'No, no. Wait.'
[Would you like to use your Gacha Ticket?]
'We're getting attacked, aren't we?'
[Would you like to use your Gacha Ticket?]
'Oh, it better not be the Sect she is from. They talked about beating other Tiger Sects. So it's probably between those and the one she's from, isn't it?'
[Would you like to use your Gacha Ticket?]
'Okay, fine. I'll use it. Guess you don't want your Villain to die so early. Guess that means I really need it, huh?'
[1 Gacha Ticket has been used.]
[Processing...]
A faint silvery light started shining above the Young Master.
[Congratulations!]
[You have obtained the "Wind Tiger's Footwork(Silver-Grade)" Technique!]
[The Technique increases the Martial Artist's Speed by 30% when in use.]
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.
"Did you see that?"
"Pardon me, Young Master?"
Zhao Laohu looked away.
'Footwork, speed... Are you telling me to run away? Wait, I'm supposed to be the Villain, aren't I? Why am I the one being attacked?'
Sigh-
'A way to gain Techniques and power without going through crazy training. Without going through... What Zhao tried to do. That's what this Villain System is about, huh? Baiting me with power...' He chuckled internally. 'I like it. Just as one would expect from a Deity hoping to make a Villain.'
Lei moved closer to the edge of the wooden platform.
'Villain or not, I don't need to think about it so soon.'
"Lyu."
The young woman shuddered, surprised to be called so suddenly.
"Yes, Young Master?"
"Make more of that tea once we're back." The Young Master said as he peeked over the edge.
"Of course, Young Master." She answered with a slight bow.
Lei placed both his arms and chin over the edge. He simply let his arms hang as he smiled.
'This sure is fun though. Playing the part... Is really fun. Wonder if that's how acting feels. Not even close, I would bet.'
Lei's heart beat faster and faster.
The effects from the cups of tea he had drank could still be felt. With every passing minute, he felt his muscles grow stronger. In truth, they were only regaining their strength, of course.
Lyu thought the Young Master looked cute, leaving his arms hanging over the edge. Which felt very strange, as she usually hated Young Masters. Perhaps it was because Zhao Laohu was skinnier and, overall, seemed less threatening physically? Lyu shook her head. After being dehydrated and left without food for forty days, even the most muscular would see their mass wither. Still, he did seem... Different? More lighthearted maybe? Less arrogant? She shook her head again. It was too soon to tell.
Many angels turn into demons the instant they are indoors or within their territory after all. Lyu knew, because she had witnessed it many times.
Lei directed his gaze upwards.
Countless stars shone like lanterns lighting up the night sky. The moon hung low blessing the forest and the road with its light.
It was normal.
Lei stared with wide eyes. By staring at the sky and forgetting all the rest, he could almost forget all that had happened. His death, his meeting with the Goddess, his taking over Zhao Laohu's body...
It seemed to be the same sky. The same stars. The same moon.
But it wasn't.
'I can't believe how fun playing the part is. And even more than that...'
He smiled peacefully.
'I can't believe how freeing it is...' The Young Master pushed himself up to stand. 'Not being myself.'
"Young Master?"
"Tell Borara to stop." Lei ordered before turning around.
The carriage came to a stop. It took a couple of seconds, as Lyu was incredibly surprised to hear the Young Master use that name.
Knock- Knock-
As the carriage stopped and the walls of the rear section were knocked on, the three Disciples leaped out.
"Young Master! Is everything alright? Would you like us to leave you the-"
"Get on here." The Young Master interrupted. "Everyone."
The Personal Instructor was last to leave the rear section of the carriage. But just like the Disciples, he followed the Young Master's order.
With a click of Lyu's tongue, Borara started walking again.
Ui Feng tried to break the silence but,
"Young Zhao, is this necessary-"
"Shut up for a minute." The Young Master interrupted.
His gaze was moving from right to left, which made all parties feel uneasy.
After a silent minute,
"I think we will get attacked. Soon."
"Attacked? Who would dare...?"
"None would dare attack the Young Master's..."
"If anyone tries to..."
"Young Zhao, what makes you think this?"
"You were in charge when I was gone, right?" The Young Master asked with daring eyes.
His Personal Instructor nodded solemnly.
"Then it's obvious that they would attack now. With me fatigued from the Trial, it is their chance. Not only that, but they could have organized their attack assuming that I wouldn't pass the Trial. In that case, you would be their target." Lei explained.
He did not know how to refer to his Personal Instructor. Instructor? Ui? Feng? Since they were drinking companions, Zhao and Ui must have spent a lot of time together. Unwilling to take a chance that could illicit suspicions, Lei refused to refer to him by anything other than 'you'. He sure as hell wasn't going to use 'Lord' either. It wouldn't make sense anyways, Lei thought.
"Young Zhao," Ui Feng took his time explaining, which slightly irritated Lei, though he hid it well. "Our departure was kept a secret from most of our Sect. I have done everything possible to avoid the rise of such an event. This is also why that girl was brought instead of the Servants you might be familiar with..."
Lei listened silently. It was possible for his suspicion to turn out wrong after all.
The Disciples seemed to agree with the Young Master. Well, not exactly.
'I guess I have a better picture now...'
A better picture of who surrounded him currently.
Their departure had been kept a secret. Therefore...
There were those who strongly cared about the Young Master.
Those who benefitted greatly from their relationship with the Young Master.
And those who had simply been dragged along.
...
About twenty minutes later, the Young Master's eyes widened and he suddenly rose to his feet.
"Young Master?"
"Young Zhao?"
Through the countless trees,
Pheeew-
"Lyu! Tell it to stop!" The Young Master shouted.
The next second, three arrows pierced through the windows of the carriage's rear section!