C6 New Product, Spicy Sticks

"The host's power correlates with the quantity of spiritual crystals earned. Once a transaction is completed, the system will automatically convert the spiritual crystals into the host's cultivation base," the system's earnest voice echoed in Lo Chuan's mind. "As a one-star shop owner, you're entitled to a 10% share. As your star rating increases, you'll unlock additional privileges and a higher share percentage."

Lo Chuan was pleasantly surprised to discover another use for spiritual crystals. It made sense, though; besides serving as currency, spiritual crystals were essential for cultivators' practice. The system's approach simply streamlined Lo Chuan's cultivation process.

"Not bad at all. So, the more I sell, the stronger I become?" A slow smile spread across Lo Chuan's face, a twinkle of excitement in his eyes.

"To ascend to the second tier, you must allocate 100 spiritual crystals, 10,000 for the third, and 100,000 for the fourth," the system informed.

Lo Chuan realized the journey to power was lengthy and arduous.

With the system's guidance, Lo Chuan understood that his first tier was roughly equivalent to a major level in this world.

"And the star levels?" he inquired.

"To elevate your star level, complete the special upgrade missions the system assigns once your business turnover meets our criteria," the system responded.

With a sigh, Lo Chuan looked forward to the challenges ahead.

He picked up a packet of spicy sticks, and its details instantly downloaded into his mind: "Spicy sticks can temporarily boost your body's energy by one minor level, stackable up to five times without exceeding a major level. Duration: 1 minute. Price: 100 spiritual crystals."

Lo Chuan remained stoic, though inside he was anything but. He had grown accustomed to the system's array of unusual offerings.

Curious about the spicy sticks' true effect, he tore open the packet, and a familiar, pungent aroma hit him.

As the spicy sticks hit his taste buds, Lo Chuan felt as though a blaze had ignited in his mouth.

Phew!

He exhaled softly, his eyes widening with a hint of astonishment.

Lo Chuan sensed that the scant energy within him had surged in strength after consuming the spicy sticks!

"Delicious!"

He nodded in approval and crammed the rest of the spicy sticks into his mouth.

Upon closer examination, Lo Chuan noted that the energy inside him had indeed normalized within a minute.

And then... there was nothing more.

"System, are there really no side effects?" Lo Chuan inquired, driven by curiosity.

In his memory, those novel techniques that could boost strength in a short time always came with harmful side effects.

"The products of this system do not carry such side effects. Moreover, please refrain from equating the system's offerings with those inferior items," the system responded.

Lo Chuan nodded in agreement.

The absence of side effects was indeed terrifying.

"Mission issued: Sell 100 bottles of Coke and 100 packs of Spicy Snacks. Reward: One lottery draw. Current progress: Coke 0/100, Spicy Snacks 0/100."

The system's prompt timely echoed in Lo Chuan's mind as the evening sky grew dark. The streets of Deepmount thinned out, and lights twinkled on like stars.

Suppressing a yawn and feeling the tug of drowsiness, Lo Chuan locked up the shop and ascended to the second floor. After a quick wash, he settled into bed.

Bu Lige, after departing from Lo Chuan's shop, made a beeline for the South Marquis' Palace.

Yet, even now, Bu Lige was still savoring the delightful taste of the Coke, and with his dark wounds healed, a smile occasionally graced his face.

The South Marquis' Palace was teeming with servants and maids, who instinctively stepped back when they encountered Bu Lige.

Luckily, Bu Lige was lost in his reverie and remained oblivious to their reactions.

Once Bu Lige was out of sight, the servants quickly huddled together, murmuring amongst themselves.

"What's gotten into the Young Master today? He seems so odd!"

"Absolutely! And that expression on his face—it's just too lecherous!"

"Alas, the dashing image I held of the Young Master has utterly shattered in my heart..."