Chapter 113: Aphelipus

Three days later, the alchemy laboratory was shrouded in swirling mist that even spilled out into the hallway. Blood, having long grown accustomed to this scene, stood silently at the doorway, his expression unchanged as he watched the shifting light within the lab.

Amidst the pale purple haze, Qi Xiao stood calmly before the workbench, his gaze focused and serene. In his steady hands, he held a long-necked crystal flask, gently swirling it to fully blend the potion's ingredients inside.

With precise movements, he used a dropper to extract the essence from a compressed elemental container, adding it drop by drop into the flask. Each drop chimed softly, like the opening notes of a magical symphony.

As Qi Xiao continued, the potion inside the flask began to transform. Its color shifted from clear to a faint golden-red hue, its surface frothing with a delicate layer of bubbles that seemed to contain the very life of fire.

When the reaction finally settled, Qi Xiao expertly withdrew three exquisitely decorated crystal bottles and carefully poured the newly crafted potion into them. He quickly sealed each with specially made beeswax, restraining the potion’s power from leaking out.

He then placed the finished potions into a prepared box nearby. The three bottles fit perfectly into eighteen slots, arranged as six different potions, three bottles for each type.

Calling over Blood, who had been waiting at the door, Qi Xiao entrusted him with delivering the potions to the alchemy shop. The shop's assistants were already quite familiar with these two little blood servants, so there was no worry about mishaps.

These six potions were all new and had not been sold before. They did not include the beautiful charm potions, which had been sold two days prior and received decent feedback from customers, though the system’s appraisal was mediocre—just two clusters of pure magical energy.

There were only a few simple potions left for brewing; the remaining formulas required serious study or independent research.

In recent days, Qi Xiao had also set up an altar for the Moonlight Ritual in a secluded corner of Heartlake Island. Although he had no immediate use for it, preparing it in advance would make future use far more convenient.

Upon investigation, he discovered the altar’s origin pointed to a mid-tier plane governed by a deity of moonlight. The moon there was known as the Silver Moon, much like that of the Northern Wizard Realm. This Moon God was benevolent and usually slumbered, with the altar and prayers automatically eliciting a divine response. Thus, wizards could safely borrow its power.

Only minutes after Blood left, he hurried back, still clutching the potion box. Qi Xiao looked at him, puzzled. “What is it?”

Blood hesitated. “I saw a wizard standing before your altar. He didn’t do anything unusual, but I thought you should be informed.”

Qi Xiao raised an eyebrow. While Heartlake Island theoretically allowed wizards from any organization to come study, those who came to learn would have immediately checked in at the Bubble Space and reported to Steward Merk. Given that the altar was newly built, it was unusual for a wizard to appear so soon. Clearly, this was no ordinary visitor.

“No matter. I’ll go meet him. You can safely deliver the potions.”

Blood nodded and, carrying the box, did not transform into blood energy but ran off swiftly.

Qi Xiao flickered and appeared beside the altar’s left side.

“Friend, while Heartlake Island generally does not forbid wizards from any organization, this altar is my private property. May I ask why you are standing here?”

The wizard before the altar showed no sign of alarm at Qi Xiao’s sudden voice. He slowly turned, facing Qi Xiao with a composed smile.

“You misunderstand, Mr. Qi Xiao. I have no intention of occupying or misusing your private property. I was merely guided here by fate, awaiting your arrival.”

His voice was calm and rhythmic, each word seemingly weighed with care.

The wizard appeared to be a middle-aged man, his long silver hair flowing naturally over his shoulders. Flecks of starlight shimmered within his strands, reminiscent of the Milky Way. His deep-set eyes sparkled with wisdom, delicate wrinkles at the corners attesting to the passage of time and adding a mature charm.

His face was strong and sculpted, with a carefully trimmed beard on his chin lending an air of steadiness. He wore a deep purple robe embroidered with silver star and moon patterns that seemed to dance with starlight as he moved.

Most striking was the necklace around his neck—a string of various gemstones, each emanating a faint glow, mysterious and unfathomable. In his hand, he held an exquisite staff topped with a large crystal orb. Within the orb, a miniature galaxy slowly rotated, radiating a profound light.

Qi Xiao naturally recognized the crystal orb—it was one he had crafted himself.

“Mr. Carl, was this crystal orb custom-made for you?”

The silver-haired wizard bowed slightly and spoke in a deep voice, “Yes, thank you, Mr. Qi Xiao. I am Carl’s father, Aphelip Nelson, from the Starwatch Tower. I am grateful for your alchemy. I came partly guided by fate and also to deliver your payment.”

As Aphelip finished speaking, a star-shaped brooch on his chest flashed briefly, and instantly, a strangely shaped stone appeared in his left hand.

Qi Xiao, hardly having time to marvel at Aphelip’s storage artifact, stared at the peculiar stone in surprise. “This is far too valuable, Mr. Aphelip. What I have given is nowhere near its worth.”

Aphelip smiled gently. “Fate told me that giving it to you was the best choice. Please accept it.”

Though eager to keep the precious stone, Qi Xiao hesitated briefly but ultimately accepted it, even if it meant owing a favor.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Aphelip. If you or Carl ever need alchemy again, feel free to come to me. I will only charge the basic cost of materials.”

Aphelip did not reply. The star trails reflected in the crystal orb shifted subtly, and a deeper smile appeared on his face.

“Farewell, young alchemist. I hope to see you ascend to Master Alchemist in my lifetime. When you have time, visit the Starwatch Tower—it's not far from Vistalia. Carl would be happy to bring you.”

