Pov: Vik
Vik: "Things are not as simple as you think, Lu Xiaoran. If things go according to his plan, those villagers might give him all their land without considering their own lives. They will become a stepping stone for Lin Chen. That's not going to happen on my watch. There are many ways to counteract this protagonist advantage, and we will gradually make him fail in his own scheme. There's always a way to solve any problem; you just need to follow four steps. We will use these steps to deal with Lin Chen."
After I spoke, both of them looked at me in anticipation and asked together, "Master, teach us those four steps for handling problems like a protagonist."
Vik: "Okay, disciples, but remember that these methods should only be used when you are in the right. Do not use them for bad purposes, and execute them in order. Don't skip any step. These methods are like a divine technique or scripture, so try to memorize and practice them."
I continued in a serious tone, "Here are the four steps to solve any problem:
1. Saam: In this step, we solve problems through persuasion, negotiation, and polite measures. It's about dealing with someone using only peace and love. You know the power of love and friendship can resolve many issues. For example, if you befriend your enemy, you not only get rid of an enemy, but you also gain a friend. This approach can resolve over 50% of conflicts. It includes elements like charm and influence, but focuses mainly on negotiation, peace, and love.
2. Daam: In this step, we use economic means, bribery, and rewards to solve problems. Every person wants treasures; no one refuses wealth. There's an old saying: "Any problem that can be solved by money isn't a real problem." Almost everyone has a price. You just need to offer the right amount, and you might even be able to buy your worst enemy. This method addresses about 49% of people.
3. Dand: This step is for the remaining 1% of people who can't be persuaded by love or bought with money. Here, we solve problems through punishment. Everyone has something they fear; you just need to identify that fear and exploit it. For instance, if someone is afraid of fire, you can make them endure a fiery punishment to motivate them to act. This step focuses on using fear to influence people. It solves the last 1% of problems, and with this, you can handle anyone.
4. Bhed: This last step means that if you reach this point, you have already failed because here you will completely dismantle your enemy, leading them to their end. In this step, we first divide the enemy and mislead their allies to create discord. Then, we use all our power to finish them. Remember, if you reach this stage, never leave your enemy alive because if they escape, you may face your own demise. In the first three steps, there's a chance for forgiveness, but this step is final. It means you do everything you can, use any help, and eliminate your enemy."
Vik: "Together, these four steps are called Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed. I personally refer to them as the four steps of victory."
After hearing this, they both nodded, appearing completely focused on my explanation as if comprehending these steps. After a moment, Lu Xiaoran asked me a question.
Lu Xiaoran: "Master, which step will we use against Lin Chen?"
Vik: "Disciple, Lin Chen is a chosen one, so we have to use all these four steps in order, gradually weakening him."
After explaining everything, I made my disciples practice their Qi control by using the Nirvana Qi refining technique and practicing the nuclear spiritual gathering technique along with the Quantum magic technique for sustaining spiritual energy.
Then I noticed it was 6 PM and the sun was setting, so I shifted to our other tasks. I already had a field for crops, but I still needed a place to live in the city. I teleported to the city with my disciples and started looking for a property. I sought help from the system by inputting my property preferences and budget.
Soon, it provided several options based on online advertisements. Many properties were for sale in the city, but only a few matched my criteria. I wanted a spacious house with a garage and a storeroom for my crops. Most houses that fit this description were beyond my budget, and the ones available were mostly on the outskirts. I wanted a property in the main city.
Then, among the properties listed by the system, I noticed an advertisement for a manor located in the VIP district of the city for 90,000. I immediately decided to buy it. Taking my disciples with me, we soon reached the property in the Sea Blaze district. I had called the property dealer earlier, and he was very eager to sell. When we arrived at the manor, a bald man in a formal suit greeted us. He was the property agent. Without wasting time, I handed over my documents, which I had forged with the system's help. He was very cooperative and agreed to sell us the manor if we paid the full amount in cash. I agreed and paid the full price of 90,000.
After that, he pulled out some documents related to the house. I checked them, and the system confirmed that they were legitimate. I also asked the system to verify if the manor was involved in any legal issues, and it confirmed that it had no legal complications. I proceeded with the transaction and bought the manor. After receiving the payment, the agent hurriedly left, handing me the keys.
I looked at the house, which was a Victorian-style manor with a spacious garden and even a fountain in front, along with a garage and storehouse in the back. I estimated the house had at least dozens of rooms. Proud of my bargain, I reached the gate of the manor and opened it. Inside, the house was a bit dirty but spacious. There wasn't much furniture aside from some paintings; it felt empty. I quickly reached for the light switch and turned on the lights, which worked.
I saw it was almost 10 PM, so I decided to clean tomorrow. I took out some beds from Roman's storage and planned to sleep in the living room. After placing Pushpa in a pet bed, I told my disciples to sleep. I also closed my eyes while laying on the simple bed. After a while, I opened them again when I heard someone singing. Looking around, I saw Pushpa and my disciples sleeping soundly; they hadn't noticed it. I decided to find the source of the sound, but the singing had stopped. I tried to use my power to locate it, but found nothing, so I asked the system for help.
Vik: "System, did you hear the singing voice just now?"
System: "No, I didn't hear anything. But I can explain why you got this house at such a low price."
Vik: "What reason, system?"
System: "Host, you bought a haunted house at a cheap rate."
Vik: "System, what are you talking about? Don't tell me you're superstitious."
System: "Host, look to your right, and you will understand."
Taking the system's advice, I looked to my right and saw stairs leading to the first floor. But that wasn't the main thing; on those stairs stood an extremely beautiful doll with pink hair and a white dress, smiling broadly. Staring at that doll, I unconsciously exclaimed, "What the heck, is that Annabelle from The Conjuring?"