## Chapter 2: Spider-Sense and Silver Scales
The spectral slot machine spun, a dizzying kaleidoscope of fragmented images within the Uncommon Pool: a shield, a sleek gauntlet, a stylized spider, a winged helmet, a crackling fist. Fang Lin watched, his newly enhanced eyes tracking the blur, the accountant in him calculating probabilities he didn't possess. One hundred precious points – a significant chunk of his hard-earned capital after the Jade Cicada Molt heist and the Shoat scare. He needed something impactful, something *versatile*, that wouldn't scream "alien system power" to the cultivators of the Verdant Cloud Sect.
The wheel clanged to a halt. The image solidified: a stark black spider silhouette against a blood-red background.
`[ Congratulations! Acquired: Card - Ability: Spider-Sense (Peter Parker Variant - Basic) ]`
`[ Type: Permanent Ability Card. Consume to gain ability. ]`
`[ Description: Grants a subconscious precognitive danger awareness. Warns of immediate physical threats (ambushes, attacks, falling objects) via a tingling sensation at the base of the skull. Range: Short (approx. 10 meters). Intensity scales with threat proximity/imminence. Note: Does not predict social danger, traps without kinetic triggers, or long-term plots. Basic level - can be overwhelmed by multiple simultaneous high-level threats. ]`
Fang Lin exhaled, a mixture of relief and profound satisfaction. *Spider-Sense.* Not flashy lasers or super strength, but arguably *more* valuable for someone perpetually dancing on the knife-edge of exposure and annihilation. In a world where a disgruntled senior disciple could cave his head in before he saw them coming, this was pure gold. He consumed the card immediately.
A wave of strange, cool energy washed over his scalp, settling like an invisible, vigilant helmet. He flexed his fingers. No physical change, just an eerie new layer of perception humming quietly at the edge of his consciousness. *Perfect.*
He glanced at his remaining points: `55`. Enough for five Common Pool draws or half an Uncommon. Tempting, but prudence dictated saving them. He needed funds to *live*, to buy basic necessities that wouldn't raise eyebrows, and perhaps… reagents to explain away *future* unexpected abilities. The Jade Cicada Molt was his ticket. But selling it within the sect was out. An Outer Disciple with a Low-Grade treasure? Suspicion would be immediate. He needed an external market.
Memories surfaced: **Silverspring Town**. A bustling trade hub nestled in the valley below the Verdant Cloud Mountain, frequented by outer disciples for supplies and minor trade. Governed loosely by the Verdant Cloud Sect but teeming with independent merchants, mercenary bands, and representatives of other minor sects and clans. Perfect anonymity, theoretically. And a prime location for… *Emotional Resonance* farming, Fang Lin thought with a grim internal smile.
The journey down the mountain path the next morning was grueling. The crushing gravity of the Heaven Star Realm made every step feel like wading through wet cement. Fang Lin, relying solely on his Deadpool-lite regeneration to soothe aching muscles and his enhanced night vision to navigate pre-dawn shadows, felt pathetically mortal. He passed other outer disciples – some jogging effortlessly, their bodies visibly humming with the power of the Blood Boiling or even early Qi Condensation realms. They barely glanced at the pale, sweating figure trudging along. *Null Talent. Trash.* The unspoken judgment hung in the air. Fang Lin kept his head down, his mind cataloging their gaits, their auras, filing them away under 'Potential Threats - Avoid.'
`[ Analyze: Disciple Wang - Blood Boiling Realm (Early). Emotional State: Focused/Determined. Threat: Moderate if provoked. ]`
`[ Analyze: Disciple Li - Grain Tempering (Peak). Emotional State: Bored/Resigned. Threat: Low. ]`
The Spider-Sense remained quiet, a comforting, silent sentinel.
Silverspring Town unfolded below as the twin suns crested the horizon, bathing the valley in warm, golden light. It was larger than Fang Lin had imagined – a chaotic sprawl of wooden and stone buildings, narrow streets choked with people, carts, and even a few exotic spirit beasts used as pack animals. The air buzzed with shouts, bartering, the clang of blacksmiths, and the rich, complex smells of street food, spices, animal dung, and something metallic – ozone? He activated Analyze discreetly on the general scene.
