Ch 102: Guide to Running a Shop in Another World II

The boundaries between the mortal world and the cultivation world on the Floating World Continent are not distinct.

Mount Wanci and the River Wubei crisscross the land, with the human capital, Wufang City, at their center. Cultivation sects are scattered across the surrounding regions: Five Elements Sect lies to the east of Wufang City, Ch’anxin Sect to the west, Tianyan Sect to the north, and Hehuan Sect to the south. In the northeast resides the Beast Taming Sect, while smithing sects are sparsely located in the southwest. To the northwest stands the Kunlun Sect, the foremost sword cultivation sect.

Ni City and Mount Baixian are in the southeastern direction of Wufang City. Ni City falls under the territory of the Dan Sect, while Mount Baixian is located further south at the border. Sparse in spiritual energy and lacking the presence of major sects, the area mainly attracts rogue cultivators, with disciples from large sects rarely seen.

Logically, Jiang Yan, rarely leaving the Hengze Sect, wouldn’t necessarily recognize Kunlun disciples even with their reputation. However, being physically weak since childhood, Jiang Yan greatly admired sword cultivators, though he was unable to learn swordsmanship himself. His fellow sect members often brought him liuying yufu (shadow-recording talismans) capturing their journeys through various landscapes.

Through these talismans, Jiang Yan had seen many disciples from other sects. Kunlun disciples were particularly conspicuous wherever they went. Thus, when he saw their robes, he recognized them immediately.

Two young sword cultivators stood in the teleportation array, hesitating to step out. Upon noticing Jiang Yan, they carefully scrutinized him before approaching.

Jiang Yan felt slightly flustered.

When they drew closer, the older one with a jade hairpin shaped like bamboo leaves cupped his hands in greeting: “Fellow Daoist, may I ask if this is Mount Baixian?”

Before Jiang Yan could respond, the shorter youth beside him tugged at his sleeve and said, “Senior Brother, isn’t that the shop under the Bodhi tree?”

“I see it,” the senior brother nodded, keeping his stance. He turned back to Jiang Yan. “Fellow Daoist, do you know if the one who claims to be the strongest in the three realms is here?”

Jiang Yan froze. “The strongest in the three realms?”

The younger disciple frowned, glancing around the woods before jabbing his elbow at his senior. “Senior Brother, there’s demonic energy everywhere here. It must be hidden by a barrier. Could we have stumbled into a den of demons?”

Jiang Yan hastily said, “This is indeed Mount Baixian, but it’s not a den of monsters. As for the strongest in the three realms, they’re likely not here.”

As soon as he finished, the small leopard demon Wen Rong and a boar spirit passed by, pausing mid-step to glance at the group. After a quick look, they sped up, heading toward the internet café.

The voices of the small demons echoed in the open forest:

“Did that little alchemy cultivator bring friends?”

“No idea, let’s go tell the boss. Cultivators are such troublemakers. What if they’re here to cause a ruckus?”

“Who’s afraid of who? The boss even handled ghost officials. Why would a few measly cultivators be a problem?”

The younger Kunlun disciple heard this and was ready to chase after them with his sword drawn.

“Junior Brother, don’t act recklessly,” the senior brother called.

The younger disciple turned, his face angry. “Senior Brother, these woodland demons are audacious, speaking so disrespectfully. Let me see this so-called boss.”

Zhu Qingyun pondered for a moment before deciding to follow, leaving Jiang Yan momentarily ignored.

Being called “Little Alchemy Cultivator” by demons was enough to distance him from fellow cultivators in their eyes. Jiang Yan felt the coldness of their attitude but didn’t try to explain. He still had to deliver the pills he’d brought for Lu Yao, though it seemed he wouldn’t have the time to go online today.

He had once wrestled with guilt over mingling with demons and devils in the internet café but eventually couldn’t resist returning. He blamed his lack of resolve.

Sword in hand, Zhu Qingyun and Xiao Yi stepped cautiously into the Bodhi tree cave.

What they saw was beyond their expectations.

The shop was lined with rows of black boxes, identical to the images displayed by the dandelion seeds. But now, the place was bustling with demons, and there were even devils among them.

Wen Rong, the small leopard demon, squeezed through the crowd to the front desk to inform Lu Yao of the cultivators’ arrival.

Lu Yao looked toward the entrance. The two sword cultivators stood with grim expressions, ready to draw their swords and exterminate demons at any moment.

