Chapter Thirty-Four: Azure Veil

If one idea didn’t work, he would simply try another. This time, Qi Xiao chose the shells of the Oceanic Pearl Mussel to support and decorate the underside of the flying carpet, providing both aesthetics and propulsion. He wove the carpet itself with wool, using threads spun from bloodsilk worms—threads that were light, incredibly strong, and possessed excellent magical conductivity after special processing, making them ideal for alchemical use.

He then sprinkled Star Sand throughout the weave to anchor it, and began to inscribe magical runes. This time, Qi Xiao didn’t overcrowd the surface with runes; at the center, he crafted a core rune that encompassed flight, acceleration, balance, and stability, while the rest of the space was filled with an array of inscriptions. These worked together in harmony yet remained independent, rather than being fused into a single, oversimplified glyph.

Seen from afar, the inscriptions resembled constellations, clouds, and waves—varied and beautiful in form.

Next, Qi Xiao smelted an operation console from refined blue iron and platinum. Once placed upon the carpet, he manipulated low-temperature fire elements to forge and meld it perfectly with the base, using shaping spells to ensure a seamless integration. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief. Upon this console of blue iron, he inscribed control runes—a clever trick, transferring runes that would otherwise be etched directly onto the carpet onto a separate vessel, then binding them together as one.

This technique was common in alchemical architecture, vehicles, war machines, and even magic airships. The trade-off was higher cost and a slight lack of seamlessness in operation, since two vessels were being fused. Yet these were trifling flaws compared to the benefits.

Without this approach, Qi Xiao would never have finished the flying carpet, given that he still needed to add two crucial sets of inscriptions: one for protection, and another for temperature regulation.

This was the largest alchemical artifact Qi Xiao had created since arriving in this world. Fully unfurled, the flying carpet was longer than a sedan from his previous life, making the crafting process all the more complex.

A few minor mishaps arose, but Qi Xiao resolved them one by one. At last, on the evening of July 2nd, he completed his masterpiece.

He took it to the island for testing. As he had yet to master flight himself, he asked Butler Merck to fly him aloft, letting the carpet hover beside them in midair.

The carpet was spacious, easily accommodating several people in comfort. Its silhouette was elegant, with gently upturned edges like rolling waves. The primary color was a deep, resplendent sapphire—reminiscent of the brightest star in the night sky. Depending on the light and angle, myriad shades of blue shimmered across its surface.

A special blue velvet covered the entire carpet, yielding a soft, springy texture. The edges were adorned with delicate golden embroidery, imparting a touch of lavishness.

At the center lay a complex spiral rune—not etched or painted, but woven from deep blue and silver threads, emitting a faint blue glow. It perfectly showcased the artisan’s mastery of runecraft and alchemy.

The borders were decorated with exquisite cloud and wave motifs, stitched in gold and silver threads that contrasted sharply with the sapphire base, lending depth and dynamic beauty. Star Sand was cleverly inlaid into the patterns; as the carpet undulated through the air like a wave, the grains twinkled, as if carrying a patch of starlit sky.

Bloodsilk threads were woven among the edges and motifs; processed to emit a gentle blue light in flight, they cloaked the carpet in a mysterious halo. At each corner hung a golden safety buckle, with safety belts fashioned from the same blue velvet, ensuring both the riders’ security and the overall elegance.

The most enchanting feature was the Oceanic Pearl Mussels suspended beneath the carpet. As the carpet flew, the shells swayed gently, releasing mist and bubbles, making the whole vessel seem as if adrift upon the sea. Normally, these shells would only produce such effects underwater, but Qi Xiao had tricked them with inscriptions into believing they were still in their ocean home.

It was night, and beneath the stars and moon, the magical carpet soared, trailing waves and bubbles—a scene of ethereal beauty.

Even Merck, usually stoic, was visibly enchanted. He sighed, “Though I have little understanding of a wizard’s artistry, every time the master dabbled in his creations, I was left perplexed. But seeing your magical carpet tonight, young master, I finally understand what beauty is.”

Qi Xiao, standing amidst the blood-mist, admired his handiwork and replied with a smile, “You flatter me, Grandpa Merck.”

Though he spoke modestly, Qi Xiao saw this flying carpet not merely as a means of travel, but as a testament to an alchemist’s exquisite craft and creativity. He was certain that, wherever it appeared, it would capture every gaze. When others came to inquire, he could pique their interest and win their commissions.

Just imagining it brought a smile to his face.

Merck, after his brief awe, quickly regained composure—his aesthetic sense was not that of a wizard, after all. He asked, “Have you given it a name, young master?”

Qi Xiao watched the carpet drifting through the night sky, like a veil of blue gauze, and replied, “Let’s call it Azure Veil.”

Before Merck could comment on the name, a fiery red figure flashed toward them. Staring at the Azure Veil, the newcomer’s jaw slowly dropped in astonishment.

Under the shroud of night, Raymont’s eyes glittered with wonder, like twin gems catching starlight, betraying the upheaval in his heart. His crimson hair gleamed with a coppery sheen in the moonlight. Normally handsome and spirited, his expression was now ruined by his gaping mouth, leaving only a stupefied look.

“This is… you made this? You… this…”

Raymont turned to his junior, lost for words. The very magic in the air seemed to pulse with his awe, sending invisible ripples outward into the darkness.

Qi Xiao had never seen Raymont like this and couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course. I’m the only alchemist on this island, after all.”

Raymont snapped his jaw shut with his left hand, then in a blink appeared right before Qi Xiao—so fast that even Merck was caught off guard. He began shaking Qi Xiao by the shoulders.

“Junior! My dear junior! This—I want one too! It’s so cool, so beautiful, I love it! I’ll pay whatever you ask!”

Qi Xiao grew dizzy from the shaking, Raymont’s voice echoing in his ears. He quickly promised, “Absolutely! As soon as I have time, I’ll make one for you!”

Realizing that his junior was not a bloodline sorcerer and might not withstand such rough treatment, Raymont immediately let go and put on a fawning expression, rubbing his hands as he cajoled, “Sorry, I got a bit carried away. Tell me, how much material do you need? How many sets? How many magic crystals? I’ll get everything ready.”

Qi Xiao rubbed his forehead, both amused and helpless. “Anything is fine, truly—whatever materials you want, just prepare two sets. For you, I won’t charge much for labor—how about two thousand magic crystals?”

Though the Azure Veil was not yet of masterwork quality, Qi Xiao had used only the finest materials, confident that with greater skill he could improve it further. And given its splendid appearance alone, two thousand magic crystals was a bargain; if he advertised the commission, there would be a scramble for it.

Raymont clearly understood this too. Like an oversized dog, he beamed. “Thank you, Junior! I’ll go prepare the materials right away. When you’re back, just say the word—I’ll help with anything you need!”

With that, he shot off the island, retracing his path to the underground vault, as if unable to wait a moment longer.