Chapter Sixty: Karl

All along the way, Midiel remained silent, but Karl continued to introduce everything with boundless enthusiasm. Qi Xiao chimed in occasionally, yet his heart was troubled.

“In a film nearly four hours long… excluding the main cast and those only mentioned but never seen, there are at most twenty formal wizards,” he mused. “If I subtract those already accomplished and those yet to be born, there aren’t many left. I seldom leave home, but even so, I’ve already encountered three. Is this a coincidence, or…?”

Qi Xiao pondered in silence as the trio soon arrived at the Hall of Starlight.

“Since every pattern holds its own meaning, the designs in the Hall of Starlight must have a special significance as well,” Qi Xiao inquired, this time with genuine curiosity. The patterns adorning the hall were so peculiar that, had he not known beforehand, he would never have recognized any trace of a ‘star.’

Karl smiled at Qi Xiao’s question, clearly prepared for it.

“Mr. Qi Xiao, you are remarkably observant. The designs in the Hall of Starlight are indeed unique, imbued with profound symbolism,” Karl explained, his voice tinged with a fervor.

“The dome of the Hall of Starlight is painted with a grand star map. It isn’t merely a simple representation of the night sky, but a complex tableau woven with ancient astrology and cosmic philosophy.” Karl’s fingers pointed toward the dome above.

“Those lines are not drawn at random. They record significant historical alignments of the stars and their lasting impact on the wizarding world,” he continued, gesturing to the gold lines that crisscrossed the dome, glimmering in the jewel-lit radiance.

“As for those seemingly abstract motifs, they are, in fact, ancient astral runes. Legend has it they were crafted by Lord Qiongxing before his rise to legend, intended to channel and amplify the hall’s magical energies,” Karl added.

Qi Xiao gazed upward, noticing how the patterns changed shape under varying light, as though the mysteries of the entire cosmos had been condensed into this immense star chart.

“The design of the Hall of Starlight reminds every wizard who enters of our bond with the cosmic void and our relentless pursuit of truth,” Karl remarked, his eyes reflecting both awe and yearning for the heavens.

Midiel, having remained silent until now, spoke his first words since arriving. Calmly, he said, “The void is indeed daunting, and Lord Qiongxing’s power far surpasses ours. Go ahead—you may leave. I must meet some old friends. Give my regards to your teacher.”

Karl bowed gracefully, replying with respect, “May you perceive all phenomena and discern right from wrong on your quest for truth. May the infinite possibilities of space unfold before you, allowing you to traverse the void freely and without hindrance.”

He then quickly added, “Thank you for your blessings, Lord Midiel. I will certainly convey your greetings to my teacher. I wish you success at the auction in the Hall of Starlight and joy in reuniting with your old friends.”

After completing his salute, Karl looked up and happened to meet Qi Xiao’s gaze. He offered a gentle, friendly smile, his eyes conveying encouragement and approval for the young wizard. Softly, he said, “You as well, Mr. Qi Xiao. Should you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. Vistalia will always welcome talented wizards like you.”

As Karl’s words faded, Qi Xiao felt a subtle ripple in the space around him. In an instant, his surroundings shifted, and he found himself transported from the bustle before the Hall of Starlight into a tranquil, elegantly appointed study.

The study was exquisitely furnished, with shelves lining the walls, filled with ancient tomes and precious magical scrolls. Fine tapestries and oil paintings hung upon the walls, each depicting a different historical scene or mythic tale. At the center stood a large mahogany desk, adorned with various writing instruments and documents under research.

Midiel stood beside the desk, greeting three other wizards. Each of these wizards was accompanied by an apprentice, seemingly their students. Remembering Senior Raymond’s instructions, Qi Xiao felt uneasy, but steeled himself and respectfully took his place behind his teacher.

He surreptitiously glanced at the three wizards and their apprentices, piecing together their identities from the conversation.

To Midiel’s left sat Master Elton in a finely carved armchair. He appeared a resolute, robust middle-aged wizard, though his hair was silver, marking him as a wizard of the stars and the host of this gathering. His silver hair was meticulously groomed, his robes embroidered with intricate star maps, and his deep blue eyes seemed to pierce the secrets of the cosmos. A slender young apprentice stood behind him, holding a thick astronomical record book, observing his master’s every movement with utmost seriousness.

To Midiel’s right, upon a chair draped in sumptuous brocade, sat Melanie, an illusionist whose youthful visage belied her true age. Her gentle, alluring voice and robes fluttered softly in the air; whenever Qi Xiao looked her way, he felt as though he might slip into a dream. At her side stood a graceful young woman, her long hair flowing and her features delicate, holding a slender violet-blue wand and listening quietly to the wizards’ discourse.

Directly across from Midiel, near the bookshelves at an oak table, a sage named Osmond was leafing through a tome of elemental magic, its craftsmanship ancient, while speaking eloquently. Osmond’s apprentice, a sturdy young man with gray hair wearing deep green robes, held a crystal for practice, concentrating on sensing the elemental forces within.

Qi Xiao dared not look too long, quickly dropping his gaze after a cursory glance.

At first, their conversation was just right for Qi Xiao, filling him with a sense of revelation. But as the discussion deepened, becoming more esoteric, he found himself overwhelmed, the arcane words making his head ache. Yet the three other apprentices wore similar expressions, none willing to give up. Qi Xiao, hoping simply not to be the first to surrender, felt resigned.

No doubt, this was what Senior Raymond had warned him about… these old wizards, whenever they met, seemed compelled to secretly compete with one another. This was only the beginning; soon, it would likely escalate, much like the dramas of his previous life, into a real contest of skill…

Qi Xiao’s head throbbed at the thought; these situations were what he dreaded most.