Chapter 105: The Fright Box

Aside from the single bottle intended for sale, there remained a small vial that Qi Xiao planned to store for emergencies.

Qi Xiao tested the newly acquired Sharpness Spell but found himself somewhat disappointed. As a magic of the metal element, its effect resembled the Dimensional Slash, yet to him, it was merely a lower-tier substitute. Sharpness could enchant a weapon to make it keener, but without any long-range capability. Even as a weapon enchantment, Dimensional Slash’s power surpassed Sharpness by leaps and bounds. The few advantages Sharpness held were that it could enchant weapons for others and consumed considerably less energy than Dimensional Slash.

Over the next two days, Qi Xiao brewed several basic and intermediate potions, ones that were relatively simple to concoct, preparing them to be sold in batches. Potions, like equipment, were not so straightforward as to receive direct system feedback.

Because the Absolute Spirit Potion was quite dangerous, Qi Xiao personally visited the alchemy shop. There, he placed on the shelves Spirit Vision Potions, Elemental Resistance Mixtures, Shadow Oil, Dissolving Elixirs, and Life Dew. Afterwards, he announced the auction of the Absolute Spirit Potion.

The announcement was succinct—its dosage and toxicity were sufficient to serve as a poison for assassinating formal sorcerers.

In previous auctions, Qi Xiao had taken the role of the auctioneer more for novelty’s sake, and since the goods were precious, it was inconvenient to delegate to others. But now that everyone in the organization knew he was a disciple of Midiel, no one dared to provoke him. Thus, Qi Xiao intended to outsource the auctioning as well.

Though he was already contemplating hiring a salesperson skilled in sales and auctions, this round he insisted on managing it himself, since poisons were dangerous and required clear explanation.

“The strange-looking mace sold a few days ago? Ah, yes, a burly bloodline sorcerer bought it. Did something happen? Would you like me to check on the buyer?” Marshall paused, then suddenly understood.

“No need. I was just asking; there’s nothing else,” Qi Xiao said softly, stopping him. After giving a few instructions, he left the shop. He had brewed many peculiar concoctions accumulating there, so it was good that the mace had sold.

[Congratulations on successfully completing an alchemical supply. Reward granted: Level 1 Cantrip—Infrasound Modulation]

[Congratulations on successfully completing an alchemical supply. Reward granted: Level 0 Cantrip—Beautiful Voice]

[Congratulations on successfully completing an alchemical supply. Reward granted: Level 1 Cantrip—Fear Box]

[Congratulations on successfully completing an alchemical supply. Reward granted: “Improvement and Innovation of Advanced Potions”]

[Congratulations on successfully completing an alchemical supply. Reward granted: Pure Mana]

It had been a long time since he received a zero-level cantrip, which was of little use beyond enhancing vocal beauty. The Infrasound Modulation belonged to the sonic offensive magic line, distinct from the Command Spells despite sharing the sound element.

The Fear Box intrigued him—it generated a box beside the target from which something would jump out, shaped by the deepest fears of the target. As for the book on improving potions, it was highly beneficial. After all, if a potion’s reform exceeded fifty percent, the system recognized it as a new kind of potion, granting an additional reward.

Coincidentally, after Mo Ling’s recent display of power, Qi Xiao planned to visit the Archive Pavilion to purchase some alchemy formulas and blueprints. After all, Midiel was not an alchemist; though he had amassed considerable knowledge related to alchemy, it paled compared to the Archive Pavilion’s resources.

Within the Myriad Spirits Vault, both the Archive Pavilion and the Library coexisted and were often confused. Qi Xiao could only vaguely describe their differences, for even he did not fully grasp them. In brief, the Archive Pavilion sold and acquired books and knowledge, mostly of “marginal” subjects, rarely covering cultivation or mainstream spells. The Library, on the other hand, lent books, which were generally orthodox and detailed specific cultivation methods.

Books on alchemical cultivation were plentiful in the Library and easy to find. But to purchase formulas, one had to come to the Archive Pavilion.

Perhaps due to Mo Ling’s recent formidable presence, few visitors had come to the Archive Pavilion these last two days. The large loft was deserted, nearly devoid of life.

Deep in the southern reaches of the Myriad Spirits Vault, the Archive Pavilion stood serenely within a quiet courtyard. Its exterior was simple yet solemn—a typical Western classical building with towering spires that reached toward the heavens. The walls, built from ancient stone blocks, bore the wear of countless years; their surfaces weathered but enduring. This patina was not from neglect but a deliberate preservation of history spanning tens of thousands of years.

The heavy oak doors were intricately carved with complex patterns—mysterious runes intertwined with ancient totems. On either side stood statues of peculiar beasts, blending the features of lions and leopards with hints of ox and deer. Their eyes shimmered with life, watching every visitor who entered.

Tall arched windows were inset with colored glass, incongruous with the building’s austere style, casting vibrant light patches inside as if newly installed.

Flanking the pavilion were two towers, slightly shorter than the main hall, crowned with delicate spires. At night, their lights illuminated the Archive Pavilion, casting a glow across the realm.

The courtyard bloomed with rare plants that beautified the surroundings while purifying the air and maintaining humidity. Qi Xiao observed carefully; none of these plants had transcended their natural state, yet each nurtured a “spirit” within. Low-level spirits were ubiquitous in the Myriad Spirits Vault, but for them to attain wisdom and transcendence was an enigmatic process, reliant mostly on guidance from high-level spirits, with no shortcut available.

At the courtyard’s center, a small fountain burbled with fresh water, infusing the tranquil space with life. The Pavilion’s caretakers used this water to nourish the plants.

Stone tables and benches were arranged along the surrounding corridors, offering visitors places to rest and ponder between readings. The columns bore carvings of historical tales and myths, but Qi Xiao glanced briefly before averting his gaze—these were familiar creation myths widely known in the sorcerer world.

The entire Archive Pavilion exuded solemnity and reverence. The air was thick with the scent of ink and paper. Every stone and every book seemed to bear the weight of history, compelling Qi Xiao to slow his steps and humbly absorb the majesty of knowledge.