Chapter 107: The Library

The library was not far from the book repository, so Qi Xiao decided to walk. He followed a quiet path, passing through a dense forest, feeling the natural atmosphere around him. Many apprentices of the nature magic sect cultivated vegetation here, as this place was home to numerous rare and exotic plants. Qi Xiao even passed by a remarkably large olive phu. He casually took some olive oil from the huge yellow fruit atop its head, causing the olive phu to tremble in fright and crouch down, hiding among the lush liriope grass nearby.

Emerging from the woods, he immediately arrived at the library’s entrance. The library’s style was completely different from that of the book repository; it exuded a modern wizardly aura—both mysterious and scholarly. Wizards came and went, and compared to the book repository, the library seemed much more bustling, somewhat reminiscent of a university from a former life. He wondered if the wizard academies were similar.

The library was an architectural blend of classical and modern elements, with soaring spires and smooth curves combining to present a unique aesthetic. The outer walls were made of dark stone bricks and transparent glazed tiles, giving off a fantastical, resplendent feel.

The entrance was cleverly designed: two massive bronze doors stood wide open, as if the gateway of history itself was slowly unfolding. On either side of the doors were intricately carved magical circles emitting a faint glow. From Qi Xiao’s perspective, these looked like scanning or investigation runes, likely intended to prevent theft of the books.

Atop the library stood a delicate weather vane, spinning in the breeze and shimmering with magical radiance. The flowing curves extended from the base of the spire across the entire building, as if magical energy coursed through the architecture itself.

Stepping onto a crimson carpet, Qi Xiao entered the library. The first thing to greet his eyes was a spacious foyer. The ceiling was painted with a starry sky motif, as if bringing the night sky indoors. On the walls hung portraits of famous wizards. After walking a while, Qi Xiao even spotted his teacher’s portrait.

Looking at the teacher’s straight, prominent nose, Qi Xiao almost laughed aloud. The artist had truly captured the essence of his mentor.

The portraits of Dimos and Elinor were placed closely next to Midiel’s, indicating no distinction based on status but rather arranged chronologically. Otherwise, Dimos, the actual power behind the secret vault, would have been displayed more prominently. What surprised Qi Xiao was that his teacher had achieved wizardhood earlier than Dimos, who was now a third-tier True Knowledge wizard at the pinnacle of the Northern Territories.

Considering the timeline from the films, his teacher’s rise to third-tier wizardhood had occurred within the past century—an impressively rapid advancement. Dimos’ extraordinary talent simply outshone others, making it understandable.

As expected, at the far end, Qi Xiao found the portrait of his senior brother, Rupert. What puzzled him was that Rupert’s image was placed right at the very end of the foyer, immediately before the library’s main hall, with no gaps in between. Did the organization extend the foyer each time a new wizard attained achievement?

Qi Xiao thought it over and suspected that was indeed the case... He felt somewhat speechless and bowed his head as he stepped into the main hall.

Surrounding the hall were towering bookshelves standing like guardians of knowledge. Spacious aisles lay between them, with many wizards moving about in search of the books they needed.

Reading tables were scattered throughout the hall’s corners, each equipped with a magical lamp emitting soft light to aid readers. Apprentices of the organization either flipped through books attentively or recorded notes on parchment.

Intricate magical circles were engraved on the floor, glowing faintly as people walked by. Their designs were rather reserved; Qi Xiao could not discern their specific functions without careful study.

One side of the hall featured a lounge area furnished with comfortable sofas and tea tables, where wizards could rest, exchange academic insights, or enjoy invigorating tea. This space was enclosed by soundproof transparent glass, ensuring no disturbance to others.

In the center of the hall stood an information desk, manned by an elderly wizard whose eyes shone with kindness and wisdom. Wearing a gold-rimmed monocle, he patiently answered every inquiring wizard.

Qi Xiao stared at this wizard for some time, finally confirming that he was no ordinary person but a spirit currently undergoing cultivation...

The wizards inside the library appeared in various forms: some donned robes and held wands, exuding solemnity and mystery; others wore more casual attire but clutched hefty tomes, their eyes sparkling with thirst for knowledge.

In a corner, a group of very young apprentice wizards gathered in lively discussion over some magical theory, their youthful faces brimming with vitality and curiosity about the unknown.

At a reading table, an elderly, white-haired senior wizard immersed himself in an ancient tome. His face bore the marks of time, yet his gaze revealed an endless pursuit of knowledge.

Occasionally, magical creatures could be seen—bookshelf sprites that automatically tidied volumes, messenger owls flitting between shelves delivering materials—adding life and charm to the otherwise serene library.

To avoid disturbing readers’ concentration, the library was equipped with soundproof enchantments, ensuring quiet throughout the space so every wizard could immerse themselves fully in their scholarly worlds.

Qi Xiao took a deep breath. It had been a long time since he had been around so many people closely. Even at the alchemy shop, he rarely engaged in prolonged contact with customers. But he quickly adapted and approached the information desk.

“Greetings, venerable elder. May I ask where the culinary magic books are located?” Qi Xiao asked softly, not revealing that he knew the figure was a spirit in cultivation.

“In section E... Because few borrow such books, they are placed rather high. You may ask the bookshelf sprites to help retrieve them. Pardon my frankness, young man, but you don’t seem to be a culinary magic practitioner, do you?” The elder adjusted his monocle and asked in a hoarse voice.

“Yes, I am a spatial magic practitioner but happen to have some interest in culinary magic, so I wish to study it. Thank you. There are others waiting behind me, so I’ll take my leave.” Qi Xiao bowed and withdrew. The white-haired elder nodded and immediately turned to the next visitor.

Popularity... is this the path of spirit cultivation? Truly peculiar. If not for the extraordinary power he displayed—which was clearly not pure magic—to the naked eye, there would be no hint of anything amiss.