CHAPTER 471: THE WAYFINDER’S COMPASS

A familiar system panel appeared before Yu Qingyan.

[You have received the Legacy of the Sage of Harmonious Commerce: The Wayfinder’s Compass.]

[Item: The Wayfinder’s Compass]

[Grade: Low Immortal-Grade]

[Description: An immortal-grade artifact created by the ascended merchant sage, Shang Li. It does not navigate physical space, but the abstract space of commerce and opportunity. It can identify undiscovered resource nodes, pinpoint areas of high market demand, analyze the stability of trade routes, and even sense the ’potential value’ of individuals and factions.]

[Primary Ability: Path to Profit - Once per month, the user can ask a single, market-related question (for example: ’Where is the largest untapped vein of spiritual iron?’ or ’Which faction is most in need of healing elixirs?’), and the compass will reveal the most convenient and profitable path to the answer.]

[Secondary Ability: Network Harmonizer - When integrated with a compatible system, it passively optimizes logistical flow, reduces operational costs, and increases the efficiency of all commercial activities within the network by 10%.]

[Bound to: Yu Qingyan, Emissary of the Verdant Sky Pavilion and Official Distributor of the Divine Convenience Store.]

A wave of pure, profound knowledge flowed from the compass into Yu Qingyan’s mind. She gasped, her eyes widening as she processed the immense power and potential of the artifact that had just been entrusted to her. It was not a weapon. It was a CEO’s ultimate tool.

"The legacy is yours, Distributor Yu," The voice of Shang Li said as his voice gradually faded. "The path of convenience is a difficult one. But you are not alone. You have a good team. And it seems you have found a most... interesting... backer. Use it well. Build a network that even the heavens will admire. Make the world... a more convenient place."

With a final, warm chuckle, the voice faded completely. The Secret Realm, with its purpose fulfilled, began to dissolve around them. The ethereal plains of green and white faded back into the cold and white reality blanketing the Frigid Peaks.

Lin Mo looked at Yu Qingyan, who was now holding the Wayfinder’s Compass, her face illuminated by its gentle, emerald glow.

He had to admit. That was a fine showing despite his lack of profound understanding of the Dao they presented. And this fortuitous encounter truly paid off for Yu Qingyan.

"Well, Boss," Xiaoyu whispered, finally breaking the reverent silence. "I guess that’s one way to close a deal. So... does this mean we get a 10% bonus on our next paycheck?"

Lin Mo simply laughed, the sound echoing in the crisp, cold air of the Frigid Peaks. "It depends. Come, let’s check on our favorite distributor.

—

An hour later, everyone had retreated to the temporary camp, a warm and lively bubble of convenience in the desolate, frozen landscape.

A crackling bonfire, sparked by a [Flame-Burst Talisman], roared cheerfully at the center. The aroma of freshly brewed [Morning Star Coffee] and the savory scent of self-heating meal packs mingled in the air.

The Verdant Sky Pavilion members were in high spirits. They were gathered in small groups, excitedly discussing their gains, the profound lessons of the Secret Realm, and, most importantly, the new immortal-grade artifact in their Emissary’s possession.

Naturally, those who were recruited by Yu Qingyan through the Bulletin Board also felt like they had won a jackpot. Despite not gaining anything from the final test, just the rewards from the challenges they faced were enough to overhaul their fortune.

The Yao twins were huddled in a corner, their Celestial Duel Gears active as they excitedly whispered to each other. They had discovered that by using the Unit Cards, they could temporarily superimpose their stats onto their own bonded spirit beasts, creating a monstrously enhanced version. It was the same application Venom Master Xun had discovered, a hint that the Celestial Duel Gear could be used in more applications than what was initially advertised.

The swordsman, Jian Lie, sat by himself near the fire, polishing his new spirit-grade sword. He picked it up from one of the trials. He stared into the flames, a contemplative look on his face. For years, he had been a lone wolf, surviving on his wits and the sharpness of his blade. This expedition had shown him a different way. The power of a team, of a network, of a shared purpose. He looked over at Yu Qingyan, then at the Shopkeeper who was approaching her. Coming into contact with the Divine Convenience Store was opening a new path for him.

And lastly, the old Formation Master, Master Xiu, was not resting. He had a dozen jade slips arrayed before him, his hand a blur as he frantically scribbled down his new insights.

