After Shen Che finished looking at Ye Feng's attribute panel, cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he complained with a darkened face:
"How am I supposed to fight him? My Charm value is the only thing that can crush Ye Feng. Am I really supposed to wait until I can charm him to death one day?"
On Ye Feng's side, his skill list was practically a murder encyclopedia: proficient in all types of firearms, master of deadly martial arts...
In contrast, his own skills were all aristocratic ones—wine tasting, flower arranging, horsemanship—all showy but utterly useless in a life-or-death struggle.
In the original novel's setting, Ye Feng was an undefeated legend in the mercenary world. Not only did he have explosive combat power, but he also had an unfathomable master backing him, not to mention the mysterious Protagonist Halo protecting him, making it difficult for him to die.
Shen Che weighed his only advantages: his familiarity with the plot's progression and the 'Villain Points' he had just acquired.
This thing, as it seemed now, was his only lifesaver to turn the tables.
"System," he asked in his mind, "can the exchange function you mentioned be used for practical skills? Like... for fighting?"
The System's cold electronic voice immediately responded:
"Host, the Skill Shop has been activated and is now unlocking for you."
Another screen of faint blue light unfolded before Shen Che's eyes.
It was no longer a simple text list, but rather individual blue orbs displayed as if in transparent showcases.
Each orb's core clearly marked the skill name and Rank: 'Elementary Treasure Appraising', 'Elementary Swimming', 'Elementary Painting'...
There was a dazzling array, with prices fluctuating between 300 and 400 Villain Points.
Shen Che quickly scrolled through the virtual interface with his mind, eagerly searching.
Soon, a blue orb labeled 'Elementary Martial Arts' caught his eye.
Just as a hint of joy welled up, the price tag below the orb was like a bucket of cold water poured over his head—1000 Villain Points! He had just earned 2000 points by going all out to change the plot, and now half of it would be gone in an instant?
"This is too outrageous!" Shen Che couldn't help but grumble, "Elementary costs 1000? If it can be upgraded later, won't it be an astronomical price?" He suspected the System was price gouging.
The System seemed to sense his doubts and explained:
"Host, there is no need to question. 'Elementary Martial Arts' already includes various practical boxing techniques, leg techniques, and basic Mind-Cultivation Techniques. Its comprehensive combat value perfectly matches the pricing."
Shen Che's mind raced. He knew the plot was a good card, but against an unreasonable cheat like Ye Feng, without solid strength, he would eventually be crushed into dust.
Saving his life was paramount!
"Buy!" He gritted his teeth, confirming the exchange with the determination of a warrior breaking his own arm.
"Exchange successful! 'Elementary Martial Arts' Fusion initiated!"
The moment the System's prompt faded, Shen Che felt a flash of blue light before his eyes, and a massive torrent of information violently surged into his mind!
Countless Move diagrams, force application techniques, and Qi breathing and circulation Mind-Cultivation Technique formulas, as if forcibly compressed and then suddenly released, instantly filled every corner of his consciousness.
He felt like a dry sponge; every cell in his body was greedily absorbing and imprinting these unfamiliar martial arts knowledge.
In just a moment, the Fusion was complete.
An indescribable sense of clarity flowed through his limbs!
His body felt completely transformed; a never-before-felt sense of power and coordination surged from the depths of his muscle memory.
One second he was a helpless Young Master, the next, countless intricate Moves were clear in his mind, as if he had been immersed in this Dao for ten years!
This sense of control from a sudden surge of power intoxicated him, far more exhilarating than any sensory pleasure.
"System, now that I've fused with 'Elementary Martial Arts', how many can I fight?" Shen Che couldn't wait to know his capabilities.
The System accurately assessed: "Based on the Host's current bodyguards (retired special forces), the Host can simultaneously handle five people in an encirclement."
Shen Che's bodyguards were all fierce characters who could fight five on one... He could fight five bodyguards?
The effect of this Elementary Martial Arts far exceeded his expectations!
"That powerful?" He was somewhat incredulous, having expected at most a superficial display, not something so hardcore.
"System products are always top-tier. Price and efficacy are strictly matched, Host, please rest assured." The System re-emphasized its reliability.