`[ Location: Silverspring Town. Primary Affiliation: Verdant Cloud Sect (Territory). Secondary Forces: Silver Scale Merchant Alliance (Significant Presence), Iron Fist Mercenary Band, Minor Sects/Clans (Whispering Willow Sect, Stoneheart Clan). Threat Level: Variable (Moderate overall - high pickpocket risk, low chance of overt sect conflict). ]`
*Silver Scale Merchant Alliance.* The name resonated. Reputable, widespread, and crucially – discreet for the right price. He needed to find their local pavilion.
Navigating the crowded streets was an exercise in sensory overload and constant vigilance. His Spider-Sense pinged softly twice:
1. A subtle *tingle* as a grubby hand snaked towards his meager coin pouch (hidden beneath his robes with the Cicada Molt). Fang Lin shifted slightly, causing the pickpocket to brush empty air. The thief melted back into the crowd, frustration radiating from him. `[ +5 Points: Emotional Resonance (Frustration - Pickpocket) ]`
2. A sharper *jolt* moments before a heavy crate, carelessly unloaded from a cart overhead, plummeted towards the street. Fang Lin instinctively shoved the oblivious merchant beside him out of the way. The crate smashed onto the cobbles where they'd stood. Shouts erupted. The merchant stared at the splintered wood, then at Fang Lin, eyes wide with shock and dawning gratitude.
`[ +50 Points: Emotional Resonance (Intense Shock/Relief - Merchant) ]`
`[ +10 Points: Emotional Resonance (Surprise/Curiosity - Bystanders) ]`
`[ Total Points: 120 ]`
"Th-thank you, young master!" the merchant stammered, bowing hastily. "That would have crushed old Han! How did you…?"
"Lucky reflex," Fang Lin mumbled, brushing off the thanks and quickly moving on before questions arose. *120 points.* The Spider-Sense had already paid for itself.
He found the Silver Scale Pavilion near the town center. It was an imposing structure of polished dark wood and silver filigree, three stories tall, radiating an aura of quiet wealth and security far beyond the surrounding stalls. Guards in polished silver-trimmed armor, radiating the disciplined power of at least Qi Condensation realm cultivators, stood watch. Fang Lin felt a fresh wave of vulnerability. *Cautious. Calculating.*
He activated Analyze on the nearest guard.
`[ Target: Silver Scale Guard ]`
`[ Cultivation: Qi Condensation (Early Stage) ]`
`[ Affiliation: Silver Scale Merchant Alliance ]`
`[ Emotional State: Alert/Professional. Threat Assessment: High. Do not provoke. ]`
Basic, as expected. He took a deep breath, straightened his patched grey disciple robes as best he could, and approached the entrance. One guard stepped forward, his expression neutral but eyes sharp.
"State your business, disciple."
"I… I have an item for appraisal and potential sale," Fang Lin said, keeping his voice low and respectful. "A natural treasure. Low-Grade."
The guard's eyebrow twitched slightly. An Outer Disciple with a natural treasure? Suspicious, but not unheard of if they'd stumbled upon something minor. "Very well. Follow me. No sudden movements."
Fang Lin was led into a spacious, well-lit reception area. The air was cool and scented with sandalwood. Behind a polished counter sat a middle-aged man with shrewd eyes and neatly trimmed beard, his robes of fine grey silk subtly embroidered with silver scales. He radiated the controlled energy of someone in the late Qi Condensation realm. `[ Analyze: Merchant Appraiser - Qi Condensation (Late Stage). Emotional State: Calm/Assessing. Threat: High. ]`
"Disciple Fang Lin of the Verdant Cloud Sect," Fang Lin introduced himself, offering a slight bow. "I seek appraisal for this." He carefully unwrapped the sacking, revealing the Jade Cicada Molt. Its semi-translucent green surface caught the light, shimmering faintly.
The appraiser's eyes sharpened. He didn't touch it immediately, instead leaning closer, his gaze intense. He pulled out a small, intricately carved jade lens and examined the molt meticulously. Fang Lin waited, heart pounding, the Spider-Sense thankfully silent. *No immediate danger here.*
"Interesting," the appraiser murmured after a tense minute. "A Jade Cicada Molt. Low-Grade, as you said. Fairly fresh, good integrity. The Verdant Cloud Sect allows its outer disciples to sell such finds?"
Fang Lin had prepared for this. "I… found it discarded near the Beast Pits, Senior Merchant," he said, injecting a note of hesitant awe into his voice. "I believe it was overlooked. Our overseers focus on… more dangerous acquisitions." He shrugged, trying to look like a lucky, slightly dim novice.