Lin Mo and Liu Xiaoyu joined Yu Qingyan and Chu Yueying by the fire. The four of them formed the undeniable core of this new, rapidly expanding convenience empire.

"So," Xiaoyu began, poking the fire with a stick and barely containing her excitement. "An immortal-grade compass that points to money? Elder Yu, you’ve officially become the richest person in the realm! Can I borrow it to find a hidden stash of heavenly potatoes? I’ll tell Boss to ask the divine beings to use it to improve our [Spirit-infused Potato Chips]!"

Yu Qingyan couldn’t help but laugh, "It’s a bit more complex than that, Xiaoyu. It doesn’t point to treasure, but to opportunity."

Liu Xiaoyu’s eyes sparkled, "Oh! Then, is its ability to identify untapped resource nodes and market demand? Won’t that be a power to shape economies, to start and end commercial wars before they even begin? With that artifact, the Verdant Sky Pavilion’s intelligence network will be second to none."

"Not exactly. It’s more complex than that. Besides, I am a partner of the store. While I also belong to the Verdant Sky Pavilion, it’s not within my authority to decide its fate." Yu Qingyan corrected gently but firmly. "The compass is not a sect treasure. It is a tool for the expansion of convenience. Its first and foremost loyalty is to the network the Shopkeeper has built."

Her words were a clear and powerful statement. Her fortuitous encounter, her breakthrough, her immortal-grade artifact. She saw it all as assets belonging to the larger ecosystem. Her loyalty was absolute.

"My, my, Qingyan. So devoted," Chu Yueying teasingly drawled as she leaned closer to Lin Mo. "See what a little encouragement does, Shopkeeper? You’ve turned the diligent and fearsome Verdant Sky Pavilion Emissary into a zealous follower of your ’convenience’. One has to wonder what kind of charm you employed on her."

Lin Mo decided the most convenient course of action was to ignore her completely. Well, not entirely given how close she was but he did his best not to react to her playful remarks.

He turned his full attention to Yu Qingyan. "Miss Yu, that compass is a result of your fortuitous encounter. It is up to you how to use it. I appreciate your loyalty, but the compass is yours. However, since you’re offering its services to our store, I have a proposal."

Yu Qingyan nodded immediately. She did not doubt her decision. "I’m listening, Shopkeeper."

"Theory is one thing. A practical demonstration is another," Lin Mo said as he glanced at the glowing artifact in her hand. "The [Path to Profit] ability. You can use it once per month. Let’s test its capabilities right now. Aren’t you curious? What will be the greatest ’opportunity’ in the Northern Arctic Dominion? Will it be the largest factions that had already come into contact with our ’convenience’ or something else entirely?"

The idea was like a spark in the cold air. The entire expedition team, who had been listening in, leaned forward with bated breath. This was it. The first use of an immortal-grade artifact of legend.

"An excellent idea, Boss!" Xiaoyu cheered. "Ask which sect has the spiciest frost-peppers! We can make a new limited-edition noodle flavor!"

"What a gastronomically-focused suggestion. I’m starting to wonder if you’re truly a prodigy or not." Chu Yueying shook her head and smirked. "I, however, would ask where the most gullible, spirit-stone-rich sect is hiding. A market just waiting to be... educated."

Yu Qingyan looked at Lin Mo, her expression a mix of excitement and thoughtful consideration. The teasing suggestions faded away. This was her responsibility. She was the one who had to ask the question. It had to be the right one, a question worthy of this artifact and the trust the Shopkeeper had placed in her.

She closed her eyes, pouring her spiritual energy into the artifact. She thought about the core lesson of the Secret Realm, the core philosophy of the store.

"Compass," She whispered, "Show me the greatest inconvenience currently afflicting the Northern Arctic Dominion. And then, show me the most profitable and convenient path to solving it."

The question was perfect. It was a question she believed Lin Mo would ask if he were the one who acquired the artifact.

The Wayfinder’s Compass in her hand flared in emerald light with a brilliant intensity. It lifted from her palm, hovering in the air before them. The spinning needle at its center became a blur of green light, then it stopped, pointing with absolute certainty to the north-northwest.

A massive, three-dimensional holographic map erupted from the compass, a breathtakingly detailed representation of the entire Northern Arctic Dominion. Mountains, glaciers, and sect territories were all rendered in glowing lines of light.