Lin Mo listened to Liu Tianfeng's pitch for their clan. Although it's undeniable that they're the strongest force within the Eastern Abyssal Domain and among the Divine Convenience Store's patrons, he couldn't just say yes when the bidding still had to happen.

So, after a few minutes of just humoring the old man, Lin Mo held up a hand, his expression turning from that of a friendly shopkeeper to a neutral arbiter.

"Patriarch Liu, your clan's loyalty and strength are unquestionable. Your bid will, without a doubt, be a formidable one. However, the principle of this auction is not just about power or existing loyalty, but about a forward-looking pledge. Fairness, in this case, is the most important form of convenience. All eligible bidders will present their terms, and the system, along with me, will make the final decision based on what provides the greatest overall benefit to the realm's new ecosystem. I hope you understand that."

He then let his gaze soften slightly as he put on a small smile. Liu Xiaoyu aside, their arrival during the first Violethaven Temple's invasion and the fact that he faced another expert of the same level alone yesterday, their family had already set them apart from store patrons.

Unfortunately, the selection of the winning bid was entirely out of his hands. At most, he could help put a note about their contributions but it was ultimately the system that the divine beings from the pantheon developed that would make the final decision.

Of course, it probably won't ignore his input if he wants to preselect the winners but that's not going to be fun, right? It's like giving false hope to the other eligible bidders when there's already a predetermined winner. It will leave a bad taste in his mouth.

"I have no doubt the Liu Clan will make a compelling case. For now, let us rest and prepare for the lecture. The future of the realm will be decided tomorrow, not tonight."

Liu Tianfeng was a shark in his own pond, but he was wise enough to know he was now swimming in a far vaster, deeper ocean. He knew what Lin Mo was implying. To just trust the process.

"Hmph. Very well, Shopkeeper," the Patriarch conceded, a grudging respect in his eyes. He stood up, his stormy aura settling. "The Liu Clan understands the rules of the game. We will not disappoint."

With a final, confident nod, he turned and left the lounge, his entourage of elders following him like a thundercloud in his wake.

Lin Mo watched them go before letting out a long, quiet breath. He had successfully navigated the final and most powerful of his suitors, leaving the playing field level for the grand game to come.

He went down the stairs, finding Liu Xiaoyu walking alongside her grandfather while snickering, "I told you, grandpa. Everyone who meets him is given the same answer. Just pray our family gets selected, okay?"

After a while, Lin Mo decided to open the doors to the [Divine Arena & Exhibition Hall] where the first Divine Lecture would be held. Rather than let them crowd inside the store proper, he assigned Xiao Ya and Liu Xiaoping to admit the patrons with their tickets in hand.

He also tasked the other staff to give a complimentary drink and snack while they waited for the lecture to start. Still, many couldn't hold their anticipation for seeing an actual divine being.

The arena had already been slightly transformed from how it usually was according to the seating arrangement that he and Wu Meiyu planned. Thousands of comfortable seats, arranged in tiered circles, faced the central stage that still hummed with the activated divine-grade formation.

As it was usually a place for store patrons to spar against each other or duel with the Celestial Duel Gear, they were surprised at its transformation.

The air itself felt different, pure spiritual energy seemed to fill the venue. They could feel it in their skin and insides. They couldn't help but feel a tingle as though the desire to cultivate was already bubbling up within them.

The lighting was soft, emanating from glowing lotuses that floated gently in the air, a touch added by the system for ambiance.

Then, there's the seating chart which manifested into an invisible force of political convenience. It began to work its magic as the factions filed in.

The righteous sects – Azure Gale, Crimson Vale, White Ember and the like – found their seats in a respectable bloc. They exchanged wary glances as they noticed the Poison Demon Cult and the Shadow Veil Clan being seated in an equally prominent section, directly opposite them.

There was no hierarchy of good versus evil, only a clear distinction of established patrons. The High Priest of the Poison Demon Cult simply cackled, a look of smug satisfaction on his old face as he settled in, enjoying the discomfort of his old rivals.

King Wu Tianzhen and his royal delegation took their seats of honor, their golden robes contrasting the martial attire of the Liu Clan and the scholarly robes of the Red Lotus Academy, who flanked them.

Although everyone knew the Liu Clan's territory wasn't within the Southern Wu Kingdom, it still felt like a clear statement for the crowd.

They could be considered the three pillars. Kingdom, clan and academy. They formed the foundation of the store's primary alliance.

The Golden Carp delegation, led by a stoic Jin Cheng, found themselves in a respectable but conspicuously isolated section. They were surrounded by the leaders of smaller, neutral sects and merchant guilds that had long been wanting to dip their toes in the Divine Convenience Store's business.

For some, it was probably a masterclass in social pressure but to most of them, it was a golden opportunity. They were guests, acknowledged and welcomed.

Still, they're outsiders. To get closer to the center, they would have to earn their place. Jin Cheng understood the message perfectly, his sharp eyes already scanning the other attendees, calculating, networking.

Eventually, the last of those holding the Divine Patron-tier tickets arrived. And it caused the biggest stir.

After all, anyone following the threads in the Bulletin Board was already curious about their identities.

Soon, the two figures emerged.

The first was Venom Master Xun, her seductive grace turning heads as always. But it was the woman beside her that drew every eye.

She was dressed in a simple, clean green and white uniform of the Divine Convenience Store. Her cultivation was so negligible that it was practically non-existent. She was still a mortal. Yet, she walked with a quiet, steel-spined dignity, her intelligent eyes taking in the assembly of the realm's most powerful figures without a trace of fear.

It was Chi Yang.

"A mortal?" A Nascent Soul patriarch whispered in disbelief. "Seated in the Divine Patron tier? Who is she?"

Liu Xiaoyu, acting as an official usher for this section, bounced over with a brilliant smile. "That's Branch Manager Chi Yang of our new Southern Wilderness branch! She's here on the Shopkeeper's personal invitation. She's very important!"

The message it carried was clear and shocking. In the hierarchy of convenience, a competent mortal manager personally chosen by the Shopkeeper held a status equal to a sect patriarch. It was a concept so radical it left many of the old guard speechless.

Once everyone was seated, a profound silence fell over the massive arena. The ambient chatter died down as thousands of pairs of eyes turned to the central stage.

Lin Mo stepped forward, his usual green and white uniform was already far from peculiar to them. Still, it stuck out compared to the opulent robes and heavy armor of his audience.

His Perfect Foundation aura was a calm, steady presence, not oppressive, but undeniably profound.

Many of those who sat far to the back couldn't help but chant his name and the title they created for him.

Convenience Saint.

Acting calm on the surface, Lin Mo could once again feel that spark of divinity within his chest getting nourished by faith energy. While still far from blooming, its effect on his cultivation allowed him to silently progress once again.

He took a deep breath, calming down his emotions.

"Welcome, patrons," Lin Mo began as he let his voice be amplified by the arena's formations, reaching every corner with perfect clarity. "Welcome to the first Divine Lecture. We are gathered here today not as sects, clans, or kingdoms. We are gathered as patrons of convenience, united by a shared challenge and a shared opportunity."

He gestured to the crowd. "The threat of the Outer Realms is no longer a distant rumor. It is at our doorstep. But where there is crisis, there is also opportunity. An opportunity to grow stronger, to break old boundaries, and to forge a new, more unified path for this realm. Today is the first step on that path."

He gave a simple, respectful bow. "It is my profound honor to welcome the esteemed lecturers from the Divine Pantheon. Please, show them the respect they deserve."

He stepped back, and the stage's lighting dimmed.

Then, it began. The descent of the divine beings.