“Already? Sir, since you’ve come all this way, let me treat you. I’m quite skilled in cuisine and won’t disappoint you.”

Qi Xiao tried to persuade him to stay, but Aphelip gently shook his head with a sigh.

“No need. My purpose here is fulfilled. The Bright Star will be in its zenith in two weeks, and the Starwatch Tower is busy. I must return soon. I advise you not to use this altar next month. The Bright Star is closely linked with the moon and may briefly awaken then. Though the deity is benevolent and unlikely to harm followers, it is best to avoid it. After all, this ritual is essentially a loophole in wizard research, lacking the most important prerequisite—‘devotion.’”

Qi Xiao nodded in understanding. “Thank you for your warning. May the starlight be with you.”

Aphelip returned the blessing, exchanged farewells, and departed.

[Congratulations on successfully completing an alchemy supply. Reward received—Level 3 Enchantment: Lawful Decree—Death.]

Though the crystal orb was fine, it was not of superior quality. Normally, such a reward would yield a Level 2 enchantment at best, but the system granted a Level 3 enchantment, reflecting the generous payment and thus elevating the reward.

Coincidentally, Qi Xiao had previously obtained a Level 3 enchantment as well. Though rarely used, that had deepened his mastery of most enchantments. This time, the Level 3 enchantment was also from the Lawful Decree school, allowing him to masquerade as a sonic wizard if he wished.

Lawful Decree: Death was an overwhelmingly powerful offensive spell, consuming vast amounts of energy and even risking backlash. Its damage was devastating and nearly impossible to evade, with continuous lingering harm afterward.

Back in the alchemy lab, Qi Xiao carefully examined the strange stone he had just received.

The stone was an irregular polyhedron, its surface covered in fine silver specks like countless stars scattered across a night sky. Each point of light seemed to hold the mysteries of the cosmos. The stone’s core was a profound dark blue.

Its texture was hard and smooth, cool to the touch. Legend said it was crafted by an ancient star god, linked to a lost star. The stellar energy contained within was ancient and unlike anything today. For alchemists, many lost formulas failed because their materials or energies had suddenly vanished or mutated. The stellar energy in this stone could substitute for most lost stellar materials, making it a treasure for any alchemist.

If other wizards from different schools had given this to him, Qi Xiao would be surprised but might consider it a gesture of goodwill. Yet a wizard specializing in star magic willing to part with such an item baffled him—he could not fathom the mindset of prophecy wizards.

Still, this was an irresistible prize. The Starwatch Tower was a medium-sized organization, a subordinate to Vistalia. Their elevated status owed much to their many prophecy wizards. It was unlikely they would risk retaliation from a second-level true knowledge wizard, who was also a core member of a major organization, by harming him.

After inventorying his supplies, Qi Xiao took the ephemeral journey to a secluded spot on Lake Roentgen to test his newly acquired Level 3 enchantment.

A wave of black ripples surged across the lake, stirring towering waves. Qi Xiao wiped sweat from his brow, his face pale as he gasped for breath.

He estimated the power: even an advanced wizard apprentice hit by this would lose most of their life force. If a mid-level apprentice endured it without superior alchemical armor, survival was unlikely. The energy cost was staggering—more than half of Qi Xiao’s magic was drained instantly. For even an advanced apprentice, this would consume 20 to 30 percent of their mana, making it impractical for casual use.

Lake Roentgen rarely yielded extraordinary artifacts and was sparsely inhabited. The giant waves soon subsided, attracting no attention. Qi Xiao rested briefly, then returned to the island.

Testing outside the laboratory had proven wise. Though unlikely to damage the room, the commotion would have drawn his teacher’s attention, complicating explanations.

Back in his chamber, Qi Xiao sat on his bed and closed his eyes to meditate, steadying his mind for his next task: crafting his first spatial storage device.

At dawn, he opened his eyes, having meditated through the night. His condition was at its peak. Without hesitation, he retrieved the materials he had long prepared and began the first step.

He planned to forge a ring-shaped storage space. Having loved novels and dramas since childhood, the image of a storage ring was deeply ingrained, and it was convenient to wear.

He aimed to control the volume around five cubic meters. Too large, and he could not manage it. Spatial alchemical devices typically required advanced senior apprentices at minimum. Since Qi Xiao had a secondary focus in spatial magic and strong talent, he dared to attempt it.

First, he melted void silver into liquid form, shaping it into the base of a ring using refined alchemical tools—a step requiring little skill.

Next, he carefully embedded spirit-glow stones into reserved grooves on the ring’s base, ensuring each was perfectly positioned.

Dipping his carving knife in soul ink, Qi Xiao inscribed a series of complex and delicate spatial runes on the inner surface of the ring. These runes were the key to the storage space.

After each step, he activated the magic to test for errors and minimize loss—a good habit he had maintained for over two months without failure. Yet this time, he was met with a harsh lesson.

As he injected magic to activate the rune array, the spatial fluctuations on the ring became wildly unstable. Suddenly, in a burst of intense magical light, the ring exploded.

Fortunately, Qi Xiao’s protective measures were meticulous, and he was unharmed. The alchemical instruments were similarly well-guarded, so no damage occurred.

Calming himself, Qi Xiao analyzed the failure. He found the problem lay in the rune inscription: some array lines were not fine enough, causing uneven magic flow and triggering spatial collapse.

Though the blueprint specified lines of this thickness, his insufficient strength forced him to use void silver instead of void alloy. Void silver’s amplification of spatial runes was far inferior, so the lines needed to be thicker to allow smooth magic flow within the runes.

He resolved to adjust accordingly in his next attempt.