Chapter Thirty-Nine: Stardust

In the end, the potion was purchased by an elderly woman for the impressive sum of 2,900 magic crystals. The auctioneer on stage could barely suppress his smile, and soon, an assistant brought up a sealed transparent crystal box. Inside, fine dust shimmered with a faint glow, exuding a subtle aura that even laymen could sense was extraordinary.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the next item up for auction is a set of rare alchemical materials—‘Starlight Dust.’ These particles are collected from the remnants of meteors that fell from the heavens, each grain infused with the essence of the stars and potent magical energy. Whether for crafting advanced potions or enchanting equipment, they are peerless materials. The starting bid is 600 magic crystals. Let the bidding begin.”

Qi Xia did not hesitate; he immediately bid 3,000 magic crystals, easily securing the lot for himself. The benefit of the Violet Gold Card was that the price of one auction item would be waived, so Qi Xia cared little for how high the bidding went; under normal circumstances, this amount of Starlight Dust would have sold for about 2,400 magic crystals.

Many people confuse Starlight Dust with Star Sand, as both belong to the “star dust” category of alchemical materials and look quite similar, but to an alchemist, the differences are immense. Starlight Dust is harvested from the remains of meteors in the sky and contains the essence of the stars. Under the light, these specks glimmer with a pure magical energy, associated with the stars’ purity and transcendence. Starlight Dust is typically used in the creation of high-level potions, especially those requiring potent restorative or enhancing effects, and occasionally in enchantments to augment magical properties of equipment. Compared to Star Sand, the energy of Starlight Dust is gentler and purer, making it suitable for delicate and complex alchemical processes.

Star Sand, on the other hand, forms as tiny particles when meteor showers impact the ground or through rare astronomical phenomena. Its appearance is usually rougher, and its contained energy is wild and primal. Star Sand is most often used to imbue items with the power of the stars, particularly when enhancing durability or attack power. It is also ideal for crafting explosive or high-impact magical items, for its energy is more intense and unstable, suited to creations that demand great force.

For example, in the production of “Azure Veil,” which Qi Xia had previously crafted, Starlight Dust would have been a better choice than Star Sand. Obtaining such a substantial quantity of Starlight Dust alone made this trip worthwhile; Qi Xia sat contentedly, watching as the final two auction items were brought forth.

With the Starlight Dust auction concluded, the event reached its climax. The auctioneer straightened her robe, her eyes shining with anticipation, for the next items were the evening’s penultimate and ultimate treasures—two alchemical artifacts of exquisite craftsmanship.

“Honored guests, we are about to begin the final segment of tonight’s auction. First, our penultimate treasure—the ‘Heart of Elements’!”

Assistants carefully presented a box adorned with mysterious runes. When opened, it revealed a gemstone radiating with four colors, as if the powers of water, fire, earth, and wind were sealed within.

“This ‘Heart of Elements’ is the perfect union of alchemy and elemental magic, crafted to a rare degree of excellence! It not only grants the bearer profound insight into the elements but can also summon elemental power in critical moments, to defend or assist its owner. The starting bid is 2,000 magic crystals. The bidding begins now!”

The atmosphere in the hall instantly turned tense. The participants understood the item’s value and began bidding fervently. The bidding paddles rose and fell in quick succession, and the price soared.

Qi Xia sat quietly in his private room, his gaze piercing the window to rest upon the gemstone. He felt no desire to possess it, instead calmly analyzing its method of creation. Before long, the Heart of Elements was won for 13,000 magic crystals by a mysterious masked figure who drifted in and out of view among the crowd.

The auctioneer paused briefly, then spoke again, this time with barely restrained excitement:

“Next, we present the highlight of tonight’s auction—the ‘Void Vessel!’ This is our last treasure of the night, a finely crafted spatial storage artifact with an internal space of fifteen cubic meters! I trust I need say no more about its value. The starting bid is 8,000, with increments of no less than 1,000. The bidding begins now!”

The hall erupted in a commotion as Qi Xia focused intently on the details of this artifact. It appeared to be no more than an unremarkable, antique clay jar, simple and plain in appearance. Yet the entire hall was visibly shaken by its emergence. For a while, no one dared to bid, but when the bids finally came, each was made with extraordinary caution and gravity.

Qi Xia, too, was drawn to the “Void Vessel.” He leaned back on the sofa in his private room, watching the scene below through the window. Though he did not join the bidding, as an alchemist with a secondary mastery in spatial magic, he could not help but marvel at and be intrigued by the vessel’s remarkable powers. Spatial artifacts were destined to become his specialty, rare and precious as they were.

As the bidding continued to soar, Qi Xia’s mood grew brighter and brighter, until at last the little clay jar was sold for a stunning 43,000 magic crystals. With the final item auctioned, the event drew to a close. Qi Xia left his private room with a satisfied smile on his face.

He made his way through the dispersing crowd to the exchange area backstage. Here, it was relatively quiet; several staff members were busy sorting out the formalities for successful bidders. Magical lamps on the walls cast a gentle light, illuminating the entire room.

Qi Xia approached the designated counter, presenting his Violet Gold Card and proof of his successful bid. The staff immediately recognized him and hurried to summon Maorian from the next room.

Maorian arrived promptly and greeted Qi Xia with a smile. “Congratulations on winning the precious Starlight Dust, Mr. Qi Xia. If you wish to use your Violet Gold Card’s exemption privilege, here is your redemption certificate. Please sign here to confirm.”

Qi Xia took the certificate, carefully checked the information, then picked up a quill and signed his name in a fluid script. If his name were strictly transliterated, it would be closer to “Qi Yashao’an,” but to his own ears, it always sounded naturally as the familiar “Qi Xia.”

Maorian then handed him a small crystal box containing the Starlight Dust he had won.

He reminded him, “Please take good care of this crystal box. It will not only protect the Starlight Dust from external influences but also ensure that its magical energy does not leak away.”

Qi Xia accepted the box with great care, feeling the surging magic within, a wave of joy rising in his heart. He nodded to Maorian in thanks.

“Thank you very much. I will treasure this material,” Qi Xia said with a smile.