I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1441: Conscientious Shopkeeper
Previously on I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God...
When the shop assistant approached, inquiring about his needs, Yi Feng casually asked.
"Does your Linglong Pavilion offer a game called Simulated Life?"
The assistant paused, a look of slight difficulty crossing his face as he clasped his hands respectfully.
"Esteemed guest, our establishment does indeed carry Simulated Life. However, this subordinate lacks the authority to handle such matters. Should you wish to try the game, approval from the shopkeeper is required. Please follow me."
With an apologetic smile, the assistant stepped aside, gesturing for Yi Feng to proceed.
Yi Feng followed, maintaining a neutral expression outwardly, though his internal curiosity was piqued.
It was surprising to find Simulated Life available here.
Could this be a branch of the Linglong Pavilion he knew from elsewhere?
To have a branch extend to the remote depths of the universe suggested that this Linglong Pavilion was far from ordinary.
Following the assistant through the main hall, Yi Feng soon arrived at the main counter.
After the assistant respectfully reported to the stout shopkeeper, the latter turned his gaze towards Yi Feng with a smile.
"Guest, you possess remarkable insight."
"The Simulated Life offered at our shop is an exceptionally innovative game. By projecting your consciousness into an independent realm, you can simulate and experience the countless facets of existence. You might find yourself as the reincarnation of a powerful ancient, savor the joys of a simple life, or perhaps even ascend to the imperial throne..."
Yi Feng was already familiar with these details and wasn't keen on a lengthy sales pitch at this moment.
While the description was intriguing and did capture his attention, it wasn't novel to him anymore. Without letting the shopkeeper finish, Yi Feng interjected.
"Wait a moment..."
"Based on your explanation, playing this game necessitates separating one's consciousness. Doesn't that imply I'd be incapable of performing any other actions?"
The shopkeeper chuckled, his expression patient and persuasive.
"Guest, perhaps you are looking at it from the wrong perspective."
"Consider this: merely by dispatching your consciousness, you can taste all the flavors of life, as if you've traversed the mortal plane multiple times. Aside from your physical body remaining immobile, you expend no other energy and incur no further cost. Can you think of a better bargain anywhere?"
"Shortly, our establishment will provide you with a precious jade artifact. Once your consciousness is projected into it, you will instantly experience the myriad states of the world. Is that not tempting?"
The proposition was indeed rather enticing; the game certainly had compelling selling points.
Yi Feng nodded slightly, feigning agreement.
"I suppose that's true..."
However, the thought of sitting in the shop, zoning out for an extended period, felt rather awkward. He imagined being gawked at like a spectacle. If someone seized the opportunity to pilfer his valuables, that would be a significant nuisance.
Yi Feng's brow furrowed with concern.
"The game sounds appealing, but spending my days spaced out in your shop is hardly ideal."
To his surprise, the portly shopkeeper responded with an understanding smile.
"Hehe, you have no need to worry, esteemed guest."
"As long as you possess our shop's special jade, you can initiate the game from any location you prefer. Returning to your own residence is perfectly acceptable. For your security, it is advisable to find a secluded place, perhaps a secret realm, where you can undergo secluded cultivation."
"As it happens, our shop offers exclusive private rooms, specially designed for patrons like yourself who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Simulated Life game. We can absolutely guarantee the safety of both your person and your possessions!"
"Should you engage in prolonged gameplay, our shop will even assign dedicated personnel to attend to your physical well-being, providing services such as bathing, grooming, and more. We even supply essential sustenance, including medicinal pills and meals! Whatever your desire, our establishment can fulfill it!"
"Furthermore, if you choose to play for over fifty years, we will bestow upon you a complimentary immersive immortal spring bath service!"
"In essence, whatever your requests may be, our shop will endeavor to meet them. We are committed to ensuring you feel completely at home and will provide an unparalleled emperor-level experience!"
The pitch was remarkably persuasive, yet Yi Feng sensed an underlying peculiarity in the offer.
The level of service was exceptionally attentive—perhaps even excessively so!
Even the famed hotpot establishments from his previous existence couldn't rival the meticulousness of this Linglong Pavilion.
This astonishing degree of accommodation immediately ignited Yi Feng's suspicion. Narrowing his eyes, he inquired,
"Shopkeeper, with such exceptional service, the price must be considerable, correct?"
The shopkeeper appeared momentarily taken aback by the question, clearly not anticipating Yi Feng's continued astuteness.
However, being a businessman, he had encountered all sorts of patrons, making his interpersonal skills quite refined. He quickly plastered on a flattering smile and clasped his hands together.
"Ha, hahaha..."
"What are you talking about, esteemed customer? Our establishment has always prioritized superior quality at affordable prices, adhering to a 'customer-first' philosophy. At most, we only add a small charge for our diligent efforts. How could our prices possibly be considered exorbitant!"
Though his words were pleasant, Yi Feng's astute gaze seemed to pierce through the facade.
Hmph.
The adage 'no merchant is without deceit' truly held water!
He made it sound so appealing, but in the end, it all came down to money. The clinking of his abacus was so distinct, I could practically hear it with my soul!
Nevertheless.
Considering the 'Simulated Life' game he had been anticipating, along with the peculiar nature of the Linglong Pavilion, Yi Feng couldn't suppress his curiosity and decided to inquire further.
"Since that's the case, tell me first, what is the cost?"