Shen Che closed his eyes and concentrated. Various boxing and kicking routines, grappling and throwing techniques flowed through his mind as easily as moving his arm, as if already etched into his bones.
With a skill in hand, how could he not test it?
He remembered that the villa's first floor had a private gym. Although the original owner was a workaholic and a simp, he hadn't neglected his fitness habits.
A moment later, Shen Che stood in the spacious and bright gym.
All kinds of professional equipment were readily available.
His gaze fixed on the heavy, sturdy sandbag in the corner.
That's it!
Shen Che's eyes narrowed, as if the sandbag before him had transformed into an imaginary enemy.
He took a deep breath, his footwork swift and agile, instantly closing in!
"Bang!"
A fierce straight punch, like a cannonball, slammed into the center of the sandbag. A dull thud echoed in the empty gym.
The sandbag shook violently!
"Whoosh!"
Immediately following, a sharp whip kick, accompanied by the sound of cutting air, heavily struck the side of the sandbag, sending it sliding sideways!
Hook punch! Elbow strike! Knee strike! Combo! Shen Che's figure moved rapidly around the sandbag, his fists and feet raining down like a fierce storm.
Sweat began to seep from his temples, but the more he fought, the smoother his movements became, the faster his actions, the heavier his power. The 'bang bang' sounds of his fists and feet hitting the sandbag merged into a continuous beat, dense as drum rolls!
Suddenly—
"Rip—thud!"
After a sharp sound of tearing fabric, there was a dull thud of a heavy object hitting the ground! The tough strap suspending the sandbag had been snapped!
The heavy sandbag crashed down, hitting the floor and raising a cloud of dust.
Shen Che stopped, standing still, looking at the 'defeated' sandbag on the ground, breathing slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Just Elementary... and it has this much power?"
This destructive power gave him a lot of confidence.
"Oh right, System," he asked in his mind again, "how much chance do I have against Ye Feng now?"
"Host," the System's voice carried a hint of cruel rationality, "Ye Feng's various attributes have reached the theoretical Peak of human ability, his martial arts attainment is profound, and he possesses many years of real combat experience in life-or-death struggles.
Overall assessment, under his full attack... the Host would not last more than three minutes."
Shen Che: "..."
The small flame of confidence that had just ignited was instantly mostly extinguished.
The System seemed to notice his low spirits and added: "Host, there is no need to be discouraged.
As long as you continue to change the plot, accumulate Villain Points, improve your attributes, and upgrade your combat skills to 'Great Master' or even higher Ranks, defeating Ye Feng is not impossible."
These words lifted Shen Che's spirits again.
That's right, I have the System, I have the advantage of foresight. If I still can't beat a native Protagonist, that would be too embarrassing for a Transmigration!
"Understood." Shen Che replied, then temporarily closed the System interface.
After scrolling on his phone for a while, night deepened. Shen Che walked towards the bathroom.
Pushing open the frosted glass door, a faint elegant scent, a mix of high-end shower gel and essential oils, wafted towards him.
The bathroom was almost luxuriously spacious, practically larger than his entire bedroom before his Transmigration.
"The unpretentious luxury of the rich..." Shen Che sighed, deciding that he absolutely had to experience bathing in milk tomorrow.
Lying in the soft, comfortable large bed, Shen Che's thoughts, however, could not calm down.
Enjoyment? Now was not the time! Ye Feng was like the Sword of Damocles hanging over his head, ready to fall at any moment.
"Break off the engagement! I must go break off the engagement tomorrow!" He made up his mind. This was not only to sever the original owner's simp fate but also to declare to Xu Qiuchi: Shen Che, has changed his core!
Suddenly, a blurry figure flashed through his mind. He rolled out of bed, walked to the French window, and dialed his assistant's number.
"Hello, Qiuhang," Shen Che's voice was exceptionally clear in the night, "Immediately investigate a girl. About a year ago, she received assistance from a charity foundation under my name. Yes, focus on investigating..."
He described in detail the background characteristics and name of the girl in his memory, ensuring the assistant could accurately locate her.
"Once found, send me the detailed file immediately. As soon as possible!"
After hanging up the phone, Shen Che lay back down on the bed.
The fatigue of his body intertwined with the excitement of gaining power. He closed his eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.