A Skill Only He Could Cultivate

Yang Yu's gaze fell on the skill book called Myriad Swords Return to Origin.

Epic Quality, Warrior profession, required Strength 200, Spirit 100.

He met all those requirements.

But the most crucial skill effect was nothing but a string of question marks.

Unable to view before learning.

It was like opening a blind box, full of uncertainty.

Yang Yu looked at the Manager beside him and asked directly, "What's wrong with this skill book?"

He knew perfectly well.

Whenever merchants called something special, ninety-nine percent of the time, it was just another word for defective.

The fact that it was displayed separately, yet described by the Manager as cost-effective, was a contradiction in itself.

Only an idiot would believe that.

The smile on the Manager's face stiffened for a moment before returning to professional enthusiasm.

"This student truly has a discerning eye."

He cleared his throat before explaining, "In terms of damage, Myriad Swords Return to Origin is absolutely no weaker than any Epic skill of the same level. Under certain conditions, it may even be more powerful."

"However, it has a very... well, very special mechanic."

"Each time it is cast, it deducts skill Proficiency."

The Manager's tone was somewhat subtle.

"So, almost no one can cultivate this skill beyond Level 2."

Jiang Shuyue's eyes widened as she listened.

There was actually a skill like that?

Using it not only failed to increase Proficiency, but even deducted it instead?

Such a precious skill could not grow alongside its level. What was the point of buying it?

Was it supposed to be a one-time leveling aid?

Yang Yu raised an eyebrow and pressed, "How much does it deduct?"

The Manager held up one finger.

"According to the results of tests conducted by high-level professionals we hired, each use deducts a fixed 10 points of Proficiency, until the Proficiency reaches zero."

"However," he added, "when this skill's Proficiency exceeds 10 points, its damage is more than twice that of other Epic Grade AoE skills!"

After hearing that, Yang Yu began cursing inwardly.

Was this even a proper skill?

For an ordinary professional, using a skill with great effort might add only 1 point of Proficiency if they were lucky.

But this skill deducted 10 points the moment it was used.

How the hell was anyone supposed to train it?

How exactly had that so-called high-level professional tested it?

They probably wore a full set of equipment that boosted skill Proficiency gains just to barely reach the threshold for doubled damage.

Still, complaints were complaints.

He was definitely buying it.

Because this skill perfectly matched his passive.

It only required 10 points of Proficiency per use.

That was nothing.

Even if it increased tenfold, he could still afford it.

Yet his expression remained calm, and he even furrowed his brow at just the right moment.

"So, this is an Epic Grade skill that can't grow?"

"And if its Proficiency is insufficient, its damage may even be weaker than other Epic skills?"

There was a hint of dissatisfaction in Yang Yu's tone.

"Manager, that's not very honest of you. You're trying to pass off defective goods like this to me."

The Manager immediately wore a bitter smile.

"Student, you can't put it that way. It's cheap precisely because it has this flaw! Otherwise, which Epic Grade area-of-effect skill doesn't start at ten million, with demand far exceeding supply?"

Yang Yu curled his lip, wearing an expression that plainly said he did not believe a word of it.

"How much?"

Seeing that Yang Yu seemed genuinely interested, the Manager perked up and quoted what he considered a reasonable price.

"Ten million! Since you're a valued customer, I've already given you a discount!"

Without another word, Yang Yu grabbed Jiang Shuyue by the wrist and turned to leave.

His movements were decisive and clean, without the slightest hesitation.

This time, the Manager was dumbfounded.

"Hey, hey, hey! Student, don't go! The price is negotiable! Name your price!"

He rushed after them in a few quick strides, his face full of anxiety.

This skill book had been sitting in his hands for nearly two years. Plenty of people had asked about it, but the moment they heard about its awful attributes, they all turned around and left.

A buyer who actually seemed interested had finally appeared. He could not let him get away!

Yang Yu stopped, glanced back at him, and calmly held up three fingers.

"Three million."

"Deal!"

The Manager practically shouted it, afraid Yang Yu would change his mind.

"???"

This time, Yang Yu froze.

Seeing the Manager's look of relief, even bordering on ecstasy, his heart skipped a beat.

Damn it, he had acted too rashly!

He was still too young. He had only considered how equipment prices rose during the college entrance exam season, yet forgot that trash no one could sell would only depreciate like crazy!

Judging by the Manager's reaction, even if he had offered two million, or perhaps one million, the man probably would have sold it to him while crying tears of gratitude.

He had lost out. Lost out big time!

Though his heart was bleeding, Yang Yu's face remained calm.

Forget it, three million it was.

Yang Yu comforted himself inwardly.

Three million for a Divine Skill tailor-made for him was already an absolute steal. There was no need to fuss over such details.

In any case, this skill held immeasurable value for him.

After swiping his card and receiving the skill book, Yang Yu chose to learn it immediately.

Golden light merged into his body, and an immense flood of information poured into his mind.

Congratulations! You have learned the Epic Grade skill: Myriad Swords Return to Origin!

Myriad Swords Return to Origin

Quality: Epic

Level: 1 (0/100)

Effect: Summons countless Sword Qi to deliver a devastating strike against all enemies within a 50-meter-radius fan-shaped area in front of you, dealing 2000% physical damage. Each use of this skill deducts 10 points of skill Proficiency. If Proficiency is sufficient, damage increases to 4000%, and the range expands by 100%. Cooldown: 5 minutes.

