Chapter Forty: Emerald Snow, Flowing Light

The journey back was much smoother. Not only was the sky clear and bright, but there were no further attacks along the way, and even the rainbow essence previously discovered had finally matured, which Qi Xiao picked up effortlessly.

Upon returning to the Sanctuary of All Spirits, Qi Xiao wasted no time resting. After confirming with Merck that his teacher had not yet returned, he entered the alchemy chamber. He had spent enough time meditating on the road; now the primary task was to prepare tomorrow’s auction items.

The alchemy chamber’s fire burned through the night, and by the following afternoon, Qi Xiao managed to finish his quota just in time.

He hurried to the alchemy shop, where the Veil of Ethereality attracted a crowd of onlookers. Fortunately, the spatial ring had regained its function within the organization, and Qi Xiao casually retrieved it before entering the shop.

A blonde customer happened to witness the moment Qi Xiao withdrew the Veil of Ethereality, exclaiming in awe, “Boss, do you take custom orders?”

Qi Xiao replied with sincere warmth, smiling, “Perhaps in the future, but for now, I’m not accepting custom orders.”

He then entered the storeroom, taking the weapons out from his ring.

Yara stroked the longbow on the table, marveling, “Your alchemy skills have improved again. I may not understand much about these things, but even I can see this bow’s quality is visibly superior to the one auctioned last week.”

Qi Xiao, considering his future plans and preparing to recruit more staff, smiled and replied, “Just a little progress.”

Yara’s hair seemed to have grown longer. She quietly set down the longbow and said softly, “My mentor will return next month. I probably won’t have time to help out after that.”

Qi Xiao offered heartfelt congratulations, “Congratulations, may you soon become a full-fledged mage. Then perhaps I can ride your coattails.”

Yara shook her head, smiling wryly, “I still don’t know what kind of person my teacher is. I’ve been left in limbo for two months since becoming an apprentice… Enough about that, I’ll go prepare for the auction.”

Qi Xiao watched Yara leave, then headed to the back door to replenish basic potions and considered adding more types of daily-use potions to the inventory.

He had become thoroughly proficient in brewing vitality and blood-restoring potions. Setting up two cauldrons, Qi Xiao began producing two new types: the Lightfoot Potion and the Ironblood Warrior Potion.

The Lightfoot Potion imparts a sensation of weightlessness, making one’s steps lighter and leaps more agile. The effect lasts for about two hours, during which physical exertion is reduced—ideal for long journeys or situations requiring nimble movement.

This potion is considered fairly basic, crafted from dewdrop-laden Breezegrass and Moonflower harvested at dawn, ensuring the herbs’ freshness and vitality. Using the distillation method, he extracted the essence of lightness from Breezegrass and moon dew from Moonflower.

Combining these in a crucible, he added a pinch of Wind Essence powder, carefully controlling the heat to allow the ingredients to blend thoroughly. Finally, a drop of Dawn Dew served as a stabilizer, making the potion’s lightness effect more stable and enduring. Once cooled, the potion was filtered and bottled, each bottle shimmering with a faint silvery glow.

Though the Lightfoot Potion could be brewed in batches, each yielded only eight bottles—far fewer than the basic potions. Fortunately, Qi Xiao had only intended this potion as a supplementary item, not a primary product.

As for the Ironblood Warrior Potion, also known as the Ironblood Elixir, its main ingredients were the life-rich Dragonblood Herb and the stamina-boosting Flame Fruit.

These herbs and fruits were soaked in molten lava water to extract their potent life force. Then, the herb juices were refined in the alchemy furnace, carefully heated until concentrated into a deep crimson essence.

A pinch of ash from fire-attribute bird feathers was added to enhance the potion’s blood-restoring effect; usually, flamingo feathers were used, but legend tells of an alchemist who once mistakenly added phoenix feather ash—an extravagance beyond compare.

Finally, a small amount of Living Spring water was blended in, making the potion more gentle and easily absorbed. Like the Lightfoot Potion, the finished mixture was filtered and sealed in specially reinforced crystal bottles, yielding about twelve bottles per batch.

By the time several batches were finished, dawn had arrived and the shop was open for business. After brewing, Qi Xiao lingered to observe, seeing both new potions sell a bottle each. The market for these new concoctions seemed promising. After tallying his earnings, he headed to the task hall to post a recruitment notice, then returned to the island in the center of the lake.

Along with three clusters of magical energy, he had obtained the recipe for “Veracity Potion,” the first-level mystery-side cantrip “Phantom Voice,” the first-level elemental cantrips “Breath of Frost,” “Shield Dust,” and “Purifying Drop,” as well as the magic rune ‘Freeze.’

It was a fruitful harvest; Qi Xiao now possessed a considerable array of cantrips, comparable to an intermediate mage apprentice specializing in spellcraft, though his collection was eclectic and lacked a cohesive system.

Just as he arrived on the island, that familiar mechanical female voice echoed in his ears again.

“Congratulations on successfully completing an alchemical supply. Reward granted: First-level cantrip, Shadow Arrow.”

Puzzled as to the source of this reward, he noticed his identity card at his chest radiating warmth.

Upon checking, he realized his teacher’s assigned task had just been marked as completed.

“It seems Teacher has returned to the island…”

Qi Xiao hastened his pace, feeling that today was truly doubly auspicious.

Upon entering the study, he saw his teacher examining the staff he had crafted, slender fingers running over its surface. Qi Xiao greeted him with surprise and respect, “Teacher, you’re back.”

Midiel shifted his gaze from the staff to Qi Xiao, nodding approvingly. “It seems you possess not only extraordinary talent, but a unique sense of aesthetics. I believe you will someday leave an indelible mark upon the path of alchemy.”

Such praise was high indeed, especially coming from the renowned “Shadow of the World,” Midiel. Qi Xiao scratched his head, shyly replying, “Teacher, you flatter me.”

Midiel’s expression remained stern, but the corners of his mouth curled ever so slightly.

“I never overstate, nor do I offer insincere praise.”

Qi Xiao could only respond respectfully, “I shall strive to live up to your expectations.”

Then, curious, he asked, “Teacher, would you like to name this creation?”

Midiel pondered a moment before answering, “Let’s call it Verdant Snowflow.”

Qi Xiao exclaimed, “A wonderful name.”

Midiel’s smile faded and he moved on, storing Verdant Snowflow away. He said softly, “A guest will arrive shortly. Stand behind me and observe. Unless you are mentioned, do not speak.”

Qi Xiao nodded and quickly moved to stand respectfully behind Midiel.