As host's merchant level increases, so will access to tools and abilities to better manage business operations. A successful merchant delegates tasks and makes strategic decisions rather than personally handling all logistics.
My eyes lit up. "Really? What kind of tools? Can you give me details?"
Insufficient authority. Increase merchant level to access advanced features.
I slumped. Of course. Everything good was locked behind level requirements.
The store manager himself came to help with checkout, probably because my bill was going to be astronomical. He had staff bring a chair for me to sit in while they tallied everything.
"We've arranged a truck to deliver everything to your address," he said. "This is quite an order, Mr. Sinclair."
"Yeah, I'm starting a new business venture."
"Well, best of luck with it."
The bill was eye watering, but I paid without complaint.
I called Robert, and he picked me up just as the store was arranging the truck delivery. We drove back to my villa in comfortable silence.
The truck arrived shortly after I did. I'd already informed the gate guards that a delivery was coming, so they waved it through without issue.
The delivery guys started unloading, bringing everything to the basement as I'd requested. But the basement filled up long before the truck was empty.
"Uh, sir?" one of them called up. "Where do you want the rest?"
"Just... put it wherever there's space."
By the time they left, I had merchandise everywhere. Kitchen, living room, gym. There was barely room to walk. To get from one room to another, I had to literally climb over boxes and crates.
The delivery guys looked at me like I was completely insane, but they didn't comment. I tipped them generously and sent them on their way.
I was dead tired. Every muscle ached. All I wanted was to collapse into bed and sleep for twelve hours.
But I couldn't. Not yet.
All this merchandise needed to go to Chen Xuan tonight. The wholesale orders were being delivered tomorrow, and I needed space to receive them.
I trudged down to the basement, carefully climbing over boxes, and sat on a cleared section of floor.
Time to play merchant god again.
I reached for the mental connection. Chen Xuan.
Chen Xuan was in his study when the divine voice called to him. He immediately dropped to his knees, pressing his forehead to the floor.
"My lord! This humble servant hears your call!"
I am pleased with your work, Chen Xuan. Your efforts have brought glory to the mortal realm and amusement to the immortal one.
"This servant is honored beyond measure, my lord!"
I have prepared another blessing for you. Greater than before. You have proven yourself worthy of increased trust.
Chen Xuan's heart pounded. Greater than before? The last blessing had made him wealthy beyond his wildest dreams. What could be greater?
Receive my gifts.
The air in Chen Xuan's study shimmered, and objects began appearing. Strange vessels made of glass and metal materialized, each sealed with mysterious closures. Boxes stacked upon boxes. Crates containing bottles of colored liquids. Strange implements and tools he couldn't immediately identify.
The merchandise kept appearing, filling his study, spilling out into the hallway. Chen Xuan scrambled back, eyes wide with shock and joy.
I send you preserved foods from the immortal realm, the divine voice explained. Sealed in vessels that keep them fresh for years. Sauces and spreads that will delight mortal palates.
Chen Xuan carefully examined one of the glass jars, turning it over in his hands. The seal was perfect, the contents visible through the clear material. He'd never seen preservation methods like this.
Implements for preparing and serving food, the voice continued. Blades sharper than any mortal smith can forge. Vessels for eating and drinking crafted by the finest immortal craftmen.
"My lord, this is... this is extraordinary," Chen Xuan stammered..
But know this, Chen Xuan, the voice said, taking on a tone of importance. This is merely the first portion of my blessing. Soon, very soon, I will send much more. Fabrics in quantities to dress an emperor's entire court. Mirrors large enough to reflect a person's entire form. Writing implements that will drive scholars to madness with desire.
Chen Xuan's breath caught. More? There would be more?
Paper whiter and smoother than anything your world has produced. Pens that flow without grinding ink stones. Inks in colors mortals have never imagined. Candles that burn without smoke. You must prepare, Chen Xuan. Ensure you have sufficient space to receive these blessings.
"Yes, my lord! This servant will acquire space immediately!"
Good. And know this as well, the divine voice added. The immortals find mortal craftsmanship... amusing. They desire objects from your realm as curiosities. When next we speak, you will bring me samples of your finest mortal artistry in exchange for these divine goods.
Chen Xuan's eyes widened. The immortals wanted mortal goods? This was unprecedented. Unheard of.
Pottery, paintings, calligraphy, jewelry, weapons. Whatever your civilization considers its finest work. Bring me these, and I will continue to trade immortal wonders in return.
"Yes, my lord! This servant will gather the finest mortal treasures for your divine amusement!"
The voice then explained each new item carefully. How to open the sealed vessels. The purposes of the various sauces and spreads. Which foods could be eaten directly and which required preparation. The strange metal tools for opening metal jars called tins.
Chen Xuan listened with rapt attention, committing every word to memory. Each explanation was a treasure in itself, knowledge that would help him maximize the value of these divine gifts.
By the time the connection ended, Chen Xuan was kneeling among crates and boxes, his mind reeling with possibilities.
This blessing, though focused on food and implements, was still more valuable than most merchants would see in a lifetime. And it was only the beginning. The lord had promised fabrics, writing materials, mirrors, and more.
If he sold all of this, combined with what was yet to come, his wealth would exceed that of most noble houses. He could marry his daughters into aristocracy. Perhaps even secure concubine positions in royal households.
His sons would have opportunities he'd never dreamed of. His grandchildren would grow up in luxury, educated and well connected to power.
And now, the immortals wanted mortal goods. Chen Xuan would show them the finest craftsmanship the Eastern Empire had to offer. He would gather treasures worthy of divine attention.
But first, he needed more space. Much more space. The divine lord had warned him that greater blessings were coming. Chen Xuan would need to rent additional warehouses, perhaps even purchase property near the docks where goods could be stored and distributed efficiently.
He stood, surveying the crates and boxes surrounding him, and began planning. He would need to hire trusted assistants, secure guards, and arrange transportation.
This was no longer just a blessing. This was the foundation of a dynasty.
I ended the connection and immediately collapsed backward onto the floor, breathing hard.
"That was exhausting," I muttered. "Why is pretending to be a god so mentally draining?"
My villa was finally clear of merchandise. Everything had transferred to Chen Xuan's study, probably giving him a heart attack in the process.
I didn't even bother changing out of my clothes. Just stumbled to my bedroom, collapsed onto the mattress, and was asleep within seconds.
Tomorrow I'd deal with the warehouse situation.
Tonight, I was done.