Elder Feng Yuhan’s transmission was just as serious.
’Keep your mouths sealed. If word spreads, we will regret it.’
’The consequences could be far-reaching and dangerous. This is not something we can afford to take lightly.’
The four disciples nodded, their expressions grave. The gravity of the situation had become all too clear.
The more they learned about the Dimensional Convenience Store, the more they understood the importance of keeping it a secret.
Any slip-up could spell disaster!
With that, the group left the area, each heading back to their respective sects.
All except for Lin Yijun, who gave a brief excuse before walking off toward another part of the city.
He had something important in mind.
’I should at least have a proper rod for fishing, right?’
’If I’m going to fish, I might as well do it properly.’
Inside the now-quiet store, Hao and Kurome, the mother cat, stood in front of a glowing scroll.
The All-Encompassing Primordial Contract hovered in the air.
Kurome blinked slowly at the sight, surprised but not overwhelmed.
She already saw Hao as a being far above her, so this kind of thing made sense.
The contract had benefits similar to what Mo Xixi received.
However, instead of a salary of two crystals, Kurome was offered ten spirit crystals for a nine-hour work shift.
It was more than generous.
Not that it mattered to her.
Even if Hao gave her nothing but warm instant noodles for her and her kittens, she would have still accepted.
Kurome had already decided in her heart that she would work for Hao.
She calmly pricked her paw and let a drop of her blood fall onto the scroll.
It floated over to Hao, who placed his palm on it to complete the contract.
Just like that, Kurome became the store’s first official store guardian!
[Congratulations, host! You have successfully hired your first store guardian. Kurome’s uniform and name tag have been delivered to the storage area. Please continue working hard to grow the store.]
Hao smiled as he looked down at the black cat sitting beside him.
“Welcome again to the store, Kurome.”
He crouched slightly and spoke gently.
“I’ve said this before, but I don’t want you to think you’re just a worker or someone below me. You’re a friend.”
Kurome lowered her head slightly in response.
’Yes, Master. I understand.’
Hao didn’t reply right away.
He reached out instinctively, his hand halfway to her head, but paused. Just as he was about to pull back, suddenly remembering how strong and old Kurome truly was…
Kurome, quick to notice Hao’s hesitation, took a step forward and gently rested her head against his hand.
Hao let out a small laugh. With a soft smile, he petted her head.
“Alright then.”
“Let’s work together from now on.”
Hao stretched his arms and turned toward the hallway.
“Let’s get your uniform from the storage area first.”
’Uniform?’ Kurome’s voice echoed in Hao’s mind.
She tilted her head slightly. Was that what humans wore? Those strange layers of cloth? Cultivators usually draped themselves in flowing robes or flashy armor.
Was she expected to wear something like that too?
Or… would she be getting the same attire as Little Xixi? After all, Mo Xixi was an official employee of the store.
A new thought crossed her mind.
Will I have to transform into my human-like form?
Kurome could easily do it. That ability had long been unlocked ever since she stepped into the Ravager Beast Realm. But it felt odd wearing clothes.
“Yes.” Hao nodded. “Your own uniform.”
As they entered the storage area, Hao immediately spotted a large carton box sitting neatly in one corner. He pulled it open, and right away, his eyes lit up.
Inside was a full sets of equipment:
A close-fitting black duty shirts, a charcoal molle-style mini tactical vest with a velcro patch labeled “S.G.U. D-1,” a matching black mini tactical cap with “D.C.S” printed on the front, and a sturdy utility belt with a small baton clipped to one side.
Right on top of the folded clothes sat a single name tag, crafted from a cool silver-colored metal. It was elegantly engraved in black:
“Kurome.”
Hao let out a breath.
“Damn… this is all made just for her.”
He couldn’t help but be impressed by the system’s attention to detail.
’System.’ Hao asked. ’What do S.G.U. D-1 and D.C.S mean?’
[Host, S.G.U. D-1 stands for Store Guardian Unit, Division 1. D.C.S stands for Dimensional Convenience Store.]
[These identifiers are for formal designation and recognition purposes. It creates a consistent image and lets others know the identity and authority of store personnel at a glance.]
Hao gave a slow nod, genuinely impressed.
’That’s badass.’
’Not gonna lie, System, you really cooked with this one.’
But one concern popped up in his mind.
’Wait… what if Kurome needs to fight in her true form? Wouldn’t the uniform just rip apart?’
[No need to worry, host. The uniform is equipped with an auto-adjust function that will resize itself to fit the user, no matter their shape or form.]
’Oh…’ Hao blinked.
’That solves everything.’
’Nice.’
With system quality involved, Hao had no doubt it would hold together even if Kurome turned into a massive beast. The fabric probably had something ridiculous like spiritual-thread elasticity woven into it.
Kurome had been waiting patiently at the side. She didn’t leap forward or press in – jumping in uninvited would be disrespectful to her master.
Instead, she sat upright, tail wrapped securely around her paws.
Seeing this, Hao crouched and gently picked her up with both hands.
She didn’t resist.
Hao placed Kurome on his shoulder so she could peek into the box.
“Here. Take a look, Kurome.”
“This one’s all for you.”
Kurome’s eyes widened as she gazed at the items laid out before her. She had explored many parts of Sovereign City, seen countless merchants, cultivators, and their attire, but nothing like this had ever crossed her path.
Although it was clearly tailored to fit her cat body, the style was entirely foreign – nothing like the common clothing in the city.
Each piece of her uniform was meticulously crafted!