In this chapter, when Chao was trying to tempt Tai Lung, I was also reminded of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith when Palpatine tries to lure Anakin to the Dark Side. Some of the wording, and how Chao kept focusing on himself as the only one who could help him, reminded me of Palpatine. Could this have been another inspiration, or was it just sort of the same basic strategy of corrupting people that shows up everywhere else? (I read the footnote and saw which references you mentioned specifically)

P.S. I really liked how you portrayed the internal dialogues in this chapter. They are all very well-written and stay in character perfectly.

That one was not a conscious inspiration. It may possibly have been in the back of my mind without me realizing it, but I didn't intend it when writing it. It may also be as you say, just a common tactic a villain like him would use.

Thank you very much! ^_^