A question appears in my mind, within my tempting thoughts.
Would it really be more effective in my hands?
The thought gives pause.
In terms of optimal usage, I could definitely use it better. However, there are things that are outside the simple realm of numbers and direct actions.
Ive also noticed a pattern with my scan.
Things werent always what they seed to be with it. Leading into places that I typically wouldnt consider being under my original inquiry.
Despite the fact that it works off my intent.
And in the end, those choices and movents have proven to be generally decent decisions.
This train of thought leads to wonder what my original inquiry was. When I first got the inkling that there was an incredible deal out there.
Tracing it back lets know it wasnt so much an item, as it was talking about as if it was a big catch of sorts.
The re hints of sothing more.
More than what I was asking for.
I changed my sight from the items to the man in front of .
A man, at his wit's end. A family clearly ant to be powerful, but ran down because of their circumstances.
It is at this point, that I switched the scan Im using. I change it to the one that I used on the mountain on the way up during the test.
The one that helps to determine the possibility of in strength of future allies.
The mont I turn it on, it practically blinds .
My scan informs that rchant is taken back by my clear recoil, but quickly settles down.
As I regain my composure, I also turn on the deal scan from before.
Originally, it was only showing a connection to the items, but now the pairing of scans shows them connecting to him and the people that are a small distance away.
His family.
This is the real treasure.
After seeing and realizing this, theres only one thing left to do.
I give one last long look at the items, imagining all the cool shit I could have done with them.
And to the best of my ability, cut those feelings off.
Disconnecting my mind from the potential of what ifs and changing my view of them, to think of what This family would need to succeed.
Im not going to let myself be soone who takes such things from a family who truly needs it.
Not if I dont need to.
Visually, Ive already controlled all my movents so they would be revealing nothing to a non-cultivator. Removing one of my longstanding quirks of giving things away.
In its own way, thats very unsettling, as most people rely on subconscious visual cues to determine what to do. The absence of them is disconcerting.
So, one can imagine his surprise when that face of impassivity breaks into a very long sigh.
I look at him with regretful eyes, as even after going through my heart, I still cant fully disconnect myself from this stuff. But Ive still decided to go through with it.
There are only enough uses for this family and it is ant for them.
I turned my eyes to look him straight in his. The intense gaze I give him causes him to sit straight unconsciously.
Why are you selling these?
While this is a question, I have mostly already found out through my scan. My conversation scan, which I have now focused on, lets know this is the best way to start this conversation.
He hesitates before speaking up.
Our family is falling on hard tis, and we need this to paying for my daughters treatnts.
He looks regretfully at the items in front of .
Despite the ancient stories from my past relatives, all the appraisers Ive gone to have said these arent nearly as important as Ive been told. Hence the reason Im selling them out in this alley.
If we didnt need the money this badly, I would just keep them to remind of them.
I can see his face hardened into one of commitnt at his next words.
But Ill do anything to help my family. Anything.
Soon after saying this, his face changes into one of disappointnt and sadness. Now hes the one that gives a sigh.
Since Ive said as much, these wont be expensive, as you and I now know how much these are worth.
An honest man.
Soone that has shown all their cards, despite being a rchant and being in a desperate situation. Truthful about the items he sells, even to his detrint.
If my scan hadnt told otherwise, it would be easy to think this would be a flaw as a rchant.
On the contrary, it gained much trust for him from his custors. But was also was the reason that they picked him to be taken down.
A refusal to compromise standards or cheat your custors for others benefit doesnt win you many friends. Especially without the strength to back it up.
I shake my head and raise a hand against his words.
No, no. Theres no need.
He takes this as a negative sign and begins begging for to reconsider.
Sir, please wait. Im sure can work sothing out.
You misunderstand .
Instead of buying these off you, Id like to explain how you can use them. To help you get back on your feet, as well as help your family.
For obvious reasons, the man looks confused. Already knowing that hes going to ask why I would do such a thing, I fill in the blank for him.
After catching sight of these ingredients and connecting the dots from information Ive seen previously, theres no way I can let such a renowned family lineage go to waste.
He still looks a bit confused, as it appears he may not know much about his family history.
And now its ti for the bullshit. At least Ill be basing everything in fact, when he inevitably looks this up himself later.
I give a sigh before speaking.
It appears that such information has been lost in your familys records.
The Xing family is listed in several works spanning across this continent. From so minor ones showing so battles millennia back, to ones done in this very city to hold back hordes of spirit beasts.
As an example, check out Thoughts of an exceptional man, which should have so prints in the main book shop, on the South portion of the city. If Im not incorrect, it should have at least two instances of mbers from your family performing so deeds.
His eyes appear wide, as I have just given him so information that he has likely been searching for.
I quickly redirect his attention back to the situation at hand.
But enough of that. These items before you, as you likely already know, are treasured artifacts of your family. But they require certain things to be activated.
After I quickly confirm no one is around or listening with my scan, I tell him what I know in vague terms. As if based on rumor and legend. Which it is, as there are ntions and theories in different stories and writings of the eras.
The whole ti Im telling him this, he looks at with a mixture of hope, complete disbelief, and confusion.
Why wouldnt you keep this for yourself, if this is all true?
Controlling my expressions, I respond with a subtle smile.
Rather than asking such a question, isnt there sothing you should confirm first?
I moved my eyes over to the bamboo slip, supposedly containing low quality fighting techniques. It Would be the easiest one for him to confirm my words with.
I can see him swallow, considering the implications of all of this. Entertaining the possibility that all of this is right. That his family may actually have a chance to get out of darkness.
Shakily, he reaches over to the slip, holding it in one hand. With his other, he grabs a small knife from one of his inner pockets. Cutting into his fingertip, he squeezes a drop of blood onto it three tis, while saying the na of the techniques founder.
Ju Ju.. Ju.
He still has so information about his family history. That will make so things easier to work through.
Like the seeds of a dandelion, the wooden texture on the slip lts away to reveal a brilliant green color underneath. Unfolding in his hand, I can see his eyes widen and understanding as the information in the slip visibly surges into his mind.
Just from being near it, Im able to glean the information with my scan and can see so of it. However, I cut it off, as such a thing could betray the trust of my hopefully new ally.
As he looks at again, after so ti has passed, the doubt in his eyes has disappeared. However, a question remains on his lips that hes repeated many tis.
Why?
This is where the conversation scan tells I can be honest and upfront with him. The only way to assuage his thoughts.
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