Chapter Seven: Buying a Knife

This simulated battle not only enriched Mu Rongxun’s combat experience and allowed him to absorb the newly acquired swordsmanship, but also helped him gain control over his strength, banishing that earlier sense of physical instability. Even though his skill panel still displayed “Mastery Level: LV10,” he could feel that while the level hadn’t increased, he must have gained quite a bit of experience.

Within the skill levels, “Beginner” was just the foundation, with each level granting a 1% damage bonus. “Mastery” offered a 2% bonus per level. LV10 thus meant a 20% increase—not only in power, but also in learning efficiency. It was only now that Mu Rongxun realized that after reaching the Mastery stage, improving his swordsmanship by even one level required the expenditure of a thousand Paradise Coins, as well as something called “World Source.”

He had no idea what World Source was. He’d never seen anyone selling it while wandering around earlier.

Returning to his private quarters, he looked at the empty room. After considering for a moment, he manifested a set of table and chairs—at least somewhere to sit. At the moment, he only had a few dozen Paradise Coins on him, which made everything inconvenient. His most urgent priority was to get himself a new sword.

He took inventory of his belongings: a stack of talisman papers that weren’t worth much, a golden bow that he intended to keep, and aside from those, only a bottle of enhancement serum of any real value.

Recalling how expensive consumables were, Mu Rongxun couldn’t help but remember the recipe formulas he carried. They could restore health, stamina, energy, relieve fatigue—there was something for everyone’s needs. For example, Golden Fried Rice could temporarily boost one’s physical attributes, specifically the “Essence” stat. There were similar things on the market, but all at exorbitant prices and in scant supply; he’d hardly seen any.

Other dishes, like ramen and seaweed soup, each had their own features—they could restore health and stamina, all related to the “Essence” attribute. As for the other four recipes, they remained grayed out; he had no idea what they were, and speculation was pointless.

“Healing Ramen: Gradually heals injuries over the next ten minutes. Requires: Magical Flour, Pure Water, and Mysterious Seasoning!”

The required ingredients were few—just three. He’d seen similar small healing potions sell for a hundred Paradise Coins each. He asked the Magic Tower and found out he could buy the ingredients directly—thirty Paradise Coins for a set.

The price made Mu Rongxun frown. It didn’t seem expensive, but he was just a beginner—his culinary skill was still at LV1, and only because he’d acquired the Chef profession. Whether what he made would even be up to standard was still a question.

Even the best cook cannot prepare a meal without rice. With that thought, he simply headed out.

The streets were still lively as ever, the calls of vendors resounding endlessly. Hawkers drawing in customers, bargaining and haggling—every facet of humanity was on display. If not for knowing this was the Magic Tower Paradise, one might have thought they’d wandered into the scene of a holographic game.

“Don’t miss out! Come and take a look!” someone shouted.

At that moment, one particular voice caught Mu Rongxun’s attention. Not far away, a crowd had gathered around a stall. Some people were spectating, others stepping up to make offers.

“Your price is outrageous. Be reasonable—two thousand, and I’ll buy it!” protested a burly man.

“I said, no haggling—five thousand!” The vendor didn’t even raise his head, sitting with arms crossed at his stall. No one paid attention to the shouts from the other side; all eyes were drawn here. The other vendor glared over, but dared not say a word. He was just a life-skills player—he knew better than to provoke someone so brazen, especially a figure as notorious as the Lone Wolf.

The focus of the crowd was a sword on the stall—its uncovered blade gleaming with a faint blue light that dazzled the eyes. Some, recognizing their own limits, walked away, while others tried to negotiate, only to come away empty-handed.

Perhaps bothered by the constant questioning, the vendor finally stood up and swept his gaze around. “I’ve said it—five thousand, flat price. Or an equivalent-level sword, or swordsmanship skills! If you’re here to bargain, save your breath!”

With that, many people left outright, and those who remained were only there for the spectacle. If they’d been able, they’d have bought it already instead of lingering.

Mu Rongxun stared at that sword. It was familiar—he’d just spent the afternoon fighting someone with the same style of blade. A Tang sword; he found it difficult to look away. Unfortunately, the price was far beyond his means.

Huang Yun was somewhat disappointed. It seemed that in the novice zone, few could afford such a price. Yet he was unwilling to sell it cheaply to just anyone.

“Are you buying items here?” At that moment, a young man stepped out from the crowd. At first, Huang Yun thought he was just another haggler, but he soon realized he’d misunderstood.

“I do. I buy as well as sell.”

“How much will you give me for this?” The youth produced a small vial.

“This enhancement serum is decent—it boosts all three stats by one point. I’ll give you three hundred coins.”

Though it wasn’t much, he was willing to earn whatever he could—every little bit helped a lone wolf survive.

Mu Rongxun nodded. The enhancement serum offered a total of 0.1 to each of the three main attributes, worth about three hundred coins, so the offer was fair.

“Deal.” He then took out the golden bow. “And this—what’s it worth?”

“This bow…” Huang Yun took it and instinctively glanced at the youth. He recognized the bow—it had belonged to another lone player, who’d later been killed by Tang Ao. The bow had become Tang Ao’s trophy, later given to his subordinate.

“Most wouldn’t dare accept this bow, but I will. Its special effect is excellent. I’ll offer forty-five hundred.”

Mu Rongxun frowned. Even so, he was still short of the amount needed to buy that Tang sword.

“Do you want it?” Huang Yun grinned, bent down, and picked up the sword. “Then I’ll trade this sword for your two items. It’s a fair deal. I hope you survive.”

His smile carried a hidden meaning that the bystanders didn’t understand, but Mu Rongxun did—he could see what lay beneath.

He took the sword, accepting the deal.

“And this?” He produced a short sword.

“That’s just a standard white-grade weapon. Four hundred—someone might buy it as fodder.” Huang Yun glanced at it and named a price. Such common goods had transparent prices—there was nothing to discuss.

Mu Rongxun nodded, accepting the offer.