Evil Spirits & Shopping

As the Head Servant of the Earth Crouching Dragon Sect, Lyu had many duties including restocking various items and goods needed by the Disciples and adherents of the Sect. This led to her having to deal with many different Merchants, each specializing in different varieties of goods. The Merchants she hated most were those whose goods were often asked for by the Elders of the Sect. Lyu described them as delusional old men with child-like fears, which didn't fail to make the Young Master chuckle.

The goods they often asked for were Talismans and Charms that supposedly have the ability to ward off Evil Spirits. Having noticed Lyu's shuddering every time the Silver-Grade Beast had stepped on a branch, the Young Master asked if she believed in such Spirits, and if they were the cause for her fear. Lyu had answered that she simply wasn't used to being in a dark forest in the middle of the night. Additionally, the Evil Spirits that the Elders used to talk and complain about aren't those that parents use to keep their children away from rivers, wells, or dark forests.

The Elders used to talk about the ridiculous idea that Evil Spirits who had the ability to take over the bodies of dead Martial Artists existed, were common, and invisible. Lyu found the idea comical as she explained that the Evil Spirits are thought by the Elders to be the Spirits of dead Martial Artists that remain and wander next to the area where they had met their end. The Spirit wanders and wanders until it finds a body. Until it finds a Martial Artist dying in a way that is similar to how the Spirit died. The Evil Spirit will watch and accelerate the Martial Artist's demise to take over his body. Hearing about this, the Young Master couldn't help but sigh. Noticing that sigh, Lyu became silent, convinced that she had bored the Young Master with the idiotic ramblings of bored Elders, just like they used to bore her.

'Crane's Aerial Strike... The Capricious Crane Sect. Even the one I obtained before, the Wind Tiger's Footwork Technique. You're selling me Techniques from other Sects, huh? And not just from other Tiger Sects...'

The Young Master chuckled and directed his gaze towards the Jade City that the carriage was approaching.

'Lyu made it obvious that these -Evil Spirits- are nothing more than a myth. It's very likely that only older people believe in them... But I am similar to those Evil Spirits, since I took over Zaohu's body upon his death. Plus, this Villain System thing... You really are setting me up, huh? If they start to doubt my identity, then they will start to believe in this Evil Spirit tale. Since the proof of its veracity lies in me. Troublesome, troublesome. Dead Martial Artists taking over the bodies of dying Martial Artists...'

Lei's eyes narrowed.

'Selling me Techniques that are from other Sects, especially Sects outside of the Tiger Sects... Ahhh.' He sighed. 'If I start using Techniques that Zhao Laohu isn't supposed to know, it'll raise suspicions. Actually, I'm convinced this would be the quickest way for my secret to be found. For people to believe that I am an Evil Spirit that has taken over his body. Yes, a dead Martial Artist that used to be part of the "Earth Crouching Dragon" Sect has taken over the body of a Martial Artist from the "Ravenous One-Eyed Tiger" Sect, and uses Techniques from the Dragon Sect...'

The Young Master crossed his arms, brought an index finger to his cheek, and tapped it repeatedly.

'Mm... Using them in front of others would be a problem. But if it's life or death, then it's better to have those Techniques. The problems arising from that can be solved as long as I'm alive. Even if I have those Techniques, I don't have to use them. Right. Like a hidden knife in my pocket. But... I'm much more likely to use that knife is sharper than the rest of my tools. I'll need to keep a cool head and think things through at all times to make sure I don't fuck up. Keeping a cool head was easy earlier, but against stronger opponents...'

The lamps lighting up the Jade City shone brighter as they approached.

'For now, I'll limit myself to Techniques from the Tiger Sects. They probably have some Techniques in common. I'll keep the rest in mind for later... Once I find a good excuse as to why Zhao Laohu would know those Techniques.'

[Discounted Techniques:

1) Crane's Aerial Strike(Bronze-Grade): The User's mobility and balance in the air increase greatly, allowing for powerful kicks and hits at all times! Take flight and fight for the limited price of 1400 Villain Points! (50% Discount!)

2) Earth Crouching Uppercut(Silver-Grade): From a low stance, the User closes the distance with great speed and delivers a powerful uppercut, making full use of the User's speed and power! Deadly uppercuts that pierce through the enemy's guard for the limited price of 1600 Villain Points! (70% Discount!)

3) Clairvoyant Tiger's Eyes(Bronze-Grade): The user, through rigorous training and experience, obtains incredible kinetic and dynamic visual acuity. The user's eyes also gain the ability to see clearly at greater distances and in darker places. Better eyes for the limited price of 1000Villain Points! (50% Discount!)

]

'The Clairvoyant Tiger's Eyes Technique will suit me best. Only a Bronze-Grade technique, but that's good enough for now. The Wind Tiger's Footwork Technique increases my speed, this one enhances my vision. A good combo.'

[1000 Villain Points have been used!]

'Eyes... No good for the Ravenous "One-Eyed" Tiger Sect. Still, the Tiger Sects are all in the Western part of the Jade City. Even if it's, unfortunately, not a Technique that's taught by this Sect, I'm sure I'll be able to find an excuse easily enough.'

[You have Purchased the "Clarvoiyant Tiger's Eyes(Bronze-Grade)" Technique!]

A faint bronze light started shining above the Young Master.

The faint light glowed a bit brighter, before floating towards the Young Master's chest.

A pleasant warmth made a nest within Lei's chest as the light penetrated his body.

[You currently hold 2420 Villain Points.]