Mu Nianbing didn't buy any new magic tools. They were far too expensive, and more importantly, he didn't actually need them.
He already had enchanted shoes and armor, both still in perfect condition.
As for his weapon, the demon-slaying tools on the market couldn't compare to the Ice Sword he could conjure at will.
After leaving Master Huo Tuo's reception room, Mu Nianbing immediately made his way back to the awakening chamber.
Just as he arrived, Liu Ru stepped out.
"How was it? What element did you awaken?"
"Lightning."
When Liu Ru saw Mu Nianbing, her tense shoulders relaxed.
She had been a little worried that he might disappear midway, but it turned out she had overthought it.
At her answer, Mu Nianbing's expression softened into satisfaction.
Guo Liyu truly lived up to his reputation as a top Awakening Master.
"Master Guo, thank you again," Mu Nianbing said with a smile.
Guo Liyu waved it off modestly. "This is nothing. Awakened as a Lightning Mage, hm? That's a fine first element — though it's a pity it came so late."
He couldn't help but look slightly regretful. If Liu Ru had awakened a few years earlier, her potential would have been extraordinary.
Mu Nianbing nodded knowingly. He understood this well — but he also had a way to fix it.
The Holy Spring.
If Liu Ru could cultivate with the aid of the Holy Spring, her late awakening would no longer matter. She could even reach the Super Level in time.
Among all the known Holy Springs, the one at Xiayu Island was the best preserved.
Song Feiyao, the guardian of the Saker Falcon God, had relied on that very spring to reach the peak of the Super Level.
Although the Holy Spring couldn't resurrect the Azure Dragon, it could certainly boost cultivation immensely.
If things went smoothly, Mu Nianbing even considered using it himself to break through to the Super Level.
After chatting a while longer, he took Liu Ru out of the Pearl Tower.
"By the way," Mu Nianbing said as they walked, taking out a shimmering device, "this Stardust Magic Tool is for you."
It was the one he had used in the past.
He wouldn't need it again until he reached the Super Level, and by then, he could easily afford something of spiritual or higher grade.
"Stardust Magic Tool…" Liu Ru blinked, startled. She was from a big city — she knew very well how valuable such an item was.
"Brother Mu, this is too much…" She knew she could never repay such generosity.
Mu Nianbing took her soft hand and said firmly, "What I've given, I don't take back. Also, I'll bring your sister for her awakening soon."
"Huh?" Liu Ru stared at him blankly. Was he planning to… awaken both sisters?
Still, if her sister could also become a mage, it wouldn't be a bad thing.
Mu Nianbing, unaware of her misunderstanding, continued thinking.
When he eventually established his own organization, he would need reliable assistants to handle everyday affairs — and Liu Ru and Liu Xian were both suitable candidates.
After all, the Scythe of Death could control the undead, but those subordinates couldn't blend into society.
They were easy for experienced Mages to detect — not to mention, he didn't have the storage space to keep them hidden.
Vampires like Nie Dong could hide among humans, but monster-type undead could only linger in the wilderness — not very practical compared to human helpers.
After some hesitation, Liu Ru finally accepted the Stardust Magic Tool.
Mu Nianbing then patiently guided her through the fundamentals of meditation and mana control.
Liu Ru learned quickly — her comprehension was much better than expected.
Later, after parting ways with Liu Ru, Mu Nianbing returned to his apartment — only to run into Mu Nujiao and Ai Tutu on the stairs.
"Why do I keep running into you?" Ai Tutu puffed up her cheeks in frustration, her voice sharp and full of mock anger.
Mu Nianbing's eyes flickered briefly — Ai Tutu's figure seemed even more… pronounced than before.
"I live here," he replied calmly. "If you don't like seeing me, you're free to find another apartment."
Ai Tutu huffed, stamping her foot. "Hmph! Why should I move? If anyone's leaving, it should be you!"
Her indignant tone made Mu Nujiao sigh, pressing her hand to her forehead.
Can't she ever learn?
Mu Nujiao looked at Mu Nianbing and said softly, "I still haven't properly thanked you for what happened last time."
"No need for words," Mu Nianbing said with a teasing smile. "How about something more practical?"
Mu Nujiao blinked in surprise, taken off guard. She had prepared a few polite words of gratitude — but now they all stuck in her throat.
Ai Tutu's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Sister Mu, this guy clearly likes you. Why don't you just give yourself to him?"
"AI TUTU!" Mu Nujiao immediately pinched her friend's arm hard, her face flushing pink.
She had been thinking about Mu Nianbing more than she wanted to admit, but Ai Tutu's teasing made it impossible to keep her composure.
By the time they finished their bickering, the elevator had reached the twelfth floor.
"I'm going first," Mu Nianbing said, stepping out.
He didn't make things difficult for Mu Nujiao. As a noble's daughter and direct heir of her family, Mu Nujiao's fate was largely tied to her clan's expectations.
Unless she joined the National Team, her life would never truly be her own.
Ai Tutu, on the other hand, was completely different.
With the Ai family's male heirs all serving in the military, the family doted on her completely — spoiling her into the carefree girl she was today.
Even if she acted childish or wild, her family would never force her into a political marriage.
As the elevator doors closed, Mu Nujiao stood still, watching Mu Nianbing's retreating back with a faint sense of loss.
Back in his room, Mu Nianbing went straight to the balcony to resume his cultivation. He hadn't yet finished his daily training quota.
By his estimate, Mo Fan would need about a month to recover — after which the Totem Black Snake would shed its skin.
Although Mu Nianbing's own cultivation was already strong, earning a position in the National Team would require more than power.
This next event — if handled right — could finally bring him into the view of China's top magical authorities.
Then again… it was also possible they were already watching him.
...
Author's Note:
Versatile Mage: Heir of the Frozen Throne — Part 1 is now fully completed and available on my Patreon!
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