Lu Yao called for Ji Feichen and Cheng Ye to handle the customers buying items, then squeezed through the crowd toward the entrance. “Are the two of you here in search of the strongest in the three realms?”

Xiao Yi scrutinized Lu Yao, “You’re a mortal?”

Lu Yao replied calmly, “Yes. My name is Lu Yao, and I’m the owner of this internet café.”

Xiao Yi frowned, “Why would a mere mortal consort with demons and devils? Setting up a barrier in the mountains to shelter such creatures—what are your intentions?”

Lu Yao’s tone remained composed, “This humble establishment is open for business. Be they demons, devils, or humans, all are welcome guests. What intentions could I possibly have?”

Xiao Yi pressed further, “If you harbor no ulterior motives, then why set up a barrier in these mountains?”

Lu Yao explained, “It’s true that the presence of demons and devils here gathers demonic energy. Concealing it with a barrier is merely an effort to maintain the balance between the human and demon realms, preventing unnecessary disturbance.”

Xiao Yi sneered coldly, clearly skeptical, “Clever words, but unconvincing.”

Lu Yao remained undeterred, her tone steady. “Regardless of their origin, those who visit the café come solely for entertainment. They have never harmed anyone. If you doubt this, you’re welcome to investigate for yourselves.”

Zhu Qingyun, who had been silent, continued observing. While Xiao Yi confronted Lu Yao, his attention was fixed on her demeanor. She was, indeed, a mortal with no cultivation, and she appeared quite young.

For a mortal to run such an establishment, welcoming demons and devils, while also inviting cultivators, she clearly had her reasons. Without a word, Zhu Qingyun walked past Lu Yao into the café.

Xiao Yi glared at Lu Yao but followed his senior brother inside.

That morning, the café was mostly filled with demon customers. Many of them had spent the night cultivating and came out at dawn for fresh air, often stopping by the café to relax.

Some didn’t even use the computers; they simply bought breakfast, held their steaming meals, and stood behind chairs to watch others play games.

The demon faction had representatives like Wen Rong and Zhu Ying, while the devil faction boasted Guan Zhong and Dan Xi, both known for their loud voices. In just a few days, news about the Six Realms Sect had spread among the demon and devil patrons. Alongside this, the café’s pay-to-play services and online shopping offerings had also gained attention.

Yesterday, the sect welcomed two new junior disciples: a cat demon and a flower demon. Meanwhile, Xiong An’an and the little sparrows were eagerly lining up for a chance to join the Six Realms Sect.

However, Lu Yao had set one strict rule: while the sect accepted disciples regardless of their background, talent, strength, or race, the single mandatory requirement was the ability to take human form.

For Lu Yao, this was as basic as a regular internet café checking if a patron’s ID indicated they were 18 or older. Non-humanoid creatures could use the café but were not allowed to take on paid tasks within the sect.

…

Zhu Qingyun and Xiao Yi wandered around the café, even venturing upstairs to explore.

It was evident that the demons and devils were entirely absorbed in the glowing black boxes before them, showing no interest in anything else. Even upon noticing the cultivators, they would merely glance at them before returning their attention to their screens.

Xiao Yi’s brow furrowed deeply, “What on earth could be so captivating in those black boxes?”

Zhu Qingyun replied thoughtfully, “These black boxes are indeed intriguing. To truly understand their mystery, one might have to try them firsthand.”

Xiao Yi looked incredulous, “Senior Brother, you intend to use those black boxes? Besides the alchemy cultivator at the entrance and the mortal store owner and clerks, everyone here is either a demon or a devil. Why waste time? Let’s subdue them all.”

Zhu Qingyun shook his head, “As the lady shopkeeper said, the demons and devils here seem to be gathered only for entertainment, not causing harm. We cannot pass judgment without discerning right from wrong. Furthermore, did you not hear the demons at the entrance? They said, ‘The shopkeeper isn’t even afraid of ghost officials.’ There’s likely more to this situation than meets the eye.”

The two sword cultivators stood in the corner by the stairs, quietly discussing things while Jiang Yan was at the bar conversing with Lu Yao.

Lu Yao blinked. “Kunlun Sect?”

Those two did indeed carry an extraordinary presence, and to think they were disciples of the foremost sword cultivation sect.

Her loosely cast net had somehow caught two big fish. Perhaps, with this opportunity, the icon for the cultivation world on her task board could finally light up.

Zhu Qingyun and Xiao Yi descended the stairs and approached the bar to request computer access.

Having gathered plenty of information from their exploration of the café, they now understood that terminal codes, video accounts, chat accounts, and game accounts all required spiritual stones to activate.

