《Dimensional Tycoon: I Make Trillions in Every World》 Chapter 1: Misfortune Chapter 1 - Misfortune"Stop peeing on my leg!" Noa yelled at the stray dog as it peed on his leg, releasing a stinky liquid that soaked his shoes. The dog ignored him for a moment before Noa moved his other leg to strike. He missed the target, but the animal scrambled out of the way. ''My luck,'' he thought, and as the sharp scent of piss assaulted his nose, anger surged through his chest. Today was the worst day of his life, with misfortune after misfortune following his day. Not only did he lose his job, but he also found his fianc¨¦e in bed with another man. She didn''t even look the slightest bit guilty. If that wasn''t enough, the man was the son of the boss who fired him for no reason. Noa wasn''t the guy to cry over his problems. But the punch he delivered into the asshole''s face improved his mood. However, the anger and sadness he felt didn''t go away, especially when he had accumulated debt he knew he wouldn''t be able to pay. All for the marriage he was so excited about. All for his everlasting love to be betrayed. ''Was it because of the money? She hated the idea of living in a tiny apartment, but I thought she was happy with me.'' His situation seemed desperate. No future, no money, and not a single person on his side. Noa was crossing the street as webnovel audio played in his head. "The Truck didn''t try to stop and crashed into the wall, taking Oliver''s soul and sending it into another world." "I am so jealous," Noa murmured inwardly before turning his head sideways. Just then, he saw a white truck moving in his direction, moments away from flattening him to the ground. Instinctively, Noa closed his eyes, fear gripping his heart. Seconds ticked by, and the expected pain was late. "What''s going on?" he asked, snapping his eyes open. And the scene Noa saw made him exclaim. The truck, people around him, the timer on the traffic light¡ªeverything had stopped moving. It felt like the entire world was frozen. The street was silent. No voices. Just a motionless world and his thoughts. "What''s going on?" he asked, his lips refusing to budge. Then, out of nowhere, a transparent panel appeared in his view. It was followed by a soft ding sound. [Congratulations, host, you have been chosen as a candidate. The Truck-kun selected you and gave you two offers. If you choose the first option, you will simply die and cease to exist. But if you take the second option, you have a chance to achieve greatness.] "I am not dreaming, right?" Noa asked his lifeless system panel, not expecting an answer. [Host, you are very much awake, but if you don''t make a choice, I fear you might sleep for eternity.] Hearing the mechanical voice, Noa tried to smile. The frozen world didn''t allow him, but he still managed to speak. "I choose the second option. No matter what it is, it won''t be worse than death or my current life." [Good answer, host. Now, before we start, answer my question: do you love money?] Noa didn''t even hesitate and said cheerfully, "Heck yeah, I love it." The system said nothing; it simply vanished. Then, before Noa questioned reality itself, his vision darkened, weakening his mind and body alike. Soon, he woke up in a sitting position. He felt some kind of warm liquid touching his leg, jerking him awake. "This shitty dog!" he yelled once again, this time successfully hitting the annoying animal. There was no moment for him to grasp the situation. Noa returned to the past. But instead of regressing a couple of years, as was common in the webnovels he was familiar with, he was sent only one hour before the incident. "System," he called out, and the same panel materialized in front of him. [I am here, host. Are you ready to become a Dimensional Tycoon?] "Wait, what? What do you mean, dimensional?" [Do you really think I was limited to one world? Please don''t underestimate me. You will unlock more worlds as you meet certain conditions and fulfill missions. You would open countless establishments, as everything is within your control. But before that, please read your character profile.] Noa''s heart pounded with excitement. "Character Profile," he said aloud, anticipating his status. _____ {Temporary Host: Noa Stark} {Age: 24} {Capital: $1,230} {Tycoon Points: 0} {Monthly Income: $0} {Debt: $15,500} {Dimensional Gate Owned: 1} {Earth Establishments Owned: 0} {Dimensional Establishments Owned: 0} {Employees: 0} {Milestones Achieved: 0} ¡ªMissions¡ª -Buy an Item from Another Dimension- Time Limit: One Day Failure: Eternal Slavery to the Void Creatures Reward: $200 -Sell Five Items from Earth Back to Another Dimension- Time Limit: One Week Failure: Eternal Slavery to the Void Creatures Reward: $500 -Pay Off the Debt- Time Limit: Two Weeks Failure: Eternal Slavery to the Void Creatures Reward: $2,500 -Open a Branch of Your Establishment in Another World- Time Limit: Three Weeks Failure: Getting Pegged by the Void Creatures Reward: $10,000; Additional Mission Chains _____ S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was the weirdest system panel Noa had ever seen. "What is this?" he asked. "What about cultivation techniques or levels? How am I going to get stronger?" [Remember, host, there is only one strength in this universe, and it''s money. And my objective is to guide you and help you become the Richest Dimensional Tycoon.] Noa lowered his head. He was disappointed but knew it was the chance he couldn''t let go. Still, he had more questions than he could possibly ask. "What are the Void Creatures, and what do you mean by pegging?" [I hope you won''t meet them. As for the pegging, it means they would gladly take your virginity from behind. Do pray and try not to fail your missions. But worry not, this first chain of missions is the only one with punishment and a time limit.] Noa sighed. The system sounded carefree, as if it weren''t concerned about the danger he was in. Nevertheless, all Noa had to do was complete the mission, and he would be safe. "How do I activate the dimensional gate anyway?" he asked, ready to embark on his first journey. [We need to select the dimension you are going to visit. Let me show you the roulette.] Having said that, a spinning wheel appeared before Noa. It had a one-screen with unreadable text inscribed on it. The colors were mixed, creating a goofy object that started spinning without Noa doing anything. A cute arrow ticked from one side to another. Ten seconds later, the screen halted its movement, displaying a world he was about to visit for his first shopping spree. Chapter 2: Xianxia Chapter 2 - XianxiaDing! Beep! Tink! The unrecognizable planet was spinning in front of Noa. It had red hues and a lot of water, even more than Earth. "What is this planet?" he asked. "Do I really have to go there? It looks barren and uninhabitable." Tsk. Noa heard a weird sound, but before he questioned its origin, the system spoke. [This is a planet called Ligma. It''s a cultivation world filled with ancient beasts, eternal qi rivers, divine sects, and spiritual veins.] Even the system''s robotic voice sounded excited. [What do you think, host? This is amazing, right?] For a webnovel enthusiast, the cultivation world was nothing but a foreign dream. Even though Noa wasn''t exactly well-versed in eastern fantasy, he remembered spending a restless night in his childhood, reading about heaven-defying legends. He had imagined himself as an immortal practitioner, yearning to experience some of it. But now that his taste had changed, he wasn''t so sure anymore. Not that he would decline the offer. "How should I leap through the dimension?" he posed a question. [All you need to do is touch the system panel. Have a safe trip!] the system answered. ''I guess I am about to fulfill my childhood wish. Damn, I should have read more Xianxia novels,'' Noa reflected and touched the unseen window. Immediately, his vision shifted, his body being sucked into the system panel. He had no moment to scream as he vanished from Earth. One second later, Noa burst his eyes open and saw a completely new world. Ash Peak Continent, Black Flame Empire, inside the Hollow Jade City. The heart of the city pulsed with intense energy, and the noise of the bustling street made Noa question the reality. At every corner, merchants shouted, advertising their herbs, ancient scrolls, or just qi-imbued items. People seemed to wear silky robes stitched with countless unique patterns. Cultivators moved through the streets with eerie confidence, carrying spirit coins and talking about martial arts techniques. Wooden signs showed alchemy, smiths, dao kitchens, and fortune tellers. On one corner, the flute played as youngsters recounted their adventures. The spirit beasts followed their path, almost hitting Noa. After apologizing to the angry driver, he tried to study everything around him as the new world increased his heartbeat. [Host, do you like it?] The cool breath fluttered his hair. He looked out of place and didn''t need the reminder from the constant stares he was getting. Still, there was nothing bad Noa could say. "I love it." ''This is a true Xianxia world,'' he added inwardly. [But, host, your meridians are sealed; you can''t cultivate. I told you money is the greatest power.] "What?" Noa exclaimed. It was within his expectations, but it still stung his heart. [Now you should start with your missions and open the first establishment in this city.] His first mission was to buy any item in this dimension, meaning he needed money from this world. But Noa was a poor fellow; his pockets were almost empty. "Do I need to find ways to make money first? Should I just start working?" he asked. [I doubt anyone would take you, Host. But worry not, as a Dimension Tycoon, you won''t have to work for anyone ever again. Especially when you have me.] The system was definitely boasting. But the next window that popped up improved Noa''s already lifted spirits. [Dollar to Spirit Coin exchange rate: 1 Lesser Spirit Coin = $1 1 Refined Spirit Coin = 100 Lesser Spirit Coins = $100 1 True Spirit Coin = 100 Refined Spirit Coins = $10,000] "Give me more details on how much each of them is worth in this world," Noa instructed. [A single Refined Spirit Coin is enough to cover one year''s worth of living expenses for an average family. As for the True Coins, only cultivators use them.] Noa spent the next ten seconds considering his next actions. "Let''s just exchange everything I have," he said boldly. "I need spirit coins more than a cheap change from Earth." [Wise choice,] the system praised and added. [It''s done. 12 Refined Spirit Coins and 30 Lesser Spirit Coins are added to your inventory. Spend them just as wisely.] S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Feeling excited about the new adventure, Noa chose the stall to complete his mission. The merchant was a short, middle-aged guy with a belly and a smile on his face. "Hello, boss man. What are you selling today?" Noa asked, nearing a wooden booth. The man eyed him but showed no reaction. Sensing a potential customer, he wasn''t about to let Noa slip away¡ªno matter how strange he looked. "Speak your need, boy. Did something catch your eye?" he asked in a soft voice, trying to win him over. "You have a fine stall. As for the items I need, can I take a look?" Noa asked, leaning against the counter, palms flat on its edges. Nodding, the man showed his teeth. He was visibly content with Noa''s flattery and allowed him to touch every item he could reach. "Can you explain what those items are?" he asked the system in his mind. The shelves were filled to the brim with interesting stuff Noa wanted to buy for himself. For example, spirit-imbued tools, such as knives and fire-starting stones. Pills and elixirs also caught his attention, proving that he was indeed in a Xianxia world. Noa didn''t want to spend too much time deciding what to buy. "Can I get these Basic Qi Recovery Pills?" he asked. "Sure. 1 Refined Coin," the shopkeeper answered, putting the pill in a paper bag. "Add one Stamina Recovery Pill and one Detoxifying Pill while you are at it," Noa instructed, planning to feed them to his family. "Coming right up. Your total is 3 Refined Coins. Is there anything more you need?" the man asked, trying to sell him more. "No need," Noa said, and paid after giving the man coins from his inventory. ? [Mission: Buy an Item from Another Dimension Completed.] ? [Reward: $200; Option to Open your Merchandise.] Chapter 3: First Product Chapter 3 - First Product"Merchandise?" Noa exclaimed. [You need to set up your first store. And I am here to guide you,] the system answered. [Every item will be delivered through me from Earth, and all you need to do is select the first product.] "Show me the options. I hope it''s not some crappy items," he said, standing in the middle of the street. [Precisely.] Shampoo S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wet Wipes Energy Drinks Scented Candles [You can choose only one product to sell. You will add more as you expand your business and open a physical shop. So, hurry up and complete your missions.] The system''s robotic voice was surprisingly motivating. Noa could imagine the future where he was filthy rich with too much money to spend. He would help his poor family¡ªa sister and a father¡ªand give them a life he wasn''t able to before. He would also get revenge. The bitch who betrayed him for money and the asshole who fired him would beg for forgiveness. But Noa wasn''t controlled by his emotions. Knowing that he had a tough road ahead, he selected the first option. ''Selling shampoo in this world shouldn''t be too hard,'' he thought. With poor hygiene standards and low competition on the market, Noa was confident in his selection. He strolled through the busy street and found a run-down stall at the end of the alleyway. It was located at the most barren place on the road, its wooden shelves were on the verge of collapse, and barely anyone walked around this spot. In simple terms, Noa was screwed. However, he wasn''t looking at his current situation with pessimism. Thinking that he was saved from spending the rest of his life sleeping next to a gold digger, Noa liked what he got. Suddenly, the empty shelves were filled with shampoos. It had a weird plant and shiny hair drawn on it. ''Some cheap-ass hair cleanser with a good scent,'' Noa recognized. Within seconds, the shabby booth regained life, though its conditions remained pitiful compared to the other stands. [Now you need to sell at least five of them at a cheap price of one True Spirit Coin to complete your next mission,] the system said out of nowhere, startling him. Noa wanted to question, but saw someone walking past his humble store. He shut his mouth and glanced at the first potential customer. But alas, he was truly unlucky. The young man with a sect uniform didn''t even glance in his direction. His eyes darted towards the road without even noticing the run-down stall. The same thing happened when the second guy showed up. But even though the middle-aged man glanced at Noa''s product, his bald head had no need for it. ''I need to encounter a jade beauty. Women are more likely to be interested in those shampoos,'' he believed. Sure enough, after five hours of waiting for someone to approach his shabby shop, a woman neared him. The emblem of a flower was etched over her robes like a badge of her authority. Her eyes, sharp and unreadable, scanned the stall until they stopped at the shampoos. "What''s that?" Xue Hanli asked, and the tension that followed her every move didn''t ease. "It''s a cleansing elixir¡ªused to wash hair, remove excess dirt and sweat, while it leaves strands softer and smoother. It also has a great fragrance," Noa explained. "Hmm," Xue Hanli''s interest was piqued. "How much for a single bottle?" The price was final. Noa couldn''t change it. "One True Spirit Coin," he said, trying to make it sound like a good deal. "I forgot to warn you that it has a side effect of causing sudden proposals and jealousy." Xue Hanli said nothing upon hearing the offer. She turned around and left just as coldly as she arrived. One True Spirit Coin was a huge sum for a measly head cleaner. Especially since it could buy weeks'' worth of low-tier cultivation resources, such as Soul Strengthening Pills, rare herbs, or spirit crystals. It could also allow her to purchase low-grade single-use talismans and beast cores. As soon as she heard the price, she thought Noa was either a scammer or his single product was sky-high overpriced. The shabby look of the booth didn''t help either. ''Shit.'' Meanwhile, Noa was cursing his luck and the system at the same time. Why would there be a strictly regulated price that he couldn''t change? [If you want to become the Richest Dimension Tycoon, you should have a set of principles. What''s the point of opening a business if you can''t even sell a product and maximize the profits?] the system explained, its tone serious. [Don''t forget, your aim isn''t just to sell items, but to alter economics and embody your influence into the very world you are currently inhabiting. You shouldn''t be following market prices, you should be controlling it.] "Okay, okay. I got it, so stop yapping," Noa answered, looking at the first sunset since he arrived in this world. He had no roof over his head, no food in his stomach, and no customers to sell his first product. Still, the scenery was breathtaking, giving him the motivation not to give up. ''Let''s just find an inn to stay, and fill my tank.'' Noa strolled around the silent street, searching for a place to spend the night. [After opening your first establishment, you will get a room and a bathroom to live in comfort,] the system reminded. Thankfully, it didn''t take too long for Noa to locate a humble inn. He also stuffed himself with cheap soup and bread. Using the same shampoo he was selling, Noa took the least comfortable bath of his life and slept like a spoiled dog to meet the next day with a well-rested mind. He woke up early. The noisy streets and constant chatter made him start his day before even the sun showed itself. Then he quickly got back to his shabby stall, expecting to get at least one customer throughout the day. However, much like the previous day, most of the passersby didn''t even notice him. And the few who were interested in his product were scared off by the unreasonable price. Until a bald young man stepped close to the booth. Chapter 4: Sales Chapter 4 - SalesChen Hao was a 17-year-old disciple from the Blooming Iron Sect, and as a Low Establishment stage cultivator, he belonged to the outer sect. His rough robes bore the same flower emblem that the girl named Xue Hanli wore, as she was a year older than him. Of all the things Chen Hao owned, only his badge looked like it had gotten any care. Having a stern face and a clenched jaw made him look like he was prepared to recite sect laws at any given moment. And his head was shiny bald, not a strand in sight. He was glancing between Noa and the shampoo display. "This... cleans hair?" he asked. Noa smiled upon seeing his interest. He saw the familiar emblem, guessing that the sect operated somewhere close to the city. "Not only does it clean hair, but also makes it softer than silk," he said. "Softer than silk? How is that even possible?" Chen Hao exclaimed suspiciously. Xue Hanli wasn''t just a senior to him. She was someone he respected and, quite frankly, had a crush on. He happened to hear her mention an expensive elixir she''d seen but didn''t dare to buy. As a bald young man, Chen Hao didn''t need the shampoo, but he wanted to buy it for his senior, who had helped him greatly. "Is the price really one True Spirit Coin?" he asked with hesitation. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Being a cultivator required significant resources, and as a new disciple, he had received only one True Spirit Coin. "I think that''s a fair price," Noa answered, his voice soft. "Do share your experience with me, I am confident it would meet your requirements." Chen Hao nodded slightly and paid for the bottle. He dropped the coins onto the counter, took the shampoo bottle, and turned it in his hands, feeling its coldness and gentle pulsing energy within. Fascinated, he nodded again. "This better be worth it." Tucking the bottle into his satchel, he ran off, expecting Xue''s reaction upon seeing the gift he got for her. ? [Sell Five Items from Earth Back on Another Dimension: 1/5] As soon as the transaction was completed and Noa put the coin in his inventory, the system panel announced his partial success. ''Four more to go,'' he thought eagerly. While no other customer visited his vendor, Noa waited until the sun set. Expecting it to happen, he didn''t lose his drive to do the same thing tomorrow. Instead, he was happy with his first trade. [Host, good job. But don''t forget, it''s only the beginning of your greatness. And don''t forget to consider Karma!] the system advised. "What do you mean by Karma?" Noa questioned, but only got a half answer out of it. [Just wait until your first brunch opening. That''s when you get more missions, milestones, and understand what being a Dimensional Tycoon really means.] With no other options but to agree, Noa reached his temporary house. Eating at the inn wasn''t that bad. The moment he pushed the door of the bustling inn, the scent of the roasted spirit beasts and boiling soup greeted him. He slid into the desolated corner and took the steaming bowl of the aromatic stew. Infused with poor qi-nourishing ingredients, the food cleaned his exhaustion away. Having blocked meridians, Noa not only couldn''t cultivate, but even the heavenly treasures had no effect on him. He glanced around the room, listening to the cultivators and merchants chatting about their business. Most of the stuff Noa heard was far too advanced for him to understand. But the intensity of the Xianxia world didn''t bore him. Later, he went to his rented attic room. Sleep took him quickly, but by dawn he was up again, refreshed to face another day. Much like the previous days, not many people wandered by the area where his stall was, putting his mission at risk. Just like that, the third, fourth, and almost the entire week passed. Noa sold only one more shampoo to the wealthy merchant who was interested in his product. As the last day began, Noa felt the nervousness creeping in. No matter how composed he was, the thought of failing the task and losing his life didn''t excite him in a good way. Still, there was nothing he could do. The system was controlling his every move, denying Noa''s ideas to advertise or increase the chance of profit. "Karma this, karma that," he said angrily after sitting through countless pointless explanations. Time was ticking, and he needed results. But because of the shitty spot the system chose, the unreasonable price, and the Karma Principles he still was ignorant of, Noa was in danger of failing the second mission. Suddenly, he looked up from the neatly arranged shelves and saw four young women approaching, their sect uniforms fluttering lightly in the warm breeze. Noa''s gaze lingered on one of them¡ªXue Hanli, the cold Jedi beauty from the other day. Her bright eyes sparked with expectation. Differing from the girls beside her, Xue Hanli''s long black hair wasn''t tied back, but moved through the wind with a slick sparkle. Her expression was just as cold, but she looked to be in a great mood. When her trailing eyes stopped on Noa, they stayed there, but her legs moved much quicker than before, as if afraid he would disappear. "The elixirs," she stated, as the girls with the same robes giggled behind her. "You are still selling them, right?" Noa didn''t know what was going on. The girl before him had clearly used the shampoo¡ªher shiny hair was proof of that. ''Did she obtain it from the merchant? Or did that bald boy give it to her?'' he deduced. Then, pointing at the full shelves, he said, "As you can see, I am not out of stock. You and your friend can still buy from me." "Please, give me four of them," the girl answered right away, and added, "Do you, by any chance, have something for the skin as well?" Chapter 5: Mission and New Item Chapter 5 - Mission and New Item"No, I am not running a beauty shop," Noa answered. "But I am going to import some interesting items these days." "Junior sister Xue, is this the same product you were talking about these past two days? The same one that made your hair this beautiful?" the blonde woman, who was visibly older than the others, asked. She had an athletic build¡ªnot a muscular one, but rather toned with years of disciplined training. A narrow waist and long, slender legs hinted at her hidden beauty. Every word she spoke was softly uttered, as if they were measured yet captivating. "Yes, Senior sister Qing Xuan. This is the place where I saw the bottles but didn''t dare to buy them. Thankfully, my junior brother bought it for me and loved it just after trying it once," Xue Hanly answered, eager to purchase more. Other girls watched the situation, giggling with anticipation. They were beauties of their own league, but none of them could compare to Qing Xuan or Xue Hanly. The former was watching Noa with eerie curiosity. Her eyes were constantly peering at him, trying to inspect him and his strength. But after trying to feel Qi from Noa, Qing Xuan found nothing. There was no drop of Qi she could sense on him, which made her reevaluate the guy. Meanwhile, Noa was joyfully taking shampoos from the shelves. ''I made it,'' he thought. ''I survived this mission as well.'' He handed each of the girls their bottles with a polite smile, his movements efficient yet gracious. Xue Hanly took her share and was about to pay for it when Qing Xuan caught her hand, offering to pay for the items. "Let me pamper my juniors." The girls cheered and thanked her with a tight hug. Their arms wrapped around one another with effortless grace, their happiness overflowing with loud giggles. For a fleeting moment, Noa lost his words. He was amused by how even the small transaction made his day lovelier. Still, before the girls left on their business, they scrutinized him again. The shampoo they bought wasn''t just an average head cleaner that made their hair shine. It was way more than that. Every drop of the elixir was worth a single true spirit coin in their eyes. The reason was simple. Washing the head with these shampoos had spiritual benefits. Somehow, they contained micro Qi particles and boosted mental clarity during cultivation. It also improved meridian flow and spiritual flow, increasing the speed and quality of the cultivation. Though the effect lasted only for a day, Xue Hanly experienced their miraculous nature firsthand. That''s why she was the most confused one. How could such an item be in the hands of someone who had no cultivation base? And why would Noa sell them at such a cheap price in an abandoned corner of the street? However, there was something even more confusing about Noa and the shop he was managing. Xue Hanly wanted to buy more, her desire and greed taking control of her usual cold and aloof personality. But she was unable to do so. As if just buying one bottle weighed her spirit, making her give up her desire. She wasn''t the only one to experience the same thing. Her senior sister, Qing Xuan, felt the same thing. It was like she became spiritually bloated, as if divine karma that didn''t belong to her pressed her feelings down. They left the street with nothing but questions and confusion. At least everyone was content with their purchase, especially knowing that Noa was about to add new stuff to his booth. Meanwhile, clueless about the chaos he had caused, Noa observed his surroundings. "I did it. Choosing this product was a brilliant move. But turns out that bald boy saved my ass. Thank God he is a simp," he said aloud, not caring about the empty street. Then he summoned the system message. ? [Mission: Sell Five Items from Earth Back to Another Dimension: 5/5] ? [Reward: $500; additional items to sell.] Noa was feeling great. The second task was completed, and he had $700 in liquid assets. In addition, he was the owner of the five true spirit coins¡ªhis wealth would last him for decades in this world. "Show me the new item options," he demanded, and glanced at the transparent system panel. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wet Wipes Energy Drinks Scented Candles Fidget Spinner (New!) Slippers (New!) Noa was about to select energy drinks when he heard a voice. It was none other than his robotic companion being kind enough to give him advice. [Choose either spinner or slippers.] "Why?" Noa asked. He didn''t want to blindly follow everything his soulless assistant said. [The newer unlocked product you decide to put on the market, the higher the price it will have. This would help you open your first proper shop as soon as possible.] "Wait, what if I exchanged the spirit coins I have? Can I just be done with my debt?" Noa got an idea, determined to make the most of the opportunity. [Of course you can. But I don''t know if I mentioned it before, but I am taking half of the bill as a fee on each exchange you make. It only works when you want to exchange for dollars.] A silence fell. "You are a scammer, aren''t you? What the fuck do you mean you are taking half of my money?" Noa asked, searching for ways to punch the hovering window in front of him. [There is nothing I can do. That''s just how it is. I am not doing a charity here¡ªthis is for mutual interest, and please understand that. As for the exchange rate, you would get $30,000 for the true spirit coins you currently have.] "No need," he answered. "Take only three coins and give me $15,000. I have a debt to pay." [Sure. Choose the item from the selection, and we can go back to Earth at any time.] Noa knew what to pick. The choice was simple¡ªa guarantee to hit the market if he played his cards right. Chapter 6: Quick Stop Back On Earth Chapter 6 - Quick Stop Back On Earth"I choose," Noa trailed his words, grinning. "Fidget Spinners." [Interesting. I wasn''t expecting that, but it''s not a bad option,] the system said. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Then we are done here, right? I can just go back to Earth with no problems?" [Of course. Just do the same thing as before.] Hearing the robotic voice, Noa touched the hovering transparent panel of the system and embraced the shift in his vision. The dark color held his being as if transforming him through dimensional tunnels. A moment later, Noa snapped open his eyes. The view he saw was familiar¡ªthe same bus stop the dog peed on his legs only a week ago. "I am back," he murmured inwardly. Teleportation brought no discomfort, and Noa felt as though he had never left his home planet. ? [Milestone Achieved] ? [You are the first being from Earth to travel across dimensions and make it back] ? [You gain a tiny, passive luck boost when negotiating or trading on Earth] ''Wow, this is my first milestone, but luck? I wonder how it works?'' Noa thought. Walking towards the modern street, he questioned the system. "Is there any cooldown with this teleportation ability?" [A day.] The system''s answer was short, while Noa didn''t hesitate and headed towards the nearest mall. He planned to find the bank and pay the debt. Also, with the little money he could save, Noa wanted secretly to pamper his sister and father. "How much time has passed since I left Earth?" [23 hours, 17 minutes, and 51 seconds.] ''Good, I was afraid that someone would notice my absence if I was gone for long,'' Noa thought. Then he remembered something and asked, "Can you show me my status window?" ____ {Temporary Host: Noa Stark} {Age: 24} {Capital: $15,700} {Tycoon Points: 0} {Monthly Income: $0 (still pending)} {Debt: $15,500} {Dimensional Gate Owned: 1} {Earth Establishments Owned: 0} {Dimensional Establishments Owned: 0} {Employees: 0} {Milestones Achieved: 1} ¡ªMissions¡ª -Pay Off the Debt- Time Limit: Two Weeks Failure: Eternal Slavery to the Void Creatures Reward: $2,500 -Open a Branch of Your Establishment in Another World- Time Limit: Three Weeks Failure: Getting Pegged by the Void Creatures Reward: $10,000; Additional Mission Chains ____ ''Only two more missions and I am safe,'' Noa thought after browsing through the system, his heart beating in excitement. It seemed like the spirit coins he owned didn''t count for his capital. His accumulated wealth didn''t count as monthly income either, since it had only been a week since he gained this power. Finally, Noa located the Argus Bank and walked inside, where the bustling atmosphere forced him to join the long line. Thankfully, he didn''t have to spend too much of his time waiting¡ªthe petite young receptionist called him forward. "I am here to pay my debts." He took his designated seat and told her right away. The woman didn''t show much of a reaction and asked for his ID card. An entire procedure took one minute before she nodded. "You owe $15,500. It''s good that you decided to pay this early¡ªif not, the amount would have increased," she explained kindly, then asked Noa how he intended to pay. ''System, as my private accountant, it''s your turn to shine,'' Noa said to the system. [Leave it to me. Doing untraceable transactions that won''t be suspicious is a piece of cake for me. Host, you are lucky to have such an amazing guide.] "Sure, sure." Noa didn''t try to argue. He waited for the system to transfer the money to his public bank account so he could settle the debt. Sure enough, his phone screen soon lit up with a new notification. [Argus Bank] Deposit Received: $15,700.00 From: Definitely Not Suspicious Account: ????6137 Date: 03/03/2026 10:17 AM Note: Totally Legit Business Activity #legal #ilovemoney #thatgirlhasnicetits Balance: $15,700.00 "What a great way to show how perverted and idiotic you are," Noa said. "But damn it, I love seeing numbers on my bank account." Meanwhile, the accountant waited silently for Noa to hand over his card. After taking it from him, she offered a warm smile and asked, "Paying... all of it?" Her voice carried emptiness. She was used to the people who usually begged for extensions, not settling everything in one go. Yet when Noa simply nodded, she straightened up and said, "Very well, sir. Processing now." Then she inserted the card and glanced at the screen. "Transaction approved," she said more softly, as she handed back the card. "Is there anything else I may assist you with, sir?" Shaking his head, Noa stood up and left the building. He was still standing inside the mall, surrounded by shops of luxurious brands. However, the zeros were gone from his bank account, leaving him with a measly $200. ''I''m poor again,'' he thought. So he looked at the system notification. ? [Mission: Pay Off the Debt Completed] ? [Reward: $2,500] Now he had some capital to start his shopping spree. But more than that, Noa was proud and happy that he completed the third mission. He had only one remaining, and his fear of losing his life¡ªor something even greater¡ªwould soon fade away. His next destination was to spend his newfound money. Not for himself, but for his remaining family members, he longed to reunite one day. Yet Noa lacked the confidence to face them. He felt powerless, even if he had money and the means to make more. The shame of disappointing them and the fear of being a failure as a son and a brother didn''t allow him to meet with them. But with the system''s help, Noa was sure he could change himself and be proud of who he was. Also, he had to finish the main missions and get used to the weird situation he found himself in. Until then, Noa would help them from the sidelines. For starters, he visited an electronics store and bought one of the largest TVs available. Giving father''s address and a note to pass on, Noa felt satisfied with his first purchase. It was a great beginning for his new spending habit. But choosing something for his 17-year-old little sister was bound to be much harder. Especially with $1,500 remaining in his bank account and countless luxury brands around him. Chapter 7: New Store Chapter 7 - New Store''What should I buy for her?'' Noa mused. Having more than one choice did little to ease his misery, leaving him in a difficult situation with no obvious option. It''s been a good three years since he last saw Mia. It left him with no understanding of how her mind worked or what kind of gift she would like. ''She... she loved manga and webnovels. Would she still enjoy them?'' Standing in front of an expensive bag store, all Noa could recall was Mia''s lost expression as she immersed herself in books. He quickly made up his mind and located the nearest bookstore. The mall had a large selection of manga and webnovels he could buy and send to her. Instead of wasting time dwelling on pointless thoughts, he searched for the specific genres he thought Mia might enjoy and asked the staff to deliver them to the same location where he had sent the TV. "Your total is $880. How would you like to pay?" the young man with a goatee asked, waiting for Noa to complete the transaction. ''Should I just see how my negotiation skills work?'' Noa thought, considering testing his increased luck. "Hmm, considering how many I''m planning to buy, it would really help if we could lower the amount. What do you think?" he asked, his voice measured and deep. No magical particles danced around the man, nor did music play in Noa''s ears to announce whether his luck had worked or not. The only thing he could rely on was the man''s answer. Thankfully, asking for a discount worked. "Sure. You are a new customer, right? Seeing that you are buying this many in one go, I think I can lower the price. How does $700 sound?" "Pleasure to do business with you," Noa said, smiled, and offered a handshake. He wasn''t sure if his luck played any role, but the outcome was all that mattered. ? [Milestone Achieved] ? [As a new tycoon, you should know how to negotiate and set prices for yourself. Remember, you are the one who controls the market¡ªnot the other way around.] ? [+10 Tycoon Points (TP¡ªYou can exchange them for additional benefits when you visit your first establishment)] ''Wow. Finally? Now I know what this point system was for.'' Noa exclaimed upon discovering a new feature. It didn''t come as a surprise, but he knew that gaining more features would make his job not only easier but also more interesting. After paying with his card, Noa left the mall. Before going back into his new world, memories he had buried resurfaced. It started with laughter, continued with arguments, and halted with silence. Part of him wished for a quick meet-up with Mia and his father, but another part whispered a warning about the flaws he had yet to overcome. Still, Noa kept his choice. Shaking his head, he addressed the system, "Let''s go back. We have a last mission to complete." The moment he announced his will to leave, an idling system panel appeared out of thin air and sucked him inside. Noa saw and felt nothing in this vast nothingness until he emerged onto a familiar street. The road was bustling, and loud noises jolted his senses back to life. "I am back," he said. "What should I do?" The question was directed to the system. Now that he had completed previous missions, all Noa was left with was a quest to open his first establishment. But the only way he knew was to increase profit, which allowed him to do it the old-fashioned way¡ªby purchasing a physical location and turning it into his first store. However, Noa had a system. The very presence of this magical thing told him that he had other options as well. Sure enough, his prediction turned out to be true. [Your first store is ready. Return to your vendor and see it with your own eyes. But don''t assume that you can just open it and finish the mission¡ªthere is still a lot you need to do.] The system''s voice remained unchanged. It didn''t demand anything from Noa¡ªits robotic voice was designed solely to aid him. Not wasting time, he strolled through the street. The scent of incense mingled with the wet wind, giving him a sense of new familiarity. Noa dropped his speed for a moment. Before arriving at his vendor, he glanced around the other stalls filled with ancient jade pendants. The air also sang with faint spiritual energy he couldn''t feel. Basking in this distinct atmosphere for only a second was enough for him. So he quickened his pace again. Merely to encounter something he wasn''t used to in this new world. His destination lay at the far end of the street, but instead of the small, shabby wooden stall, Noa found himself staring at a one-story building. [It''s yours,] the system said indifferently. [Now you know I am not taking your profit for nothing.] Even though Noa could hear the words, he was too occupied to digest them. There were obsidian-like glass windows, hiding everything inside. Strong traces of the spiritual energy were seeping out of it. It hinted that either dangers or treasures were hidden beyond the dark frames. Even Noa, despite his blocked meridians, could feel the tension and tell that the shop was alive, watching him as if it were an abyss daring him to look away. But strangely, Noa felt a connection to this building. It was an alien, foreign, and weird shop, yet he felt no fear toward it. Opening the wooden door with a cold metallic handle, Noa saw nothing but emptiness inside. There were no items to sell, no shelves to stock, and no counter to welcome customers. [From this moment on, you are the owner of this building. But before the grand opening, you need to spend TycoonPoints and bring some life to this emptiness.] And before Noa could even ask how the hell he should do that, rows of notifications appeared in front of him. {Nameless Store} {Employees: 0} {Items Currently on Sale: Shampoo; Fidget Spinner} {Floors: 1} {Rooms You Currently Own: 3} {Click to customize and reconstruct them according to your vision.} S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 8: Store Building Chapter 8 - Store Building{Rooms You Currently Own: 3} {Click to customize and reconstruct them according to your vision.} There were only three rooms Noa could choose from. Bedroom Toilet Store His fingers tapped on the ''Bedroom'' option, anticipating the changes he could make to it. {Items} Bed Desk Walls Mirror Sofa {Scroll down to see or purchase more.} Noa tapped the first option, and walls of description materialized before him, flooding his view. {Flying Bed} Description: A hovering bed that can gently move in the air. Features: Perfect Temperature Enchantment Customizable: Softness, height, no-snore charm Rarity: Rare Price: 2 TP ''What the?'' Noa exclaimed. The option to fully customize everything in his room wasn''t part of his bucket list. Still, it was welcome news he would gladly abuse. But Tycoon Points were rare. He had only 10, and wasting them on comfort would be a foolish move. Navigating the system, he found the main room. Of course, it was Storeroom¡ªthe source of his future income and his current lifeline. Because the room was empty, he had to purchase the necessary components and furniture. Thankfully, his options were limited and fairly easy to handle. ¡ªItems¡ª Shelves Counter Sofas Cushions Display Tables {Scroll down to see more.} All Noa wanted were essential items¡ªthings the shop couldn''t open without. That''s why his first decision was to check out the available shelves. {Mooncomet Shelves} Description: After a single slash from the Outer World''s Sword Saint, the moon crumbled into dust. Someone gathered its remains and forged them into sturdy shelves. Features: Elegant, indestructible, items placed on the shelves would never go bad Customizable: Temperature, color Rarity: Epic Price: 3 TP "Purchase!" Noa called out and bought it immediately. It wasn''t like he could find other shelves, and the description caught his attention as well. As soon as he tapped the system panel, the gray shelves materialized in front of him. The color perfectly complemented the eerie atmosphere inside. They also gave a touch of life to the room and made it look like an actual store. But it was still empty¡ªthe bare shelves and missing counter impossible to miss. {Meteor Slab Counter} Description: Carved from the meteor that wiped out dinosaurs on two planets. Features: Manual record keeping, quick calculations Customizable: Color, storage inside Rarity: Legendary Price: 4 TP Same way as before, Noa bought it instantly. He didn''t have to wait for the counter to spawn in front of him, near the end of the path formed by the shelves. {Tycoon Points: 3} Noa was down to three points he could spend. Thankfully, the main components had already been acquired. [Select the product you want to start selling before spending the remaining points. But don''t even think about saving them. You are a tycoon and you should spend like one,] the system advised. Hearing a warning from his assistant, Noa grinned and navigated the panel. ¡ªAvailable Products¡ª {Heaven Defying Qi Shampoo} Description: A bottle of scented head cleanser. The Last Alchemist created it from the Forgotten Era. Features: Boosts mental clarity, increases the absorption and quality of spiritual energy, and increases the chance of a breakthrough Rarity: Common Price: 1 TP (One year''s worth of supply) "Holy shit. So that''s why they wanted to buy it so eagerly. Now it makes sense, but why didn''t they buy more? One True Spirit Coin is nothing compared to these benefits." Noa''s curiosity was sparked. ''What about the second product?'' he thought and glanced at the lingering window. {Astral Spinner} Description: Starlight-imbued toy Features: Aligns and balances all six elements for complete mental and spiritual harmony, calming the mind and soul Rarity: Uncommon Price: 1 TP (Six months'' worth of supply) Before Noa pressed both of them, the system announced good news, putting another smile on his face. [As an opening gift, I will provide them for free.] "There is nothing free in this world," Noa answered, even though he was satisfied with how the situation had unfolded. "You just want to dry my pockets and that''s all." Instead of waiting for the system to answer, he dove back inside the rows of the features he could explore. Meanwhile, the shelves were already stocked with the said products, each taking its place. As for Noa, he found something he wanted to add to his yet-to-open establishment. It was an orb. A crystal orb that was good at weird prophecy. {Eye of the Fortune} Description: Does it dictate what will be, or reveal what already is? Features: ??? S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rarity: Chaos Price: 3 TP (A monthly price¡ªmiss it once, and the world begins to rot) The item was somewhat of a curse. Yet Noa knew that he had to be bold to make the most of the world¡ªboth to enjoy himself and to survive in this dangerous world he knew nothing about. Suddenly, a short desk appeared near the counter, emanating a strong spiritual pressure. At its center rested a magical ball, glistening with a strong spiritual energy. ? [Mission: Open a Branch of Your Establishment in Another World Completed] ? [Reward: $10,000; Additional Mission Chains] The moment Noa saw the orb, the system announced his success. [Host, congratulations. Your ass cracks are no longer in danger. Now you can sleep in peace. As for your first establishment, get ready to face your first customers.] Noa''s first instinct was to let out a sigh of relief. "I am safe," he cheered. The missions with punishments were over. It wasn''t a long road, but it was scary enough to leave him in a great mood once everything was over. Everything was ready for the store to function. Yet, Noa had some questions about the Karma System, and he had to ask the system for the answers. He also needed to review the new items he had purchased and scan the missions he had to complete. But before he could open his mouth, the system spoke first. [Host, Karma is a living force that controls every establishment you will own. It also affects every customer, regardless of their station or strength. May the wealth be with you!] Just then, the wooden door of the store creaked open. Chapter 9: New Custumer Chapter 9 - New CustumerSomeone stepped into Noa''s very first establishment. It was a brand-new store¡ªone he had been itching to open. As for the customer, it was a completely new face. Instead of the youngster with the sect uniform, this time it was a middle-aged man with a serious expression. His name was Feng Fan. His eyes, paler than the moonlight, scanned the shop with silent interest. He stepped tall, robed in a layered blue and white cloak. A strong scent of incense followed him, but not a single word escaped his mouth. Feng Fan was a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage. He wasn''t particularly talented, but compared to the average person, he was strong and had a lifetime''s worth of wealth. But even this fortune was nothing in the cultivation world. Hollow Jade City was a famous place for cultivators to visit. Not because it was a central hub in the Black Flame Empire, but because it was home to famous merchants who offered a variety of essential services. Feng Fan had visited this street countless times before. But only now did he notice the building he was currently standing in. The store had no signboard, and the windows were impossible to penetrate with his sight. But the strong spiritual presence guided him inside. Yet the building contained only two products, neither of which Feng Fan recognized. Still, his eyes trailed over the shelves as he tried to guess the purpose of the shampoo bottle and the small toy. "Do you need any help?" Noa approached him and asked, his voice slow and polite. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The cultivator acknowledged the question. But he remained quiet for a moment before offering a slight nod. "What are you selling? I can''t really tell," he said, his face still expressionless. Noa smiled before answering. "I have only two products for sale. The first one is a hair cleanser with..." Just as Noa was about to tell Feng Fan about the miraculous properties of the shampoo, the system stopped him. [Beware of the Karma. You may be playing the role of the shopkeeper right now, but don''t forget that you are a Dimensional Tycoon. You shouldn''t act like a desperate merchant. Your role is to collect money and influence the market. As for your products, let them sell themselves.] "What kind of bullshit is this?" Noa spat in his head. "Why would I stay silent about these things? Karma had no problem when I had a shabby stall?" [The store and you should have principles¡ªunwritten rules to follow.] Meanwhile, Feng Fan took the bottle and shook it in his hands. The only explanation he heard was that it could clean his head. "Price?" he asked, his tone higher than the previous times. "One True Spirit Coin," Noa answered. The price remained the same, but watching how the man''s brows twitched in surprise almost made him laugh out loud. Though Noa was still questioning the strange rules he had to follow, he had to admit that they made sense. The principles also added a nice twist to the store, and he liked that. As for Feng Fan, he turned the bottle upside down once more, as if trying to uncover its hidden mysteries. Then he glanced at Noa. All he saw was a scrawny young man with no hint of qi inside him. Which meant two things. Either Noa had an exceptionally high cultivation base that allowed him to conceal his strength, or he was an ordinary human who hadn''t even reached the Body Refinement stage. And the correct answer could easily change how Feng Fan would see his products. Nevertheless, he had one more item to see. "It''s a toy," Noa explained shortly. "You just put it on your finger and spin it around. But it costs three True Spirit Coins." "Three?" Feng Fan repeated. Now it was a daylight robbery. At least the shampoo was useful for cleaning oneself. But the simple toy to be priced so highly was nothing but a scam. He was about to leave the shop when something halted his steps. There was something about the store that couldn''t be faked. It was the potent qi that Feng Fan felt all around the establishment. Even if the products had a steep price, even for a cultivator, the energy he could sense was enough proof to change his mind. Not that he believed three spirit coins were worth the price. It was just that Feng Fan was a curious man. He could buy a rare beast egg or a body tempering treasure at that price. But the store itself invited and convinced him to make a purchase. "I will take them," he said, taking both products in his hands. There was slight hesitation in his movements, but once he made a decision, Feng Fan wouldn''t change his mind. "Follow me," Noa instructed, and guided the man towards the counter. Then he took the bottle and scanned it with a red light. The beeping sound startled the man, his eyes narrowing. Noa did the same thing with the fidget spinner. "Four True Spirit Coins," he said, waiting for the cultivator. Feng Fan nodded. He took coins out of the spirit storage and dropped them on the counter. Instead of leaving the store, he opened the transparent package of the spinner and used it just as Noa had instructed earlier. He was that eager to see it in action. As soon as the toy started spinning on his finger, black vortices appeared around him. Thankfully, they were only visual effects, and their strong pull didn''t destroy everything in sight. As for Feng Fan, he found himself seated before he even realized it. His mind was calm. Six spirals, embodying six elements, floated beside him in harmony. The spiritual energy was so strong that even Noa could tell what was happening. Feng Fan was absorbing qi, and the fidget spinner aided him in keeping his mind and spirit relaxed. Suddenly, the world destabilized, and the man opened his eyes. Meanwhile, Noa''s vision was flooded with system notifications. ? [Your customer managed to break through] ? [Milestone Achieved] Chapter 10: New Missions Chapter 10 - New Missions? [Your customer managed to break through] ? [Milestone Achieved] ? [You aren''t just selling products¡ªyou''re providing opportunity. In exchange for money, you offer everything] ? [+5 Tycoon Points] S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Feng Fan was looking at his hands. The toy kept spinning around his finger, clearing his head and strengthening his spirit. But the fidget spinner was nothing but a toy, a one-time use item that crumbled into dust. The cultivator tried to stand up. Surprisingly, his condition after the breakthrough was stable, allowing him to move perfectly. His eyes showed surprise, searching for Noa. After spotting him, the man dashed in his direction, delight and surprise evident on his face. "Do you need anything?" Noa asked, grinning to himself. "I-I want," Feng Fan trailed his words. The object he just tested was a heavenly treasure worth thousands of true spirit coins. Not only did it put his mind and spirit in a flawless condition for cultivation, but it also helped him overcome his bottleneck. If that wasn''t enough, this toy stabilized his condition without any side effects, increasing its value tenfold. Of course, he wanted to buy more. The entire stock should become his, and nothing could stand in his way. However, the words he wanted to utter were stuck in his throat, not allowing him to demand more. It was because of Karma. The very energy that guided every dimension across all galaxies, including the store Noa owned. "He wants to buy more," he said to the system. [But he can''t. His Karma storage is already full. There is no way he could handle more products of that caliber. That''s how Karma can handle greedy and annoying customers.] "Convenient and annoying at the same time. But I can see why the universe would make such a rule," Noa stated. [Host, I don''t really like calling them rules. Let''s go with unwritten principles. Some might change, some will last for eternity.] "All I need to do is build my dimensional empire across every world and bask in money, right? It doesn''t sound like a bad idea, you know?" Noa walked around Feng Fan. "But you told me that money is the greatest power. Can I bend these principles and shape the universe as I desire?" The system didn''t answer. It just chuckled playfully, agreeing with its own way. Meanwhile, Feng Fan realized that something prohibited him from asking for more fidget spinners. The same thing repeated when he tried to buy more shampoo. "Do you have any other items for sale?" he asked with the little bit of strength he had left. Noa wanted to say yes. He even asked the system if there was any way to add more products, but the response he received was to complete the yet-to-be-seen missions. Just before Karma became even more oppressive, Feng Fan scanned Noa again. Noa was standing with a completely unremarkable stance¡ªfull of openings everyone could exploit, with no visible aura or weight of practiced discipline. He might seem like just another passerby in the crowd. Yet something around him put this cultivator on edge. Was this confidence the man was showing, or was this lack of strength merely concealing something far more alarming beneath? When Feng Fan felt he couldn''t stay any longer, he left the building, promising that he would come back. Noa was left behind¡ªalone, but satisfied with his day. Not only did he open his first