The moment he spoke, the momentum shifted, placing the shopkeeper on the defensive.
He had never encountered such a sharp customer before, feeling as though all initiative had been completely ceded to the other party. This was proving to be an unexpectedly challenging negotiation, leaving him momentarily speechless.
After a brief pause for thought, he offered a measured smile and clasped his hands.
"Esteemed customer, to speak plainly, you are our very first patron of the day. Therefore, to bring good fortune to our opening, I shall grant you a fifty percent markdown.
The price will be a mere one thousand Immortal Crystals. What do you say...?"
As he finished speaking, the shopkeeper beamed with a touch of anxiety, his eyes alight with anticipation.
His hesitant demeanor entirely astonished the nearby attendant, who had never witnessed the shopkeeper adopt such a submissive posture, appearing completely at the mercy of a stranger.
Even after making such a significant concession.
Yi Feng's eyes widened in disbelief, his voice escalating in pitch!
"What?!"
"One thousand Immortal Crystals?! Are you trying to rob me blind?!"
Although Yi Feng now possessed some accumulated wealth, years of hardship had ingrained in him a deep-seated habit of frugality. This price far surpassed his acceptable limit!
Could playing a game truly cost a thousand Immortal Crystals?
Was this even considered playing a game?
This was outright extravagance!
If he continued like this, the several hundred million Immortal Crystals he had on hand wouldn't be enough to sustain such reckless spending!
This was a fraudulent establishment!
The Linglong Pavilion was unequivocally a scam!
The money itself wasn't the core issue; what truly mattered was that he absolutely could not allow himself to be swindled, nor could he afford to become accustomed to a life of luxury!
As the saying goes, transitioning from frugality to extravagance is effortless, but the reverse is notoriously difficult.
He might as well forgo this trivial game altogether!
With this thought, Yi Feng resolutely turned on his heel and began to depart!
As he turned and walked away, not only was the attendant left dumbfounded, but the shopkeeper also appeared utterly bewildered, completely unprepared for the situation to escalate in this manner.
The collapse of this potential transaction had nearly shattered the ingrained perspectives of these two individuals!
It was merely one thousand Immortal Crystals...
Merely spending this small amount of pocket money allowed one to experience Simulated Life and reap numerous benefits.
Was this price truly so prohibitive?
Why was this person reacting as if he had just been fleeced out of ten million Immortal Crystals?
Was such an extreme reaction warranted?
Did individuals this parsimonious actually exist in the world?
Before the duo could fully process the turn of events.
Yi Feng was on the verge of exiting the main entrance of the Linglong Pavilion.
The shopkeeper watched him go, his teeth clenched. A flicker of panic crossed his features, and he swiftly hurried after Yi Feng, reaching out to stop him with a voice laced with trepidation!
"Esteemed customer! Esteemed customer, please wait!"
"Our establishment has not yet officially opened for the day, so we can offer you a complimentary session!!!"
Upon hearing this, Yi Feng halted his steps.
He turned back in surprise, his expression etched with suspicion.
"Free?"
"You're not attempting to deceive me again, are you?"
The shopkeeper hastily waved his hands in denial, responding with a sincere expression.
"Absolutely no ulterior motives!"
"Our shop genuinely has not commenced its official operations. Observing your apparent affinity with us, I am making an exception to provide you with a complimentary session. Please remain and partake in our services. Should you find your experience satisfactory, we would be deeply grateful for a five-star review later on!"
Witnessing the shopkeeper's persistent, apologetic smiles, Yi Feng finally began to relax.
It appeared the other party's primary objective was to retain him as a customer, and they seemed to place significant importance on customer feedback. There were likely specific performance metrics within this shop. Indeed, the proprietor possessed an unusual air—perhaps another transmigrator, like himself.
It turned out this establishment wasn't entirely dubious; in fact, it possessed a rather decent moral compass.
Whether it was complimentary or not was secondary. The crucial point was that operating a business was a challenging endeavor. Moreover, this Linglong Pavilion had numerous unique characteristics, so he might as well remain and experience it, with further inquiries to follow.
With this thought, Yi Feng clasped his fists in a slightly apologetic gesture and responded.
"Very well, thank you kindly then."
Noticing the somewhat dazed waiter preparing to lead the way, he suddenly recalled a vital detail and casually issued a few directives.
"When I commence the life simulation, you absolutely must ensure the proper care of my physical form. Especially my daily sustenance, not a single meal can be skipped!"
"As for the five-star commendation, I shall certainly bestow it upon my emergence!"
Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper and the waiter nodded in unison!
"Please be at ease, esteemed customer, that is a matter of course!"
Only after receiving this assurance did Yi Feng follow them into the private chamber.
Before long, the Linglong Pavilion became a hive of activity. From the typically reserved, graceful, and ornately carved edifice, delectable aromas of food and wine began to waft, inciting envy and causing many passersby to halt and gaze.
On the periphery of the throng.
A man propelling a wheelchair emerged with a steady gait. Accompanying him was an elder whose countenance bore the unmistakable marks of passing time. At this juncture, both were quietly surveying the Linglong Pavilion, surreptitiously exhaling a collective breath of relief.
Standing unobtrusively beside the pair, Yun Yaoyao's crimson lips curved upward slightly, and a look of contentment graced her beautiful eyes.
"Master has finally graced us with his presence..."