Private Customization

A spellbook was the medium wizards used to transcribe spells.

Just as wood could bear fire and pottery could hold clear water.

Different spells served different purposes, and their requirements for their medium varied as well.

For example, if the Fire Spell were recorded in a spellbook made from fish skin, excessive Yin energy would affect the spell's effectiveness. Thus, Ashmore-bound books were often used to copy water-element spells, Paris-bound books were used by Catholic monks to chant hymns, and Venice-bound books often appeared in the hands of dark creatures.

Zheng Qing knew nothing about such details.

But his instincts made him reject the spellbooks he had examined earlier, with their ornate covers and exquisite bindings.

So, after he stated his requirements, Manager Xiao Yuan led him to a display case of Huaxia-style spellbooks.

"Pre-Qin Bamboo Slips, two chi and four cun long, crafted from thousand-year-old bitter bamboo. They have a green patina and are bound with Seven-colored Deer hide. The outer slips are carved with the complete 'Shu Zai Sou' Fire Spell, while the inner lining is designed to be replaced repeatedly. We provide linings in different materials, including mulberry paper, Shu Mountain silk, double-layer fox hide, gold and silver leaves, and more. After using up the lining, customers may renew their order with whatever material they find most comfortable."

"And this one, the Han-Tang Silk Manuscript. It is five chi and three cun long, one chi and eight fen wide, woven from thousand-year-old Amber silkworm silk. The silk is beautiful and soft, with a delicate, bright sheen. The scroll rods are made of Ryukyu rosewood, warm and smooth to the touch, with a fragrance that refreshes the mind. The bottom of the rods is engraved with the spell, 'The East Shines Bright, The Moon's Light.' That way, using the spellbook is completely unaffected even in the darkness of night."

"We also have Song Dynasty Spellbooks here. Their style is ancient and elegant, and their materials are carefully selected. From the stitching to the binding, every detail reflects the historical charm of the East. What kind would you prefer, sir?"

The bookstore manager laid out the Huaxia-style spellbooks one by one and explained them in detail.

Ever since the fat man with three chins had exposed Zheng Qing's identity as a publicly funded student, Manager Xiao Yuan's attitude had become even friendlier.

"What about the prices?" Though his pockets were empty, Zheng Qing did not mind broadening his horizons.

The soft leather gloves on his hands had been replaced by thin white linen gloves. The bookstore had thoughtfully provided him with a monocle as well, allowing him to inspect the patina on the bamboo slips, the patterns in the silk, and the head and tail of the Song-style bindings.

"The Pre-Qin Bamboo Slips start at fifteen jade coins, with the price fluctuating depending on the lining configuration. The Han-Tang Silk Manuscript starts at ten jade coins; the scroll rods can be replaced, so the price is not fixed. The Song Dynasty Spellbook costs five jade coins, one standard price."

"What kind of spellbook sells the most?"

"The university standard model: first-layer deer-hide cover, silk bookmark ribbon, brass-inlaid lettering, book corners, blank flyleaves, and mulberry paper." Manager Xiao Yuan spoke rapidly. "Since it is a standard format, its durability is limited. Most students replace it once a semester. That will be one jade coin."

"I see." Zheng Qing weighed his options.

"Since you are a publicly funded student, if none of these can meet your needs, our store can also custom-make a spellbook just for you. It will definitely satisfy you." Seeing Zheng Qing's hesitation, Manager Xiao Yuan enthusiastically recommended, "Shangyuan Bookstore has spellbook-making masters certified by the Wizard Alliance. You may rest assured."

"It must be expensive, right?"

"Prices start at one Gold Bean, with no upper limit. The cost of the spellbook depends on your materials and requirements. Since you are a publicly funded student, labor costs can be discounted by thirty percent."

"I'll go take a look." Zheng Qing felt a spark of delight, wondering whether he could buy a spellbook with three or five Gold Beans.

Jade coins, Gold Beans, silver horns, and copper coins were several currencies in the Wizarding World. One jade coin could be exchanged for ten Gold Beans. If he could solve the spellbook problem with three to five Gold Beans, he could save at least six or seven Gold Beans.

According to Thomas, a handful of copper coins was enough for Zheng Qing's three meals a day at the university. Six or seven Gold Beans would probably cover a month of living expenses.

His full scholarship was only ten jade coins. He had to buy every school essential on the list and account for other expenses after the term began.

Zheng Qing felt that money was a little tight.

Ever since learning the currency exchange rates, he had given up on asking his family for money.

Since he had no way to increase his income for the time being, he had to learn to count every penny.

"This way, please." Manager Xiao Yuan led Zheng Qing to a small door deep inside the bookstore.

The double-leaf wooden door was green, utterly at odds with the shop's overall dark tones. Runes for warding off evil were carved into the frame around it, and a New Year print of Shen Tu Yu Lei hung on the door panels. The print was somewhat old, its colors a little faded. The two great deities, Shen Tu Yu Lei, leaned against the bottom of the painting, sitting lazily and playing cards. When they saw someone arrive, they merely waved to show they knew.

Zheng Qing swallowed.

"By the rules, I cannot go in with you." Manager Xiao Yuan pushed open the door, made a welcoming gesture, and smiled apologetically.

It was dim inside, and the threshold was a full foot high.

Zheng Qing looked it over and carefully stepped across it.

The wooden door closed softly behind him.

The gloom, the silence, and the fragrance of aged wood gradually calmed Zheng Qing's originally nervous heart.

The room was large and empty.

Burning torches hung along the surrounding walls.

A huge counter stood in the middle of the room. It was the most conspicuous thing inside.

A mop of grizzled white hair lay atop the counter, trembling in the firelight.

"Is anyone here?" Zheng Qing's throat was dry, and his voice trembled slightly.

After swallowing, he walked to the counter, preparing to greet whoever was there again.

Before he could speak, that mop of grizzled hair suddenly floated up.

An old man's face appeared in his sight, dry and deeply wrinkled, like a shriveled walnut.

Zheng Qing jumped and reached for the Gray Cloth Bag tucked inside his clothes.

The old man's dull eyes rolled, sliding over the cloth bag. Then he lowered his head, and that shriveled walnut disappeared behind the broad table again.

"Hello," Zheng Qing said, edging backward to put more distance between himself and the counter.

Then, after hesitating for a moment, he gave a slight bow.

When he raised his head, the old man had already leaned close again. His wrinkled face was nearly pressed against Zheng Qing's body, and his pitch-black eyes, seemingly devoid of any life force, stared at him without blinking.

"Hello, um..." Zheng Qing recoiled in fright and tried to retreat, but the old man reached out his right hand without the slightest hesitation, fiercely seized his collar, and dragged him close.

Though he looked like a skinny little old man, his hand was like an iron pincer, choking Zheng Qing's neck until it hurt.

"Yes, yes, I understand."

Before Zheng Qing could say anything, the old man's murmuring voice echoed through the silent room, sounding distant and ethereal. "A very powerful soul, very powerful. Though chaotic and complex, it contains a pure aura. I have never seen such a powerful soul. I have never felt anything like this before. Don't worry, I have everything prepared. You will have a powerful wizard's book."