Top-Grade Ring!

Lin Mu took the room card and documents; they felt slightly heavy in his hand.

The surrounding gazes grew even more intense—admiration, envy, jealousy, reverence—all kinds mixed together.

Su Xiaoxiao, who had come over at some point, stood among the crowd.

Her clear eyes shimmered with genuine joy for Lin Mu.

Beside her, Su Zongguo was also filled with deep emotion.

For his daughter to be acquainted with such a genius—this was truly a tremendous stroke of luck.

"Everyone, Student Lin Mu has just finished a high-intensity challenge and must need some rest."

Mu Wanqing spoke up at the right moment, breaking the heated atmosphere.

"I'll send you the specific details about enrolling in [Shengjing Academy] later."

She gave Lin Mu a deep look, a hint of expectation in her eyes.

"Once you're done with matters in Xilin, you can report to the academy anytime. I'll be waiting for you in Shengjing."

With that, Mu Wanqing suppressed her inner excitement and turned to leave.

The other academy recruiters, faces now filled with shock, also bore a heavy bitterness and helplessness.

"Student Lin Mu, since you've already decided on [Shengjing Academy], we won't force the matter."

The elder from Huaxia Professional University spoke first, his tone carrying a hint of resignation.

"I only hope that in the future, you won't forget your original aspirations and will strive for the rise of our Huaxia."

"This humble one will remember."

Lin Mu gave a slight bow.

The remaining recruiters also stepped forward one after another.

They exchanged a few brief pleasantries with Lin Mu, expressed their blessings and regrets, and then took their leave.

They knew that the battle over the genius Lin Mu had already been decided!

Qu Qingfeng and Director Liu pulled Lin Mu aside for a few more words of advice and encouragement.

Nothing more than telling him not to be arrogant or impatient, and to continue bringing honor to his alma mater at [Shengjing Academy].

Lin Mu agreed to it all.

By the time the crowd finally dispersed, the sun was already high in the sky.

Lin Mu declined Su Zongguo and Su Xiaoxiao's invitation to have lunch together.

Right now, he just wanted to find a quiet place to study his gains from this time.

Especially that golden ring and the skill book for the Skeleton Archer.

His current level was LV.9, just one step away from learning [Resurrect Skeleton Archer] at LV.10.

This skill, along with the upcoming class advancement at level 10.

Would be a qualitative leap in his strength!

"I have to get to level 10 as fast as possible!"

Lin Mu made up his mind.

Instead of going straight home, he took a taxi to "Tianlan Mansion."

Since he had a new home now, he naturally wanted to go take a look.

Tianlan Mansion lived up to its reputation as one of Xilin City's top luxury residential complexes—elegant environment, tight security.

Lin Mu showed his room card and ID, and entered without issue.

Building A, Unit 1801.

A top-floor duplex with a wide view and luxurious decoration.

All furniture and appliances were provided—truly a move-in-ready home.

It was countless times better than his old apartment.

Lin Mu sat down contentedly on the spacious living room sofa and let out a long breath.

Having lived two lives.

This was the first time he owned such a lavish residence.

In his previous life.

After graduating and starting work, he had always shared a rental.

Almost every night, he had to fall asleep to the sounds of the young couple next door warming up!

"Having money and a house really does feel different."

He mused to himself, then quickly refocused his mind.

He focused his attention on the spoils from this [Wailing Cavern] run.

First was that purple [Cave Lord's Bone Axe].

[Cave Lord's Bone Axe] (LV.10, Purple, Melee Classes Only) Attack: 80-90 Strength: +12 Constitution: +6 Special Effect: [Heavy Cleave]: Consume half your stamina. Your next attack deals 200% damage to the target, with a 30% chance to inflict [Hamstring] (Hamstring: Movement speed reduced by 30% for 5 seconds).

"The stats aren't bad, but it's an axe and restricted to warrior-type classes."

Lin Mu shook his head. As a mage, he had no use for this thing anyway.

"Still, it's purple gear at the right level. I'll tweak it later and should be able to sell it for a sky-high price."

He temporarily stowed the bone axe and turned his gaze to the blue skill book.

[Skill Book: Resurrect Skeleton Archer] (LV.10, Necromancer only. Learning requirement: 25 Intelligence.)

"Skeleton Archer!"

Lin Mu's eyes lit up instantly!

This was exactly the ranged attack capability he was most lacking right now!

His current summoned [Steel Skeleton] had insane defense and melee power.

But when facing special situations—like flying units or a target like the Cave Lord that needed ranged focus fire—it felt somewhat inadequate.

With the Skeleton Archer, his skeleton army system would become much more complete!

"Twenty-five Intelligence—I've already reached that."

"The key is the level. I'm still one short!"

Lin Mu took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to rush out of the city and grind levels immediately.

Finally, his gaze landed on the ring radiating a dazzling golden light.

This was the real highlight of the big drop!

[Fear Whisper Ring] (LV.10, Gold) Constitution: +5 Intelligence: +5 Special Effect 1: [Fear Aura]: While equipped, applies [Fear] effect (all stats reduced by 5%) to all hostile targets within a 10-meter radius around the wearer. Special Effect 2: [Despair Scream]: Activate actively, consuming 100 mana. Emit a scream filled with endless despair, dealing (100 + Intelligence * 0.5) mental shock damage to all enemies in a forward fan-shaped area, with a 50% chance to inflict [Confusion] for 5 seconds (attacks indiscriminately). Cooldown: 60 minutes.

"Tch—no wonder it's gold equipment!"

Lin Mu sucked in a sharp breath, a fierce light bursting from his eyes.

Two extremely powerful special effects!

And the first one, [Fear Aura], was even a passive area debuff!

The second, [Despair Scream], was an active area control plus damage!

"But this '60 minutes' is a bit annoying."

A familiar curve tugged at the corner of Lin Mu's mouth.

"'Within a 10-meter radius around the wearer, all stats reduced by 5%'—that's way too stingy."

His eyes swept rapidly over the description, quickly locking onto the modification target.

"Change 'within a 10-meter radius around the wearer' to 'within a 90-meter radius around the wearer'!"

Hum—

The ring's description text blurred slightly for a moment, then cleared again.

[Fear Whisper Ring] (LV.10, Gold) Constitution: +5 Intelligence: +5 Special Effect 1: [Fear Aura]: While equipped, applies [Fear] effect (all stats reduced by 5%) to all hostile targets within a 90-meter radius around the wearer.

Done!

The radius had been expanded ninefold!

"Then tomorrow, I'll change this 'all stats reduced by 5%' to 'all stats reduced by 9%'!"

"For now, the top priority is to level up to LV.10 and complete the class advancement quest!"

Lin Mu clenched his fist, his eyes filled with a thirst for greater power.

He stood up, walked to the massive floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down at the bustling Xilin City below.

In his mind, he was calculating where he could go to gain enough experience points the fastest and safest.