Chapter 41 - 41: Progress and Quarrels
The pale moon had already drifted some distance across the sky as Li Wei was still seated in the middle of the lush courtyard, while his gaze still attentive to the screen before him. The items from the system were simply far too tempting to resist and although he had promised himself that he would exercise restraint, but to no avail he nearly forked out all his system coins to purchase the items.
Li Wei's thoughts drifted to the techniques and items his mother he had chosen from vast collection in the System Store. Each one carried a piece of her martial prowess and a promise of power.
He unraveled a scroll, the parchment old and fragile, yet the ink was as bold and clear as the day it was written. It detailed the " Wind Sage Cloud Steps ," a form of martial arts that emphasized agility and deception. With this technique, he could outmaneuver and confuse his opponents, striking from unexpected angles.
[Wind Sage Cloud Steps - First form]
He practiced the first form casually, his body flowing gracefully, almost like a dance under the full moon. Each step was deliberate, each motion boundless. The technique felt natural, as if it were an extension of his own being. He could see how it would give him an edge against an opponent that did not perfect their light body techniques .
"Let me have a look at this ..." Next, he examined the Phoenix Feather Amulet, an heirloom from the Ming Clan. According to the system log, the artifact can enhance one's inner flame energy, allowing for greater control and power in Fire Cultivation techniques and martial arts. He hung it around his neck, feeling a subtle warmth spread through his body, energizing him further.
The amulet had a sinister red glow and resembled a crimson lotus, which refracted the moonlight like a piece of fine porcelain. Li Wei was unable to notice the faint glint that shimmered in his eyes after circulating his inner energy with the assistance of the Phoenix Feather Amulet.
"These are okay, but there a bit pricey..." Li Wei couldn't help frowning upon selecting these two items that already cost a staggering 200 coins, which made up a good portion of his system coinage. The moment he selected everything he wanted from the store, another screen suddenly appeared in his view with details that left him rather stunned.
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***Shopping Bill***
-> Wind Step Technique Scroll: Increases movement speed and agility. If a host wishes to make the most out their stamina, it is essential to practice a Light Body technique Cost: 80 System Coins.
-> Phoenix Feather Amulet: Temporarily increases fire techniques' effectiveness by 50%. A prized treasure of the Ming clan, a host must be careful not to expose it. Cost: 120 System Coins
-> Basic Swordsmanship Manual - Improves sword techniques. A must have manual that is effectively boosts a host's sword skills and provides an ideal beginning for learning Advanced Sword Manuals. Cost: 40 System Coins
-> Iron Fist Technique Scroll - Basic combat technique for hand-to-hand combat. A manual that lays an imperative and comprehensive foundation on unarmed combat. Cost: 20 System Coins
-> Beginner's Meditation Guide: A manual to improve spiritual energy recovery rates. Cost: 12 System Coins
-> Mystic Barrier Talisman: Creates a barrier that absorbs 100 points of damage. An ancient talisman that can withstand a rain of swords or a volley of arrows. Cost: 150 System Coins
*** Total Cost ***
-> 534 System Coins
*** Thank You for the Purchase***
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Li Wei could only watch as nearly all his coins were ruthlessly siphoned away by the system in a matter of moments, which left him virtually poor. Despite possessing an extravagant amount of coins in the real plane, Li Wei was still heartbroken departing with such a large volume of system currency in one go.
As a transmigrater, Li Wei had the unique experience of living another life having already passed away in his first world. The concept of amassing wealth was something he strived for during his early years, while he didn't have much success the value of currency was always on his mind.
"These items can really be used just like that?" Li Wei was completely puzzled as he attempted to open up the Beginner's Meditation Guide, when the book simply vanished into wisps of light and were automatically absorbed through his glabella.
"How can this be?" In a matter of minutes , Li Wei realized that he had obtained all the knowledge within the text without directly reading it. The notion of effortly absorbing knowledge into the mind was something Li Wei had only seen in fantasies, but this inexplicable ability was now in his grasp.