Unlike the common folk, these disciples of a major sect had no qualms about spending. They acquired terminal codes and opened every possible account, burning through several hundred top-tier spiritual stones without so much as a blink.

Jiang Yan, watching from the side, could only gaze in admiration.

Lu Yao noticed Wen Rong seated next to the newly arrived mountain boar demon, teaching them how to game. Zhu Qingyun and Xiao Yi had taken the seats just to their left, so she suggested Wen Rong also help these two newcomers.

However, Zhu Qingyun and Xiao Yi declined politely.

Left with no other option, Lu Yao called over Cheng Ye to teach them how to use the computers. This time, the two cultivators made no objections.

Lu Yao then picked up her phone to send a message.

At that moment, three more cultivators entered through the door.

At the forefront, a young man immediately spotted Lu Yao and approached her. “Lu Yao, we meet again.”

Lu Yao looked up, not surprised. “Young Master Xie.”

Xie Zili scanned the lobby, his eyes searching. Not finding the familiar figure he sought, a wave of disappointment washed over him. “I… Where is Jiao niang? I saw her in the dandelion seed projection, so I know she’s here.”

Behind him, Bai Ji and Zhong Jinglan, who had initially paused at the sight of so many demons and devils gathered in the café, finally moved forward to stand by Xie Zili.

Zhong Jinglan asked curiously, “Junior Brother, who is Jiao niang?”

Xie Zili slightly tilted his head, avoiding eye contact with her, and lowered his voice. “An acquaintance.”

Lu Yao furrowed her brows slightly but said nothing.

Xiao Yi, overhearing this, raised his voice, his brows arched in disdain. “Proprietress, you just confidently claimed that no harm has been done by the demons and devils here. How then do you explain this fellow cultivator searching for his acquaintance?”

Bai Ji and Zhong Jinglan, recognizing the Kunlun Sect robes and emblems on Xiao Yi, were visibly taken aback.

Lu Yao replied calmly, “Perhaps it’s better for Young Master Xie to clarify. I’m just—”

Xiao Yi cut her off sharply. “Say what you mean and stop evading the question.”

Wen Rong, seated nearby, found Xiao Yi’s arrogant attitude insufferable. Just because he was born human, he acts as if he’s inherently superior to us demons.

Unable to resist, Wen Rong shot back, “The shopkeeper has done no wrong. Jiao niang works here under her employ. And I’d like to know—what business does a human cultivator have with a mermaid demon?”

Bai Ji and Zhong Jinglan were both stunned as they turned to look at Xie Zili.

They were aware of that incident—how Xie Zili had been abducted by a mermaid demon and held captive for over half a year. Everyone had presumed him dead.

Only half a month ago had he returned to Xie Manor with the elderly Madam Xie in tow.

When he subsequently rejoined the sect, they assumed the matter was in the past. Why, then, was he still seeking out the mermaid demon?

Even Xiao Yi seemed taken aback to learn Xie Zili’s acquaintance was a demon, his expression momentarily awkward.

With Wen Rong’s remark, Lu Yao saw no point in pretending Jiao niang wasn’t around. She simply said, “She works the night shift. Usually, she arrives closer to dusk.”

As for Jiao niang’s residence, Lu Yao kept her lips sealed. If Xie Zili truly wanted to find her, he would.

Xie Zili excused himself to Bai Ji and Zhong Jinglan, leaving alone to search for her.

Zhong Jinglan hesitated, wanting to accompany him, but Bai Ji stopped her.

The two cultivators wandered around the internet café out of curiosity and eventually decided to open two computers, sitting directly across from Zhu Qingyun and Xiao Yi.

Lu Yao taught them the basics and was about to leave when Zhong Jinglan stopped her.

“Shopkeeper, we actually have another matter to ask about.”

“Please, go ahead,” Lu Yao replied.

Zhong Jinglan hesitated, then asked, “Is the so-called ‘strongest in the Three Realms’ senior here in this café?”

Across from them, Zhu Qingyun and Xiao Yi froze, their hands pausing mid-click. They had completely forgotten their original purpose of seeking this supposed “strongest in the Three Realms.”

Lu Yao smiled faintly. “Ah, that ‘senior’ is indeed here in the café.”

Zhong Jinglan and Bai Ji exchanged incredulous looks, still half-convinced it was all a scam.

Lu Yao continued, “However, he has established a rule in this café. To meet him, one must first pass his trial.”

