"Are you a High-level Mage?"
The middle-aged appraiser looked at Mu Nianbing in astonishment. He could hardly believe that someone so young could possess such power.
To be able to slay a Commander-level creature—this youth was no ordinary mage.
"Someone else killed it," Mu Nianbing replied calmly.
The appraiser suddenly understood. Perhaps this young man was backed by powerful elders. Judging from his bearing, he might even be the young master of a great clan.
"What's your name, young man?" the appraiser asked respectfully.
Mu Nianbing was silent for a moment before answering, "Mu Nianbing."
"Mu… family?"
The middle-aged appraiser frowned slightly. He knew a little about the Mu Clan. Aside from Mu Nujiao, there weren't many famous prodigies among their younger generation.
But—could it be that Mu Clan?
The most powerful clan in the nation?
When he thought of the Commander-level spirit remnant before him, his doubts turned to certainty. The young man standing in front of him must be a direct descendant of the Mu Clan!
"It turns out to be Young Master Mu. My apologies for the misunderstanding!"
After confirming the identity, the appraiser's attitude changed instantly.
"Don't waste time," Mu Nianbing said lightly.
He wasn't surprised by the sudden respect. Guo Liyu had misunderstood him in a similar way when he first awakened his magic.
Still, a misunderstanding like this could be useful. Sometimes, being mistaken for a noble was more convenient than explaining the truth.
"These Slave-level spirit essences are too valuable to put up for open auction," the appraiser explained carefully. "But our auction house can buy them from you at market price. Would that be acceptable?"
"That's fine."
Once Mu Nianbing agreed, the appraiser immediately began estimating the total value.
After a while, he looked up with a polite smile. "Including the Commander-level remnant soul, our auction house can offer thirty-six million. What do you think?"
"Thirty-six million…"
Mu Nianbing had originally expected around thirty million, so this offer exceeded his expectations by several million.
Perhaps this was the advantage of carrying the Mu family name.
He smiled faintly. Compared to the Mu Clan's eventual downfall in the future, this "advantage" was hardly worth mentioning.
After completing the transaction, Mu Nianbing received a deposit of thirty-six million. With that, his confidence grew.
Next on his list was the Nebula Magic Weapon—and his Bone Spike Wolf essence had already been submitted for auction.
When Mu Nianbing entered the auction hall, his eyes were drawn to the grandeur of the building and the bustling crowd of wealthy buyers.
"As expected of a Zhao family auction house," he thought to himself. "Let's hope I can get a top-grade Nebula Magic Weapon."
For him, the higher the quality, the better. With the combination of the Nebula Magic Weapon and the Ice God's Blessing, he might be able to reach Intermediate Level Three within a single year.
When the last batch of attendees found their seats, the auction officially began.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Zhao Chamber of Commerce's grand auction!" announced the host cheerfully. "We hope each of you obtains what you desire most!"
"Without further delay, let's begin with our first item—the Nebula Magic Weapon!"
A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd.
"I'm sure everyone here already knows the function of a Nebula Magic Weapon," the auctioneer continued.
"But allow me to emphasize its effect once more—it can double the cultivation speed of an Intermediate Mage's Nebula!"
The crowd murmured.
"However," the auctioneer raised his voice dramatically, "this particular Nebula Magic Weapon can triple cultivation speed!"
"Triple speed!?"
Mu Nianbing's heart raced. He hadn't expected the very first item to be the one he desired most—and with such an exceptional enhancement.
With this Nebula Magic Weapon, his cultivation speed would soar like a rocket.
He had to get it.
But judging by the eager expressions around him, he wasn't the only one with that thought. Many had likely come solely for this item.
Usually, Nebula Magic Weapons only doubled cultivation efficiency. A triple amplification was extremely rare—something even the heirs of noble families might never possess.
"The starting price is twenty-five million!"
The crowd fell silent. The earlier excitement was replaced with uneasy restraint. Twenty-five million was no small sum—it was enough to buy a top-grade spiritual seed. And this was only the starting bid.
"Twenty-six million!"
Someone finally raised a sign.
"Twenty-eight million!"
"Twenty-nine million!"
Bids came in rapid succession until the price reached thirty-three million. Then the hall quieted down again.
A threefold Nebula Magic Weapon was precious, but mages required far more than speed—tools, weapons, spiritual seeds, and resources for each breakthrough.
Thirty-three million was already pushing most people's limits.
"Thirty-five million!"
Mu Nianbing lifted his paddle and called out clearly.
He had about thirty-seven million left in total, including his savings after paying rent. To him, money existed to be spent. If it cost thirty-five million—or even forty—he would get it no matter what.
"Could that young man be from a noble family?"
The bidders turned their heads, curious. Seeing his calm, youthful face, many began guessing at his background.
"Any higher bids?" the auctioneer asked eagerly. The higher the price went, the higher his commission.
"Thirty-six million!"
A middle-aged businessman glared in Mu Nianbing's direction. He had been seconds from victory before this upstart interfered. But his funds were not endless.
"Thirty-eight million!"
Mu Nianbing didn't hesitate. He raised the sign again.
Besides, his General-level spirit essence was still waiting to be auctioned. There was no need to worry about running out of money.
The businessman scowled but didn't continue bidding. He wasn't foolish enough to overpay.
In the end, Mu Nianbing successfully won the Nebula Magic Weapon for thirty-eight million.
Subsequent items included various magical tools, weapons, and even two spiritual seeds.
But Mu Nianbing wasn't interested. His Xuanbing Spirit Seed was already a top-tier spiritual seed; he had no need to waste money on another.
That alone saved him a fortune.
As for magic armor—he wanted one, but with his remaining balance, he could only afford something of poor quality. Better to wait.
Finally, the last item came up for auction: Mu Nianbing's own General-level soul essence.
Soul essences had numerous uses—crafting Stardust or Nebula Magic Weapons among them.
This particular essence sold for twenty-four million to a wealthy middle-aged man—the same one who had competed against Mu Nianbing earlier.
...
Author's Note – New Patreon Tier: Story Seeker (18+)
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High School DxD
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