establishment, but he also sold two products and received a milestone. ''Let''s see how my status window looks,'' he thought, and planned to finally review his missions. ____ {Host: Noa Stark} {Age: 24} {Capital: $10,800} {Tycoon Points: 5} {Monthly Income: $0 (still pending)} {Dimensional Gate Owned: 1} {Earth Establishments Owned: 0} {Dimensional Establishments Owned: 1} {Employees: 0} {Milestones Achieved: 3} ¡ªMissions¡ª -Sell 15 Heaven Defying Qi Shampoo- Reward: $200; 1 TP -Sell 10 Astral Spinners- Reward: 2 TP; Option to add New Products -Get 5 New Customers- Reward: 3 TP; Unlock more customization -Cause 10 Breakthrough- Reward: 4 TP; Additional mission chain -Hidden Mission- Reward: Hidden ____ Now that Noa owned an establishment, there was no word temporary next to his name. He also had new missions to complete with enough rewards to keep him motivated. "Would I only get this kind of short-term missions? Or are there any long-term missions, such as crushing the world''s market and controlling the entire economy in this world?" [Host, I know you are in a hurry, but there is no need for you to feel this way. Let''s become the Richest Dimensional Tycoon one step at a time.] Hearing how the system tried to scold him, Noa chuckled and nodded. "You are right. Now that I am no longer in danger, I should enjoy myself." [I hate to break it to you, but you can''t leave. The store is bound to you, and if you were to leave the building, it would vanish without you.] "Then I am trapped here?" Noa realized. He couldn''t even visit various places in this Xianxia world. [Look at this situation from another direction. After this shop becomes famous, countless eyes will be set on you. It''s dangerous for you to wander alone... At least until you have employees to look after the store and guards to protect you.] "Hmm..." Noa pondered. He couldn''t cultivate, but it didn''t mean that he couldn''t just cultivate others for his own benefit. "What if I made a sect? I can feed them with various resources and create the strongest cultivators." [Great idea, Host. But you need a Contract Room for that. It''s not too hard to unlock, but you need a reliable shopkeeper first.] "Great!" Noa exclaimed. He was afraid that the system might deny his idea, but getting approval boosted his morale. In the meantime, the next thing he needed to do was wait for customers to come and sell more products. Unfortunately, his luck wasn''t that great. The next person who visited the store was an old woman. She worked in the kitchen in the nearby restaurant. But after seeing the prices, she spat and left immediately. It was true that people easily spotted the store, especially with its strong spiritual presence, but no one wanted to gamble with their money. Chapter 11: Expanding the Shop Chapter 11 - Expanding the ShopFirst time Noa got lucky, but repeating the same feat wasn''t easy. After the woman left, it was the curious merchant''s turn to visit the store. He was tall, draped in longer merchant''s robes than usual, with his face half-hidden behind a jade mask. Something brought him here. Either it was the scent of opportunity he could sense, or the potent energy that filled the store. He spent quite a while looking around. Sometimes he scrutinized Noa, and other times he studied the shelves. Yet, he didn''t even ask about the price. He left the store as if nothing actually interested him. "Why waste time if you aren''t even thinking about buying anything?" Noa said aloud. "What a strange merchant." [There are all kinds of people in this world,] the system said as a matter of fact. Hours passed, and even though people visited the store and checked the items he had for sale, they gave up after hearing the price. Noa had to act, and he had more than one idea in mind. First things first, he wanted to see how the orb worked and approached the desk, studying it up close. {Eye of the Fortune} Description: Does it dictate what will be, or reveal what already is? Features: ??? Rarity: Chaos The moment he neared the orb, it glowed. It was an invitation, requesting his permission to use its divine power. Noa touched the orb and saw a small window pop up before his eyes. ? [Do you want to use Eye of the Fortune?] ? [Cost: 1 TP] ? [Cooldown: Until the future reveals itself] "Sure," Noa said and tapped the screen. Instantly, the orb''s glow intensified, covering his entire view. Then a voice came. It was soft, slow, and echoing, as if ensuring each word would be heard. "The elder shall beg, his pride sold for a single coin. The sect might burn, for a trade too tempting to refuse... All of it will start with a single trade." Noa tapped his foot against the floor. He repeated the words in his mind, trying to gauge their meaning. Thankfully, the prophecy was fairly straightforward. "Something big is going to happen. But when?" Noa''s interest was sparked. Still, there was much he didn''t understand, but the future didn''t seem so tragic. At least not for him. His next plan was to purchase a signboard. The shop offered a variety of options to choose from, and as he scrolled down the screen, he found a couple of good ones. {Musical Banner} Description: A hovering signboard that plays inviting music Features: Music, 7% chance to attract big spenders Customizable: Dye, font, glitter S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rarity: Uncommon Price: 3 TP It was a fine choice, but Noa wanted something more luxurious¡ªpreferably at a lower price. {Blazing Emblem} Description: A radiant plaque that pulses with strong fireflight. Features: Imbues the street with light at night, boosts trust, slightly raises perceived product value Customizable: Fire Color, Temperature, Timer Rarity: Rare Price: 4 TP It was right up his alley, but the 4 Tycoon Points were too much for him to bear right now. Especially when he had only 4 remaining. At least the next option was cheaper. {Golden Crest} Description: Emblem shaped like an ancient coin. Features: Adjusts brightness, boosts first impression Customizable: Font, size Rarity: Common Price: 2 TP Noa didn''t hesitate after seeing this signboard. He bought it immediately and left the building to see how the Crest would look. Unfortunately for him, he couldn''t choose the name for it. But the golden letters "Heavenly Treasures Store" were written elegantly, adding the shop a more luxurious feel. Its surface, crafted from polished jade, seemed to speak of masterful artistry. "Now, everyone who comes in will know that this is an expensive store. Just like the brands back on Earth that sold lavish goods," Noa pondered. He was satisfied with how the shopping ended. With only 2 TP remaining, he decided to save them for products he might need in the future. ''Let''s see if we can get one more customer,'' Noa thought, taking a seat near the counter. It didn''t even take an hour for the signboard to prove itself. This time, young sect disciples visited the store, and to Noa''s surprise, he recognized both of them. They were none other than stunning beauties from the other day. Xue Hanly and her senior sister Qing Xuan looked even more beautiful, their hair visibly livelier. "Good evening," the former said, scanning the store. "Welcome. As you can see, I have promised goods here. Don''t hesitate to check them," Noa answered with his usual polite smile. Qing Xuan lowered her brows. "I wasn''t expecting you to build this building so soon. Congrats on your successful business," she said while keeping Noa in her radar. She was still interested in finding out who this mysterious person was. Especially now that the new store had emerged out of nowhere. But Xue Hanly pushed her to the shelves. "Senior Sister Qing Xuan, look! These shelves are stocked with the same elixirs, and there''s a new product as well," she announced eagerly, her usual aloofness nowhere to be seen. Both of them approached the items. "I am going to buy one bottle. What about you, junior sister?" Qing Xuan asked. "Me too. But I want to see what this new artifact does," Xue Hanly said and took the still-packed fidget spinner. "That''s a toy," Noa explained from behind her. "It''s simple to use. Just spin it around your finger, and it can help calm your nerves." "I see," the girl said. She was slightly disappointed, as the spinner seemed nothing like the miraculous relic she was expecting. "How much does it cost?" she asked, still wanting to buy it. Noa showed her three fingers. "Three spirit coins?" Xue Hanly exclaimed. "It''s a bit expensive." She wanted to ask for a discount, but the Karmic energy pressed her desire down. Left with no other option, she followed Noa to the counter and paid the full amount. Then, much like Feng Fan, she unsealed the package and spun the toy. Chapter 12: Test Subject And new Bedroom Chapter 12 - Test Subject And new BedroomNoa knew what to expect. But the girls were in the dark, their expectations were low, and their alertness even lower. That''s why when the world cracked and six elemental energies emerged, both Xue Hanly and Qing Xuan were too surprised to react. The former took the lotus position, qi flowed into her meridians as if forcing her to cultivate. As for Qing Xuan, she glared at Noa. "What''s happening?" She was alert, her tone harsh and demanding. Noa smiled and said, "She is alright. You don''t have to worry about her¡ªher condition couldn''t be better. Just sit... no, stand still and wait for her." He tried to speak calmly, each word softly uttered. Turned out, it worked and calmed the girl down. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Still, Qing Xuan watched her junior sister closely, afraid that something might happen to her. But the longer Xue Hanly continued cultivating and harnessing the potent spiritual energy, the calmer Qing Xuan''s nerves became. She could sense that the girl before her was undergoing profound changes, as her cultivation base grew stronger with each passing second. So she waited, eagerly but patiently. She was also occasionally checking out Noa, trying to find out more about him. Yet her previous discovery about him remained unchanged. This merchant had to be some mysterious, possibly divine figure who had descended upon this realm. Seeing Xue Hanly in her current state increased her doubts. Meanwhile, the seated beauty opened her eyes. A grin appeared on her face, and a loud cheer escaped her mouth. "Breakthrough! Senior sister Qing, I managed to break through. Now I am at the Foundation Establishment stage. This is incredible!" A fleeting surprise flashed on Qing Xuan''s face. It was quickly replaced by genuine happiness for her friend. "Don''t push yourself. Stay still and rest." She tried to calm Xue Hanly down, her voice filled with emotion. "I feel great... As if I took some kind of miracle potion to stabilize my condition," Xue Hanly answered and stood up, her charming smile persisting. "Really?" Qing Xuan asked in surprise. If just breaking through wasn''t enough, even her body and mind were adapted to the new strength? She was too stunned to speak. "Senior, you should also use it. Mine is already turned into dust," Xue Hanly offered. She was just as eager to see what would happen if Qing Xuan spun the toy. Hearing the advice, the senior sister took another fidget spinner from the shelf. Her steps were calculated but quicker because of the expectations. "I knew you would like them," Noa said, and scanned the item. He was also glancing at the new system panels, showing his mission progress: ? [Sell 15 Heaven Defying Qi Shampoo: 3/15] ? [Sell 10 Astral Spinners: 3/10] ? [Get 5 New Customers: 1/5] ? [Cause 10 Breakthroughs: 2/10] Then Noa nodded at the girl, handing the product to her with a faint smile. "Wish you the best," he murmured. Qing Xuan cradled the spinner in both hands, sensing the faint energy radiating through the package before securing it gently on her finger. Its edges sparkled faintly as it rotated on her finger. It might seem like a simple distraction, but with each new cycle, a tranquil calm washed over her. Her movements halted. Her breathing attained a shallow yet effective pattern, which increased her qi absorption rate. With each passing moment, her spirit and body devoured energy like a starving beast, and gliding between her meridians, it had enough potency to bring her closer to the breakthrough. Six elements moved around her. Each one shifted its form to better aid her progress. Qing Xuan stood this entire time, but her eyes were sealed until she regained her composure and opened her eyes with stronger vigor. Unfortunately, going beyond the Foundation Establishment stage was still too early for her. However, she advanced from mid-stage to late-stage, leaving a couple of layers behind. "I did it," she exclaimed, her hands shaking with excitement. "And I am so close as well." She knew her condition better than anyone, and she could tell that one more session like the previous one would be more than enough to achieve a breakthrough. But as always, Karma controlled her desire. It extinguished the greedy nature before it had even begun to shine. So she swallowed her words and looked at Xue Hanly, her eyes speaking a thousand words. They didn''t speak, but their eyes met, like checking if the other felt it too. It was nothing but a quick confirmation. And even though there was still a lot they wanted to do here, they stepped out together. The new shampoo bottle gave them enough assurance, allowing them to leave on a pleasant note. As for Noa, he watched their distant figures with a smile on his face. There was no doubt about it¡ªthese two girls had become his loyal customers. ''If they share their experiences within the sect, it''s even better for me,'' Noa realized. But there was also something he thought about. ''I should offer someone to use Eye of the Future. I wonder what results they would get.'' Noa also wanted to know if he could put a price tag on the orb and turn it into a profit. But he had to wait for his guinea pigs to test it. The night approached, and it was time for him to visit his new bed. Locking the entrance, Noa located the room and stepped inside. He had seen it before when browsing through rooms with the system interface. But now he had the chance to see it in person, and expectations filled his heart. Thankfully, there wasn''t much to be disappointed about in the first place. It was a small and simple room. A low bed with a silk sheet sat in one corner, and an ugly meditation cushion lay nearby. The entire room smelled of wood, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere for him to rest. The moment Noa''s body touched the bed, he fell asleep. It felt like he woke up only seconds later when the sunlight tickled his eyes. His eyes immediately opened up, his heart pounding in urgency to greet another working day. Fortunately for him, there was someone already waiting in front of the door. "My first test subject?" Noa exclaimed and opened the store. Chapter 13: Prophecy and New Floor Chapter 13 - Prophecy and New FloorGetting new customers wasn''t easy. The familiar young boy proved this point as he stood in front of the locked door. It was Chan Hao, the bald disciple from the Blooming Iron Sect, his gleaming head catching the morning light. "Come on in," Noa said, leading him inside. "You got your own place?!" Surprised by his quickness, Chan Hao exclaimed in astonishment. "I can feel rich qi here, and everything looks so lavish and expensive." Noa nodded. ''His senses are better than the other customers,'' he realized. Everyone could tell that his store was filled with strong spiritual pressure, but there was something about Chan Hao that distinguished him from others. Then, Noa showed the way to the shelves and presented his products. The same shampoo and a fidget spinner occupied the room. As the boy was studying them, Noa had a plan. He knew Chan Hao could no longer afford the items he had for sale. "Three True Spirit Coins?" Sure enough, after seeing the price, Chan Hao''s mouth hung open. He sighed, pulled his worn coin pouch from his belt, and counted the few coins inside. One coin was already a struggle for him¡ªlet alone three. Noa patted his shoulder. Hiding any reaction as the boy lowered his head empty-handed, Noa invited him towards the counter. Not for Chan Hao to pay, but for him to do something different. There, waiting on a short desk, sat the Eye of the Future. Its smooth shape and faint glow attracted the young cultivator''s attention. "What''s that?" he asked, nearing the table. Noa smirked before answering. "This is the most dangerous and prized possession of mine." Karma didn''t allow him to lie or advertise his products, but he found a way around it. "You just need to touch it and we will know your future." "Do I have to pay for it?" Chan Hao asked eagerly. Anticipation filled his heart as he awaited the offer Noa had made to him. Shaking his head, Noa took Chan Hao''s hand and steered it to touch the orb. "It''s on the house," he said and smirked again. [Customer Chan Hao wants to use Eye of the Future] [It costs 1 TP] S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Noa''s view was covered with system notifications. They noted that he had to pay the price. But curiosity won over his sanity, and he gladly spent one Tycoon Point. "Yes, please," he muttered inwardly. "Tycoon has to be bold and make courageous deals." Following his philosophy, Noa expected the change to occur. Suddenly, instead of the voice, the rows of text appeared within the orb, declaring the future. Noa was the only one who could see them. "The moment when the jade moon sleeps, the boy with nothing but a heart full of dreams shall break the rules he once wanted to keep." Telling the boy what to expect out of his life, Noa recited the text. He was also confused. ''Why does it sound and look so different from mine?'' Still, it was great to test how this chaos-grade artifact worked. Now he had to wait and see how the situation would unfold. Meanwhile, Chan Hao''s ears prickled with interest. What does breaking the rules mean? He was contemplating a lot about these words. The only rules he was committed to following were those of the sect. But why would he go against them? Was it a false statement? Or was this stranger lying to him? Chan Hao may have been a gullible youngster, but he wasn''t stupid. His bald head proved his wisdom and years of experience. But looking at Noa''s face and observing the store before him told him otherwise. The mysterious entity had no reason to fool him. He was just a broke man with hopeless love. "I''m not sure what this prophecy means, but I trust you," Chan Hao said and bowed. "Thanks for letting me use it for free. I''m going to remember and repay this favor." Noa smiled upon seeing his genuine reaction. "I don''t mind it. As my first customer, you deserve more than that." Chan Hao seemed satisfied. Though he was forced to have something to think about, he was grateful and satisfied with his visit. "I should go," he said. "But I will be back when I have enough money saved up." Hearing his declaration, Noa snorted. "I can''t wait," he said, waving at the disappearing boy. After Chan Hao left, he was left all alone. The store wasn''t big, but the loneliness didn''t care about the distance. ''I need employees,'' he decided to speed things up, even though it was beyond his control. ''And I should start cultivating my army as soon as possible.'' ? [The hidden mission is revealed] ? [Reveal the future: 2/2] ? [Reward: Unlocking a second floor] The system messages came out of nowhere. Turns out, Noa had completed the hidden quest and got an amazing reward without him knowing anything about it. ''Having a guinea pig helped,'' he thought. Then he opened the system interface and searched through the store. {Nameless Store} {Employees: 0} {Items Currently on Sale: Shampoo; Fidget Spinner} {Floors: 1} {Rooms You Currently Own: 3} {Click to customize and reconstruct them according to your vision.} There was nothing new that Noa could change or add, but opening the market, he found the option to add an entire floor. {Small Chamber} Description: A quiet space with calming energy Features: Cultivation amplifier, good scent, boosts mental energy, meridians are more likely to expand Customizable: Art pieces Rarity: Rare Price: 30 TP It was only a rare room, and even though its features were excellent, it was way over Noa''s current budget. {Small Workshop} Description: A quiet space with calming energy Features: Plant and harvest minor herbs Customizable: Soil Rarity: Epic Price: 45 TP Reading these descriptions, countless ideas struck Noa''s head. His short-term goal was to complete the missions to open new mission chains. He also wanted to find the first employee and make his life easier. But now he added one more wish to his list, and it was to build a skyscraper in this cultivation world. ''I am going to own the tallest building on this planet,'' he thought. Just as he was scrolling through the options, the door opened and a new customer walked in. Chapter 14: Cultivator Chapter 14 - CultivatorThe shabby-looking man strolled past the counter and went straight to the shelves. Each step was swift, devoid of the calculated nature Noa got used to seeing in this world. The man was familiar. It took Noa more than a glance to recognize him. That''s how much different the man looked. "You are here to buy a spinner, right?" he asked. Feng Fan, a stray cultivator who looked nothing like his former self, nodded eagerly. "Yes..." he trailed his words. "I would take one bottle as well." ''Now that I look at him, his hair does look in better condition,'' Noa realized. But completely emptying an entire bottle in a single day was weird and unnecessary. Feng Fan''s clothes were dirty and torn, and a rotten smell followed his every step. But his black hair was unusually clean, as if he had just washed it. "This soap helped me cultivate. I couldn''t break through, but my progress is heaven-defining. I doubt even one-in-a-century genius can keep up with me. But it''s all thanks to the elixir you sold me," Feng Fan explained, taking a bottle and a packed fidget spinner. Though Noa couldn''t tell, even his aura had changed. It felt like he was a completely new person. The progress Feng Fan made increased his confidence. So he had one or two battles where he tested his improved strength. "I have enemies to beat." Suddenly, he felt compelled to share his life story. He needed a listener and, somehow, found one in Noa. "My two sisters and parents were murdered by the Morning Dawn cult. They are demonic practitioners, and they are collecting life force for their evil schemes." Each word Feng Fan said established the weight of the hate and sadness he was facing. He gritted his teeth, his lips on the verge of tearing. "I wanted to get revenge and stop their plans. But no one took me as their disciple because I was just a rogue, talentless man wandering through the world, as it abandoned me completely." His emotions were strong. So strong, in fact, that even Noa could feel them. But under the sentences Feng Fan uttered, there was a slight tremble. His hands shook from the anger, almost snapping the toy in half. "I was left with five True Spirit Coins from my father, and the other two I made on the side. I was on the verge of giving up when I stumbled upon your shop. As someone who had no hope left in me, you gave me a chance to get on my feet." The long monologue ended with Feng Fan bowing deeply, his back bent to its absolute limit. The man expressed his gratitude. As for Noa, his eyes narrowed before he even realized it. What reason could this humble yet roguish cultivator have for expressing his deepest feelings? Was he trying to create a sad story and make Noa sympathetic towards him? But Karma wouldn''t allow it, and his every word was genuine. It didn''t look like he was trying to gain something by dumping his lore, and Noa could tell that much. "I am not going anywhere. This shop would remain here and would even expand slowly and surely. Don''t think too much about it and drop by whenever you want." Leaning towards Feng Fan, Noa kept his tone slow and steady. Hearing these simple words comforted him, and knowing that there was still hope for him to improve and get revenge, Feng Fan smiled. Then he swiftly approached the counter and allowed Noa to scan the items. He waited patiently and sighed after getting the spinner back. With a flick of his thumb, the toy began to spin. The motion was even and made no sounds at all. As a result, the air shifted. It was just a subtle change, but it started something far more intense. Each spin of the spinner loosened Feng Fan''s spirit. Comforted by the toy''s calming influence, his worries began to vanish. The tight pain in his heart, the anger he was holding, and the fear of the unknown world left his mind. Every breath he drew was an epitome of the energy he gained. Every rotation of the spinner deepened his focus, and every moment blurred connections between his thoughts. The world gave Feng Fan power, and he was finally ready to accept it. After what felt like decades to him, clarity returned to his eyes. The artifact that had aligned the universe around him crumbled into dust. Yet, it had fulfilled its purpose, bridging the gap Feng Fan faced. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This is incredible," he said, his voice louder than usual. Meanwhile, Noa could only think about one particular idea that formed in his head. ''He is a perfect candidate. The first cultivator for my sect. The first man I will lead,'' Noa thought. Feng Fan was strong. His character was equally fascinating, and having a goal he would strive for was something Noa could exploit. Not in a bad way. He would just use this opportunity and poach the man. "You have been training in hiding," Noa stated, locking his eyes with Feng Fan. "But hiding won''t sharpen you forever." "Wh-what are you trying to say?" the cultivator said and stood up. He was still eccentric because of the immense energy his meridians had just absorbed. "You need revenge, and I need people. What about the sect that will help you achieve your goals? You want power, and I see sharpness in your eyes," Noa said, his voice was confident. He already had a mysterious aura around him. "You want to take me under your wings?" Feng Fan asked. Considering the offer, there was a mix of emotions dancing on his face. Noa knew he had taken the straw, and there was no need for him to push further. All he had to do was extend a hand, and the rogue cultivator would take it. "You aren''t a hopeless stray. You are just a blade with no sheath, and you need someone who has them in stock," Noa said, offering a handshake. Chapter 15: Key Piece Chapter 15 - Key PieceHearing the deal Noa had made, Feng Fan smiled and looked around the store. "But I see no sheath here," he joked, expecting a reaction out of this unknown entity. Feng Fan''s eyes carefully studied Noa. He guessed that the man before him wasn''t an ordinary mortal. Not a mighty elder in hiding. Nor an immortal from different realms. Something even more divine. Someone he shouldn''t be joking around with. Feng Fan remembered the demonic cultivators¡ªor the evil beings who claimed the name. They raged and demanded obedience. But this one? He made deals. And for the first time in his life, Feng Fan couldn''t tell if he was simply poached¡ªor if he was already owned. Then he locked his eyes with Noa. It was an accident. But the cultivator knew that the man felt both wrong and correct, both reliable and deceitful, and something in his gut twisted. He wanted to apologize and agree with the offer this instant. Yet finding the words was harder than he thought. Especially when his eyes were still locked on Noa. With each passing second, Feng Fan watched Noa and sensed no qi, his mind descending into greater chaos. That wasn''t a human. Maybe a god in disguise or something far more dangerous. "Not yet. But I will add them in the future, along with blades and every other product I can come up with." Meanwhile, Noa answered softly, maintaining his nonchalant persona, as if the divine suspicion mattered no more than a passing breath. Taking a deep breath, Feng Fan didn''t waste time and took Noa''s hand. The warmth of the skin felt like a human, but after building ideas in his mind, the touch amplified his emotions. Though he no longer showed them. "Happy to work with you," he announced. As for Noa, he trailed his sight and stopped it on the system notifications. ? [Milestone Achieved] ? [You stole a key piece from another path and rewrote the fragment of the world''s story] ? [You gain a tiny, passive charisma boost when dealing with taboo beings] [Host, great job! You''re doing fantastic¡ªkeep up the amazing work!] ''That''s what I like to hear,'' Noa thought. ''But did my luck work with this negotiation?'' [Of course, it was a negotiation,] the system added. Then Noa considered his next steps for a moment. Now that he had his first recruit, whose path he had altered and controlled, Noa had to figure out what to do with him. "My products are free for you. Including the ones I currently sell or would add shortly. Everything that would help your cultivation and the revenge would be provided by me," he announced, and sounded less like an authority but more like a guy next door. But Feng Fan knew not to be fooled by the kind words. "And what do you expect from me in return?" he asked, his head lowered. Noa smiled and spoke casually. "Nothing... Not yet, at least¡ªuntil you have some worth to me." Hearing this, Feng Fan wasn''t surprised¡ªit was exactly what he had expected. "But you should already know that you can''t take an item more than once in a single day. Now you can go and do your business. Either train or cultivate, it''s up to you to decide. And you don''t have to wash your head millions of times; it''s a waste of your efforts." Feng Fan nodded, bowed, and left the store, reverence evident in each step. Noa was left with his own thoughts. The emptiness of the store sparked countless possibilities in his mind and hinted at the future this world could offer him. Getting new customers was harder than he believed. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There were no options for his first real employee either. But he wasn''t in a hurry, and considering the floors he wanted to add to his building, he was lost in his imagination. Nevertheless, Noa was having a blast. Everything he had experienced was so novel to him that it hid his anger and sadness away. Scrolling through the rooms he could build, ancient artifacts he could add, and products he could create, Noa spent hours studying the system interface. Until the sound of the door opening brought him back to reality. ''Is that a new client?'' he wished inwardly and glanced towards the man who had just walked inside. His strong presence immediately drew the attention. Clad in long robes embroidered with blooming flowers, he carried an aura of dominance. His blue eyes swept across the room, as if taking everything in sight and searching for something or someone interesting. He couldn''t notice the Eye of the Future, or just simply skimmed through it, thinking it was an ordinary decoration. But the entire store and its impressive spiritual energy didn''t escape his radar. "I am named Elder Jin. Pardon for my intrusion in your humble store," he stated plainly after striding towards Noa. "The whispers of this place reached my ears, and I wished to see it for myself." "So?" Noa asked. "What do you think, Elder Jin? Was it worth your precious time?" The man snorted at his words. Instead of answering, he turned back and wandered through the store, observing every little detail. "It''s hard to tell," he said. The strong qi flowed in and out of his breath. But that was it. Nothing else really excited him, and the energy wasn''t enough for him to think highly of this place. However, the whispers he heard weren''t about the store itself, but the products the mysterious entity was selling. Before Elder Jin looked at the products, he scrutinized Noa from head to toe. There was nothing special about the man he was seeing. He exuded no threat or measured strength, as if Noa was merely an ordinary human. Watching the empty vessel, devoid of any spiritual energy, led Elder Jin to underestimate Noa. He was quick to make a judgment based on first impression. Then he shifted his attention back to the bottle and the packaged toy on the shelves. He grabbed both of them and paid for them in a rush, ignoring the steep price. Without wasting a single second, he unpacked the fidget spinner and followed Noa''s instructions. The toy whirled on his finger. But nothing happened. Chapter 16: Viewpoints Chapter 16 - ViewpointsBoth Noa and Elder Jin watched the scene in surprise. The former expected the usual chaos mixed with the stillness of the world. The latter didn''t know what he should have waited for, but seeing that nothing happened only deepened his disappointment. "Is that it?" Elder Jin asked. The spinner did nothing except spin on his finger, producing a silent whooshing sound. Neither elemental vortexes appeared behind him, nor did his head and spirit gain clarity. "I shouldn''t have thought so highly of this place. Perhaps my age is catching up to me, causing me to believe such rumors," the man added, his voice hoarse. Meanwhile, Noa smirked to himself. ''That was... a nice reality check for me.'' [You probably guessed it right, but I would like to explain anyway,] the system announced eagerly. [Because this Elder Jin had ill intentions, Karma didn''t allow him to experience what your products had to offer. Such an impressive structure, don''t you agree?] Noa nodded slightly. "Yep. Now I won''t have to deal with annoying pests as much. Thanks for clearing it up for me." The system was completely caught off guard by his unforeseen politeness, but before the mechanical voice could answer him, Elder Jin spoke again. "What a waste of time..." He seemed inclined to say more, to act even pricklier and pounce on Noa for his shady business. He also wanted to forbid Noa from scamming his disciples, but every word stuck in his throat. Something powerful, something far beyond his status as an established Elder of the Blooming Iron Sect, weakened him. It influenced his mind, shaped his thoughts, and guided his decisions before he even realized it. So he left the store. Without a word, he vanished from Noa''s view. ''Finally, time for me to eat something,'' Noa thought. Just because he couldn''t leave the store, it didn''t mean that the system would starve him to death. But it didn''t mean he was dining on five-star Michelin meals either. All the system provided was stir-fried rice with a fuck ton of vegetables. "Can you give me something else?" he asked the system, craving the taste of juicy meat. "I would kill for a steak." [Add more floors to your establishment¡ªfor example, a kitchen. Then you can hire a good cook and have everything you desire,] the system replied, its tone harsh. "And that costs Tycoon Points I don''t have. The prices are so high, I doubt I could collect them anytime soon," Noa answered. [That''s for you to deal with. No one said it would be an easy ride. As for Tycoon Points, complete the current mission chain and you will unlock more means to farm them.] "Hmm..." Noa tapped his finger onto the counter. Then he took the chopsticks and devoured an entire plate in seconds. The soft texture of the rice and crunchiness of the veggies weren''t that bad. He could survive for weeks eating them. But the memories of him munching on meat were too precious to let go. After getting his belly full, Noa wanted to put his head down and sleep like a baby. Emptying his stomach in a new bathroom was a must, and only then could he rest. Though the bed was tough to lie on, his back and neck ached from the discomfort. ''I am going to buy the most luxurious and fluffy bed in existence,'' Noa decided. The next day was no different from the others. He received two familiar clients, who only bought spinners. Of course, they were Xue Hanly and Qing Xuan, their hair brighter than ever. The spinners they bought were used on the spot, and only the latter managed to break through. Neither of them seemed surprised. Qing Xuan had been close for days now, and the last push was all she needed. As for the previously aloof beauty, Xue Hanly seemed content with minor strength increases as well. However, the minor progress was not as negligible as it seemed. If it wasn''t for Noa''s goodies, even the best talents from the sect would need months to achieve the same results. "Have you guys talked about this store?" Suddenly, Noa asked them in a friendly tone. He wanted to find out why the elder of their sect would visit him. "Only to our close friends, but not all of them believe us," Qing Xuan explained. Her manners were polite, and her eyes didn''t seem to lie. "Of course they didn''t believe us," Xue Hanly added. "Everything here is so miraculous that even I have a hard time. But we can try even harder if you want. This store definitely deserves more attention." The shift in her personality was still surprising. "No need," Noa answered shortly. His words caused the girls to narrow their eyes. It came as a surprise. Why would anyone deny free advertisement? Both of them had their individual viewpoints about Noa. However, they could agree that this mysterious store owner seemed like an immortal who had some unknown goals. No matter what they were, Qing Xuan and Xue Hanly guessed that Noa might not even be interested in money. "We will keep our mouths shut," Qing Xuan promised. In her opinion, if Noa wanted to attract more customers, he should be able to do it so easily. So, after bidding a polite farewell to him, they left the store. ? [Sell 15 Heaven Defying Qi Shampoo: 5/15] ? [Sell 10 Astral Spinners: 7/10] ? [Get 5 New Customers: 2/5] ? [Cause 10 Breakthroughs: 4/10] Noa was getting closer to completing his missions. Especially after selling Astral Spinners, as they were one-time-use items, and the girls and Feng Fan always bought them. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Speaking of Feng Fan, Noa received an additional notification for him. It notified him about the cultivator''s advancement, meaning the shampoo he bought last time and the dedication he put into his practice proved his efforts. Now, Noa''s only concern was to finish these missions as soon as possible and start a new adventure. Thankfully, his store was livelier than usual, its door greeting another familiar customer. Chapter 17: True Tycoon Chapter 17 - True TycoonThe regular customer who visited the store was none other than Noa''s first and newest recruit. Feng Fan stepped inside with reverence. Each time he locked eyes with his master, his resolve and respect deepened. As for Noa, he was talking to the system about something important when the cultivator walked in. "What more use do I have for spirit stones, except exchanging them into dollars?" he asked. [You can''t really spend them right now because you are stuck here. As for future usage, you would have to pay your employees, fund your next business ideas, feed and strengthen your sect...] [Everything you can''t buy in my store is purchasable with Spirit Coins. The same thing refers to every other dimension you visit. But that''s still far future for you.] The system was kind enough to explain even when Feng Fan stood in front of Noa, waiting for him to recognize his presence. "Good job on your advancement," Noa said and flashed a faint smile. Feng Fan nodded. "I am here to report my duties and start my official training," he said. ''What duties? I don''t remember assigning him any,'' Noa thought, but didn''t let his face show. Seeing that his master didn''t oppose him, Feng Fan smiled and opened his mouth. "It''s still hard for me to locate demonic cultivators, but I might have some leads." As he spoke with conviction, Noa noticed some subtle and noticeable changes in him. Feng Fan seemed cleaner than usual. Even his clothes and overall appearance seemed in better shape as he no longer smelled like hot garbage. But there was more... Noa''s first impression of him was that he was a stray cultivator with no goal or drive for the future. It was as though he had completely given up on his life. But the subtle changes in his body language, the softness of his voice, and the confidence he exuded proved that he had turned over a new leaf. Nevertheless, Noa still listened to his yet another monologue. "After ascending to the Spirit Severing stage, my strength increased a hundredfold. Now I can hold my own against opponents I once had to hide from. Thanks to that, I managed to capture and torture assassins with ties to them. Most remained silent, but as my methods improved, some eventually broke and spoke." Feng Fan''s face still showed his anger, his desire to punish those who wronged him. His brows and fists clenched tightly, but his mouth didn''t stop. "It''s still far for me to locate them, but at least I know where to look." He seemed genuinely happy, as if he had found a long-awaited Christmas present. After explaining his situation, he wanted to take another spinner and start cultivating. However, Noa waved his hands and halted his movements. "I like your dedication," he said, speaking slowly and loudly. "But you are working alone. I took you under my wings, and I promised to aid you..." Then he took a deliberate pause. Locking eyes with Feng Fan, who no longer avoided his gaze, Noa grinned and added. "You should start the sect I told you about. I am new in this world, and my capital might be low, but it should be enough for you to hire people. They could speed up your work, and you would have more time to focus on your strengths. What''s the point of finding your enemies if you aren''t strong enough to get revenge, right?" Feng Fan didn''t argue. He had no reason to. Everything Noa said to him made sense, especially when it sounded for his own benefit. Meanwhile, the mischievous grin didn''t disappear from Noa''s face. A new plan surfaced in his mind. ''Attracting new force to work under me is such a hassle. Let''s not waste time and resources and think like a tycoon.'' It didn''t even take a minute for him to formulate a plan. Though the biggest challenge was to work around the limitations that the system and Karma had set up. ''It''s doable. I am going to buy the Blooming Iron sect and every other clan in this city. But first, I have to weaken them to swallow them at a good price.'' The Eye of the Future told him about his fate. It was close to the future he had envisioned. Only after deciding what to do did Noa allow Feng Fan to open the spinner. Its effect didn''t get old, but efficiency would diminish soon enough. Noa had to add new products, and he had to be quick. "I need a shopkeeper to unlock the contract room, right?" he asked the system. [Yes. It would allow you to formally add Feng Fan to your "team". You would be able to access his status window and gain more control over him or any other employees.] "Hmm," Noa considered his plans and observed the man with interest. He had to sell two more spinners to complete the mission, as giving them away for free to Feng Fan also counted towards his progress. But the mission had to wait. Before the cultivator left the store, Noa asked him for a moment of his time. Though he still had TP to spare and use the Eye of the Future, the orb didn''t work. The system didn''t explain, but Noa had two guesses. Either because Feng Fan was no longer his customer, and he didn''t even count as his employee. Or perhaps, the orb was on some kind of other cooldown Noa wasn''t aware of. "We can try another time," Noa said, hiding his dejection. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then he handed the man 15 True Spirit Coins. "You know what to do. Don''t disappoint me." He didn''t sound harsh or demanding, but the man felt the chill run down his spine. So he bowed low and left the store, ready to embrace another journey. For a moment, uncertainty crept behind him. But hardened resolve followed his every step. As for Noa, he was prepared to stir up trouble and buy out his opponents like a true tycoon. Chapter 18: The first step of the plan Chapter 18 - The first step of the plan"Karma!" Noa muttered softly. He kept thinking about how to abuse his power and his advantages over the cultivators. No matter how much he thought, the word Karma always resurfaced in his mind. As if the principles of the universe weren''t here to limit his sales but to help him scheme something that would transform all of Hollow Jade City. "It won''t be easy," he mumbled this time. But there was conviction hidden in his voice. "Yet, I know I can do this." [That''s good to hear. It''s about time you stopped being just a shopowner and became something more. A Tycoon shouldn''t buy when he needs¡ªhe should sweep it for cheap.] Noa was already bored hearing the system''s philosophy countless times before. But he also recognized that his soulless partner always had a point. So, instead of wasting time on mindless thinking, he embraced the plan that had already been shaped in his head and waited for the right moment. Thankfully, it was about time for his first chess piece to show up. Chen Hao arrived at the store, bringing in his disciplined posture, robes neat, and eyes filled with silent determination. "Good evening," he greeted politely and approached Noa before browsing through the products. "Thank you again for the other day. It''s rare to see such sincerity in this cruel world. I will repay this favor... I promise!" He sounded more serious than ever. Either the prophecy had affected him, or something had happened within the sect. ''I will gladly use that,'' Noa thought. Then he blinked a couple of times before answering. "Worry not. It was nothing. But I have another offer if you want," he tried to sound persuasive. And it worked. Chen Hao''s sparkling eyes were proof of that. The boy said nothing and did nothing; he simply listened to Noa with interest. "What if I took you as my disciple? Keep in mind, I won''t go easy on you. The training will be harsh and demanding; weakness won''t be tolerated, and laziness will be punished. What do you think, are you up for it?" "This..." Chen Hao''s heart pounded in excitement. But there was a small problem. "I am part of the Blooming Iron Sect. I have a master and fellow disciples. I can''t just lea¡ª" Noa raised his hand and cut him off. "I am not asking you to abandon everything. It''s just I would like to have a student in this world I am trying to grow familiar with." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hearing the offer from another direction, Chen Hao closed his mouth. He no longer opposed it. Not that he could dare do it twice. However, even he was surprised by his boldness as he asked another question. "Why me? You could have asked talented or already established cultivators. Why would you choose someone like me?" Noa raised an eyebrow. A hint of amusement danced on his face. He leaned back onto his chair, clearly aware but unconvinced by Chen Hao''s words. Then he sighed and stood up from his seat. His next action, which was a soft pat on the boy''s shoulder, was meant to calm the boy down. "There is no such thing as talent in front of me," Noa said casually. It was up to Chen Hao to interpret it however he wanted. Noa laid the foundation, and it was the young cultivator''s turn to show more boldness. Thankfully, Chen Hao realized how great and rare an opportunity he had gotten. Though he lacked the passion and drive to achieve greatness, he wasn''t so dumb as to refuse this chance. He got lucky, and he didn''t want to waste that. Somehow, even immortality didn''t sound like a foreign dream. "What do you want me to do?" he asked. "Should I start right now?" Seeing his eagerness and eyes that sparked with childlike wonder, Noa chuckled. It was casual laughter. But for Chen Hao, it echoed like a god''s divine amusement, as if he were mocking the mortal ignorance. Still, Noa spoke in a friendly tone, further lowering his guard. "It might be a training for you, but I want you to think of it as a path you need to follow." Though Noa wanted an employee, he didn''t really like Chen Hao as an option. But the boy still had some uses, and he would gladly exploit them to the limits. "But for us to work and for you to get stronger, we need one simple ingredient you are lacking," Noa said, not looking at the boy. "Is that my hair?" Chen Hao said in full seriousness. "Do you have something that can grow them back?" Noa paused and laughed again. This time it sounded like a tide, ancient and eternal. Instead of a straight-up answer, he then explained in his own way. "It''s about your reputation. You need to grow it for the sake of your future. And I can help you with that." "What do you mean?" Chen Hao asked, trying to guess what Noa was trying to teach him. But reading the god''s mind was harder than catching the fleeting stars. "When your cultivation improves overnight, people are going to ask questions. It''s up to you what to say, but I will give you a hint," Noa said indifferently. "Sometimes letting others know you have found something mythical does wonders for your reputation." It was all he wanted to say. Chen Hao wasn''t a dumb youngster. He got the meanings behind the words Noa had said and nodded for every one of them. "Thanks for your advice," he said and bowed. Noa took the shampoo and two fidget spinner from the shelf and offered them to the boy. "Take them. Use the toy right here and right now. As for the elixirs, you should still remember what they do." The boy didn''t try to argue. He was obedient and immediately unpacked the fidget spinner. Asking no questions, he spun it in his fingers. Meanwhile, Noa greeted the system notifications that announced his mission completion. Chapter 19: Breakthrough and New products Chapter 19 - Breakthrough and New products? [Mission: Sell 10 Astral Spinners: 10/10] ? [Reward: 2 TP; Option to add New Products] Noa was smiling. Not only did he receive two Tycoon Points, but he also unlocked the most important function in his system store. Now he could buy products to add to his store. It would increase his income, attract more customers, and fund his schemes. ''I might find more ways to farm TP,'' he thought eagerly. But before browsing through the options, Noa glanced at his first disciple. With his arms crossed, he waited patiently. At first glance, Chen Hao seemed to struggle with the toy, as balancing it on his finger proved more difficult than he had expected. Yet, with each rotation, the boy found its rhythm. As a result, the air grew hot, and colors of different shades materialized around him as though the spinner was weaving something profound into his core. Watching his calm focus, Noa relaxed his posture. "You are cultivating," he said calmly. "Don''t grip it so tightly, you are choking the thing." Chen Hao''s eyes were closed. For a moment, it didn''t seem like he heard Noa, but after a while, his frame visibly softened. ''What more should I say to him? I know nothing about cultivation,'' Noa considered inwardly, searching for words. [Host, you can just bullshit your way through. Tycoons are supposed to be good at that and don''t act like you haven''t been doing it this entire time. And don''t worry about Karma. As long as you aren''t directly benefiting, you can just say whatever you want,] the system advised. ''I see,'' Noa pondered. ''What a perfect world we live in!'' Telling lies and advertising his products was prohibited because he would get money out of it. But taking a pupil when his meridians were blocked was allowed. He could also gift two spinners at a time. One now and one for the later use. "It''s not a simple toy," he stated. "It''s a tool to help you harmonize your connection with this universe. You aren''t just spinning it, you draw upon the divine flow of qi. Let it flow inside you. Stay calm, and feel it." Each word he uttered deepened Noa''s smile. Turns out, he enjoyed acting like a hotshit. "Too much force disrupts the flow. Let me guide you," he said, and sat behind the boy. Then Noa placed his hands on Chen Hao''s back and murmured firmly, "Kill every thought in your mind. Focus on my voice and my touch. Let go of everything else and allow the qi to do its work." The boy relaxed even more. As for Noa, he got too much into it. "Cultivation isn''t about dominating power within or around you. It''s about becoming part of it. This spinner is just a simple guide to show you that even the tiniest action can ripple through the world." It felt good. It was like he found his calling. But knowing his limit was also part of becoming the Dimensional Tycoon. So he stopped talking and let the boy do his work. Suddenly, Chen Hao''s eyes opened. Nothing extraordinary or unimaginable happened. The air stood still, the sounds remained silent, and the universe listened. However, instead of doing or saying something, he watched his hands. To be more precise, Chen Hao studied his fingertips, feeling the unexplainable differences they had to go through. His sensations were augmented. Sitting cross-legged, Chen Hao felt infinite¡ªconnected with something far beyond humanity. It was his first breakthrough, his first time feeling this way. When the clearness returned, the weight of each breath was gone from his chest. Now he truly understood why cultivators strived for more strength. He finally sympathized with them and knew the worries they had. The very thought of never experiencing this high terrified him and altered his brain chemistry. Then he glanced at the person behind him. A being who was responsible for this divine experience, and a master he vowed in his heart to follow until the end of time. Noa saw everything and understood everything. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His plan worked even better than he anticipated, and the burning passion he felt in Chen Hao''s eyes was more than enough to satisfy his desire. "Thank you, Master..." the boy bowed low, almost touching the ground. He didn''t even know the name of his savior, someone who opened his eyes and ended his blindness. But was he worthy of knowing and uttering his name? Chen Hao waited, hoping that his master would recognize his attempt to revere him. "My name," Noa began. He wasn''t done with his bullshitting. Not yet. "Is simply Noa." He paused, meeting the boy''s gaze with an unreadable expression. "Think of me as a weaver of fate, the hidden hand that drives the universe. To some, I am a master. For others..." Noa stopped. His echoing words lingered in the store. He didn''t say more, leaving some things unsaid to create a more mysterious persona. "Thank you, Master Noa!" Chen Hao shouted, his head still hanging low. "It''s nothing... Don''t forget to work hard and increase your reputation. You may go now and do your business," Noa said, and showed the boy a way out. For some, it might look like a rude remark, but coming from Noa, Chen Hao only took it as a blessing. The boy nodded solemnly and stepped out of the store. He bowed even outside the building and left the street with his heart still pounding. Left alone, Noa looked nothing like a master or a divine being he was pretending to be. Not only was he pleased with how the situation unfolded, but he was also excited about his next shopping spree. Opening the system interface, he dived deep. Searching for products to sell was fun, but hard at the same time. It was an important choice, especially with additional items. Wet Wipes Energy Drinks Scented Candles Slippers Protein Shakes (New!) Resistance Bands (New!) Rubik''s Cubes (New!) "Wow!" Noa exclaimed upon seeing the new goodies. He wanted to buy all of them, but his lack of TP held him back. Still, before making a choice, he needed to read their descriptions and maximize his profits. The first one was Protein Shakes. ''I would love to drink them as well,'' Noa thought and opened its description eagerly. Chapter 20: Product Testing Chapter 20 - Product TestingThe rows of text hovered in front of Noa. {Astral Bulk Formula} Description: Blended with dense nutrients and heavenly treasures, it increases muscle density and stabilizes qi flow. Comes in banana and cocoa flavors. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Features: Rapid stamina regeneration; enhances qi capacity Rarity: Uncommon Price: 2 TP (One year''s worth of supply) ''It''s good. Sounds like a tasty addition to my diet. And I can easily market them and see their effect immediately,'' Noa considered. He liked this option for two different reasons. But before making a decision, he wanted to examine other products as well. With that in mind, Noa picked the Resistance Bands. {Voidpull Bands} Description: Modeled after a Void creature''s muscle tension. Features: Temporarily boosts explosive powers; refines body control and boosts agility. Rarity: Rare Price: 2 TP (Six months'' worth of supply) It wasn''t a bad product, but it lacked the spark Noa felt with protein shakes. It was more aimed at gym rats who wanted to flex their muscles. Not that he had any problem with that, but Noa wanted to add something unique to this world. The next item might have been the thing he was looking for. {Dragonsoul Cube} Description: An ancient puzzle designed to sharpen the mind Features: Enhances mental and soul resilience; helps soul cultivation and control precision; auto-adjusts the difficulty based on the user. Rarity: Epic Price: 3 TP (Three months'' worth of supply) Now this was what Noa was looking for. It was flashy, had unique features, and stood apart from everything else in this world. Still, he wasn''t hasty in selecting any of them. Noa spent a good two minutes visualizing each item based on the description and considering how they would affect his plans. But no matter how much he thought, the answer didn''t change. ____ {Host: Noa Stark} {Age: 24} {Capital: $10,800} {Tycoon Points: 5} {Monthly Income: $0 (still pending)} {Dimensional Gate Owned: 1} {Earth Establishments Owned: 0} {Dimensional Establishments Owned: 1} {Employees: 0} {Milestones Achieved: 4} ¡ªMissions¡ª -Sell 15 Heaven Defying Qi Shampoo- Reward: $200; 1 TP -Get 5 New Customers- Reward: 3 TP; Unlock more customization -Cause 10 Breakthroughs- Reward: 4 TP; Additional mission chain ____ Not much was changed from his status window. Even the Tycoon Points rested at the same amount. After Noa spent 2 TP on the Eyes of the Future, he gained two more back, bringing his total to five. As for the missions, they appeared to be in good condition. And based on Noa''s prediction, one or two days would be more than enough to complete them. Then, without a hint of hesitation, Noa tapped the screen before him. It lit up, shifted colors, and emitted a cheerful "Ding!" sound. Seeing how the system behaved and added two new products to his available list deepened his smile. {Nameless Store} {Employees: 0} {Items Currently on Sale: Shampoo; Fidget Spinner; Protein Shakes (New!) Rubik''s Cubes (New!)} {Floors: 1} {Rooms You Currently Own: 3} {Click to customize and reconstruct them according to your vision.} Noa made a sound decision. He selected both of the options he liked and didn''t regret it one bit. Though he was left with zero TP, and he had to collect more to add another floor, filling the empty shelves was his current number one priority. The philosophy about Tycoon''s boldness persisted. After those products were added to his system interface, they also blinked into existence. A stack of Rubik''s Cubes appeared neatly arranged beside the shampoo bottles. Nearby, containers of Protein Shakes materialized with a faint luster. The former had clearly written labels in swirling calligraphy that said, "Delicious Vital Essence." It was a bit tacky, but easily noticeable nevertheless. Noa didn''t waste his time. His hand-eye coordination had never worked this seamlessly when he grabbed the bottle. With a simple twist, he popped the cap open and tilted his head back. He swallowed the smoothie down and finished it in a few gulps. "It''s great!" he exclaimed and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Then he glanced at the empty vial with a thoughtful expression and sighed. "I want another one." Though he wasn''t scoring any direct benefits from it, what more could he do when the shake was this delicious? A few seconds later, the same thing happened. He emptied the bottle and tossed it into the garbage bin next to the counter. "I never knew cocoa and banana tasted so good." The taste was so good that it increased his mental capacity. At least, that was what Noa felt at that moment. "I should use this opportunity and sell them. With this heavenly taste and effect, I am sure they will eat it up." A playful grin danced on his face when the system called him out. [Host, good job! I really like your choices. Especially the courage you just showed. As a Dimensional Tycoon, you should always take risks. I might even reward you if you one day gamble your fortune away.] The last sentence sounded like a joke. A tempting one, but a joke nonetheless. Noa snorted at the system''s robotic voice. Even the familiar ramblings became a big part of his routine. Thankfully, he had a new toy to check. The Rubik''s Cube looked like an ordinary toy Noa had seen countless times before. But after turning it in his hands with mild curiosity, he felt its weight. "It''s heavy," he muttered. It wasn''t the only thing that differed this cube from the others. It also had rough edges, and its colors had slightly paler shades. Noa twisted it in his hand. From one direction to another, trying to align the colors. For a moment, he felt how his concentration increased, as even the world silenced and darkened itself. His fingers moved instinctively, moving the squares with silent precision. However, after a few turns, Noa frowned and put the cube on the counter. There was something even more unexplainable about this puzzle that Noa couldn''t figure out. But he knew how to solve it before. He had spent hours playing with them in his childhood. Yet, no matter how much he struggled, the colors never aligned according to his calculations. Chapter 21: Sister Chapter 21 - Sister''What''s happening?'' Noa thought, amused. The seemingly ordinary toy was the hardest puzzle he had ever tried to solve. At times, colors shifted on their own, while at other times, the lines moved out of his fingers. All Noa could do was give up. ''That''s what I would expect from a heavenly treasure. And it adjusts to the user.'' But he wasn''t saddened because of it. It was just a minor hurdle he could close his eyes to. The cube would work for everyone else in this world, and he knew it. Now, Noa had to wait for new customers and hope they would give his products a chance. Unfortunately for him, nightfall was closer than his luck. "I guess this is the end for today," he muttered, nearing the entrance. Just as Noa was about to lock the door, a hand tapped on the window, asking him to wait before closing. The hand was tiny. It probably belonged to a child, but Noa was perplexed by the fact that someone had seen him through the dark windows, especially since the sun was already down. "Come on in," he said, letting the stranger inside. Not only was he interested in who visited him this late, but the prospect of having a potential customer was too good to miss. After opening the door, instead of a tough-looking cultivator, a cute little girl peeked through the doorway. Her wide, blue eyes sparkled with wonder. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clutching a worn plush bear in her hands, she stepped into the store. She seemed hesitant, even afraid. Her gaze wandered, studying the lined-up shelves and glowing items until it landed on Noa. He stood before her, towering over her tiny frame. Though Noa felt disappointed it wasn''t a customer, he didn''t want to leave a child behind. [Host, I hope she isn''t your type. Karma wouldn''t allo¡ª] The system''s joke was interrupted by a deep cough Noa made. "How can I help you?" he said gently. "Are you lost? Where are your parents?" She shook her head shyly and hugged her bear tighter. "It smells nice," she whispered innocently. Noa chuckled, trying to soften his voice even further. "Good nose. That''s my new item. Do you want to try it?" The girl nodded slowly, still hesitant. But the hunger and warmth of Noa''s voice calmed her nerves. Noa made the first move. She also wandered beside him, watching tall shelves with curious eyes. ''Is she homeless?'' Noa thought after seeing her rough condition. Even her white long dress had seen better days. ''Might as well,'' he muttered to himself and leaned up and grabbed one of the bottles. Then he gave it a light shake and held it towards her. "You can drink as much as you want." "Really?" the girl exclaimed. She seemed surprised by the kindness, as if it was her first time receiving help. Before taking the bottle out of Noa''s hand, she blinked a couple of times. But the hunger was too hard for her to overcome. Swallowing hard, she took the bottle with both of her hands and opened the cap with no hesitation. Noa watched her every action. The girl started with a cautious sip. But when her eyes lit up and lips curled into a smile, Noa knew she loved it. She sipped again¡ªquicker this time, as if she was afraid of it vanishing from her hands. "It''s like drinking clouds!" she gasped. Noa smirked, crossing his arms before patting her small head. Instead of dodging his touch, the girl allowed Noa to nudge her slightly. Then she wiped her mouth with her sleeves and asked, "Are you selling them?" "I try," Noa nodded. "It''s going to sell, right?" "For sure!" she shouted, her previous shy nature nowhere to be found. Lasting for a moment, her clarity returned as her head hung low toward the ground. "It''s delicious," she added softly, her cheeks pouting in embarrassment. ''Nothing happened when she drank it,'' Noa noticed. ''Just like me.'' [She can''t cultivate,] the system explained. [There are strong curses cast upon her, and they are blocking her meridians.] Noa''s eyes narrowed. ''Why would someone curse her? She is just a kid.'' There was nothing Noa could do to help this child. He was powerless. As for the girl, she grew on him quite quickly. Her company was greatly appreciated. ''She is like a must-protect character,'' Noa thought, looking at her white, silky hair. "Do you want another one?" he asked, handing her a new bottle. "No," she shook her head. "Yun Qiqi''s tummy is happy." "Really?" Noa questioned. "You don''t have to be shy around me. Consider me as your older brother." He made this claim because Yun Qiqi reminded him of his sister. Mia was someone he missed and cherished dearly, and seeing someone who reminded him of her warmed his heart. "Brother," Yun Qiqi repeated silently. "Yes," he nodded. "Call me Brother Noa." For a heartbeat, she stood frozen. Then she bounced her foot, jumping with joy. A grin broke through her face. It was childish, cute, and wide. For someone who had to fend for herself, this simple action meant something far more important. Yun Qiqi wasn''t alone anymore. Having even one person on her side brightened her mood. "You can''t take it back!" she announced suddenly. "I won''t," Noa promised. "Yun Qiqi is my little sister from this day onwards." She laughed and hopped around. This moment felt unreal, as she wasn''t just a beggar. Now she was Noa''s little sister, and the world had better watch out. Yun Qiqi seemed smug about it, her face showing proof of her happiness. But there was something she wanted to do¡ªsomething she had done ages ago and longed for. "Older Brother Noa, can you play with Qiqi?" she asked, trying to act cute by lowering her voice. "Play?" Noa asked. "Sure. What do you want us to play?" "Hmm. Something with Old Bao would be great," she said, showing her bear with a thoughtful expression. Chapter 22: Home Chapter 22 - Home"Old Bao?" Noa repeated, amusement flashing through his smile. "Is he your friend?" Yun Qiqi nodded. There was no trace of hesitation in her eyes when she handed her friend to Noa. "He is my only friend..." she trailed her words, her voice shaking. "The only one who hasn''t left me yet." A short silence descended before Noa tried to lift her spirits. "I told you, you aren''t alone anymore. Now, Old Bao is my friend as well, and we can all play whenever you want." Qiqi locked her eyes with Noa. Her mischievous smile widened, and her eyes glowed in happiness. "That''s what I would expect from my older brother," she said cutely. Meanwhile, Noa took the teddy bear in his hands. He held this important plush like an artifact he had to treasure. Though Noa had heaven-defying products and items in his store, none of them came close to the feeling this simple toy gave him. "He is cute," Noa commented. "And fluffy." Yun Qiqi shook her head. "He doesn''t like it when someone calls him that," she corrected. Noa coughed apologetically and changed his stance. "Very well, Senior Bao, what game do you want to play?" The bear himself looked old. His fur was patched with white threads¡ªone ear was stitched back on with red threads. A jade-green tie, faded and worn, was placed around his neck, giving Old Bao a friendly but serious appearance. Even its button eye colors were mismatched, yet he still looked impressive. The game Yun Qiqi wanted to play was something Noa had never heard of. ''It''s probably part of the child''s wild imagination,'' he mused. As for Old Bao, he had to survive a series of deadly trials that both of them created for him. The first challenge was jumping from one platform to another (tall shelves). The second one consisted of swimming through molten lava (red bed sheets). The third mission Old Bao had to endure was dodging explosive bombs (shampoo bottles), but the last trial was the hardest one. Both Noa and Yun Qiqi had to teach him secret techniques from the most ancient and powerful sect. Unfortunately, Old Bao failed every single trial spectacularly. And yet, every time he tasted the taste of defeat, Qiqi still treated him like a king, announcing his victory over death. "He is truly good at this," Noa joked at the end of the last session. "I told you, he is born for this," Qiqi answered smugly, her grin never fading. Meanwhile, long hours had passed. What was once an early night had changed into early morning. But despite playing and hopping around this entire time, Yun Qiqi didn''t even show a single hint of tiredness. The same thing couldn''t be said about Noa. The only thing keeping him awake was how much fun he was having this whole time. He felt like a kid again when he spent countless hours playing with Mia and doing everything she wanted. They had been foreign, distant memories that almost buried themselves deep inside Noa. But playing with Qiqi helped him remember the good old days, which increased his motivation to advance his capabilities. ''I think they could become friends,'' he wondered, glancing at Qiqi. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t you have to go home? Someone might be searching for you," Noa asked, even though he knew her answer. The girl lowered her head. "Brother Noa, you don''t want to play with Qiqi anymore? Are you bored with me?" She sounded sad, her voice wavering. "No, no!" Noa denied strongly. "Of course not. I''m just worried that you are going to get into trouble because of me." "You don''t have to worry about that. No one cares about me anyway," she said casually. It sounded like she was long used to this fact, but her misty eyes said otherwise. "You can live with me," Noa offered. "As your older brother, it''s my responsibility to take care of you, and I am going to add more floors to this store." "That''s..." Yun Qiqi''s lips parted into something Noa could recognize from afar. It wasn''t just a smile but the most genuine expression of happiness a human could ever make. Her lips reached all the way to her eyes. She then just blinked for a moment, as if the words were still trying to register in her mind. Not even a day had passed since she met Noa. Now he took her as his family, fed her, played with her and her only friend, and even allowed her to live with him. Not even in her wildest dreams could she imagine that her sorry life would change this quickly. She wanted to cry and bawl her eyes out. But she gritted her teeth, leaped at Noa, and gave him a hug that both of them had needed for so long. "Thank you, Brother Noa. Thank you," she said, hiding her face. Noa said nothing. He just hugged her back, giving her the warmth she needed. "You deserve it," he said only after she released him from her embrace. "Can I work here? I promise I will help you with everything you want me to," Yun Qiqi promised. Noa shook his head, his voice still gentle. "I didn''t ask you to live with me to use you as cheap labor. We can just play around and work at the same time as partners. How does that sound?" "Really?" she exclaimed. Noa nodded again and offered her proper food. "Do you want to eat with me?" Yun Qiqi thought for a while, feeling her empty stomach. "Only if I can drink that thing again," she demanded. Noting her love for the protein shakes, Noa agreed and called out the system. "Feed us. Try to impress me," he said. [How does your favorite my special sound?] the system teased. "Curse you!" Noa yelled inwardly but sat in front of the counter with Yun Qiqi. Two minutes later, both of them started eating as their noises filled the store. Even the air felt full after the meal when she fell asleep in her chair, her guard completely down. Before Noa could even find the blanket to cover her, the door creaked open and someone walked in. Chapter 23: Must Protect Chapter 23 - Must ProtectThe person who walked inside the store was a new face¡ªsomeone Noa couldn''t recognize. ''New customer?'' he exclaimed, nearing the entrance to greet him. The man seemed to be in his late thirties, his dark eyes scanning the store. He had quite unusual attire for this world. His robes were longer than usual, touching the ground. "Hello," Noa said. "Are you interested in my products?" He asked because he noticed how the man''s gaze lingered on the shelves. Mo Wusheng''s robes glowed with unrecognizable runes, probably self-inscribed with a sword. "I am searching for a girl," he announced rudely. His eyes still darted through the store, not noticing Yun Qiqi sleeping behind the counter. "She is a bearer of the Disaster Seed, and you better not hide her." Mo Wusheng continued speaking as he pleased, even warning Noa. "Who?" Noa blinked. "Are you deaf?" the man growled, stepping toward him. "I told you I am looking for a kid. I saw her walking inside this night, but she hasn''t left since." Noa sighed this time. "Why does this idiot keep talking?" He muttered under his breath, just loud enough for the man to hear. "What?" Mo Wusheng asked in surprise. "Are you deaf?" Noa attacked this time. "I said why the hell this stupid shitface keeps talking in my store when he isn''t going to buy anything?" "Stupid? Sh-shitface?" the man stuttered. For his entire 38 years of existence, no one had ever spoken to him this way. And for it to be an ordinary shop owner, who had no cultivation base whatsoever, angered him greatly. "How dare you?" he yelled again and was about to raise his hand to teach Noa a lesson when his body stiffened. It froze in mid-motion, losing intent and strength at the same time. Something denied him this action, and it happened inside his head, making this revelation ten times scarier. "What did you do?" he questioned, his face turning red with anger. Noa didn''t answer. ''So that''s how the famous young masters look like. He is definitely asking to get face-palmed,'' he thought. But there was one more thing Mo Wusheng had to say. Something Noa wanted to hear and experience for himself. "You have no idea who I am. You are courting death by defying me. And for whom? A snotty brat who is carrying Disaster Seed with her?" the man yelled, but his voice lost strength with each word. ''Here it is,'' Noa thought, amused. He closed his eyes as if to enjoy the moment. ''I am definitely in a cultivation world. But how did the authors know this? Are all of them dimensional beings like me?'' Waiting for the system to answer his question, Noa sighed in disappointment. Then he smirked and said, "You are nothing but a frog under the well. Not only do you not know how vast the sky is, but you don''t even fear the heavens." The moment he said these words, silence descended. Karma kept Mo Wusheng in check, and the man stood still, his thoughts in complete chaos. It seemed like he had made a big mistake. He somehow ran into a being who was concealing his strength, stripping his ability to move and even think straight. Each passing second was torture for him. And as he felt that the effect increased the longer he remained inside the store, he became more and more terrified. He was searching for ways to escape, but Karma denied him every possible action he could make. Tears streaked down his face, his legs shaking. "The girl you are searching for is my sister," Noa spoke, his voice calm and steady. "If you or someone from your group tries to take her, none of you will walk away with your names." It was a warning. A cold declaration that sent a chill down the man''s spine. Then Noa took one step forward. Not aggressive. Just enough to scare him. For one long, stretched second, Mo Wusheng stared back at him, forcing his legs to move until the pressure was lifted, and he stumbled with a groan. He stiffened, afraid that Noa would do something to him. Then he turned and dashed out of the building, only catching a glimpse of Yun Qiqi as she remained seated behind the counter, eyes still closed. ''What a dumbass,'' Noa thought, tracing his eyes to the man''s retreating figure. "Disaster Seed, huh? That''s the curse you mentioned before, right? The one that won''t allow her to cultivate?" he asked the system. [That''s right. Not only is it shortening her lifespan, but it is also a ticking bomb that could explode at any moment. It would easily cover and destroy this kingdom,] the system explained. "Thanks for warning me before, how kind of you," Noa joked. [Helping you is my pleasure.] "Does she know about her condition? How much time does she have left to live?" [She has no idea. It happened when she was just a newborn, and she should live another month or two.] Noa glanced at Qiqi. The girl was so exhausted that she slept through the commotion, ignorant of the danger she had only moments ago. "I can save her," Noa said. It wasn''t a question, as no trace of hesitation could be found in his voice. [Yes, you can,] the system spoke. [Just unlock special rooms.] Noa nodded, smiling. He was determined, his fists clenching. He then took the girl into his arms and put her into bed, allowing her to sleep more comfortably. Meanwhile, the door of his store opened again, this time showing familiar faces. Qing Xuan walked in, her steps swift and calculated. Though she seemed calmer than usual, as if she felt safe enough to let her guard down. Xue Hanly followed her behind. The girl almost hopped around the store, her eyes shining in excitement. "Good morning!" she greeted, bowing. Noa saw them and grinned, knowing that he would soon complete the missions. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I have two new items for sale. Want to take a look?" he asked, already guiding them towards the shelves. Chapter 24: Employess Chapter 24 - EmployessThe girls followed Noa behind, their hearts beating in excitement. No cultivator who had experienced Noa''s products could remain calm in this situation. Both of them knew the miraculous effects they carried, and the mere thought of increasing their cultivation base brought a smile to their faces. As for Noa, he was also considered something. ''I need to cause three more breakthroughs.'' He had received a notification about Han Chao''s breakthrough when he was playing with Senior Bao and Yun Qiqi. Now he needed three more to complete the mission. Thankfully, Noa had two new items to offer to the girls. "What''s this?" Xue Hanly asked first after seeing neatly arranged protein shakes. "Is this some kind of beauty product?" She had been using shampoos for days now, and seeing another bottle, she tried to connect the dots. Noa shook his head. "No. It''s just a drink. A really delicious and nutritious one." "What about its effects?" Qing Xuan questioned this time, her curious eyes darting between the products. "I doubt it''s just a drink." "Try it yourself and you will see," Noa answered, grinning. The girls nodded simultaneously, taking two bottles toward the counter. None of them asked for the price, fully prepared to pay any amount Noa had set for them. "Four True Spirit Coins," he said after scanning them with a beep sound. "I can''t wait to try it," Xue Hanly said, struggling to open the lid. Only after Noa helped them did they notice the strong aroma from the bottle, their noses assaulted by dominating flavors. Xue Hanly was the first one to taste it. As soon as she took a sip, her eyes widened, her legs shaking uncontrollably. Then silence. It was so sweet and smooth that she couldn''t stop drinking it. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Qing Xuan saw how her junior sister acted and followed her example, chugging the shake in big gulps. A rich taste of chocolate was mixed with the freshness of bananas, creating a creamy and fruity texture. Nothing they had ever tasted came close. Suddenly, the taste was something they both forgot, their minds sharpening. Xue Hanly felt the physical force of her bottleneck melting like snow beneath the morning sun. Then her muscles tensed, and a golden light blinked over her skin. Even her bones became more... durable and flexible. As for her meridians, they expanded. She clutched her chest after drinking the whole thing, warmth filling her dantian. The same thing happened with Qing Xuan; her muscles rebuilt themselves. Then her heartbeat synchronized with the flowing qi around her, cleaning her mind and body alike. There was also something both of them experienced¡ªsomething that opened their mouths in awe. "My qi capacity!" Xue Hanly started. "It''s increasing quickly, but safely. It''s like I was living with clogged veins this entire time," Qing Xuan added, her face twisting in shock. The girls looked at each other. Then down at the empty bottles before glancing back at Noa, their eyes sparkling with reverence. They looked like addicts, and considering that they had just tasted their first dive brew, it didn''t come as a surprise. "I have broken past another threshold. Not one but two of them!" Xue Hanly almost screamed. "Th-this should require years of practice, countless resources, and patience." "Why would you waste time and effort?" Noa asked suddenly. "When can you just come here?" "But..." Xue Hanly trailed her words. "Thinking about how many sects would wage wars for an elixir that can increase qi capacity even by a thread?" "Relax," Noa answered, his lips curling into a wide grin. "I told you, this is nothing but a drink. I have an unlimited supply." Qing Xuan replied this time. "You aren''t normal." Noa smirked again, pointing at them as if he remembered something. "Speaking of sects, I am planning to purchase your sect," he said casually. The air froze. "What?" the girls exclaimed before exchanging glances. "You want to swallow Blooming Iron Sect?" Qing Xuan questioned, weight pressing down on her chest. Noa nodded slightly. "Don''t be alarmed. I won''t destroy your home." He spoke slowly, yet it didn''t sound like he was explaining himself. It was more of a kind gesture from him, like a god showing mercy to humans. "I want to transform this world, and as you can see, these are my first steps," he continued. "Your fellow disciples, your elders, even that old fart who visited me the other day. I want the complete package... including you two." "But it''s a long-lasting legacy. A sacred home! How can you buy it like an ordinary treasure or a spirit beast?" Qing Xuan asked. She wasn''t angry or anything. She was curious and confused at the same time. Though something in her heart stirred, telling her that it was wrong. "We are cultivators," she added. "We aren''t for sale." Noa nodded at her words and took one step toward her. "Here is a lesson for you," he said, tilting his head. "Everything has a price, and one day I will even buy this world." The air stood still again. For a heartbeat, no one spoke. "This... this is insane," the girl muttered, uncrossing her arms. "So that''s why I am asking you two to join this insanity. I need people who can look after this store and deal with customers." He paused for a moment. "I know buying sounds crude. We can call it investing," he explained, smiling. "I am in!" Xue Hanly yelled, raising her hand. "This is much more than a sect we have no deep roots with." She then locked eyes with Qing Xuan and nudged her. "Senior sister, you should agree as well. This isn''t just an opportunity, but an investable process." Seeing how her junior sister''s cheeks flushed with excitement, Qing Xuan could only nod. Meanwhile, Noa was looking at the transparent system panel floating in front of him. ? [Mission: Cause 10 Breakthroughs: 10/10] ? [Reward: 4TP; Additional mission chain] ''Sweet!'' he thought to himself. Not only did he obtain a good amount of Tycoon Points and unlock additional missions, but he also gained two new employees to manage his store. Hence, a new system panel materialized in front of him, announcing his success. Chapter 25: Contract Room Chapter 25: Contract Room? [You acquired your first employee] ? [New Features unlocked:] ? [Monitor, train, and assign tasks to your employees. They can refuse your commands, but Karma will punish them accordingly.] ? [Milestone Achieved] ? [People bend at your wallet. Sects tremble because of your ambition.] ? [Rounding up your Tycoon Points to 30] "I know this is not the end," Noa said inwardly, addressing the system. [You are good at your job,] the robotic partner joked and made a swoosh sound before covering Noa¡¯s vision again. ? [You unlocked a Contract Room] {Contract Room} Description: A quiet, formal chamber which is more of a different dimension than a room. The walls are reinforced with ancient pacts to ensure loyalty. Features: Draft and finalize every kind of contract. Customizable: Table design; option to add music (Only Mozart) Rarity: Unique Price: Owned Reading through the description, Noa sighed. ¡¯Finally!