Her words immediately grabbed everyone’s attention, including the two sword cultivators sitting across the way, who stopped what they were doing to listen.

Lu Yao leaned forward and opened a folder labeled Beginner Tutorials on the computer screen, navigating to a subfolder for Six Realms training materials. “The trial is simple: defeat the café’s team in this game. If you win, you’ll get to meet the senior. But if you’re representing the cultivation world in this challenge, you’ll need a team of five cultivators. As of now, it seems you’re a bit short on members.”

Xiao Yi leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Add us, and the team will be complete.”

Bai Ji and Zhong Jinglan looked at each other, uncertain. The idea of “representing the cultivation world” felt like an enormous responsibility.

Lu Yao nodded. “With Xie Zili, that would indeed make five. Whether your skills are up to par, though, is another matter entirely.”

Xiao Yi’s face darkened with frustration.

Zhu Qingyun finally spoke, his tone calm but firm. “We’ve never played this ‘box game’ before. Using such a method for a trial seems rather unfair. Why not change the terms to a duel of swords or spells instead?”

Lu Yao shook her head. “Your opponents will be regular humans without any cultivation abilities, just like me. Even so, are you unwilling to accept the challenge? If that’s the case, then I must ask you to leave.”

Xiao Yi slammed his hand on the table. “Fine! A challenge it is. Who’s afraid of you?”

Zhu Qingyun pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly exasperated.

Lu Yao smiled faintly. “I won’t make it too difficult. The computers contain detailed instructional videos. Given your intelligence and knowledge, I’m confident you can learn quickly. If you have any questions, you can always ask the little leopard over there. He’s an expert.”

The small leopard demon huffed and turned his face away.

Xiao Yi mirrored his defiance, looking away as well.

Lu Yao turned to Zhong Jinglan. “Later, I’ll arrange for a tutor for you as well.”

“Can it be a woman?” Zhong Jinglan asked.

“Of course,” Lu Yao replied. “Jiao niang, Zhu Ying, and Dan Xi are all female and play even better than the little leopard.”

The small leopard demon couldn’t help but interject, “No one can beat my jungle stats.”

Having settled this matter, Lu Yao walked back to the bar and sent a message to the staff group chat.

[Lu Yao]: Recruiting for the ‘Strongest in Three Realms’ challenge team. If you’re available after work, sign up. Training required; overtime pay provided.

[Childhood Tutoring Center Bai Yi]: Someone’s actually challenging it already?

Lu Yao had previously explained her strategy of using the dandelion seeds to attract cultivators to challenge the café team, creating an opportunity to designate an MVP and potentially light up the Cultivation Realm icon.

[Lu Yao]: Yes, five challengers just arrived.

[Childhood Tutoring Center Bai Yi]: I can play support.

[Interdimensional Internet Café Mei Xue]: I’m decent at mid lane.

[Interdimensional Internet Café Liu Yixi]: I’ll jungle.

[Interdimensional Internet Café Cheng Ye]: Jungle is taken. We have a jungle king already.

[Interdimensional Internet Café Liu Yixi]: ???

[Interdimensional Internet Café Mei Xue]: By the way, one of our colleagues has the same name as K king, the recently retired pro gamer—Zhong Lianjia.

Zhong Lianjia, who was currently working the night shift this month, had yet to meet Mei Xue or Liu Yixi in person.

And in the group chat, everyone often followed the store owner in calling him “Xiao Zhong.” Mei Xue had always thought “Xiao Zhong” was just someone with the same name as K king.

[Hot Spring Inn Bai Lu]: “…You haven’t met him in person yet?”

[Little Pet Cafe Zhou Su]: “Fun fact: After retiring, K king got a job at the internet café as a network administrator.”

[Interdimensional Internet Café Mei Xue]: “…Xiao Zhong is K king?”

[Lu Yao]: “Jungle position is reserved for Xiao Zhong. You can all try out for the other roles. When the time comes, K king can even train you.”

[Interdimensional Internet Café Liu Yixi]: “…Excuse me.”

…

The store employees in the shopping street were especially enthusiastic about this kind of event and all signed up.

Lu Yao gave the game progress another nudge in the group chat, then pulled out a transmission jade talisman to message Zhu Ying and Dan Xi, intending to ask them to train Zhong Jinglan.

Dan Xi had returned to the demon realm last night and hadn’t come back yet.

Zhu Ying received the message just as she was setting up a recording with a memory jade in her cave dwelling.

She was about to document her first unboxing.

🛍️🛍️🛍️🛍️🛍️