Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Little Alchemy Shop

“Even the core of a minor plane is extraordinary; this object truly has the power to create a plane...”
“Yes, the last time a Plane Core appeared at an auction was over a thousand years ago. The leader of the Silvermoon Alliance then, ‘Scarlet Battle Maniac’ Lord Aaron, had conquered too many planes. He auctioned it off to recoup funds, but who would have thought that Lord Midiel would…”
Perhaps because he was holding a platinum card, representing his mentor’s authority, these wizards did not maintain their usual aloofness. Instead, they gathered together, marveling and gossiping.
Qi Xiao listened with great interest; after all, such gossip would never be found in books.
Unfortunately, he didn’t get to hear much before the door was knocked again. The wizards straightened their posture and expressions, while Maorian took the opportunity to lead Qi Xiao away.
Qi Xiao asked, “Do you know when the next Black Gold Conference will be held?”
Maorian handed a room card to Qi Xiao and replied, “It will take place tomorrow at five in the afternoon. You can spend some time exploring Pat City—this must be your first visit, right?
This is a room card for the nearby Pat Inn. You can rest there, and if you need anything, just come to the front desk at Pat Auction House, show your platinum card, and ask for me. I’ll help you with whatever trouble arises.”
Qi Xiao thanked Maorian and, once outside the building, decided to wander through the city’s alchemy shops.
The alchemy shops here differed greatly from those in the Arcane Vault. The shops on the Arcane Vault’s commercial street resembled ancient weapon stores from his previous life, whereas Pat City’s alchemy shops appeared older, more worn, and matched Qi Xiao’s original impression of wizards.
He gently pushed open the wooden door of one such shop. As the bell chimed softly, a breeze carrying the fragrance of herbs and a hint of magic brushed against his face.
Inside, the lighting was gentle. Wooden shelves lined the walls, neatly displaying a variety of bottles and jars, each labeled with elegant script.
Qi Xiao strolled down the narrow aisles, his gaze roaming curiously across the shelves.
There were bottles filled with glowing liquid, flickering with mysterious light in the dimness; nearby, bundles of dried herbs gave off a fresh, natural scent.
He lightly brushed his fingers over scrolls marked with strange sigils, sensing the magical patterns inscribed within.
The shop’s lighting was subdued, casting a faint glow. The air was infused with the mingled aromas of herbs and magical materials.

Sunlight filtered through dust-covered windows, casting mottled shadows upon the floor.
In a quiet corner of the shop, an old lady reclined on an ornate wooden chair, seemingly savoring the tranquility of the afternoon.
Her robe was embroidered with faded runes, and her silver hair gently rose and fell with her breathing.
She toyed with a smooth crystal sphere, which occasionally flickered with faint light.
But what caught Qi Xiao’s attention was not the crystal sphere itself, but the hand holding it.
Her fingernails had been meticulously groomed, painted with intricate, vivid patterns—a striking contrast to her aged demeanor.
“Welcome, my child,” the old lady’s voice was gentle and captivating. “In this hall of alchemy, what are you searching for?”
Qi Xiao apologized, “Sorry for disturbing your rest. I’m preparing to attend tomorrow’s auction—this is my first time in Pat City, just browsing around, and haven’t decided what I need yet. I’ll take a look.”
The old lady smiled and straightened in her chair. She pointed to a shelf laden with bottles and jars: “On that shelf, there’s a potion filled with golden liquid. It’s the culmination of my years of alchemical practice. You may take one to study—it will surely aid your own alchemy.”
Qi Xiao was surprised, “Senior, how did you know…”
A profound light shone in the old lady’s eyes. She gently waved her hand, interrupting him: “Child, everything in this world follows its own path, and alchemy more so.
Your eyes shine with the light of knowledge; your manner reveals respect and longing for this art. Having immersed myself in this craft for years, I can naturally sense a kindred spirit in you.”
She tapped lightly on the crystal sphere, its inner glow flickering: “It has told me that today, a young alchemist with exceptional talent and temperament would arrive. I have always favored diligent, promising youths like you.”
She smiled, stood, walked to the shelf, and personally took down the bottle of golden potion, placing it gently in Qi Xiao’s hand:
“Potential is not achieved in a single leap, but gradually uncovered through constant learning and practice. This potion is the essence of my years of alchemy. Though its effects are simple, if you’re willing to learn, it will surely benefit you.”
Qi Xiao gripped the bottle tightly and bowed deeply: “I will not disappoint your expectations, senior. I will work hard and strive to improve.”

The old lady smiled warmly. “Go on, then. I believe that with your talent, you will one day earn renown among wizards. It has told me as well—this will not be the last time we meet. I look forward to our next encounter, when you will have mastered what I have taught you.”
Qi Xiao bowed once more and left, still a bit dazed. He had only meant to wander casually, but unexpectedly gained such a treasure.
His figure faded beyond the doorway. The old lady slowly turned, shuffled back to her wooden chair, and slowly sat down.
She stroked the crystal sphere with her vividly painted nails and murmured, “Have you chosen him…?”
Qi Xiao returned to the inn, placed the bottle of golden potion on the table, and stared at it, his expression complicated.
“One of the most basic principles among wizards—equivalent exchange. Is there really such a thing as a gift from the heavens?
Yet that old lady must be at least a formal-level wizard. If she wished to harm me, she would hardly need to use such methods. Truly perplexing…”
Qi Xiao finally decided to entrust the potion to Maorian, letting Pat Auction House keep it safe. He would return at the end of the month with his mentor for the Platinum Auction, and have his teacher examine it then.
Resolved, Qi Xiao felt the bottle was too hot to hold, so he hurried to the auction venue and asked the front desk to summon Maorian.
After explaining the situation, Maorian assured him, “Rest assured, I’ll store it in the most private vault and return it to you next time you come.”
Thanking Maorian again, Qi Xiao returned to the inn relieved, with little desire to go out exploring. He spent the rest of his time studying spatial magic.
As night fell, Qi Xiao extinguished the candle and began his long-awaited meditation.