The appraiser studied him for a long moment. Fang Lin met his gaze steadily, projecting earnest simplicity. The merchant's lips twitched in what might have been amusement or skepticism. `[ +15 Points: Emotional Resonance (Mild Skepticism/Curiosity - Appraiser) ]`
"Discarded, hmm? Very well. The Silver Scale values provenance but does not pry unduly into… fortunate discoveries." He placed the lens down. "Low-Grade Jade Cicada Molt. Current market value in Silverspring: Thirty standard spirit stones. Or…" he paused, his gaze lingering on Fang Lin's worn robes, "...twenty-five spirit stones and fifty silver taels, which might be more immediately useful to a disciple."
Fang Lin did the mental math. Spirit stones were the currency of cultivators, containing trace ambient Qi useful for low-level cultivation or powering simple artifacts. Silver taels were mundane currency. Thirty spirit stones was a *fortune* for an outer disciple – enough to buy decent food, basic necessities, and even low-tier cultivation resources (not that *he* could use them). But the merchant was subtly testing him, offering less valuable silver for a portion. *Bargaining.*
He let his shoulders slump slightly, projecting disappointment. "Only thirty stones, Senior Merchant? I had heard Jade Cicada Molt was prized for alchemy…" He trailed off, letting the implication hang. He wasn't pushy, just… hopeful.
The appraiser's eyes narrowed fractionally. `[ +10 Points: Emotional Resonance (Mild Annoyance/Recalculation - Appraiser) ]` "Hmph. It *is* prized, young disciple, but this *is* a Low-Grade sample. Very well. Thirty-two spirit stones. My final offer. Or the silver alternative."
Fang Lin pretended to ponder, then nodded, injecting relief. "Thirty-two stones, Senior Merchant. Thank you." He knew pushing further risked drawing unwanted scrutiny. He'd gotten slightly more than the initial lowball.
The transaction was swift and discreet. Thirty-two smooth, faintly luminescent pebbles the size of his thumbnail were counted into a small, plain leather pouch. They felt cool and strangely inert in his hand – useless to him directly, but potent currency. `[ +5 Points: Emotional Resonance (Satisfied Closure - Appraiser) ]` `[ Total Points: 150 ]`
As he turned to leave, the appraiser spoke again, his voice casual. "A word of advice, Disciple Fang Lin. Luck is a fickle mistress. Finding treasures is one thing. Keeping them, or attracting attention because of them, is another. The Silver Scale values discretion, but others… may not." His gaze held a veiled warning.
`[ +20 Points: Emotional Resonance (Veiled Threat/Interest - Appraiser) ]`
`[ Analyze Insight: Target perceives you as unusually lucky or potentially connected. Advise caution. ]`
Fang Lin bowed again, deeper this time. "Your wisdom is appreciated, Senior Merchant." He left quickly, the pouch of spirit stones a comforting weight against his ribs, the merchant's warning an icy counterpoint. *Secrecy. Always secrecy.*
Emerging back into the bustling street, Fang Lin felt a surge of cautious optimism. He had capital. He had points. He needed supplies: durable clothing, basic rations, perhaps some common herbs he could pretend to use for "body tempering" to explain his resilience if needed. He headed towards a crowded market street.
He was examining a stall selling sturdy leather boots when his Spider-Sense exploded.
Not a tingle. Not a jolt. It was a sledgehammer blow to the base of his skull, a blinding wave of *WRONGNESS* screaming **DANGER! IMMEDIATE! MULTIPLE VECTORS!**
He didn't think. He threw himself sideways, crashing into a stack of woven baskets. A split second later, a heavy iron cudgel smashed onto the spot where he'd been standing, cracking the cobblestones. Simultaneously, a throwing knife whistled past where his head had been, embedding itself in a wooden post with a *thunk*.
Shouts erupted. People scattered. Fang Lin scrambled to his feet, heart hammering against his ribs, his enhanced vision locking onto his attackers. Three rough-looking men, clad in mismatched leather armor, radiating the crude power of late Grain Tempering / early Blood Boiling realms. Thugs. And leading them, face twisted in furious recognition, was **Zhang Wei**.
"You slippery little worm!" Zhang Wei snarled, hefting the cudgel. "Thought you could hide in town? Thought stealing from the sect wouldn't have consequences?" He gestured to the thugs. "He's got spirit stones! Lots of them! Take him!"
