Chapter 106 Lena's Demand

Listening to Li Shang's words, the merchant glanced toward Liu Zong and Rena, only to discover that both had already examined the final two items, their expressions showing mere interest rather than any inclination to purchase.

Rena was in a comparatively better position, having already acquired something, whereas Liu Zong had bought nothing. This deeply disappointed the merchant, stirring a sense of resentment within him, though he could not compel a sale.

After some thought, the merchant decided to address Rena first, then assess Liu Zong's needs.

He approached Rena, picked up the item he had set aside earlier, and inquired, "Don't you like this? It's the egg of a virtual light bug. Once it hatches, it becomes a level 1 creature capable of flight and combat."

Rena replied calmly, "I know your price is reasonable, but this isn't what I urgently require."

The merchant had already anticipated her response and made the suggestion purely to continue the conversation and discover her preferences.

Upon hearing her answer, he said, "Oh, I thought you were pursuing the path of the summoner. Typically, becoming a summoner requires an appropriate level of summon, and for novice summoners, the attributes and skills of those summons hold greater importance. This level 1 creature should ideally suit you, yet it seems not to meet your standards."

Rena said dismissively, "These are not what I need. If I rely on summoning creatures for my occupation, I'm already at level 1."

Her words opened the merchant's eyes. He examined her thoroughly, recalling the earlier items, and finally feigned a sudden realization, "No issue, I always have something that will please you. Take a look at this—might it suit you?"

He produced a small box and placed it before her without opening it immediately, speaking with solemn gravity, "This is one of my most precious treasures. Its price may be beyond what most can afford, yet I assure you it is worth every penny."

With that, he opened the box. Rena's gaze fixed upon the contents and could not shift. Inside lay a silver ring, unadorned by gems, fashioned entirely from white silver. It resembled a perfect circle composed of countless open books bound together.

Upon closer inspection, not only were the titles on the book covers legible, but the text on the pages within was also clearly visible, revealing that this ring was no ordinary object.

Gazing at the ring, Rena murmured softly, "The Ten Thousand Books Ring."

【Wisdom Ring: Ten Thousand Books Ring (Imitation)】
【Quality: Level 2 (Pale Gold)】
【Use: Spellcaster or Book-based Occupation Consumable】

【Description: An imitation crafted from one of the two wisdom rings in the legendary wisdom set. Wearing it is akin to carrying a personal library at all times.]

Rena stared at the ring for a long moment, then sighed deeply. "The imitation is remarkably good. I will take this. Name your price."

A faint smile graced the merchant's face at her words. "I'm glad you're satisfied. This item is not easy to come by—not something an ordinary person could craft. I acquired it quite by chance..."

Rena cut him off without allowing him to finish, "Name your price."

"Very well. I will keep it brief. According to the rules, pale gold exchanges for pale gold, or five pale gold for one purple. That is my offer."

Liu Zong, standing nearby, had nothing further to say. Such a price was entirely standard. After purple-grade equipment, valuation in gold became impossible; instead, equal-tier, equal-color items were exchanged, with any shortfall made up in additional value if needed.

Most could not produce pale gold, leading to ratios like five purple for one pale gold. When a seller offered pale gold in exchange for purple, they might request additional compensation, but the implicit rule held that once the seller proposed it, the buyer could not refuse.

In this situation, Liu Zong could not help wondering whether the merchant had set his sights on the items Rena carried.

Yet Rena's apparent wealth remained astonishing. She flipped her hand, and a crimson silk pouch appeared in her palm.

The pouch was compact, fitting easily in one hand, its body a deep crimson hue, knotted at the opening with golden thread.

The merchant's composure shattered. He stepped forward two paces, then halted, asking uncertainly, "The Endless Golden Pouch?"

Rena nodded and extended her hand to reveal the pouch's attributes.

【Golden Pouch】
【Quality: Level 2 (Pale Gold)】
【Use: Daily Currency +300】

【Description: A legendary pouch that automatically gathers stray gold from the air, delivering 300 units of value to its owner each day.]

The merchant eyed the pouch with growing hesitation, his eyes darting restlessly.

Li Shang then stepped forward. "Is this not the Golden Pouch? A treasure that continuously produces gold! Placed in an ordinary household, it would be a priceless family heirloom. How can you part with it so easily? Rena, let me have this pouch. I have a pale gold item here to exchange for the ring."

Upon hearing this, the merchant snatched the pouch away and hastily stowed it.

Naturally, the Ten Thousand Books Ring passed into Rena's hands. She slipped it onto her left index finger. After donning it, she retrieved another ring and placed it on her right index finger.

The merchant's joy at receiving the pouch vanished, supplanted by gloom and frustration. He recognized the new ring as the counterpart to the wisdom rings, the Ten Thousand Words Ring.

【Wisdom Ring: Ten Thousand Words Ring (Imitation)】
【Quality: Level 2 (Pale Gold)】
【Use: Spellcaster Occupation Consumable】

【Description: An imitation crafted from the second wisdom ring in the legendary wisdom set. Wearing it grants mastery of all written languages, including their reading and pronunciation.]

【Special: When both the Ten Thousand Books Ring and the Ten Thousand Words Ring are present, the wisdom effect activates, allowing the wearer to pursue the special occupation of Reader.]