Chapter Fifteen: The Amethyst Card

Qi Xiao walked up to Midiel and spoke respectfully, “Yes, Teacher.”

Midiel raised his hand slightly, and a chair appeared behind Qi Xiao at once.

“Sit, no need to be so formal.”

Qi Xiao obeyed and sat down. Midiel continued, “I don’t care about your past, nor do I wish to investigate it. Since you’ve chosen me as your mentor, you must complete the courses I assign. Do not rely solely on your talent or grow arrogant. The rest of your time you can arrange as you wish. Do you have any objections?”

Qi Xiao replied sincerely, “Of course. Since I’ve chosen to follow you and learn, I will surely adhere to your guidance earnestly.”

Midiel was pleased. “It’s rare for someone so young and gifted to lack arrogance. But being overly humble is not good either. With your talent, you have every right to be a bit boastful, as long as your mind remains clear. Otherwise, you might end up being bullied.”

Qi Xiao laughed, “I am your student—who would dare bully me?”

Midiel smiled as well and took three booklets from the nearby table, placing them before Qi Xiao.

“Choose a meditation method for yourself. I’ve carefully selected these—they’re of good quality and suitable for you. The effects and cultivation instructions are all recorded within. Take a look.”

Although Qi Xiao had already decided to practice the Cosmic Singularity Meditation, he made a show of carefully comparing the options, finally choosing a method that enhanced mental focus.

Midiel nodded at Qi Xiao’s choice. “It seems you intend to major in alchemy. That’s good. If it were someone else, I might not recommend it, but your talent in alchemy is so extraordinary that it would be a waste not to focus on it. Still, no matter your ability or achievements, alchemists rely heavily on external materials and the protection of others. You must also train seriously in spatial magic—even if only the spells that aid in escape. That way, you’ll have a better chance of survival if you encounter danger.”

Qi Xiao nodded, “I am grateful for your teaching.”

With the feedback from the Alchemy Supplier System, Qi Xiao was confident that even if he majored in alchemy, he would not fall behind in other disciplines. Moreover, practicing movement spells from the spatial school did not conflict with his plans.

Midiel rubbed his cane and instructed, “For the next week, you must thoroughly study the meditation method, successfully construct its model, and complete your first meditation. If there’s anything you don’t understand, come and ask me. If you need anything, let me know.”

Qi Xiao hesitated for a moment before speaking, “May I live in the dormitory area during my free time? I’d like to open an alchemy shop nearby—to hone my skills and earn some extra income.”

Midiel was noncommittal. “Arrange it as you see fit, but it’s best to learn some spatial tricks as soon as possible—it’ll make getting around easier. If you plan to open a shop, remember to prepare plenty of stock and hire a couple of apprentices to help out. Otherwise, if you have to handle all the transactions yourself, it’ll cut into your cultivation time. I occasionally take my students out for several days, and it won’t do to have your shop closed whenever you’re away. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, you can ask Merck to help you.”

Midiel suddenly frowned, picked up a black card from the table, and handed it to Qi Xiao. “From now on, if you need any alchemy materials or spatial magic below level three, you can use this card to come here and get them yourself. For other books or materials, report their purpose to me first. I have some other matters to attend to; you may go. Next week, I’ll check your progress.”

Qi Xiao bowed and left. As he passed through the door, the air before Midiel gathered at the center, and a white, circular point of light appeared in midair, clicking its tongue.

“I watched the recording of this year’s recruitment event. If I hadn’t been so busy lately, I’d have wanted to personally mentor that kid. How did you get so lucky to return just in time to meet him?”

Midiel couldn’t be bothered to reply and picked up a book to read, answering offhandedly, “Master of the Cellar, you’re always busy—how do you have time to visit today?”

The point of light wobbled up and down, its tone becoming more serious. “The world’s will has detected another plane. From preliminary investigation, it’s not a weak world—but you know well that ‘he’ won’t steer clear.”

Midiel looked up, as if observing something through the ceiling. After a long pause, he asked, “How much time do we have?”

The point of light stopped moving and paused before replying, “At most… two years.”

Qi Xiao left the study, closing the door behind him. He relaxed, then turned to see Raymond idly swinging his sword. Surprised, he asked, “Senior, why are you still here?”

Raymond smiled, “You’re finally out! I waited to give you this.”

He handed over a violet-gold card adorned with a complex design—though its meaning was unclear, it was obviously a symbol of some organization.

Before Qi Xiao could ask, Raymond explained, “This is the violet-gold card from the Pat Family Auction. Only formal sorcerers with outstanding achievements in some field are given one.”

“Next month, at the end, Teacher will take you to the Pat Family’s triennial violet-gold auction. You don’t need to do much—just deliver Teacher’s auction items sometime in the next two months. Merck will give them to you in due time.”

Raymond seemed relieved. “You don’t know—the Teacher always takes a student along when he goes out. It was fine when Senior Rupert was here, but after he advanced and moved on, only Eve and I have been dragged along, one after another. Now that you’re here, it’s a relief.”

He patted Qi Xiao gratefully.

Qi Xiao felt a bit uneasy. “Is there any consequence to going out with Teacher?”

Raymond frowned, struggling for words. “Not really, but you have to stay by his side the whole time—it’s uncomfortable. And there’s… well, it’s hard to explain. You’ll understand after you experience it yourself next month.”

Raymond searched for the right words but gave up, deciding Qi Xiao should experience it firsthand.

“And since you’re new, Teacher will likely take you out several times in a row—heh heh.”

“But there are benefits too. For instance, the Pat Auction also holds a weekly platinum auction and a monthly black-gold auction, besides the triennial violet-gold event. You can attend any of these if you have time. Violet-gold cardholders get one free item from any auction besides the violet-gold one per year—usable at the platinum or black-gold auctions. Don’t miss out.”

Qi Xiao hesitated, “Isn’t that taking advantage?”

Raymond cradled his sword and yawned. “What’s the harm? Teacher never attends anything but the violet-gold event. If you don’t use the opportunity, it’s wasted. He gives us the card early for this reason—no worries. The black-gold auction is at the start of next month. If you’re busy, you can wait until you deliver the items and attend that week’s platinum auction instead, though the goods might not be as good as those at the black-gold. If you really feel bad, just avoid taking the opening item or the grand finale—unless there’s something you really need. Don’t be shy—just take it.”