Jerky – 3 Spirit Coins per pack.

Liu Shen froze.

"Wait, did I just find the world's first cultivation snacks?"

His lips curled into a grin.

"Bingo."

Liu Shen immediately bought a batch of the Mystic Salted Peanuts, Spirit-Infused Beef Jerky, and Everfresh Spiritual Water.

The items materialized in the system's storage, fresh and neatly packaged.

The Mystic Salted Peanuts contained a trace of spiritual energy, helping cultivators recover stamina faster. The Spirit-Infused Beef Jerky boosted qi circulation, making it the perfect snack for long training sessions. The Everfresh Spiritual Water was just pure, refreshing water, but it never went stale, making it perfect for travel.

"If cultivators get addicted to these… I'll have repeat customers every single day."

With that, he neatly arranged the new snacks on the front counter, placing a small sign:

[NEW!] Spirit Snacks – Quick Bites for Busy Cultivators!

===================

Not long after opening, the first wave of customers arrived.

Many were repeat buyers from yesterday, while some were new faces drawn by word-of-mouth.

"Boss Liu, you got more of that tea?"

"Of course!" Liu Shen said with a perfect business smile, handing over a fresh pouch of Heavenly Brew Tea.

Just as the customer was about to leave, Liu Shen casually pointed to the snack section.

"You cultivate, right? Ever get hungry in the middle of training?"

The man blinked. "Uh… yeah?"

Liu Shen nodded sagely. "Say no more. Try these—Spirit-Infused Beef Jerky. Restores qi circulation, keeps you full, and tastes amazing."

He handed the customer a small free sample. The moment the man bit into it, his eyes widened.

"Whoa—this is actually good!"

"And only 3 Spirit Coins per pack," Liu Shen said smoothly.

Without hesitation, the man bought three packs.

And just like that, Liu Shen invented cultivation convenience stores.

DING![Mission Completed: Expand the Product Line!]✅ Reward: 200 Spirit Coins, Storage Upgrade!

His funds shot up to 320 Spirit Coins, and a new extra storage shelf automatically appeared in the shop.

But Liu Shen wasn't done.

=============

The rush hour continued, and business boomed.

Customers came and went, exchanging Spirit Coins for Liu Shen's unique products. The Heavenly Brew Tea remained the star attraction, while the spirit-infused snacks quickly gained a loyal following.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Liu Shen had raked in a solid profit.

DING![Total Sales Today: 305 Spirit Coins][Host's Business Reputation has slightly increased.]

Liu Shen grinned. "Not bad at all."

He locked up the shop and stretched his arms, satisfied with his second day in business. But as he stepped outside, taking in the dimly lit street, his excitement dulled.

The surroundings were… quiet.

Too quiet.

Most of the nearby establishments had already closed—or worse, they had never even opened for the day. A few rundown buildings lined the street, with only a handful of businesses still barely holding on. The air felt stagnant, lacking the vibrant spiritual energy found in busier districts.

Liu Shen frowned.

"I got customers today because of luck and curiosity," he muttered. "But what about tomorrow? Next week? This place is practically a ghost town."

It was a harsh reality check. His products were good, but even the best goods needed a steady stream of people to sell them to.

As he pondered his next move, the sound of a door opening caught his attention.

From the shop across the street, an elderly man stepped out, his gray robe slightly tattered but his posture straight. His shop's wooden sign was faded, but the words "Greenwood Herb Hall" were still visible.

The old man squinted at Liu Shen, then chuckled. "So, you're the new kid running the Spirit Jade Store."

Liu Shen turned, putting on his business smile. "That's me. Liu Shen. And you are?"

"Zhang Yong," the old man said, leaning against his cane. "Been running my little herb hall for decades. Don't get much business anymore, but I still open every day out of habit."

Liu Shen raised an eyebrow. "Not much business? Even with medicinal herbs?"

Zhang Yong snorted. "Kid, look around. This place used to be decent, but once the big merchant groups expanded deeper into the city, all the customers left with them. The spiritual energy here is weak, and cultivators hate training in a dead zone. Without a steady stream of people, no business."

Liu Shen's expression turned thoughtful.

"So that's why the shop was so cheap…"

"Exactly," Zhang Yong said with a knowing nod. "I won't tell you to pack up and leave, but if you're serious about staying, you'll need more than just good products."

Liu Shen smirked. "Then it's a good thing I like a challenge."

Zhang Yong laughed. "We'll see. If you ever need some herbs, come by. I might even give you a discount if I like you enough."

With that, the old man returned to his shop, leaving Liu Shen standing in the dim street, deep in thought.

He had taken his first steps toward success, but today was just a small victory.

The real battle? Making this backwater store a place worth visiting.

Liu Shen exhaled and stepped back inside.

Tomorrow, he'd start figuring out how to make that happen.