Chapter Forty-Five: Law Command—Intimidation

Qi Xiao also planned to find time for a visit, having heard that the library housed many books and schematics related to alchemy. Although borrowing them required a hefty amount of contribution points each time, he didn’t mind—especially now, as he watched a wizard apprentice in the library’s uniform hurriedly approach, clutching a money pouch. Qi Xiao smiled to himself. He was no longer short on money.

After receiving his final payment and bidding farewell to Phillips, he returned to the lounge with anticipation and opened the package.

“Congratulations on completing an alchemical supply. You have received a reward—Level 3 Cantrip—Mandate: Dread.”

Qi Xiao felt a twinge of disappointment. While a third-level cantrip was considered highly difficult—requiring even senior wizard apprentices at least a year or more to master—compared to the mysterious aura he had previously acquired, it was far less impressive.

He had started to discern the system’s pattern of rewards. Even though the quality and price of the "Void Vision Helmet" far exceeded that of the carved bracelet, the reward was less valuable. It seemed that the system boosted the reward for the first sale of each alchemical rank.

Suppressing his disappointment, Qi Xiao closed his eyes and focused on the newly acquired third-level cantrip.

Mandate spells belonged to the mystical branch of the Word of Power school, a relatively niche faction. However, their cantrips were quite handy during the apprentice phase. For instance, Mandate: Dread could deliver a triple blow—mental, spiritual, and physical—to all targets who heard the caster’s voice, combining control and damage into a formidable spell.

Qi Xiao had already inquired about the Duel Tower after meeting Ronikea last time, intending to participate, but had been too busy recently to find the time. Now, with his mentor absent, no organizational duties weighing on him, and nothing pressing to do, he decided to go take a look.

After the auction, Yara and Demont were tidying up the shop, about to greet Qi Xiao before heading home. Qi Xiao took two gift boxes from his bracelet, smiling as he handed them over.

“A little gift for you both. Made by myself, just a token of appreciation.”

Yara accepted with a smile and thanked him. Demont, initially hesitant, took the box after seeing Yara do so, bashfully murmuring his thanks.

Qi Xiao teased, “You call yourself a bloodline wizard, yet you’re so shy.”

Yara had already opened her box, revealing a pair of exquisite silver wristguards. Delicate vine patterns were etched into the surface, and a small, emerald-green gemstone was set in the center, radiating a gentle light.

She tried them on, finding them a perfect fit. “Thank you, boss. They feel so comfortable, as if wrapped by plants.”

Qi Xiao pressed the gem at the center and explained, “The wristguards have a minor healing effect, slowly restoring health when you’re injured—very effective for everyday wounds. When you press the center gem, it releases a psychic wave, easing fatigue and helping you focus.”

Yara listened with increasing satisfaction, while Demont opened his own box.

Inside were sturdy leather gloves, with metal plates embedded in the palms and strength runes embroidered on the back—imbued with a sense of power. Noticing Demont’s hesitation, Qi Xiao understood his concern. Demont always worried about becoming obsessed with the strength granted by alchemical items, so Qi Xiao reassured him:

“These gloves grant extra strength, but only a modest boost. They help you release your original power more easily. For example, if you want to deliver thirty percent of your punch, you might struggle to control it; if you try for a hundred percent, you might hurt yourself. With these, you don’t have to worry—they merely assist you. Rest assured.”

Demont relaxed, accepted the gloves, and thanked Qi Xiao sincerely.

Qi Xiao waved them off, stepped outside, boarded the Azure Veil, and flew toward the dormitory district.

He spent quite some time coaxing Little Mushroom, who only forgave him after Qi Xiao promised to take it along. He had indeed been too busy lately, leaving it forgotten for over half a month. Thankfully, it didn’t require feeding and wouldn’t starve itself.

Taking Little Mushroom to visit Feng, hoping to discuss the "Magic Mushroom" clan, he found Feng absent and had to postpone the conversation for another time.

It seemed to be Little Mushroom’s first time outside. Gone was its unruly arrogance inside the house; it curled up, hiding in Qi Xiao’s collar, timidly peeking out with its cap at the world.

The spatial teleport into the Bubble Domain frightened it even further, causing it to shrink back entirely.

Returning to his hall, Qi Xiao led Little Mushroom through several rooms, setting it on the table and gently saying,

“These two bedrooms are yours to spread spores as you wish, but not the alchemy labs. You may wander through them without touching the materials or equipment—just don’t tamper with anything, and absolutely no spores in there.

You know I’m only a guest here. This place belongs to my mentor.”

Lowering his voice, Qi Xiao leaned in and whispered, “I’ve told you many times—he loves mushrooms, especially naughty ones like you. Under no circumstances, do not provoke him.”

Seeing Little Mushroom tremble and nod, Qi Xiao smiled with satisfaction. “Go on, explore and get familiar. If you’re bored, come find me and I’ll take you out. For now, I’m going to read.”

Little Mushroom retreated into the wall, clearly frightened, and made no further move.

Qi Xiao paid it no mind, picking up the alchemy manual by his bedside and reading. Its nature was to spread spores; once it felt safe in a few days, it would begin its activity.

Three days passed, and as expected, Little Mushroom started to move about, transforming the house.

Qi Xiao, meanwhile, had developed an interest in Word of Power spells thanks to his newly acquired level three cantrip, borrowing several related books. The Word of Power school was indeed fascinating; most spells involved sound waves, and the Mandate series was a sub-branch of the true-word type.

Having thoroughly mastered Mandate: Dread, he found it easy to learn its lower-level variant, Mandate: Cow, a first-level cantrip. It lacked the triple impact—mental, physical, spiritual—of Dread, and its effect was weaker, but it was faster to cast and less taxing. It was worth knowing.

He discovered that once he mastered a higher-level cantrip, learning its lower-level variants became much easier. Thus, over the next few days, Qi Xiao borrowed a plethora of zero-level cantrips. With their simple structures and higher-level spells as reference, he could easily grasp them, becoming immersed in study and losing all sense of time.