Chapter Ten: Spirit of the Mirror

Qi Xiao’s complexion was still a bit pale, but he forced a smile and said, “I’m truly sorry. I must have been too exhausted and slept too deeply—I didn’t hear the knocking.”

Rocco nodded in understanding. “It’s alright. As long as you’re okay. During the recruitment competition, you were on edge all week and probably didn’t sleep well. It’s normal to relax afterward and sleep longer than usual.”

Glancing at his watch, Rocco continued, “Come on, let’s go test your aptitude with Lord Mirror Spirit first. After that, you can come back and rest some more.”

Qi Xiao nodded obediently, and on the way, he inquired about the Mirror Spirit.

At Qi Xiao’s request, Rocco had canceled the protective barrier this time. The wind distorted his voice as he explained, “The reason this place is called the Vault of Myriad Spirits is because spirits of all kinds dwell here. It’s said that several of the ancestral spirits possess power on par with Level 3 wizards.”

“Lord Mirror Spirit is one of the ancestral spirits. The Bone Mirror connected to Lord Mirror Spirit allows us to easily discern which magical framework or school is most suitable for a wizard’s cultivation.”

Rocco paused, then asked, “You know what a spirit is, right?”

Qi Xiao gripped the blanket tightly to keep himself from being blown away and could only nod in response.

He recalled from films that a spirit is an inanimate object that later develops self-awareness—whether naturally or through external influence, any lifeless object has the potential to give birth to a spirit.

Research shows that before a spirit is born, it is inevitably connected to humans, and places with more people are more likely to generate spirits.

In alchemy, some branches are particularly keen to study how to reliably create alchemical products that can give rise to spirits.

If one succeeded, would that count as creating life? But that’s a topic for another time.

Rocco, always ready in case Qi Xiao couldn’t hold on and was blown off, continued, “In short, Lord Mirror Spirit—and almost all spirits—are friendly to humans and wizards alike. After all, their existence is owed to humanity.”

“Our organization has strict rules against harming any spirit in the Vault. If you ever need to conduct research involving them, you’ll have to file a request with the organization.”

Qi Xiao had gradually gotten used to the wind and shielded his face with an arm, replying, “Don’t worry, I will.”

The flying carpet descended until it hovered about a meter above the ground. Rocco explained, “We’re almost there. High-altitude flight isn’t allowed near Lord Mirror Spirit’s domain. Even the Vault Master has to walk from here. Keep that in mind if you ever come alone in the future.”

“I understand.”

After a slow, low flight, Rocco figured they had arrived and put away the carpet. From his storage bracelet, he took out a full-length mirror and set it on the ground, beckoning Qi Xiao to follow him inside.

Qi Xiao stepped into the mirror, curiosity piqued as he looked around. It felt a bit like stepping into one of those old funhouse mirrors; his reflection in every direction was refracted into various shapes.

Soon, every mirror around him replaced his reflection with a square-faced visage. Its mouth moved, and a clear, ethereal female voice rang out, “Little Rocco~ Long time no see, and you’ve brought such a handsome young man with you.”

Rocco bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your time, Lord Mirror Spirit.”

The square face in the mirror nodded. Suddenly, a great void opened beneath Qi Xiao’s feet and he plummeted down.

As he felt the rush of falling, Qi Xiao managed to steady himself, not overly alarmed. Before long, a spiral of cold air surged up beneath him, gently setting him on the ground.

Before him stood a figure composed of countless mirror fragments. Before Qi Xiao could speak, the Mirror Spirit addressed him first, “The test is complete, little one. Can you guess what your aptitude is?”

Qi Xiao glanced at the Mirror Spirit, but the shifting reflections made his head spin. He dared not look too long and bowed his head. “I would be grateful for your guidance, Lord Mirror Spirit.”

The Mirror Spirit’s form contracted and shifted, ultimately transforming into a striking, golden-haired wizard. The ethereal female voice deepened into a rich, magnetic male timbre. “Don’t be so formal, calling everyone ‘lord’ at your age. It’s dull.”

“Ah... Yes, Mirror Spirit.”

The Mirror Spirit admired his new attire with satisfaction and said offhandedly, “You’re best suited to study either the soul branch or the spatial branch of the arcane mysteries. Both are excellent paths, and among the arcane disciplines, they’re some of the most popular. Take your time deciding which to specialize in.”

Qi Xiao thanked him, then, noting the Mirror Spirit wasn’t showing any sign of seeing him out, asked quietly, “Mirror Spirit, may I ask, how do I return?”

Waving a hand, the Mirror Spirit replied, “Once I finish copying your face, I’ll send you back.”

“Copy... my face?”

An almost smug grin spread across the Mirror Spirit’s handsome features, giving him a strangely incongruous air. With pride, he declared, “I only keep forms beautiful enough to serve as clothing. It’s been over a decade since I last made myself a new outfit. Don’t worry, you won’t lose out.”

Watching the Mirror Spirit’s obvious enthusiasm, Qi Xiao wasn’t sure whether the concept of portrait rights existed in this world, but it clearly didn’t here.

Picturing the Mirror Spirit one day wearing his likeness and making such a silly expression, Qi Xiao felt a wave of resignation.

It wasn’t long before the Mirror Spirit cried out in delight, “Done!” And just like that, Qi Xiao found himself back at the threshold of the mirror, where Rocco sat cross-legged nearby.

Noticing the extra shard of mirror now embedded in his phone, Qi Xiao asked in confusion, “What’s this?”

Rocco, stretching as he stood, glanced at the mirror shard and replied without surprise, “That’s your permit for entering and exiting the Mirror Realm. It means Lord Mirror Spirit has acknowledged you. If you visit alone next time, he’ll likely give you a gift.”

Qi Xiao nodded his understanding and put the shard away.

Eager to make a good impression, Rocco enthusiastically shared more information on the way back. “Every main plane has its own subsidiary realms. The Mirror Realm is one of the most common types, and the Fallen Star Mirror Realm is the one corresponding to our Northern Wizarding World.”

“You can find a corresponding Mirror Realm in every corner of the world. However, they aren’t necessarily connected to each other, so it’s difficult to use the Mirror Realm to change your position in the real world by moving through it.”

“Our Vault’s corresponding Mirror Realm was long ago claimed and transformed by Lord Mirror Spirit, but in other places, you might encounter unique races or creatures native to those Mirror Realms.”

“So if you use that shard to enter the Mirror Realm outside the Vault, be extra cautious.”

Qi Xiao was fascinated. “Are there intelligent beings living inside the Mirror Realm?”

Rocco chuckled. “Of course. But if you enter with Lord Mirror Spirit’s blessing, the natives generally won’t bother you. Most of them respect him a great deal.”

Sensing the longing in Qi Xiao’s voice, Rocco added seriously, “No matter what, don’t get ahead of yourself. Truth and the unknown must be explored step by step. Many talented people have fallen due to arrogance and overreaching.”

Qi Xiao replied earnestly, “I understand, sir. I’m simply awed by the vastness of the world. Thank you for your guidance.”