The protagonist gets set up from the start. He’s afraid of dying, and whenever he meets someone powerful, he runs. Being a coward is his whole thing. If the other person is stronger than him, he runs first. If he can’t get away, he asks, “Senior, is there anything this junior can do to be of service?” If the other person is weaker than him, he grins. “Junior, come here.” He pulls out a pile of junk and says, “My young friend, I can tell you have excellent talent. These things will greatly benefit your cultivation. Do you have any family heirlooms you could offer in exchange?”