*Ambush.* Fang Lin's mind raced. Zhang Wei must have followed him, seen him enter the Silver Scale Pavilion, and hired local muscle. *Emotional Resonance: Extreme Fury/Bloodlust (Zhang Wei). Greed/Anticipation (Thugs).* `[ +100 Points: Emotional Resonance (Collective Hostile Intent) ]` `[ Total Points: 250 ]`
The Spider-Sense screamed again as the two thugs lunged, one swinging a rusty short sword, the other aiming a heavy punch. Fang Lin ducked under the sword swing, the blade whistling inches above his head. The Spider-Sense guided his body into an awkward but effective twist, causing the puncher to stumble past him, off-balance. He couldn't fight them head-on. He needed escape. Chaos.
He remembered the smoke pellets. *Distraction. Concealment.* He fumbled in his pouch, pulled one out, and slammed it onto the cobblestones at his feet.
*POOF!*
Thick, grey smoke erupted, engulfing him and the immediate attackers. Shouts of surprise and confusion erupted from Zhang Wei and the thugs. "Find him! Don't let him escape!" Zhang Wei bellowed, coughing.
`[ +50 Points: Emotional Resonance (Surprise/Frustration - Thugs) ]`
`[ +30 Points: Emotional Resonance (Blind Rage - Zhang Wei) ]`
Fang Lin used the smoke and his enhanced vision to slip sideways, bumping into a stall selling pottery. He grabbed a large, cheap vase and hurled it towards the sound of Zhang Wei's voice. It shattered near him, spraying shards.
"ARGH! You insect!" Zhang Wei roared, swatting at the shards. `[ +20 Points: Emotional Resonance (Pain/Fury - Zhang Wei) ]`
Fang Lin didn't stop. He dashed down a narrow alley, the Spider-Sense humming constantly, warning him of uneven cobbles, a low-hanging sign, a startled cat darting underfoot. He could hear the thugs crashing through the smoke behind him, Zhang Wei shouting directions.
He needed to lose them. Fast. He recalled the **Basic Grapnel Launcher**. He pulled it from his pouch – a compact, spring-loaded device. He scanned the rooftops. Too high, too smooth. Ahead, the alley opened onto a slightly wider street. A sturdy-looking wooden signpost for a tavern jutted out over the alley entrance. *Target.*
He aimed, squeezed the trigger. *THWIP!* The grapnel shot out, trailing its thin cord, and wrapped securely around the signpost crossbeam. Fang Lin braced himself and pulled the release lever.
*ZZZZIP!*
The mechanism yanked him off his feet, hauling him upwards with surprising force. He swung out of the alley mouth, ten feet above the street, eliciting gasps and shouts from pedestrians below. `[ +40 Points: Emotional Resonance (Shock/Awe - Bystanders) ]` He released the grapnel as he reached the apex of the swing, tucking into a roll as he hit the sloping roof of a lower building opposite. He scrambled up, ignoring the scrapes and bruises already healing.
Below, Zhang Wei and the thugs burst out of the alley, looking around frantically. "Where did he GO?!"
Fang Lin crouched low on the roof, breathing heavily, the Spider-Sense finally settling into a low, watchful hum. He looked down at the confused, angry faces. *250 points from the ambush and escape. Plus the sale.* He had 250 points now. Enough for two Uncommon draws or a significant upgrade. And Zhang Wei was radiating pure, impotent fury. `[ +50 Points: Emotional Resonance (Frustrated Rage - Zhang Wei) ]` `[ Total Points: 300 ]`
He watched Zhang Wei kick a barrel in frustration, sending it clattering, before storming off, the thugs trailing behind, looking disappointed. The immediate danger had passed, but the message was clear: his life in the Verdant Cloud Sect had just gotten exponentially more complicated. He couldn't go back immediately. He needed a plan. More power. More points.
He looked at the pouch containing the spirit stones. Security. Capital. And below, the bustling, chaotic town sprawled out – a vast, untapped reservoir of potential emotional reactions. A slow, calculating smile touched his lips. Chaos *was* currency. And Silverspring Town looked like a very promising market indeed. He focused on the system interface, the blue glow reflecting in his eyes. 300 points. Time to invest wisely. He selected the **Common Pool**. Ten points a draw. He could afford to experiment. The spectral wheel began to spin once more as Fang Lin, the talentless comic cultivator, plotted his next move from the rooftops.