¡¯ he thought. ¡¯Now I can start building my empire and even leave this store.¡¯ This was the biggest step Noa took to this day. Now he needed Feng Fan to sign the papers, and Karma would allow him to travel through this planet. Though he would have to bring the stray cultivator with him. ¡¯I bet it¡¯s gonna be hard,¡¯ Noa considered. ¡¯But to hell with that. I can¡¯t just stay in for my whole life.¡¯ [Host, great job. You did something that not all Dimensional Tycoons could achieve. Continue like that, and I might even grant you access to new worlds as well. However, don¡¯t get ahead of yourself. You still need to control this low-ranked world before thinking about dominating others.] "Don¡¯t worry. I know my place, and it¡¯s not like I am already bored with Ligma," he answered, looking at his first employees. "Follow me," he instructed the girls, guiding them towards the new room. They nodded gracefully, walking beside him. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Qing Xuan no longer seemed opposed to the idea of her sect being bought in the future. She even joined the same being who had told her that everything had a price. But the longer she thought about it, the surer she became. Noa was beyond everything she knew before. Not only did he have treasures surpassing mortal comprehension, but he also seemed like a creature she had to follow. Every movement he made felt like it could decide the world¡¯s fate. As if even air and the very foundation of nature took his side. She was bracing herself as she glanced at her junior sister, who, to her surprise, looked nothing like the previous Xue Hanly she had befriended. Both of them were known as aloof, cold beauties, as they seldom showed emotions. However, everything had changed the moment they stumbled upon this store, met Noa, and experienced his products. "What are you thinking about?" Qing Xuan whispered to her friend, interested in what was on her mind. "Nothing," Xue Hanly answered and paused. A mix of excitement and curiosity lingered on her face the entire time. She also peered into her senior sister, trying to read her. But she shrugged and asked directly. "You are the same as me, right?" Her voice was loud enough for Noa to hear. "We have yet to try the last product, and we are already part of the store. Can you imagine what kind of benefits we can receive?" Qing Xuan wanted to bury herself in the dirt. She was too embarrassed upon hearing how daring her junior had turned out to be to dare speak this way in front of Noa. The latter noticed their reactions and chuckled. "You don¡¯t have to mind me. I am not like your sect elders, who only care about their reputation and status. I am only concerned with the true worth of the soul. This is the most sacred truth in this world." As soon as Xue Hanly heard his insight, she bowed immediately. "Thank you for your teachings," she paused again, not knowing how to refer to him. "You are...?" Noa swallowed, getting ready to dive into his godly persona. "You don¡¯t need to trouble yourself with mortal titles. I am neither a master nor a god your people love to revere. I am a simple man of fate, traveling through dimensions and buying planets for my amusement. But you may call me Noa." Meanwhile, he also asked the system to rate his performance. "I was cold, right? They must think I¡¯m an immortal entity they have to worship." [I would think you are a dumb psychopath,] the system answered casually, its voice strangely hurtful. Yet the same thing couldn¡¯t be said about the girls. Their lips parted in awe. Xue Hanly trembled ever so slightly, her breathing quickening. Qing Xuan¡¯s sharp gaze softened, but her uneasiness didn¡¯t vanish. "Here we are," Noa said, standing still in front of the new door, letting the girls take the first steps inside. "Let¡¯s quickly get over this and start your official training." Inside the Contract Room, potent spiritual qi lingered. It had an ancient, even more primal energy than the store itself that pulsed like a living beast. Xue Hanly and Qing Xuan lost their composure, touching the walls. Together, they walked around the small chamber that was located next to Noa¡¯s room. "Sign here," he then handed them the papers, trying to urge them. The qi surged for a moment when they pressed their names onto the parchment, coiling around the contract like a divine serpent hunting its prey. Binding seals poured out of the walls. They enveloped everyone inside the room, but the force they carried sent the girls into an unconscious state. It felt like oxygen was devoured straight from their lungs, resulting in their half-death state. Noa, however, stood near the table, confused and unaffected. His expression remained calm, as if the chaos couldn¡¯t even touch him. ¡¯Guess I have to wait for them to wake up,¡¯ Noa decided. Time passed quickly. ...And before either of the girls regained consciousness, a soft, cute voice cut through the air, awakening them both. "Are you okay, big sisters?" Yun Qiqi asked. Chapter 26: Staff Training Chapter 26: Staff TrainingHearing the voice, both Qing Xuan and Xue Hanly jumped out of the bed, their expressions displaying fear and confusion at the same time. "Who..." the latter trailed her words. She was also clutching her head, her temples throbbing in pain. "You guys must be hungry," Yun Qiqi said, bringing her tiny face closer. "What happened?" Qing Xuan asked. She studied the little kid before her, remembering the past events. "Big brother told me that you guys couldn¡¯t handle the contract ceremony and blacked out," the little girl explained innocently. "Are you two so weak? Maybe it¡¯s because you are hungry." Xue Hanly groaned. Her headache felt eternal, her senses still ringing from the aftermath of her contract binding. Yet she still stood up and moved her eyes toward the unknown kid before her. Qing Xuan¡¯s eyes also locked onto the tiny figure. A child. A girl, no older than ten, stood only a few feet away. She was also clutching a teddy bear and blinked up at them with her big, round, and curious eyes. "You two are sleepyheads. I even saw you drooling a little," she announced, pointing at Qing Xuan. The cold beauty¡¯s cheeks flashed red. She wanted to argue but stuttered, her words almost choking her. "N-No... I didn¡¯t!" The girl then shook her head, regaining her composure. "And who are you again? Who do you mean by your older brother?" she asked. Yun Qiqi grinned at her and turned without a word. Her small feet glided across the jade floor as she carried controlled confidence and grace. Xue Hanly and Qing Xuan exchanged glances. They were still dazed but alert. Meanwhile, the little girl guided them through the small corridor, passing two more doors on the way. Finally, she paused before a last door. "Big brother is waiting for you. I think it¡¯s time for your official training to start aiding him." Instead of waiting for their questions or reactions, Yun Qiqi pushed open the door. Inside, a sweet scent lingered. And behind a polished counter, lazily sipping a protein shake, stood Noa, his expression unreadable. "Good to see you guys back, and welcome to the store as employees," he said, smiling. Xue Hanly¡¯s eyes narrowed. Qing Xuan frowned. They looked confused at Noa as he took another big gulp with no change around him. There was no subtle glow, nor the ripple of qi. Only the satisfied swallow and quick exhale. Not only did he seem fine after the contract ceremony, but even this miraculous protein shake had no effect on him. "What do you want us to do?" Qing Xuan asked, her face saying that she was ready for whatever Noa would assign them to do. Noa faced them with a smirk tugging at his lips. The girls couldn¡¯t see, but he was looking at a glowing system interface only he had access to. Panels collapsed and switched according to his wishes. [Staff Overview] -Employee 001: Xue Hanly- Loyalty: 76% Sales Instinct: C Potential: B Status: Exited Favorite Product: Shampoo Last task completed: Signed the contract -Employee 002: Qing Xuan Loyalty: 69% Sales Instinct: B Potential: A Status: Embarrassed Favorite Product: Protein Shake Last task completed: Signed the contract There was also a list of tasks Noa could assign to them. [Shopkeeper Training] Shelf optimization Basic greeting Selling pitch Handling the counter Reading the system panel, Noa decided to assign them the tasks by explaining what to do. "Before I give you guys the last product to test, let¡¯s talk about the conditions." He started casually. "You will now learn how to manage this place. You will earn spirit coins, resources, and countless exclusive items in return for your work." Noa then proceeded to explain the basics with nonchalant precision. He taught them how to use the counter, scan the items, and collect coins while also telling them how to rearrange the stock. He assigned Xue Hanly to greet customers, observe their aura flow, and guide them through the shelves. As for Qing Xuan, her job was to look after the counter. Both of them were surprised when they saw how the items were scanned and showed their price and a name. The girls believed that it was part of the oddities Noa had shown before. Noa then turned to Yun Qiqi. She was patiently following him around, nodding at his every word, though she hadn¡¯t needed instructions. Holding a small wooden tag, Noa had no idea where she had gotten it, marked her as a Supervisor. It was a title she assigned herself, and he didn¡¯t really contest. Noa also gave her a job. Her mission was to look after the girls, correct their mistakes, and help them when needed. Senior Bao wasn¡¯t forgotten either. The fluffy teddy bear stood on the tallest shelf, acting like a warrior protecting the store. "I have some matters to handle. You guys know what to do." Then he glanced at his employees and softly stated, "Follow Yun Qiqi¡¯s lead. She is my little sister, and you can trust her." Without saying more, Noa turned and walked to his sleeping quarters. The girls stood frozen in place. It was true. The cute little girl before them was Noa¡¯s sister, and suddenly she seemed like a divine entity who was just using a small frame because she felt like it. Qing Xuan and Xue Hanly looked at Yun Qiqi with respect. Meanwhile, the little girl winked at them playfully, waiting to meet the real customer. As for Noa, it had been such a long day, and all he wanted was to close his eyes and sleep like a kid again. Resting his eyes for a moment, his jumbled mind went numb instantly. {Host: Noa Stark} {Age: 24} {Capital: $10,800} {Tycoon Points: 30} {Monthly Income: $0 (still pending)} {Dimensional Gate Owned: 1} {Earth Establishments Owned: 0} {Dimensional Establishments Owned: 1} {Employees: 2} {Milestones Achieved: 5} ¡ªMissions¡ª -Sell 15 Heaven Defying Qi Shampoo- Reward: $200; 1 TP -Get 5 New Customers- Reward: 3 TP; Unlock more customization -Get 5 Employees- Reward: 25 TP; Mystery room -Fulfill every prophecy from the Eye of the Future- Reward: Another usage of the artifact; A familiar from another dimension -Leave the Store- Reward: Talisman; additional mission chain He had two apprentices. Products were ready, and Yun Qiqi seemed delighted with how the store turned out. So after checking his status, he slept for a while, disregarding the new missions. A calm washed over him. Then, suddenly, his eyes snapped open as the untraceable spiritual field of the store shifted. Noa sat up, his fingers brushing through his hair. "He is here!" Of course, he was talking about none other than Feng Fan¡ªthe stray cultivator who finally showed himself again. Noa cleaned his face and went out of the room to meet him, a deep yawn halting his breath. It was time to add Feng Fan to his army via the contract room. The first thing he noticed was how alive the store felt when three girls occupied it. Xue Hanly was greeting their first customer. Her lips parted into a smile, offering to show Feng Fan around the store. Qing Xuan also looked busy. Though she was playing with the beeping sound the counter was making. In between them, as expected, moved Yun Qiqi. She was talking to both girls at once only moments ago, chattering about how happy she was to have such a brilliant brother. Seeing them made Noa proud. Not only did he achieve great success in this new world, but he also gained people who stood by his side. His store was in motion. His business and staff were growing. And now, it was time to welcome the next piece of his plans and set his ideas into action one step at a time. "Good to see you," Noa said to Feng Fan as he was conversing with Xue Hanly. The man bowed upon seeing him. "Thank you for your patronage," he spoke in his usual politeness, demonstrating respect and reverence. Then he pointed around the store. "I see you have added people. Do they work for you?" Feng Fan asked, studying the girls. Noa nodded at his question and gestured for everyone to surround him. "Get familiar with each other. You guys will be working together from now on." A slight tension lingered in the air. The middle-aged man and three young girls scrutinized each other. All of them knew that Noa wasn¡¯t some ordinary entity, and everything he did had reasons. As mortals, they were too insignificant to read how his mind worked, but they were confident that whatever Noa was building would dominate the world sooner rather than later. Yun Qiqi was the first one to break the ice. "This is great! It¡¯s never going to feel lonely here," she exclaimed, glancing at her best friend, who was still protecting the store. Everyone smiled. Her cuteness was too much for their hearts to handle. Even stoic Feng Fan was no exception, as a slight grin stayed on his face. The conversation lasted for a moment before the cultivator asked Noa, his voice deep and cautious. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Can we talk?" Noa nodded. "Come with me. We have a contract to sign." Chapter 27: New Custumers Chapter 27: New CustumersBefore leaving the room, Noa glanced at the girls from the corner of his eye, studying their expressions. Qing Xuan¡¯s face showed a mix of awe and uncertainty¡ªlike she wasn¡¯t sure how to react after seeing the strange cultivator. Xue Hanly looked to be in a daze, her eyes darting around aimlessly. Their reactions only deepened Noa¡¯s smirk before his gaze lingered toward Yun Qiqi. She stared at him openly, her squishy cheeks practically begging to be nudged. He then looked back at Feng Fan, gesturing for him to follow to the contract room. They quickly made their way to the new chamber. Inside, the faint rays of the ancient runes flickered, casting an oppressive pressure that Feng Fan couldn¡¯t explain. The air grew heavy. The parchment materialized by itself, offering him a contract to sign. "This is for you to officially join me. With this, your soul will be bound to me and your future will thrive," Noa explained, his voice low and controlled. Feng Fan didn¡¯t even hesitate. He pressed the brush onto the paper and signed it immediately. The ink sank deep into the paper. Now the air seemed to tremble, as if it were charged with a strong electric force. A rich spiritual energy stirred. It responded to Feng Fan¡¯s actions and moved in his direction. They brought the thin threads of fate wrapped around his wrist and connected his soul with the room. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He heard a low murmur, faint and final, like the last words he would ever hear. "Serve me or fade into the nothingness." The words felt like they reverberated directly into his head rather than his ears, leaving an untraceable mark on his being. Meanwhile, Noa looked at his collapsing figure with a wide grin. He had secured one more talent for his business, and it was nothing but a beginning for his exciting journey. ¡¯Let¡¯s see if we can get new customers,¡¯ he thought, and left the man inside the room. Noa then joined the girls. They all wanted to ask what happened to Feng Fan, but as always, nothing could beat Yun Qiqi¡¯s quick wit. "Where is he? Did he fall asleep as well?" she asked. Noa nodded. "He is fine... He just needs time to adjust," he replied, glancing back at his employees. "I know it¡¯s boring here with no customers, but remember that patience is the key. This should be a natural process, and forcing it would do no good." Hearing his explanation, the girls didn¡¯t argue with him. Not even in their thoughts. It wasn¡¯t because they were afraid that Noa might be able to sense what was on their mind. It was because they understood that he had his philosophy when it came to life, and even if they couldn¡¯t fully grasp it, all they had to do was follow his lead. "We respect your wishes, and your words are our command," Xue Hanly answered suddenly, bowing. Qing Xuan did the same thing, her head hanging low. Seeing this, Noa stepped forward. He approached them and said, his voice resonating. "You girls don¡¯t have to spend your entire days here. There are two of you, and Qiqi can also help me. Why don¡¯t you two split the working hours?" It was a suggestion. An advice coming from someone they couldn¡¯t just ignore. "Thank you for your generosity," Xue Hanly answered, her lips parting into a soft smile. "But we decided to stay here and work for you. Even if it means sacrificing our free time, we are more than willing to do it." Silence fell. She spoke so earnestly that Noa couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. "Good," he approved. "I like your attitude." Xue Hanly was stunned for a moment. Praise from Noa was beyond her expectations, and her heart skipped a beat. Qing Xuan agreed as well. "And working together is so much more fun," she added with a smile. "Indeed, it is," Noa said and changed his attention towards the entrance. Though he had a hard time sensing spiritual energy, he could tell when someone neared the store. He could even identify them if it wasn¡¯t their first time visiting. That¡¯s what happened this time. Noa found it strange when five unfamiliar presences neared his building. Yet, instead of doubt creeping into his eyes, they gleamed with excitement as a wave of understanding washed over him. ¡¯He really did it, huh?¡¯ Noa had assigned a specific task to the bald young cultivator. It seemed that Han Chao had completed the indirectly assigned mission and successfully popularized the store among his peers. "We have five new customers," Noa announced and added in a joking manner. "Let¡¯s show them our might." Before anyone could digest his words, the door creaked open. Immediately, youngsters with familiar sect uniforms walked in, their curious eyes searching for the promised treasures. They were all lured by the rumor. But Han Chao was nowhere to be found. Xue Hanly was the first one to react, and straightening her back, she greeted her very first customers. Three boys and two girls scanned the shelves, noting the high spiritual pressure from them. This place was unlike any merchandise they had ever seen. They looked at each item from afar, and confusion filled their hearts. However, their attention shifted when they saw two familiar figures before them. Of course, the first one was the popular beauty who greeted them. Xue Hanly, in her white, long robes, stood like a monolith as if she had always belonged to this place. The same thing happened with Qing Xuan. She stood behind the counter like a staff member, her expression colder than ever, while Yun Qiqi was doodling beside her with no care in the world. The five newcomers faltered for a moment. Recognition struck from both sides. Qing Xuan and Xue Hanly exclaimed, noticing the juniors from the sect. As for Noa, he was completely ignored as the surrounding energy stood still. Nor was his gaze heavy. He was simply watching before shrugging and opening his mouth. "Welcome to my humble store." His voice lingered for a heartbeat, and knowing that he was about to complete a good chunk of his missions, his grin grew wider. Chapter 28: His Plan Chapter 28: His PlanThe newcomers glanced at Noa. Han Chao had mentioned him as well, hyping up his presence as a divine being living between the realms. Yet, all five youngsters saw was an average-looking man in his twenties. Doubt surfaced in their minds. What if Han Chao lied about this store to hide where he had actually obtained the divine treasures? They couldn¡¯t really tell. Not yet, at least. But there were more pressing matters at hand. "Senior Xue and Senior Qing?" the boy named Mo Wuyin exclaimed, trying to guess what the most popular seniors of the sect were doing here. "We are working right now," Qing Xuan replied behind the counter. "What are you guys doing here?" "W-we heard about this place from someone," the girl named Ye Moyin answered. Xue Hanly neared them, greeting again. "That¡¯s great! I doubt you can find a better place than this. Come with me, I will show you guys around," she offered and took the lead. The group exchanged glances before following her. "Let¡¯s start with our last product." She took the protein shake from the shelf, almost drooling. "This is a special drink our store is selling. Not only is this the most delicious thing ever, but it will also blow your mind." "What do you mean?" the sect members asked in unison. "I know it doesn¡¯t look like a heaven-defying product, but I am sure one sip can change your mind and hook you on that." Some of them lowered their brows. It was still hard to believe that something so weirdly shaped and packaged could contain something so amazing. "I think one of you should try it first," Xue Hanly offered. She had full confidence in the product, and knowing that it could easily change their mind, she led them toward the counter. Noa was watching everything from the sidelines. He liked how well Xue Hanly was handling her duties and even liked her approach. Yet he was confused because of Karma. Though the girl didn¡¯t directly force her juniors to buy the shakes, it wasn¡¯t that far from it either. "It would never allow me to act so rashly. Customers have to decide, and I can¡¯t do it for them. But Karma somehow permitted her to do it." This complaint was directed toward the system. Thankfully, it listened and even gave a solid explanation. [If you do it, it¡¯s for your own benefit. But she isn¡¯t doing it for herself. She is working for you and chooses to act this way of her own volition.] "Makes sense," Noa approved, examining the first boy who had just paid for the bottle. After Qing Xuan scanned the item and handed it back to him, the boy opened the lid with caution, hoping that he didn¡¯t waste precious spirit coins for nothing. The air shifted instantly. The sweet scent of banana and cocoa drifted around the room. Its rich aroma was enough to boost the appetite of everyone present in the store. The boy clutched the bottle instinctively. Then he gulped it down slowly at first. Yet, his eyes widened after each swallow, and his gulping speed intensified. Every few seconds, he stopped himself for a ragged breath before diving right back. He refused to waste even a single drop. And licking his lips after chugging it down completely, he couldn¡¯t even compliment its taste when something stirred in his stomach. It started with a simple whoosh. Soon enough, he experienced the same thing as Xue Hanly and Qing Xuan not too long ago. "My qi!" he exclaimed, feeling the sensation of the first breakthrough. Everyone from the squad saw the results. If they doubted the rumors, no one would question their eyes. "Breakthrough from one drink?" one of them mumbled. "It¡¯s... real," another stepped near, shaking in excitement. The same boy who had just gone beyond his bottleneck stood in the center of the store, his qi aura pulsing with never-before-seen intensity. Within seconds, the group went completely frenzied. They wanted to shout like maniacs and demand more for themselves. But something stopped them. It worked in their core and controlled their seemingly unruly desire. Still, even if they weren¡¯t loud and demanding, the fact that they wanted to drink the shake didn¡¯t change. Minutes passed by, and everyone obtained their share of drinks. They also quickly devoured them to the last drops, expecting the same result as the first boy. To their delight, the air froze, and qi began swirling around them. That was all it took. When dantians started expanding, everyone knew they couldn¡¯t just stop without testing other products as well. Xue Hanly and Qing Xuan did a pretty good job of handling them. Noa didn¡¯t even have to flinch once. ? [Mission: Get 5 New Customers: 5/5] ? [Reward: 3 TP; Unlock more customization] Reading the mission completion notification was more than enough for him. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So he continued watching them with interest. Fidget spinners were the second product everyone wanted to try. One young cultivator spun it with a soft nudge, only to stay frozen for a full two minutes. Her thoughts sharpened, elements created a vortex behind her, putting her into the most harmonious condition to cultivate. Spirit coins were exchanged quickly after seeing that. Others also tried to emulate the same sensation and breakthrough one more time. Unfortunately, their wealth wasn¡¯t endless. Though everyone could only buy each product once, spirit coins weren¡¯t all that easy to come by in the first place. So, before everyone¡¯s pockets went completely dry, Xue Hanly offered her favorite product. "Girls... and boys," she announced while trailing her words. "This is the very first product that Senior Sister Qing and I have tried. I absolutely love this elixir, and I highly recommend giving it a chance." She then explained how shampoos worked. Another dozen minutes went by, and the crowd dissipated. The youngsters had bought everything they could. Noa started his eyes when they left the store. He was confident that these youngsters would spread the word about the store, which would draw the interest of even more elders and students in his products. It was all part of his plan. Chapter 29: Rubik鈥檚 Cube Chapter 29: Rubik¡¯s CubeAfter the customers left the store, Noa felt a hunger tingling in his stomach. But eating in front of his employees when he was building a mysterious persona felt wrong. So he decided to eat a bit later after checking the last product he had for sale. Yet, there was one more thing Noa wanted to do. He gestured to the girls, including Qiqi, to approach him. They stepped forward, acting like his very words were the rules of the universe. "Yes?" Qing Xuan asked, meeting Noa¡¯s gaze. "The benefits I mentioned were to offer you everything in this store. Free of charge." He started and paused for a second, allowing them to digest the meaning behind his words. "You can take one of each, but only once per day per item. Use them all you want." Qing Xuan straightened after hearing his offer, then bowed to show appreciation and respect. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Thank you for your generosity," she said, her eyes flickering with calculation. She had already experienced what these items had to offer. Now, to know that she could just use them to her heart¡¯s content was more than delightful news. Xue Hanly, on the other hand, bowed thrice before turning toward the shelves to reward herself. Yet, after touching the products, her hands halted instinctively, almost guilty. "Don¡¯t act shy around me," Noa¡¯s voice pulled her out of the daze. "You can take them whenever you want." Xue Hanly¡¯s expression lit up, her voice deepening. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, bowing one more time before using one product after another. Qing Xuan moved as well and reached first for the protein shake. After a while, they had used everything in the store, excluding Rubik¡¯s Cube and shampoo. When the effects settled and both of them experienced breakthroughs, they stood side by side. They had just experienced unnatural calm along with divine growth. Again. And they could remember these feelings forever. Meanwhile, Noa glanced at his brand-new system notifications as they announced yet another mission completion. ? [Mission: Sell 15 heaven-defying qi shampoo: 15/15] ? [Reward: 200$; 1 TP] It had been a while since he received monetary rewards. Memories of his life before the incident resurfaced in his mind, bringing Noa a strong sense of joy. He had a new life ahead of him. And even though he wasn¡¯t planning to abandon and forget the last one, he was happy with how he was living right now. 31 Tycoon Points rested under his name as well. ¡¯I should spend them wisely but boldly,¡¯ Noa declared inwardly, glancing back at the girls. Yun Qiqi also used products. She was hopping around and humming a song no one could recognize. Reaching the fidget spinner, she balanced it on her forehead. But she wasn¡¯t cultivating, she was just laughing innocently. Seeing this, Qing Xuan and Xue Hanly stood frozen. They had already expected something like this when they saw Noa doing it as well. But looking at the little girl, it didn¡¯t look like she was immune to the products. It was that she didn¡¯t need them. Like Noa, even products that simply didn¡¯t exist in this world had no effect on her. Suddenly, the way Yun Qiqi moved across the jade floor, the calmness, the mischief, and the grace made a lot more sense. Feeling something unexplainable swelling in their hearts, they decided to see what the last item could do. Rubik¡¯s Cubes were the most expensive item in the store. It cost 7 True Spirit Coins, hence their curiosity was off the charts. "What should we do with that?" Xue Hanly asked as she picked up the cube for the first time. "This is a simple puzzle," he started. "You need to align the colors. Each face must be a single color, and you have six of them." Seeing how the girls nodded at his words, he smiled and added. "It¡¯s about finding the correct pattern and solving it with a calm mind and precise fingers. Good luck!" Xue Hanly narrowed her eyes. She wanted to solve it, to challenge her mind, and to improve her soul. Qing Xuan stood beside her, her hands already moving. She twisted the cube slowly at first. It took her a few tries to turn them, but the longer she stayed focused, the smoother the rotation became. Even her scattered thoughts grew steady, and the noise from the outside world vanished. Each successful twist made the cube glow slightly. It also boosted her mental and soul resilience, aided her control, and began cultivating her soul. The room went mute. Subtle ripples were sent in her dantian, and even her soul signature stirred like a wave. She continued rotating the cube, her movements casual but calculated. Her chest felt weightless, and her head remained light. Spiritual essence flowed through her as the final turn clicked into place. Qing Xuan didn¡¯t break through. It wasn¡¯t even close. But she gained something far more valuable as her clarity improved a thousandfold. It felt like her mind became a living object as she heard it breathe for the first time. She opened her eyes. They moved slower than usual, allowing her perception to catch up to her thinking speed. Xue Hanly repeated the process as well. Though she completed it quicker because her cultivation base was one stage lower, allowing her to challenge an easier cube. Yet, even she could feel that her intellect had improved. Invisible tensions dissolved from her sea of consciousness. Their mental focus was improved so much that it would allow them to learn techniques faster. It would also make comprehension manuals and formations ten times easier. They hadn¡¯t grown their raw power. But their overall efficiency was better than ever. "It feels like improvement," Xue Hanly tried to put into words. "Not my cultivation, but me as a whole." Qing Xuan agreed as well. "I feel like a new person, as if I have been reshaped from scratch." Noa clapped once. He gained their attention, pointing toward the shelf. "I am glad you liked it. There is more to come." He said and glanced at the small door that creaked open softly. "Sleepyhead is awake!" Yun Qiqi exclaimed upon seeing Feng Fan¡¯s arrival from the contract room. Chapter 30: Fateless Order Chapter 30: Fateless Order"You are awake," Noa noted his arrival casually, dismissing the girls with a soft gesture. "Yes," Feng Fan answered, his voice staying low. The cultivator had just experienced one of the most excruciating pains, as the binding process had almost split his head open from the pressure. Still, he arrived before Noa, waiting for the instructions. "You are allowed to speak. I remember you had something to tell," Noa reminded him, walking toward the other end of the room for some privacy. Feng Fan¡¯s face shifted for a moment. He seemed pleased that Noa hadn¡¯t dismissed his wish to speak, a faint smile dancing on his face. "I have established the sect," he started. "I claimed nearby land and named it Fateless Order." Noa raised an eyebrow. "Bold name." Feng Fan, however, didn¡¯t argue. "It¡¯s because the disciples I have gathered are outcasts, broken cultivators, like I once was. I raised banners, cleaned the place, and started building home and training grounds. The training starts tomorrow." Then he paused. "Your influence is already at work. Though they don¡¯t know who is aiding me. I just told them that I serve the higher will, and they followed me." Noa sighed softly, not saying anything for a while. The silence lingered, and Feng Fan¡¯s head almost went frenzied. He was scared that Noa disliked his actions and that he did something wrong. But as he was about to drop to his knees to beg forgiveness, Noa patted his shoulder with an unreadable expression. "That¡¯s great," he said, yet sounded unimpressed. As if nothing could shake his composure. However, Feng Fan¡¯s heart calmed, and knowing that Noa wasn¡¯t disappointed put him at ease. For now. He vowed to do a better job next time and help Noa with the best of his abilities. "You will receive more from me," Noa continued. "Including money to support the sect and products to strengthen you and our new members." With a flick of his finger, he summoned Feng Fan¡¯s status window, scanning it with interest. [Staff Overview] -Warrior 001: Feng Fan- Role: Founder of the Fateless Order Cultivation: Spirit Severing¨CEarly Stage Potential: A- True Name: Blade of the Fateless Loyalty: 82% Attributes: Strength: 72 Agility: 58 Endurance: 76 Spirit Force: 92 Willpower: 88 Perception: 67 Luck: 11 Cultivation Techniques: [Vengeance Soul] [Pursuit of the Truth] [Ashen Palm Strike] [Path Severing Blade] [Breathless Meditation] Seeing Feng Fan¡¯s techniques, Noa exclaimed to himself. ¡¯There are so many of them. And his potential doesn¡¯t look so bad either.¡¯ Then he led the man toward the counter, stopped before the girls, and coughed before speaking. "We are leaving," Noa stated. It sounded like a declaration, and nothing could change his mind. His employees nodded awkwardly, not expecting Noa to leave the store so soon. Yun Qiqi was the only one who spoke up. "Can I come with you?" she asked, begging Noa with her adorable expression. Still, Noa shook his head. "You can¡¯t. I¡¯m leaving you in charge to look after the girls and Senior Bao. You can do that, right?" The girl wanted to argue. But hearing the responsibilities she had to uphold, Yun Qiqi raised her head high and nodded quietly. "Leave it to me," she announced, her tone serious. Noa squished her cheeks, which led to envious glances from Qing Xuan and Xue Hanly. "I won¡¯t be gone for long. I should be back before the shift ends," he said and nodded to the girls, as if putting them in check. He wasn¡¯t done yet. Looking at Feng Fan, he demanded. "Wait outside. I will be out in a minute." The man moved immediately, stepping outside the building. As for Noa, he strode toward his room, his stomach on the verge of crying out in protest. "Give me something to eat," he said to the system, closing the door shut. [Sigh,] the system muttered. [You are overreacting too much. Just say that you are eating for the taste and that¡¯s all.] Noa sat at his desk and devoured the rice like a ferocious hound tearing into its prey. "I¡¯m not dumb. I thought that," he said between the gulps. His chewing sounds echoed into the room. "I¡¯m just too hungry to dine like a dignified divine being." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The system sighed again. This time, it sounded like a genuine reaction, but instead of arguing with Noa, it went completely mute. Two minutes was all he needed to fill his deserted stomach. Washing his face and cleaning his mouth took one more minute, and knowing that he kept Feng Fan waiting, Noa didn¡¯t even increase his walking speed. He walked out of his room, reached the store, and smiled at the girls. Qing Xuan and Xue Hanly bowed as he approached the entrance, their faces devoid of any readable emotions. Only Yun Qiqi bid farewell with a smile. She even waved her tiny hands at him, wishing him a safe journey. Noa winked at his little sister and barely acknowledged Feng Fan¡¯s presence upon seeing him. "Let¡¯s go," he said indifferently. Feng Fan took the lead and guided Noa toward the sect, the destination not far from there. The cultivator demonstrated his discipline and reverence with each step he took, not only speaking politely but also showing Noa the path with utmost care, as if ensuring his maximum comfort. ¡¯Hollow Jade City,¡¯ Noa remembered. It¡¯s been a while since he went outside and saw what this world had to offer. The streets were alive. Merchants shouted over each other, kids ran around aimlessly, and cultivators walked with practiced precision. But slowly, the crowds parted. A primal tension lingered around Feng Fan, as people whispered around him. It seemed like Feng Fan had already made a name in this city, and people already feared his reputation. Some were interested in Noa¡¯s identity, but most of them ignored him completely. The cultivator didn¡¯t speak. He was afraid to cause trouble when Noa walked beside him. After crossing one street after another, the stone gave way to dirt, new fields, and trees stretching beyond the horizon. It was silent now. Five minutes later, they reached the small mountain peak, a wide trail of mist enveloping the slope. "This is it," Feng Fan announced suddenly. "Fateless Order." Chapter 31: Sect and Exhaustion Chapter 31: Sect and ExhaustionThe sect was visibly young. Half-built walls filled the area, low-quality banners fluttered into the sky, and workers moved around busily. It was still in its early stages, but it was built with effort and dedication. Noa stood still. He didn¡¯t speak for a while. In front of him stood the future he had started, and it would only continue to expand. The main courtyard was huge, surrounded by new, unfinished houses, and had a simple look to it. A small spirit garden was also planted. It was nothing extraordinary, but it still showed the signs of care. There was no gate yet. Just an open pathway towards the wooden building that looked inviting and comfortable at the same time. Feng Fan neared the workers, checking their progress. These builders were also part of the sect members he was talking about. They worked and listened according to Feng Fan¡¯s instructions, as the man was not only their future teacher but only hope to survive in this harsh world. Some of them were crippled in one way or another. Some had enemies they had to hide from, some were simply strays, struggling to keep going with no one to support them, while some had ambition and didn¡¯t know where to start. As Feng Fan conversed with them, Noa remained still, staying out of sight. They both decided that it would be better if Noa didn¡¯t show himself. At least for now. Noa wasn¡¯t here to be seen but to quench his curiosity and see what the system could offer him in this place. {Fateless Order} {Members: 15} {Income: 0} {Conflict: none} {Infrastructure: Main courtyard (unfinished); Living quarters (unfinished); Herb Garden; Training Grounds (unfinished)} {Assigned Task: Setting up the sect} {Click to customize and reconstruct them according to your wishes} Noa clicked once. Twice. Thrice. But the system denied his access to the same kind of options his store had. ¡¯Is it because it¡¯s still unfinished?¡¯ he thought. [That¡¯s part of it,] the system answered after reading his mind. [But you need to complete one specific mission so I can allow you to change things here.] Noa didn¡¯t even think. "It¡¯s about fulfilling the prophecy, isn¡¯t it? I have to buy the Blooming Iron Sect and make its elders and disciples submit," he guessed immediately. And though the system neither denied nor agreed to his claim, Noa was confident in his guess. Soon, Feng Fan returned to his side. He wanted to ask Noa¡¯s opinion, but held himself back, waiting to see if Noa would speak first. "It¡¯s looking rough, but seeing its potential, I know you will get there," Noa said dismissively, meeting the man¡¯s expectant eyes. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "From this point on, take everything you might need from the store. One of each product per day for one member," he added, going down to the mountain. Though it wasn¡¯t a tall one, nor was the road difficult, Noa quickly exhausted himself. But he preferred to die on that hill rather than show weakness to the man. Hiding his shallow breaths, Noa listened to what Feng Fan had to say about his offer. "Understood. I will make sure to make it count," he promised. Noa observed the path and held his hands inside the pockets to conceal his clenched fists. "Good," he said casually. Yes, his back was straight and his breathing was forcefully controlled, but under the robes, his muscles twitched. "I am not built like a damn cultivator," Noa complained to the system. "What¡¯s the point of having money if I can¡¯t even handle this much?" The system chuckled like a child before answering. [You aren¡¯t meant to endure the world. You are required to own it. Build enough so that mountains will kneel before you and follow your needs.] Noa considered it for a while. Though he still wanted some kind of physical strength, the system¡¯s words didn¡¯t sound so bad either. If he had enough influence over the world, he might even affect nature itself. He could even bend rules by using his funds and actually buy strength for himself. ¡¯So, I have to suffer until I can afford everything in this world. Fair trade if I say so myself.¡¯ It took Noa another five minutes to reach the store. "Come on in and take everything you might need." Feng Fan nodded. "I will make sure that you aren¡¯t doing charity, and we will prove our worth." As soon as Noa stepped inside his building, Yun Qiqi jumped at him. He almost lost his footing, and considering how tired he was just from a small stroll, he did a pretty good job balancing himself. "Big brother is back!" Qiqi announced loudly, hugging Noa tightly. She had Senior Bao clutched to her chest, as she had to deal with Noa¡¯s absence somehow. "Of course, I am," he answered. "Didn¡¯t I tell you it wouldn¡¯t take long?" Meanwhile, Xue Hanly was crouched near the display shelves. Qing Xuan was looking through the window. Both girls straightened instinctively. Noa offered them a smile, trying not to show his condition. "The store isn¡¯t burned down. Good job." "Welcome back," Hue Xanly said, eyes flickering toward the counter. "More disciples visited us. Ten of them and they bought quite a few things," Qing Xuan chimed in. Noa gave them a thumbs up. No one inside the room knew what he meant by that, but Noa dropped the matter before saying to the girls, "Give Feng Fan everything the store made today and let him take everything he needs." Feng Fan stood beside Noa, nodding at the girls with mutual respect. "Sure," Hue Xanly didn¡¯t argue. Yet she still had a slight concern. "But what if our stock runs out? Where will we get the supply? Is there any room for that?" Noa wanted to dismiss them and head back into his room. So he answered swiftly. "The store will restock itself. You guys don¡¯t have to do anything." The girls didn¡¯t even look surprised anymore. They grew accustomed to how differently everything worked around Noa. He, on the other hand, dismissed everyone except Yun Qiqi. As the girls and Feng Fan left the store, Noa guided Yun Qiqi and offered her a bed. However, he wasn¡¯t planning to lie on the floor. It was time to expand his shop by adding more rooms, including a bedroom and even something special he could afford. Chapter 32: Hell Room Chapter 32: Hell RoomWith his current budget, Noa could even buy an entire floor. Purchasing a single room would have been easier, but there wasn¡¯t enough space for him to expand. Although the floor would be a rare rank at most and would drain his funds completely, Noa could simply select a common floor at a cheaper price. "You should sleep here," Yun Qiqi demanded. "Big brother should be comfortable. Senior Bao and I are used to sleeping on the floor." There was no hint of hesitation in her voice. She sounded genuine, brightening the room with her affection and adorable expression. Seeing this, Noa chuckled, and, patting her head, he said, "Do you really think I am the kind of older brother who would let my cute little sister sleep on the floor? Am I that unreliable?" He sounded as if he were scolding her, his arms crossed. Yun Qiqi lowered her head, embarrassed. "B-but..." she wanted to retort, but Noa interrupted her. "No buts! Let me show you how cool your brother is," he said, summoning the system interface to add an entire floor. {Basic Floor} Description: A quiet space with pretty walls Features: Holds warmth, can hold up to 5 rooms Customizable: None Rarity: Common Price: 12 TP ¡¯Great,¡¯ Noa exclaimed. Not only was it cheap and affordable, but unlike other higher-ranking floors, it also allowed him to add rooms according to his wishes. Having 34 Tycoon Points, Noa didn¡¯t even hesitate as he pressed his finger on the purchase panel. Immediately, a soft clicking sound echoed above. No rumble. Just a faded sound of stones locking into place. "What¡¯s happening?" Yun Qiqi asked, rubbing her eyes as she fought against exhaustion. Noa guided her out of the bedroom. In the corner of the main hall, the elevator was added, glowing faintly. He stepped in with her, lowering his brows. "This small room will bring us to the second floor," Noa explained and tapped the button. The elevator ascended in silence. A couple of seconds later, the door slid open, revealing an entire floor with no rooms or doors inside. The new space stretched in front of them. It was a bigger hall than the one on the first floor. No glowing runes. No strong spiritual pressure. Just a long chamber carved from something less extraordinary. Though the walls were veined with natural patterns, glowing in two warm colors. "Do you like it?" Noa asked Yun Qiqi. The girl darted her eyes around, trying to scan everything the floor had to offer. "It¡¯s pretty!" she answered. Then she started walking around aimlessly, and let out a slow exhale. "But there are no rooms here." Noa chuckled upon seeing her concerned face. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had unlocked additional customization options as a reward for gaining five new customers. It gave him more freedom to alter not only his floors and rooms but also specific objects in his store. One of which was to change room placement. By using this feature, Noa could move the contract room to the new hall and purchase a bedroom on the first floor. This would allow him to live next to Yun Qiqi, ensuring maximum comfort and safety. And that¡¯s exactly what he did. Suddenly, a glowing outline materialized near him, etching itself into the walls. Then the door rose from nothingness, seamlessly, with wooden frames and no decoration. The air adjusted for a heartbeat before the hall went silent again. The contract room was ready. Now, Noa had to use the vacant spot on the first floor and buy a nice, relaxing room for Yun Qiqi. The options were endless. From mythical dimensions to literal pits of hell, Noa could choose anything he wanted. {Hell Forged Chamber} Description: A quiet space extracted from the infernal depths of Hell. Its very presence coats and tortures the air with heat and dread. Features: Torments people to enhance both body and spirit; adds an absolute limit to fire resistance, demonic qi, and mental attacks to the user who completes its trial. May awaken infernal affinities or hidden bloodlines. Customizable: None Rarity: Mythical Price: 666,666,666 TP (Negotiable) It was a fantastic room. Not only did it look useful, but owning a room from hell sounded like a big flex Noa didn¡¯t want to miss. Yet when he asked how to negotiate the price, the system mocked. [You are in no condition to speak with Satan. Not yet, at least. But if you use me to perfection, you might even buy Hell itself, let alone a single room.] Noa smirked. He liked the idea of negotiating with Satan or any other divine being. "I am more of a Hades guy," he added, arriving on the first floor while also browsing through uncommon-grade bedrooms. {Modest Resting Chamber} Description: A quiet space with a fluffy bed and a comfortable atmosphere. Ideal for sleep and recovery. Features: Reduces fatigue; Dream clarity. Customizable: Scent; Curtain colors. Rarity: Uncommon Price: 4 TP Noa bought it immediately, and the same thing happened as before. The doorframe emerged in front of him, bringing a calm aura and soothing scent with it. "This is your room," Noa said, pointing his finger to the new door. "I hope it will be a place where you can rest and energize yourself. And it¡¯s right next to mine." Yun Qiqi¡¯s eyes sparked in excitement. She jumped twice before asking Noa, her voice trembling. "I-is it really mine? Can I go in?" Noa nodded, opening the door to let her peek inside. The girl gulped before poking her head into the room to study her very first room. As soon as her eyes landed on a bed, she jumped into Noa¡¯s arms. "This is amazing! Yun Qiqi loves this so much. I love you, Big Brother Noa, and thank you!" "This is all yours," Noa answered, hugging her back. Yun Qiqi finally released Noa from her embrace, grinning like a kid as always. "Senior Bao, do you like it?" she asked innocently, diving into the bed without even looking around the room. Noa did the same thing, but in his own bed. And before sleep overtook him, he wanted to spend the remaining Tycoon Points on influencing the city itself, rather than his shop. Of course, the system had such a deal, bringing a mischievous smile to his face. Chapter 33: The Most Important Resourse Chapter 33: The Most Important ResourseNoa lay slouched on the bed, and despite the exhaustion he was feeling, he still scrolled through the system menu. It was an interactive experience. Everything he wanted to see, the system had in stock. Most of them were hidden or locked, but the mere idea that he could buy planets at market price blew his mind. ¡¯The customization feature is better than I expected,¡¯ he thought to himself. His hands tapped idly against the hovering screen, eyes searching for something affordable that could accelerate his progress. "Is there something that can affect the current market?" Noa asked the system. [Of course,] the system answered, pausing. [But you can¡¯t afford to influence the world itself.] "What about this city? Can I affect Hollow Jade City?" Noa questioned. If the system had a physical body to show, it would definitely shake its head in disdain. [But there is something you can buy. It¡¯s more of a service rather than an item, and you can only use it once per world, and I am doing a huge discount for you. How about it? Are you up for it?] "Just show me," Noa demanded, straightening his back. Immediately, a new system panel appeared before his eyes, covering his entire view. [Regional Manipulation] Description: Vanishes one specific item from the city for an entire day. Demand shifts to alternative sellers. Target: Jade Hollow City Effect: Increases urgency in buyers; +500% customer flow increase for 2 days Risk: Will attract investigation from local sects Price: 100 TP (18 TP) - (New!) This was exactly what Noa was searching for. Even though it was a one-time use as the system refused to spoon-feed him, Noa wasn¡¯t dejected because of that. On the contrary, he liked this mechanism. Not only would he grow to be less dependent on the system and influence the market by his own means, but it would be a great learning opportunity as well. "I will take that," he said, waiting for the system¡¯s response. "But I know you would be an asshole and ask for every Tycoon Point I have in stock." [What do you want to steal from this city¡¯s reality? Do you have something in mind?] The system ignored his second remark. "No," Noa shook his head. Yet, despite having no idea which item he should vanish, Noa looked strangely content. "But I know how to find a perfect resource to influence the current market," he added, smiling. With that, Noa allowed his heavy eyelids to rest. The moment he closed his eyes, he fell asleep, only to be woken up by a loud, repeating knock on the door. "Who is that?" he muttered, forcing himself to leave the warm bed. The knocks persisted until he opened the door. "Wake up!" Yun Qiqi spoke loudly, rubbing her face as she was still barely awake. "Big Sister Qing and Hue are already here." "They are dedicated, aren¡¯t they?" Noa answered, yawning and stretching at the same time. "I will be out in a second, but how did you sleep? Did you like your room?" The girl nodded firmly. "It was amazing. I slept like a dog this entire time. But you know what? It also has a really cool desk as well as inks and paper I can use to write or draw." Noa patted her head. He also squished her cheeks, as they still had baby fat remaining. ¡¯This is the softest thing ever,¡¯ Noa thought, grinning. "Hey! I told you the girls are waiting, and here you are playing with my cheeks," she scolded suddenly, gesturing for Noa to hurry up. Noa lowered his head, dejected. However, he also needed to meet them as soon as possible to talk about the item he would be evacuating from the city. So, he quickly got ready by taking a quick shower, which left Yun Qiqi pleasantly shocked. It was her first time seeing one, and after using the one in her room, she couldn¡¯t stop talking about it. Then Noa brushed his teeth and stepped out of his room. Both Xue Hanly and Qing Xuan remained outside the store, waiting for Noa to let them in. "Good morning," they greeted with a warm, respectful smile. Noa nodded slightly. "Come on in. It¡¯s gonna be a long day ahead of us," he said, allowing the girls to take their respective positions. Qing Xuan stood close to the counter, arranging a small shelf behind her. She also checked the machine that scanned the products, making sure that everything looked and worked perfectly. Hue Xanly didn¡¯t stand idle as well. She observed the long shelves to check if the products looked striking to the eye. Yun Qiqi walked between them. