First time Noa got lucky, but repeating the same feat wasn't easy.
After the woman left, it was the curious merchant's turn to visit the store.
He was tall, draped in longer merchant's robes than usual, with his face half-hidden behind a jade mask.
Something brought him here.
Either it was the scent of opportunity he could sense, or the potent energy that filled the store.
He spent quite a while looking around.
Sometimes he scrutinized Noa, and other times he studied the shelves.
Yet, he didn't even ask about the price.
He left the store as if nothing actually interested him.
"Why waste time if you aren't even thinking about buying anything?" Noa said aloud. "What a strange merchant."
[There are all kinds of people in this world,] the system said as a matter of fact.
Hours passed, and even though people visited the store and checked the items he had for sale, they gave up after hearing the price.
Noa had to act, and he had more than one idea in mind.
First things first, he wanted to see how the orb worked and approached the desk, studying it up close.
{Eye of the Fortune}
Description: Does it dictate what will be, or reveal what already is?
Features: ???
Rarity: Chaos
The moment he neared the orb, it glowed. It was an invitation, requesting his permission to use its divine power. Noa touched the orb and saw a small window pop up before his eyes.
» [Do you want to use Eye of the Fortune?]
» [Cost: 1 TP]
» [Cooldown: Until the future reveals itself]
"Sure," Noa said and tapped the screen. Instantly, the orb's glow intensified, covering his entire view.
Then a voice came.
It was soft, slow, and echoing, as if ensuring each word would be heard.
"The elder shall beg, his pride sold for a single coin. The sect might burn, for a trade too tempting to refuse… All of it will start with a single trade."
Noa tapped his foot against the floor. He repeated the words in his mind, trying to gauge their meaning.
Thankfully, the prophecy was fairly straightforward.
"Something big is going to happen. But when?" Noa's interest was sparked. Still, there was much he didn't understand, but the future didn't seem so tragic. At least not for him.
His next plan was to purchase a signboard.
The shop offered a variety of options to choose from, and as he scrolled down the screen, he found a couple of good ones.
{Musical Banner}
Description: A hovering signboard that plays inviting music
Features: Music, 7% chance to attract big spenders
Customizable: Dye, font, glitter
Rarity: Uncommon
Price: 3 TP
It was a fine choice, but Noa wanted something more luxurious—preferably at a lower price.
{Blazing Emblem}
Description: A radiant plaque that pulses with strong fireflight.
Features: Imbues the street with light at night, boosts trust, slightly raises perceived product value
Customizable: Fire Color, Temperature, Timer
Rarity: Rare
Price: 4 TP
It was right up his alley, but the 4 Tycoon Points were too much for him to bear right now. Especially when he had only 4 remaining.
At least the next option was cheaper.
{Golden Crest}
Description: Emblem shaped like an ancient coin.
Features: Adjusts brightness, boosts first impression
Customizable: Font, size
Rarity: Common
Price: 2 TP
Noa didn't hesitate after seeing this signboard. He bought it immediately and left the building to see how the Crest would look.
Unfortunately for him, he couldn't choose the name for it.
But the golden letters "Heavenly Treasures Store" were written elegantly, adding the shop a more luxurious feel.
Its surface, crafted from polished jade, seemed to speak of masterful artistry.
"Now, everyone who comes in will know that this is an expensive store. Just like the brands back on Earth that sold lavish goods," Noa pondered.
He was satisfied with how the shopping ended.
With only 2 TP remaining, he decided to save them for products he might need in the future.
'Let's see if we can get one more customer,' Noa thought, taking a seat near the counter.
It didn't even take an hour for the signboard to prove itself. This time, young sect disciples visited the store, and to Noa's surprise, he recognized both of them.
They were none other than stunning beauties from the other day.
Xue Hanly and her senior sister Qing Xuan looked even more beautiful, their hair visibly livelier.
"Good evening," the former said, scanning the store.
"Welcome. As you can see, I have promised goods here. Don't hesitate to check them," Noa answered with his usual polite smile.
Qing Xuan lowered her brows.
"I wasn't expecting you to build this building so soon. Congrats on your successful business," she said while keeping Noa in her radar.
She was still interested in finding out who this mysterious person was. Especially now that the new store had emerged out of nowhere.
But Xue Hanly pushed her to the shelves.
"Senior Sister Qing Xuan, look! These shelves are stocked with the same elixirs, and there's a new product as well," she announced eagerly, her usual aloofness nowhere to be seen.
Both of them approached the items.
"I am going to buy one bottle. What about you, junior sister?" Qing Xuan asked.
"Me too. But I want to see what this new artifact does," Xue Hanly said and took the still-packed fidget spinner.
"That's a toy," Noa explained from behind her. "It's simple to use. Just spin it around your finger, and it can help calm your nerves."
"I see," the girl said.
She was slightly disappointed, as the spinner seemed nothing like the miraculous relic she was expecting.
"How much does it cost?" she asked, still wanting to buy it.
Noa showed her three fingers.
"Three spirit coins?" Xue Hanly exclaimed. "It's a bit expensive."
She wanted to ask for a discount, but the Karmic energy pressed her desire down. Left with no other option, she followed Noa to the counter and paid the full amount.
Then, much like Feng Fan, she unsealed the package and spun the toy.