This caused Li Wei to develop an inexplicable hunger for the rest of the items within the system store, despite the shady prices. Although the techniques and manuscripts given to him by his mother were indeed valuable and were rather useful, it simply couldn't compare to the power of the system items that automatically entered his brain and could be comprehended instantly.
"Those bastards will meet their forefathers tomorrow..." If he could master the manuscripts and techniques within the system by merely glancing at them, how would his adversaries be able to kill him. Instead, Li Wei would be able to harness the martial intent hidden in these scriptures and slay the heathens that stand against him.
Not wasting anymore time, Li Wei got a hold of the Basic Swordsmanship Manual and the Iron Fist Technique Scroll and within a few minutes had fully comprehended them as well. He then turned his attention to the talisman that had surprisingly cost the most from amidst the things he had bought.
"Although I can not quite understand it, using this item is certainly not out of the question." Li Wei could tell from one glance that the power contained within the talisman was extreme, as the paper glowed with a soft light that was distinct even under the moonlight.
Under the full moon, Li Wei held the talisman with an intrigued look on his face due to the intricate patterns that were flickering on the edged of the ancient parchment. With all his attention on the talisman, the enigmatic young man failed to notice a dark silhouette approaching him.
"Young master has taken an interest to Talismans?" Leng Yue appeared by the entrance of the courtyard and asked Li Wei with a rather interested tone to her voice, it had taken her by surprise that instead of sleeping or wooing some ladies to his room the Young Master of the Immortal Ice Sect was deeply entranced in his cultivation.
Li Wei remembered that others couldn't see the System screen, which was why from an outsiders perspective he appeared to be heavily engrossed in his meditation. He hadn't noticed that equipping some of the possessions from the System Store had made his Martial Aura and Presence more pronounced and intimidating, which gave an observer the impression of facing a huge iron pylon.
The members of Liu clan that had not seen him since he dispatched Wu Zhen were quite shocked by his seemingly diligent state of mind, Liu Feng and his wife had long returned to their abode and were currently having some tense discussions.
"I have grown tired of you flirtatious attitude towards that runt." Liu Feng within the confines of his bedroom spoke bluntly to his wife, who was currently seated in a chair not far from him. "His background may be extraordinary, but that is no excuse to humiliate me so."
"I can't believe my own husband holds such little faith in me." Lady Chen Xi was rather upset by her spouse's brash treatment and interrogative tone, it was clear that she had grown tired of his persistent accusations that held certain elements that were indeed true. However, to a woman as proud as her, It wasn't about the truth.
Liu Feng refused to relent, "I refuse to endure in silence any longer Chen Xi!" The tension between the couple was evident, the accusations and slander were reaching a boiling point as the pillars of the Liu clan showed signs of disunity.
Lady Chen Xi's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and defiance. "You misunderstand my intentions. My actions are for the benefit of our clan. Li Wei is a valuable ally, and we must treat him as such."
"Ally or not, I will not be disrespected in my own home," Liu Feng retorted, his voice rising. "This alliance must not come at the cost of my dignity." It had been too long since he had raised his voice against his wife, Liu Feng refused to back down in the face of such an insult to his pride as a man.
Lady Chen Xi stood up, her posture rigid. "Perhaps it's time you started acting like a true patriarch, rather than letting jealousy cloud your judgment."
Liu Feng's eyes widened in shock at her bold words. "How dare you!" The Liu clan Patriarch nearly raised his hand to slap his wife, but the look on Lady Chen Xi's face caused him to halt. It looked like Matriarch was ready to disregard her status and lash out against Liu Feng, if he followed through on his actions.
The altercation was brough to a screeching halt by a sudden knock on the door. A servant entered, bowing deeply. "Patriarch, Lady Chen Xi, there's an urgent message from the scouts. The Shen and Zhen clans are on the move. They will be here by dawn."