Chapter 15: Shopping for Power
"Hey Wei," I called out, catching up to him after morning practice. "Quick question about those fancy techniques of yours..."
Wei Lin's eyes lit up with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for spiritual treasure discoveries. "Finally ready to invest in premium martial arts? I have an excellent selection of-"
"Slow down," I interrupted before he could launch into what was definitely a prepared sales pitch. "I'm working with a budget here. Like, a very small budget. Think 'starving outer disciple' level of resources."
"Ah." He nodded sagely. "The tragic poor protagonist approach. Very classical. Though usually they have some heaven-defying talent to make up for their lack of resources."
I glanced at my decidedly non-heaven-defying cultivation level. "Let's focus on what I can afford instead of what talents I don't have."
Wei Lin led me to his quarters, which looked like a spiritual technique merchant had exploded inside. Scrolls covered every surface, technique manuals were stacked in precarious towers, and what looked suspiciously like a price catalog lay open on his desk.
"Welcome to Wei's Premium Martial Arts Emporium!" He gestured grandly. "Where cultivation dreams come true, for the right price. Now, what's your style preference? We have the 'Graceful Immortal' line for those seeking elegance, the 'Thunder Warrior' series for more aggressive practitioners..."
"I need something fast," I said, examining a scroll labeled 'Cloud Step Technique (Budget Edition)'. "Something that lets me hit hard and get out before I get hit back. Preferably without bankrupting me."
"Ah, the swift striker archetype! Very popular among disciples who've recently experienced trauma via combat evaluation." He started pulling scrolls from various piles. "Though I should warn you, the really good speed techniques tend to be..."