Lime Fizz had a vibrant jade-green hue at the bottom that gradually blended into a soft, misty blue at the top, forming a smooth gradient.
In the center, “Lime Fizz” was written in white letters, slightly slanted, giving it a lively feel. Above the text, a stylized lime slice was printed, surrounded by tiny, sparkling bubbles that made the entire design look crisp and refreshing.
Hao couldn’t wait any longer. He grabbed a can and popped it open.
Tsssk!
Wouldn’t hurt to try one in the morning, right?
Besides, the soft drinks from the Dimensional Convenience Store weren’t like the ones back on Earth. Those could give you diabetes just by looking at them.
He took a sip.
The cool, fizzy liquid hit his tongue, sending a crisp chill down his throat. A refreshing burst followed, light and clean, with a hint of sweetness, as if he had taken a bite out of a freshly chilled lime with just the right touch of sugar.
Before Hao knew it, the can was empty.
He let out a satisfied sigh. “Now that’s refreshing.”
Back on Earth, Hao had been a proud member of the water gang, always avoiding soft drinks. But now? He was one can away from total corruption.
Shaking his head, Hao got to work restocking the shelves. He placed the new Lime Fizz cans neatly inside the glass-door refrigerator, right next to the cans of Cola.
As morning began, Mo Xixi and the cats woke up, and they all had breakfast together.
The instant noodles worked wonders. Mo Xixi could feel it. Just one more push, and she’d break through.
She got up to grab a Cola. But the moment she reached the glass shelves, she paused.
There was something new inside.
Her eyes flicked between the two drinks. Cola was good. Aside from its incredible effects, the taste was rich and satisfying.
But the new product was tempting!
She hesitated, then reached for the new drink. She could still have two cans of Cola today, so it should be fine.
Holding the can, she studied it. “Lime Fizz?”
Similar to ’Cola,’ Mo Xixi had no idea what ’Lime Fizz’ meant.
The design was clean and fresh-looking, like it would wake her up just by looking at it.
With a soft pssh, she cracked it open.
Sip.
A crisp, airy sensation spread across her tongue, instantly refreshing. Compared to Cola’s bold, syrupy sweetness, this was sharper yet smoother, like the tangy zest of a ripe Spring Vine Fruit balanced by a gentle sweetness.
Spring Vine was a pale green fruit that grew in clusters on creeping vines, commonly used in refreshments. However, drinks made from Spring Vine often left a slightly astringent aftertaste, whereas Lime Fizz had a clean, smooth finish that made her crave another sip. It was at least ten times better.
Lime Fizz also had the same tingling sensation as Cola, a feeling that always felt good on the throat.
Her eyes widened slightly.
“…Not bad.”
She stared at the empty can in her hand, feeling conflicted. “It’s good… but not as good as Cola.”
She nodded to herself, reassuring her loyalty, only to hesitate the next second. Was she betraying Cola?
She set the can down.
Throughout her drinking, Mo Xixi had already felt something was different, but now it hit her all at once.
Her focus had sharpened!
Her thoughts were clearer, her awareness heightened. It was as if a fog she didn’t even realize was there had suddenly lifted.
She wanted to ask Hao about the ingredients behind Lime Fizz, but she knew better than to waste this opportunity.
“I’ll take the night shift today, boss.”
Hao glanced at her, then gave a small nod of approval. Without another word, Mo Xixi turned away and headed upstairs to her room to cultivate.
Instant Noodles granted enlightenment, and there was truly no downside to it. The insights gained were solid, practical, and deeply ingrained.
But Mo Xixi understood something crucial. Relying solely on external boosts was never a good habit.
Cultivation was not just about sudden breakthroughs. It was about refining oneself, building a solid foundation, and making that power truly one’s own.
She sat cross-legged in her room, steadying her breath. The effects of Lime Fizz still lingered. Her thoughts flowed effortlessly, sharper than usual, making it easier to control her circulation of qi.
It was different from Cola’s effect. Cola heightened reaction time and sharpened the senses, making it perfect for battle or intense training.
In a fight, those effects could mean the difference between dodging an attack or taking a direct hit. It made the world feel faster, clearer, more immediate.
Lime Fizz, on the other hand, had no such urgency. It wasn’t about speed but clarity. Instead of making her body react faster, it made her mind more precise.
Instead of rushing for immediate gains, Mo Xixi chose to go back to the roots.
The fundamentals – breathing, circulation, stability – these were the foundation of every powerful cultivator. No matter how advanced a technique was, it would crumble without a strong base.
Her breathing became deeper, her control more refined. She could perceive the tiniest flow of qi in her body with greater clarity.
This was the distinction. As opposed to enlightenment, which granted bursts of insight, Lime Fizz allowed her to fully immerse herself in cultivation, making every step more precise, every adjustment more effective.
Cola was for the battlefield. Lime Fizz was for the quiet, patient work of refining one’s power.
Time passed without her noticing. Each cycle of qi felt smoother, her mind never once straying.
Mo Xixi remained still. The effects of Lime Fizz had long since dissipated, but she continued cultivating, fully immersed in her zone.
Back to the store, Hao reached for the wooden plaque hanging on the door. He flipped it over, signaling the start of business.
The store was officially open!
It didn’t take long for the first visitors to arrive. As expected, the usual customers stepped in – Lin Yijun, Hua Feixue, Yue Xueyan, and Xiao Lianfeng.
But this time, two other cultivators followed behind them.
Unlike the younger disciples, these two were clearly older, their presence more composed yet carrying an undeniable weight.
The man standing beside them wore the same uniform as Lin Yijun and Xiao Lianfeng, yet the way he carried himself set him apart.
His long gray hair was neatly tied back, while a short, well-groomed beard framed his strong jawline.