After reading the skill description, Yang Yu could no longer suppress the curve of his lips.

For him, this skill would be worth it even at thirty million, let alone three million.

It was strong—truly strong.

"Yang Yu, why did you buy this?"

Jiang Shuyue leaned closer and asked softly, her beautiful eyes full of concern.

"This skill has a flaw. If you don't have enough money, I... I still have some here."

As she spoke, she prepared to open her Personal Terminal.

"No need." Yang Yu shook his head. Seeing how serious she looked, a trace of warmth flowed through his heart.

Jiang Shuyue did not press him further.

Having bought the most crucial skill book, Yang Yu was in an excellent mood.

He took Jiang Shuyue on another shopping spree through the Trading Center, spending several hundred thousand Dragon Country currency on a large number of high-quality instant Recovery potions and some buff scrolls for emergencies.

Meanwhile, inside an upscale café in the mall.

A tall man with a warm smile was lounging against a bench.

Beside him sat the cool and aloof Leng Yuan.

"I'm not trying to lecture you, my dear little sister."

The man was Leng Yuan's older brother, Leng Feng, a high-ranking member of the Jiangdong Provincial Military and a Gold Grade Mage professional. He spoke with a pained expression.

"How did you nearly get yourself killed in some tiny place like the Novice Zone?"

"Was that World BOSS something you could touch?"

He gestured exaggeratedly.

"Even your own brother wouldn't dare claim he could casually solo one of the same level!"

"Listen. If something like this happens again, remember one word first thing."

"Run!"

Leng Yuan stared into the distance expressionlessly.

"Brother, please allow me to refuse."

"Look at you, this is exactly what you're like!"

Leng Feng spread his hands helplessly.

"You refuse to call me Brother, and keep calling me 'Brother' all day long. My ears are getting calluses."

Seeing his sister's icy expression, he immediately raised his hands in surrender.

"Fine, fine, I won't talk about you anymore. If I keep going, you'll draw your sword."

Then he changed the subject, amusement flashing through his eyes.

"But speaking of which, this student Yang Yu is really impressive."

"On the first day after awakening, he killed a Level 20 World BOSS."

Leng Feng clicked his tongue in amazement.

"I really don't know what those old men in the Imperial Capital are thinking."

"That SS-rank little girl Ye Tinglan—if you threw her in front of a Level 20 World BOSS right now, what could she do? Deliver herself to the boss?"

"And yet Imperial Capital University eagerly admitted her ahead of time, while Student Yang got nothing. Do you think those old fools have water in their brains?"

Leng Yuan spoke calmly.

"I think they value her chances of obtaining that Legacy."

"Ah, another Legacy."

Leng Feng curled his lip, then leaned toward Leng Yuan with a sly grin.

"Hey, I see that student Yang Yu."

Leng Yuan's eyes immediately shifted.

"Where?"

"Oh?"

As if he had discovered a new continent, Leng Feng drew out the word.

"Why do you get so excited whenever this student Yang Yu is mentioned?"

"Don't tell me... you've taken a liking to him!"

A nearly imperceptible blush flashed across Leng Yuan's cheeks, but her voice became even colder.

"Brother, what nonsense are you talking about?"

"How could I possibly like a... little brat?"

"Hahahahaha!"

Leng Feng laughed so hard he nearly doubled over.

"It's fine, it's fine! Little brats are great! Young and full of energy!"

"Want your brother to abuse his authority a little, put some pressure on him, and make him take the initiative to like you?"

Leng Yuan's gaze instantly turned dangerous.

"You!"

"What? My, Leng Feng's, sister isn't good enough for a mere D-rank Warrior?"

Leng Feng raised an eyebrow, looking as though it were only natural.

"Being able to hold two gold bricks is something many people would search for and never find."

Leng Yuan snorted coldly and turned her head away.

"Hmph!"

"Alright, alright, I'm done teasing you."

Leng Feng reined in his smile and looked toward the Trading Hall.

He shook his head.

"Still, this student Yang Yu is too young."

"Does he think wearing a mask means everything will be fine?"

"Our Dragon Kingdom isn't as safe as he imagines."

He sighed.

"Forget it. Since he saved your life, I'll give him a hand."

As soon as he finished speaking.

Leng Feng casually raised his right hand and lightly snapped his fingers at the noisy hall below.

"Oblivion."

A pale blue ripple, almost invisible to the naked eye, instantly spread outward like a wave across water.

Every professional in the entire trading hall froze in a strange pause that lasted a full second.

The next second.

Everything returned to normal.

The cries of vendors and the sounds of haggling rose once more. People came and went, the hall bustling as ever.

As if nothing had happened.

Yet a piece of information concerning "Legendary Grade materials" and a youth wearing a Wild Boar Mask had quietly been erased from all their memories.

Yang Yu knew nothing of any of this.

Holding Jiang Shuyue's hand, he left the Trading Center.

Jiang Shuyue returned home.

Yang Yu also returned to his little house.

Although his body could already move freely, the aftereffects of his battle with the World BOSS remained, and he still felt somewhat mentally exhausted.

He did not rush off to grind monsters and level up. Instead, he planned to get a good night's rest and restore himself to peak condition.