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even she looked busy with her serious expression. In minutes, the store became livelier, its loud but satisfying atmosphere filling the space. As for Noa, he examined everything from the sidelines. Still, he had a job to do, which involved investigating what was the most demanding and important item in the Blooming Iron Sect. Where would he find better candidates when the perfect ones stood before him? "I have a question," he started, stepping forward. "Yes?!" Xue Hanly exclaimed, while Qing Xuan narrowed her eyes. They were surprised by Noa¡¯s approach, especially when he was asking something from them. "You two are already aware that I will be buying your sect in the near future. I am interested in knowing what the most essential resource your sect can¡¯t function without. Something so important that everyone¡ªincluding elders and students alike¡ªuses every day." His tone was casual, while his face remained unreadable. Yet he spoke as if nothing could oppose his vision of purchasing their sect. It sounded like a fact. An investable reality that would happen sooner rather than later. As for the question itself, they both had the same¡ªa single item in mind that was by far the most important resource the sect heavily depended on. "It¡¯s rice," Hue Xanly answered after getting a nod of approval from her senior. Chapter 34: City Without Rice Chapter 34: City Without Rice"Rice?" Noa repeated, surprised. Though the only evidence of his emotions was the brows he lowered slowly. "That¡¯s an interesting idea," he mused, rubbing his hands together. "Can you elaborate?" Qing Xuan inhaled before starting. "Rice isn¡¯t just food. It¡¯s the foundation of our sect¡¯s cultivation, and even though we can live without food for a while, it¡¯s a completely different matter with rice." Her expression became even more earnest as she leaned in slightly. "The sect grows its own grains, and they are infused with spirit essence that can nourish our body and qi. Without it, our meridians weaken, our progress stalls, and even our spirit beasts will suffer." Hue Xanly was nodding this entire time. But when her senior completed her sentence, she chimed in. "The long-lasting effect is losing at least one stage in our cultivation, and though the effect isn¡¯t permanent, it is still scary." "Hmm," Noa thought for a while in silence. The idea of leaving an entire city without rice played in his head, and the more he thought about it, the better it sounded. "That¡¯s exactly what I need," he said inwardly for the system to hear. "You took every point I had, so my plans would be stalled. Now you can eat my shit when you are going to provide our favorite meal for free." The system groaned silently. If Noa couldn¡¯t buy the product from the store, he couldn¡¯t have used the service for a little while. The discount was a gamble the system took to mess with him. Now that its plans had fallen into shambles, while also leaving it burdened with the unchanging responsibility of providing unlimited rice to Noa, the system knew it would be punished by void creatures. The punishment would be something the system had once threatened Noa with at the beginning of his journey, and ironically, now it was its turn to linger in fear. Noa, however, had no idea about that. He was simply happy with how the situation turned out, and all he wanted was to set his plans in motion. "Thank you," he said to the girls. His voice was casual as always, but Qing Xuan and Hue Xanly bowed simultaneously. "Glad to be in your service," the latter said. Meanwhile, Noa was already looking at the system panel, about to set his plan in motion. "You know what to do," he muttered. The system groaned again, but it could never go against the principles it was bound by. [Regional Manipulation] Description: Vanishes rice from the city for an entire day. Demand shifts to alternative food. Target: Jade Hollow City. Effect: Increases urgency in buyers; +500% customer flow increase for 2 days. Risk: Will attract investigation from local sects. Just like that, everything was ready. No one could imagine what would happen in the city as Noa concluded his choice and vanished an entire rice supply. For a moment, nothing happened. Noa heard just a faint ding sound from the system that strangely sounded more emotional than ever. Slowly, the streets grew louder. It was a gradual process, yet noises still reached Noa¡¯s ears. People walked faster, while some shouted to vendors demanding the rice. A few merchants shut down their businesses for the day, while others began displaying signs with rice alternatives. Noa didn¡¯t move. He was watching this chaos from the window, his eyes calmer than ever. "What¡¯s happening?" Xue Hanly also noticed the commotion, concern evident on her face. Noa remained silent. For the increased emotional effect, he chose to stay still and say nothing. "Why are these people shouting?" Yun Qiqi asked beside him. "Are they angry about something?" Qing Xuan, however, said nothing. Standing behind the counter, her breathing quickened, ideas surfacing in her mind. Meanwhile, the system announced something. [Rice has been removed from the city. Demand increased a thousandfold, and passive draw towards this store is already in progress.] Noa stood like a villain and looked at the chaos he had caused. No other feeling could beat this. He felt proud, accomplished, and most of all, he felt powerful. It was his first time experiencing something like this, as this world was controlled by pure strength. Now, even Noa could trample over others. But when he saw a mother dragging her own child through the street, her arms clinging to a bag of bread she had just bought, his smile vanished instantly. This power came with a big responsibility. Rice was the most common and affordable food option in the world. So, before making any big moves, he had to respect and consider how they would affect others. Still, knowing that it would only last for a day, and he could just provide them at a cheaper price, calmed his nerves. An alert came from the system as well. [City patrols and sects have deployed investigators.] ¡¯That¡¯s what I like to hear,¡¯ Noa thought, waiting for someone to look inside his store. However, before that, the girls realized what had just happened. They were conversing about how important rice was for the sect, and only moments later, something completely unexpected happened. Based on how people acted and demanded rice from every shop, it didn¡¯t take a genius to figure out what had caused this chaos. "D-Did... Did the entire supply..." Hue Xanly tried to ask, but the shampoo bottle slipped from her trembling hand. Qing Xuan had the same reaction. Her lips parted, but no words escaped. They both looked at Noa as if he had rewritten the rules of the universe. It happened before their own eyes, yet they still had a hard time believing. There was a weight in the room that no one could explain. Even Yun Qiqi realized what was going on. "Big Brother?" she said, looking at Noa¡¯s figure with her round eyes. The girls stayed silent. Xue Hanly thought about her own emotions. Was it respect she was feeling, or perhaps it was something else? Fear? Excitement? She wanted but didn¡¯t dare to ask what else he could erase. Just then, the entrance door creaked open, revealing desperate, terrified people. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 35: Chaos Chapter 35: ChaosPeople flocked to the store. Not because they knew Noa had rice to sell, but because they were searching desperately. "Do you have rice?" the leading elder asked, expectation flashing across his face. "Yes, I do have some for sale. Are all of you interested in buying it?" he asked casually, as if the shortage had never existed. "W-What?" the elder exclaimed, not believing his words. "You aren¡¯t pulling our leg?" another person asked, her voice trembling. They all looked like poor people who desperately depended on rice to survive. Finding a job in the city was hard. However, surviving on measly wages and feeding families wasn¡¯t easier by any means. Noa sighed before shaking his head. "What¡¯s the point of asking if you aren¡¯t going to believe the answer?" he asked, his tone calm and collected. "T-This..." The elder wanted to argue with his logic but found nothing to say. "It¡¯s not gonna be expensive?" he asked finally, almost pleading. As for Noa, he nodded slightly. If the rice was the store¡¯s property and the system controlled it, Noa wouldn¡¯t be able to set a price for it. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet, since he had access to the unlimited meals from the system, and technically they belonged to him, Noa could easily sell them at cheap prices. But what would happen if he decided not to sell rice to the people who needed it the most? Of course, it was about the Blooming Iron Sect, since no one could force Noa to provide them with rice. He could also use Karma to ensure that people who bought rice from him wouldn¡¯t give it to others¡ªexcept family members. It was a fair trade, and Noa had won this battle before it even began. "I am only selling a limited quantity to each person," Noa explained. "The price is one Lesser Spirit Coin per serving." People hearing his offer stood frozen for a moment. One Lesser Spirit Coin was unbelievably cheap for the product that no longer existed in the city. It was the lowest unit of money in this world, and anyone could afford it. Thankfully, Karma made sure to keep them in check, and chaos from the outside wasn¡¯t repeated inside the store. Still, people¡¯s hearts stirred. "Please, I will take one serving!" someone called. "Me too!" others repeated as well. Soon, all six of them demanded their share. Meanwhile, Noa watched the scene with an unreadable expression, basking in that strange sensation. "You know what to do," he addressed the system. Immediately, blue flashing lights surrounded Noa, causing everyone inside the store to squint their eyes. It only lasted for a second. And when they came back from the daze, the counter no longer seemed empty. There it was. The delicious-looking, already-cooked meal with rice and veggies on the side. Not only did it look appealing, but its rich aroma was enough to make anyone¡¯s mouth water. The hungry and still scared people moved quickly. They paid Qing Xuan, as she could even scan the plates filled with food. A minute later, everyone looked satisfied. Rice. Real, white-grain rice. Something the whole city had panicked over. The elder blinked down at the plate in his hands, then glanced at Noa. "Thank you," he said weakly. Noa didn¡¯t flinch. "Come back tomorrow if you want more." One elderly woman also whispered a blessing before rushing out of the store. Others didn¡¯t stay for long either. They stepped back from the counter and left while also offering thanks without words. Noa watched them go. He knew that the word would soon go around and everyone in the city would hear about this. Even the sects would be notified. The weight in the room changed once again. Yun Qiqi had a smug little smile as she watched the scene. As for Qing Xuan and Xue Hanly, they whispered among themselves, discussing their thoughts about the situation. "We spoke about rice only four hours ago," the latter said. The former nodded stiffly. "And then... It¡¯s gone. It seemed like there was no grain left." "Except here," Xue Hanly added. They both looked at Noa, who seemed utterly indifferent to the sheer scale of divinity he had just caused. He didn¡¯t look like someone who could affect the world this much. Yet, he didn¡¯t show remorse at the consequences either. Standing uneasily, both of them realized how little they knew about the entity they were working for. One idle mention was enough for him to rewrite the world. "W-What... is he?" Qing asked. Neither had the answer. But there was at least one thing they both understood. This feat wouldn¡¯t be the last one that would force the world to adjust according to his wishes. In the meantime, the words had already begun to spread. "Rice. Real rice." "They say it came from a store in the lower street." "A small shop with strange items and expensive prices." "But they say he sells rice for dirt cheap." Travelers, cultivators, and merchants spoke about it. By hour¡¯s end, even sect-affiliated disciples and elders began murmuring among themselves. Curiosity. Urgency. Greed. They all spread quickly. The Blooming Iron Sect was no different, as they were the first ones to hear about this rumor. In the inner halls, disciples actively discussed it. Some of them were familiar with the store and knew its otherworldly capabilities. "If it¡¯s true..." "We need to go there and buy as much as we can." "That¡¯s right. We can¡¯t afford to weaken ourselves. Every sector of the city will attack and divide us." "We have already tested alternatives, and they have never worked." "According to Elder Shanq, our body will be affected in less than 12 hours." One particular boy stood among the confused and terrified disciples. He was a bald man called Han Chao. "Master did it," he muttered, his eyes burning with excitement. Elders also held the meeting. Elder Shanq stood before the sect master, his expression grave. "If that store owner truly owns a supply, we must secure it. We can¡¯t afford to waste time on trade. We must use other means." Chapter 36: Elders Chapter 36: EldersRice was a lifeline to the Blooming Iron Sect, and knowing that someone was holding its key, they couldn¡¯t just sit still. The sect master nodded slowly at Elder Shanq¡¯s words. "Send someone to investigate and find out how this even happened and why the hell this one store is unaffected?" he demanded. "I also want an assembled team of elite disciples to visit the store." Suddenly, one of the elders raised his hand. "Elder Jin?" the sect master¡¯s brows lowered. "Do you want to say something?" "That¡¯s right," Elder Jin agreed, his voice full of respect. "I have been in that shop once. I have heard our disciples speak about it and decided to visit by myself." The air grew tense. Every elder who listened to this conversation held their breath. "The shop owner is a man with no qi or cultivation. The products he sells are overpriced garbage with no apparent value. As for how he still has rice to sell? My guess is that he got lucky, but I am confident I can make him spill his beans." Elder Jin spoke harshly. His voice had a trace of malice that everyone could sense. "I think Elder Jin can handle this situation," Elder Shanq said to the master while also eyeing the spectators. No one objected to that. Silence lingered for a heartbeat as the sect leader leaned forward, tapping his finger on the table in front of him. "Send a team right away. Be swift, secure it¡ªeven by force, and ensure no resistance." His voice hung low. Elder Jin was the first one to leave his seat. He bowed twice before departing from the hall, ready to prepare the most elite strike force. As for Noa, he sat at the center of his store. A faint smirk danced on his face as he observed his two and a half employees managing the grateful crowd. Hue Xanly¡¯s hands moved swiftly. She was handing filled plates with practiced efficiency. "Next," she called out, ready to serve another customer without wasting a single second. Qing Xuan handled the transactions, counting and arranging spirit stones behind the counter. There was one more girl who had been working this entire time. Of course, she was Yun Qiqi, and her job was to handle the situation from the sidelines. "Hey!" she said to the shabby-looking man. "Yun Qiqi is watching you! Cut the line, and Senior Bao will cut your legs off!" People took her seriously. Though she looked too cute to be a serious guard, no one dared to go against her words. Some food-deprived people couldn¡¯t wait and tried the rice on the spot. Nothing seemed to happen. They just chewed slowly, as if enjoying its rich and subtle sweetness. But that was it. Qing Xuan and Hue Xanly had expected something to happen. Left disappointed, they carried on doing their job. Only Noa knew the reason, and as always, he remained silent, waiting for the show to unfold by itself. It took quite some time for the first cultivator to take a bite. But when she swallowed it, her body reacted instantly. It started with her qi changing colors, as if the rice had found her deepest potential. Then her energy surged and went in and out of control. One minute later, her bottleneck, which seemed to stagnate her progress for months, moved forward. Inch by inch, it started to clear until finally vanishing, as if it had never existed. Noa leaned back in his chair. ¡¯I knew it,¡¯ he thought. ¡¯There was no way this meal didn¡¯t pack a nutritious balance which could easily transfer everyone¡¯s life except mine.¡¯ Still, he wasn¡¯t disappointed or anything. On the contrary, it would help his product to explode in popularity. His two employees, however, seemed to forget how to speak momentarily, their faces revealing guilt and embarrassment. It looked like they showed remorse for doubting Noa. As if even thinking that his products would be an average rice with just a sweet fragrance was an act of treachery. Shaking their heads, they vowed never to doubt Noa ever again. Yet they also wanted to try it as well. As for the man in question, he was tapping repeatedly, glancing towards the entrance, waiting for big shots to visit him. However, the cultivator who had just found what his rice could do started another frenzy. Thankfully, Karma never slept. And the principles of the universe safeguarded his peace. The woman had swallowed her words and left the store because of the strong spiritual pressure she couldn¡¯t handle. Yet she still decided to notify her friend about it. But something in her forbade her to leave some for them to try. So she devoured the rice down to the last grain and dashed out of the way, content with a breakthrough she had strived for so long. One leg crossed over the other, Noa idly sipped a protein shake. Outside, the street had never looked so busy. And when the faint echo of distant footsteps and the presence of a familiar man reached his senses, Noa knew the game was about to start. "Let¡¯s see how this goes," he muttered between his sips. Whatever happened next, Noa was as ready as he could be. And before the entrance door slammed open, he heard a strong, commanding voice cutting through the murmurs. "Out of sight, all of you!" Elder Jin yelled. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The crowd went silent. They all knew his face and position, and knowing that the Blooming Iron Sect had already sent their convoy, people started scattering. Sometimes fear outweighed greed. This was one of its examples. After Elder Jin barked orders and people began to flee, Noa stood up and said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "Hold on. If you are scared and hungry, you can hide in my store. There is no need for you to leave¡ªI will make sure that those who are disturbing our peace will leave on their own." Hearing his announcement, Elder Jin laughed and walked inside the store. "Really?" he asked, looking genuinely curious. "How are you going to do that?" Chapter 37: Threatening Chapter 37: ThreateningElder Jin was radiating authority with each word he uttered. Beside him walked an elite force of the Blooming Iron Sect, their steps measured with military precision. Their weapons were sheathed, but one wrong move and they would be drawn. The temperature grew cold. Most of the bystanders decided to leave, too afraid to anger the sect. Some remained inside the store, expecting shelter from Noa, while others just stayed to enjoy the show. Elder Jin and his people formed an unbroken wall of intimidation. They blocked every path of retreat, declaring war on the Heavenly Treasures Store. Meanwhile, Noa watched the scene with a grin. He looked amused, which rubbed Elder Jin the wrong way. "You think this is a joke?" he growled, taking two steps in his direction. Qing Xuan and Hue Xanly immediately left their positions, standing between the elder and Noa. "Absolutely," Noa replied. His tone was asking for a challenge. The customers stayed silent. They watched eagerly as tension formed in the air when Elder Jin recognized the girls. "What are you two doing here?" he asked, his voice demanding answers. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Xue gulped first, mastering courage. "I am leaving the sect," she announced, confidence evident in her stare. "I decided to join this store." Before the man snapped, Qing decided to double down. "Me too. I am no longer part of the Blooming Iron Sect," she said casually, as if Noa¡¯s attitude had rubbed off on her. "How dare you!" Elder Jin barked, his legs moving to punish the traitors. But when his legs tried to find strength for even a single step, they betrayed his command, freezing him in place. He wasn¡¯t a stranger to this feeling. It was something he had experienced once before but couldn¡¯t really explain where it came from. Now he was being punished for his ignorance. The girls had their eyes shut for a moment, afraid that the elder would kill them on the spot. Yet, seconds passed by and nothing happened. Qing Xuan showed courage as she snapped her eyes open just to see the elder trapped in place. Seeing this, she exhaled, releasing the air she had been holding in. Then she nudged the girl next to her, muttering under her breath. "Junior Sister Hue, we are safe. You can open your eyes." Hue Xanly did as she was told. And all she saw was Elder Jin standing still, his face ugly with the anger he was feeling. Though he roared orders and shouted in fury, the store muffled every word he tried to utter, keeping its silence intact. The same thing happened when the so-called elite warriors tried to move. They wanted to execute the traitors and attack Noa, but not a single muscle in their bodies obeyed their command. "I told you it was a joke," Noa said, circling every one of them. Then he stopped behind Elder Jin, another wave of amusement flashing across his face. "Now," Noa started, flicking the man¡¯s forehead. "Let¡¯s start from the beginning. I have demands, but I would like to call them offers. Instead of me killing you on the spot, I think it would be more reasonable for me to ask questions first." Hearing this, Elder Jin¡¯s body trembled uncontrollably. His eyes burned in humiliation as sweat dripped down from his forehead. Yun Qiqi was a mischievous little devil who decided to mimic Noa¡¯s actions by shaming the other sect members as well. Because she wasn¡¯t tall enough to reach their foreheads, she asked Qing Xuan to help her. The girl smiled awkwardly and lifted Qiqi into her arms. With a devilish grin, the little girl positioned herself like a living weapon and used her tiny fingers to flick stunned warriors. "Got you!" "Take this!" "That¡¯s what you get for crossing my big brother!" She yelled each time, her grin deepening. The sect members could only close their eyes and endure the pain and humiliation. Karma was a force no one could control. Not a single living being existed that had enough capital to buy it off. Even Noa was years away from purchasing this unbreakable unit of universal principles. Yet, he knew how to play within its limits. Karma only acted when someone acted with ill intention towards the store and the people inside it. So, all Noa had to do was to play it smart and abuse its capabilities. He asked a question, demanding the answer. Though Elder Jin had no intention of cooperating with him, he couldn¡¯t just stay in this state forever. Especially when his anger intensified, which strengthened how quickly his mind would be affected. Time ticked by. The silence that settled was deafening for some. "You... What have you done to us?" the elder spoke finally, as karma identified his intentions. "Nothing really," Noa answered dismissively, waving his hands. He paused. Another silence lingered for a minute. Until he glanced at the spectators, who seemed no less surprised than the sect members and watched the scene with wide eyes. They were torn between awe and fear, but looking at Noa comforted their worries. "You come here to take what wasn¡¯t yours by force. Bad move," he continued, looking back at the elder. "And this situation you are in is the motherfucking consequence." He took another pause. Shorter this time. Turning towards the sect members, his gaze was sharp. "Here is the deal," his voice was laced with authority. "You will all join my sect willingly before I buy it out, and believe me, it¡¯s going to happen today. Or... well... we can just wait and see what happens if you stay like this forever. I am gonna be honest and say that part of me wishes you¡¯d choose the second option because I want to see what will happen when you can¡¯t eat rice. That¡¯s an interesting research study, don¡¯t you think?" The elder¡¯s face twitched in anger. Yet before he could protest, Noa interrupted him. "Think about it. Your precious life and, for some, even more precious cultivation, depends on your choice." Chapter 38: Convincing Chapter 38: ConvincingThe room temperature dropped by several degrees. Neither the sect elders nor his disciples knew how to answer Noa¡¯s offer. On one hand, they feared what he could do to them. On the other hand, they didn¡¯t want to join him and spend the rest of their lives as his slaves. Yet Karma and Noa made sure that they were left with only these two options, and even if they sacrificed their lives, there was no escape. If this had been a normal situation, one not influenced by Karma, choosing death would have been an honorable way to go. But the reality was harsh. And looking at Noa¡¯s mocking face, all they wanted was to torture and humiliate him for the rest of eternity. Even Yun Qiqi looked like a target for them. However, Karma dug into their minds, altering their very essence while also shaping their thoughts. Instantly, every omen they had with Noa disappeared. Though they still hated him, it was quickly replaced by fear and submission. The disciples were the first ones to lose their composure, their eyes already giving up. They remained frozen. Meanwhile, Noa resumed his speech, as their emotions slipped from their control. "Your sect is doomed. Without my help or my rice, everyone will die either at the hands of opposing sects or from spiritual energy." His words hung in the air. Qing Xuan gulped, standing beside him. She glanced at Noa, asking for permission to speak. After getting a commanding nod of approval, she coughed and opened her mouth. "You think you will be selling your pride by joining him?" she asked, glancing at her former sect members. A trace of recognition flashed across her face as she knew almost all of them. She sighed, letting emotions influence her actions. "You think this will break you? No. This is salvation¡ªand I experienced this firsthand." She then gestured around the store, pointing at the smooth shelves. "Hue and I were just like you... Only two days ago. We worked for scraps, chased for breakthroughs with our stagnant progress. And we had nothing¡ªuntil we met him." Her gaze moved to Noa. Almost untraceable warmth appeared in her eyes. "The resources he has are things not even our sect leader can imagine." She showed a dry smile, whispering so only the sect members would hear, hiding the truth from the customers. "You think it was a coincidence rice disappeared from the world, and he is the only one who still has it? So start begging for the strength only he can provide." She stopped. That¡¯s all she wanted to say, but there was one more thing she wanted to show. Qing Xuan reached for the nearby plate and scooped a small bowl of steamed rice. Elder Jin flinched. He felt the strong qi emitting from the food. It was nothing like anything he had ever seen, his hands trying to reach out for a bite. Some of the younger disciples gasped as well. Rice. Something that started to be appreciated only after they had lost it. And now they needed it for their survival. Meanwhile, Qing Xuan took her first bite. Then another. Right after the third bite, her aura skyrocketed, swallowing surrounding air as her hair floated slightly. A strong pulse of qi burned at her core. A soft shockwave moved air in her direction as her cultivation base began to climb. It was a visible process¡ªa clear sign of a breakthrough that everyone could feel. She did it with three bites of rice. No rare herbs, no pills, or rituals were used in the process. Opening her eyes and closing them to get accustomed to her new strength, her breathing steadied. "Impossible!" Elder Jin barely made a sound. He sensed energy coming from the girl before him, and his eyes widened. "There is no way this is real. I can¡¯t believe it," he continued to mutter like a madman. "There is no way she had already grasped Dao. How can she be on a Spirit Severing stage already?" The very idea that his disciple had caught up to him stunned him. She was at the Qi Condensation stage when he saw her last, and it had only been three or four days since then. ¡¯This was an ultimate showdown,¡¯ Noa thought. He liked the expression Elder Jin and others made after seeing the miraculous effects his rice had. "B-But I have tried your products. They didn¡¯t work. You are nothing but a scammer who is lying to everyone." The man didn¡¯t want to give up, his voice cracking with disbelief. It made no sense for something like this to exist in this world, especially in the shop that was selling overpriced garbage. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Noa didn¡¯t even look at him directly. Yet he spoke quietly. "The store doesn¡¯t serve everyone. It responds to one¡¯s intentions, and you, my friend, had the wrong plan." The elder swallowed hard. His gaze moved back to Qing Xuan, and a strong sense of greed manifested in his heart. But unknowingly to him, Karma fixed that too. "Then... what should I do?" He asked after swallowing hard. Noa basked in silence, didn¡¯t answer right away. He looked at Yun Qiqi, who wanted to flick more foreheads, and chuckled. Then he said, "Try being a normal person who wants to grow. Forget that you are a sect elder with a mission and try sincerity." Hearing Noa¡¯s words, the man didn¡¯t move. Karma gave him every right to take the steps he wanted to take so desperately before. But he stood still. Karma wasn¡¯t just a mind manipulator that made people good-natured. Its only mission was to ensure that nothing happened to the store¡¯s property, and if Elder Jin left the building, his previous hatred would easily return. So Noa had to convince him. Convince him and his elite force with his words and products, so they would actually change their ways. Not because they would become kinder, and the greed would disappear. But because they would see what was better for their future. "Can I try it as well?" One of the disciples pleaded to try Noa¡¯s product.