Chapter 32: The Eccentric Appraiser

"It was actually one-shotted?!"

Su Mubai's pupils constricted sharply. A second ago, that Skeleton Warrior's health bar had been nearly full; the next, it was completely wiped out. How could a creature with such exaggerated damage output appear in a place like a newbie village?

After equipping [Dylan’s Crystal Ball], his Spirit attribute had reached a staggering 196 points! Combined with the bonus from the Aura of the Dead, the Skeleton Warrior’s health had soared to a terrifying 150,000 points. And yet, this health pool was obliterated so effortlessly?

Although he hadn't seen the moment of the Skeleton Warrior's death, the feedback from his mind made it clear: the creature had been unable to put up any resistance at all.

"Can an Appraiser really be this strong?" A flash of shock deep in his eyes, Su Mubai began to doubt whether this person was even the Appraiser he was looking for. He stopped in his tracks, choosing not to proceed further. Who knew if the person ahead was friend or foe? In a previous dungeon, the newbie village protection had failed. What if it failed again here? If the opponent had the power to one-shot his Skeleton Warrior, his legion's numbers would be useless.

At this moment, Su Mubai suddenly regretted the [Summoning Space Expansion] cataclysmic skill. If he had more than ten years of life remaining, he wouldn't need to be this timid. The sudden death of the Skeleton Warrior served as a warning bell, a heavy blow to his heart that deflated his growing arrogance. Su Mubai realized that he was only invincible among players, not in the World of Myriad Realms. Even in the Forbidden Land of the Gods, there were plenty of "NPCs" who could crush him like an ant.

With this thought, Su Mubai decisively turned and headed in the opposite direction. At the same time, under his control, the Skeleton Legion began to retreat rapidly from those coordinates.

"No matter what, I must keep at least ten years of life in reserve from now on." Su Mubai secretly vowed, his heart still racing. The [Cataclysm] talent was indeed heaven-defyingly strong, but his survival came first. Any Soul Stones he obtained next must be used to replenish his lifespan. Upgrading equipment and skills could wait. After all, life was the most important thing!

However, Murphy's Law taught Su Mubai a lesson: the more he wanted to avoid someone, the harder it was to escape. He hadn't gone far when a lazy voice sounded behind him.

"Hey kid, not bad, managing to summon so many piles of old bones."

Su Mubai froze.

It wasn't that he wanted to stop; it was that the man had already blocked his path. He was a middle-aged man with silver hair, sharp sword-like brows, and piercing eyes. He wore a tattered silver robe with an eye symbol made of inscriptions on the chest.

An Appraiser, really? Su Mubai recognized the pattern from the appraisal shop and identified it immediately. But he hadn't expected such a flamboyant entrance. What kind of newbie village Appraiser could fly?! This guy had just stepped through the air and blocked his path before the sentence was even finished.

"I rarely have such a good mood to go out and sketch, and now you've ruined it all, kid." The middle-aged man glared at Su Mubai and continued, "Tell me, how do you plan to compensate me?"

Wait... was he being robbed? Su Mubai paused, then tentatively offered, "Would money work?" As he spoke, he took one hundred gold coins from his bag.

"Do I look like someone who lacks your pocket change?" The middle-aged man curled his lip. Without any visible movement, the hundred gold coins vanished into thin air.

"..." Su Mubai felt his hands lighten. Looking at the man's tattered robe, he couldn't help but twitch his mouth. *You don't look like you need money? You've practically got 'I'm broke' carved on your forehead!* Still, once the payment was accepted, Su Mubai felt a sense of relief. Losing money was better than losing his life. His desire to increase his lifespan grew even stronger.

"What's with that look, kid?" The middle-aged man followed Su Mubai's gaze to his own robe, his face reddening as he blustered, "This was ruined while I was out sketching! I really don't lack money!" With a wave of his hand, his robe instantly became brand new; he had clearly swapped it for another one.

Seeing that the man didn't seem hostile, Su Mubai took a closer look.

[Hua Jian]
Appraiser and Painter of Newbie Village No. 9527
Level: ???
Health: ???
(An Appraiser who doesn't want to be a painter is not a good swordsman.)

The information was scarce, but the final description made Su Mubai suspect that Hua Jian also held the identity of a swordsman.

"I'm not an unreasonable person. Since I took your 100 gold, I'll give you this painting." Hua Jian produced a drawing board, pulled off the top sketch, and handed it to Su Mubai. "My work isn't something just anyone can get, consider yourself lucky."

He got something out of it? Su Mubai quickly took the scroll.
[You have obtained "Hua Jian's Painting" x1.]

But after just one glance, he didn't dare look again and decisively shoved it into his bag. He was afraid that if he looked any longer, he would burst out laughing. *Good grief, even a three-year-old could draw better than this.*

"Why aren't you admiring it properly?" Hua Jian frowned. "Don't tell me you can't appreciate my 'Hungry Wolf Pouncing on a Cow'?"

"Senior, you misunderstand. I intend to savor it slowly. Only by calming my heart can I truly appreciate the state of mind you were in when you created this." Su Mubai suppressed his laughter, spewing the lie without hesitation. Admire it? He never wanted to lay eyes on this trash again. It was an eyesore!

"Hahahaha! You're not bad, kid, you've got an eye for art!" Hua Jian looked pleased and smiled, waving a hand. "I'm in a good mood today. Got anything that needs appraising? Bring it out, I'll do it for free!"

In reality, he was just saying that. Only items of Dark Gold rank or higher required appraisal. He assumed that even if this kid had some talent, he couldn't possibly have obtained such high-tier items in a newbie village.

"Really?" Su Mubai’s eyes lit up. He hadn't expected such a stroke of luck and immediately pulled out the four Level 10 Dark Gold pieces dropped by Reggie.

Hua Jian had already begun to lower his hand, continuing, "If not, then forget—" He suddenly widened his eyes and snatched the equipment from Su Mubai's hands. "Wait, you actually have some?"

"Let me see... Oh, it's that little skeleton in green skin from the Mist Forest, isn't it?" After examining the four pieces of gear, Hua Jian had a sudden realization and finally took a serious look at Su Mubai. "Not bad strength, and pretty good luck too."

He withdrew his gaze, silver light flashing from his hands as he brushed them over the equipment, muttering to himself. Su Mubai had initially thought it was an appraisal incantation, but as he listened closely, he couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"100 gold coins to appraise four items... I’ve taken a huge loss this time."