Chapter Fifty-Six: The Etiquette of Sorcerers

After accepting the wooden box, Qi Xiao asked his teacher a few more questions about the cultivation of spatial arts. Once he received the answers, he returned to his room. Midiel had told him that in three days, he would take him to the Leta Federation and urged him to prepare well. Only then did Qi Xiao realize that the end of the month had arrived.

Qi Xiao’s spatial arts were nearly mastered, with only a few key formulas unclear to him. Now, with his doubts resolved, he immediately understood them, so he decided to spend the next three days to learn the basics of spatial arts.

In the meantime, he received feedback from the system. There was nothing remarkable except that, for the first time, Qi Xiao obtained a bloodline technique—a body refining art. It wasn’t anything special, more like a standard trick for those on the bloodline path. Using it could refine the practitioner’s own bloodline, which suited Qi Xiao’s current condition perfectly.

He had thought the system wouldn’t give him bloodline spells, since all previous feedback had been elemental or mysterious spells. Coincidentally, he had now grasped the basics of spatial arts as well. However, when he cast spatial arts himself, it still took nearly three minutes to construct the spell model, and the space created could only remain stable for five days.

But, since it was a logistical spell, a slow casting time didn’t matter. He could simply create a new space every five days, which would make his travels much easier—a lower-grade substitute when he lacked storage items.

Moreover, Qi Xiao sensed that the potential of spatial arts was far greater than this. After mastering the trick, he could feel the bubble spaces on the island’s heart, which were most likely built upon advanced spatial arts. Some arrangements of spatial nodes closely resembled the structure of spatial arts.

Not knowing how long he would be away, Qi Xiao instructed his employees that business could be suspended if supplies ran low, and that their wages would continue regardless. Then, he stopped worrying about his alchemy shop and instead headed to Feng’s dormitory.

Over the past few days, his teacher had given him a book detailing the etiquette among witches, and now was the perfect opportunity to put it into practice.

Qi Xiao first ensured his attire was proper: his robe was tidy, accessories complete, showing respect. Next, he took out his staff and, adhering to the traditional etiquette of witches, tapped the door thrice with the head of the staff, each tap separated by two breaths, producing a crisp sound.

He then stepped back two paces and waited quietly for Feng’s response. According to the book, this was a sign of respect for a friend’s private space.

Light footsteps sounded, and soon the door handle turned. As the door opened, Qi Xiao presented his staff—one of the ancient ways witches identified each other. Nowadays, only conservative, old-fashioned witches like his teacher observed such rituals.

“Qi Xiao? Long time no see! Come in.” Feng greeted him with delight.

Qi Xiao, however, first offered an elegant bow, greeting sincerely, “May the light of truth illuminate our path, my friend.”

Following the traditions of witches, Qi Xiao retrieved a carefully bound journal from the inner pocket of his robe—a collection of his reflections and notes from his cultivation. It fit the principle of a gift that was neither too valuable nor lacking in sincerity.

“This is a token of my appreciation. I hope these humble thoughts may add a little brilliance to our exchange.” Qi Xiao smiled professionally and handed the journal to Feng.

“Uh... you?” Feng accepted the journal with an awkward expression. He and Qi Xiao had just corresponded last week, and their relationship felt no different than during the recruitment tournament. How had things changed so much in a week?

Qi Xiao recalled briefly, confirming he had not missed any etiquette, and since Feng had invited him in, he walked into the room with composed steps.

It was the first time Qi Xiao had entered Feng’s room. Inside was an open space, with few partitions. The large windows were open, letting in fresh air on the breeze. On the wall, Feng’s longbow and quiver hung in a prominent place, arrows neatly arranged. Nearby, many weather vanes and wind chimes swayed gently, their sounds pleasant, not noisy.

There were plants suited to a wind magic environment, such as hyacinths and lupines. The hyacinths of this world differed greatly from those Qi Xiao knew—they did not grow in water and lacked roots, instead swaying freely in the air.

The walls were adorned with detailed maps and star charts, covered in markings. Qi Xiao glanced at them and smiled, “You plan to visit so many places in the future?”

Feng scratched his head, slightly embarrassed, surprised his wishes were so easily perceived, but responded with openness, “Yes. Once my brother is cured, I want to travel to all these places. If I’m fortunate enough to become a formal witch, I’d like to see other planes as well. This world is just too vast...”

Feng’s tone was complex, filled with longing, worry, and emotion.

Qi Xiao did not reply, only smiled gently. After touring Feng’s room, he said softly, “You will.”

The conversation had shifted after a pause, and Feng did not immediately understand. “What?”

Qi Xiao spoke with unwavering trust, seeming more confident in Feng than Feng was in himself, his voice resolute: “I believe you’ll fulfill your wishes.”

Before Feng could respond, Qi Xiao continued, “The main reason for my visit is that I’ll soon be traveling with my teacher to the Leta Federation. There will be a grand gathering, and I’ll keep an eye out for any potions for treating blood plague.”

Feng was immediately grateful, “Thank you so much. My savings are all here in my room—I’ll give them to you in case...”

Qi Xiao interrupted, “No need, don’t worry. I’ll be traveling with my teacher, and if it’s really not enough, I’ll borrow some from her temporarily. You can repay me later.

For viruses like this, if there’s no cure and a potion must be researched on the spot, the cost is high. But if there are potions for sale, a single bottle for treatment—no matter how expensive, it won’t be out of reach. Trust me.”

Qi Xiao comforted Feng, then mentioned the matter of the little mushroom. Feng’s brows knitted as he listened, and he spoke in a low voice:

“I’ve heard a bit about the mushroom race—they’re one of our teacher’s research achievements. She values them highly. Her title abroad is even derived from their name, which shows how much she cares.

So if you don’t want to lose that little mushroom... I suggest you don’t contact the teacher for now. You’d get considerable rewards, but the little mushroom would most likely be taken for research. Though the teacher is gentle usually, when it concerns her path as a witch, she won’t hold back... I suggest waiting until you have the ability to negotiate with her as an equal before bringing it up.”

Feng was conflicted as he spoke—after all, the teacher treated him well. This matter concerned her future, even her path to true knowledge. If it were anyone but Qi Xiao, he would have reported it to his teacher immediately. After all, it was just a magical creature—exchanging it for tens of thousands of magic crystals or more resources was something almost every witch apprentice would rush to do. But he understood Qi Xiao; if he went to the teacher without consulting him, their friendship would likely end for good.