Private Customization

Spellbooks are carriers used by wizards to transcribe spells.

Just as wood can carry raging fire, pottery can hold clear water.

Different spells have different effects, and their requirements for carriers also vary.

For example, if a Fire Spell were recorded in a spellbook made of fish skin, its effectiveness would be affected by the heavy Yin energy. That's why Ashmole's bound books are often used to transcribe Water Spells, Paris bound books are used by Catholic monks for chanting, and Venice bound books are frequently found in the hands of dark creatures.

Zheng Qing was unaware of these details.

However, his intuition led him to reject the spellbooks with ornate covers and exquisite bindings that he had seen before.

So, after he stated his request, Manager Xiao Yuan led him to the display case for Chinese-style spellbooks.

"Pre-Qin Bamboo Slips, two feet four inches long, made from thousand-year-old bitter bamboo, with a green patina and aged appearance, bound with seven-colored deerskin. The outer slips are carved with the complete 'Shu Zai Sou' Fire Spell, and the inner lining is designed to be replaceable. We've included a set of linings made from different materials, including mulberry paper, Shu Mountain silk, two-layered fox fur, gold and silver pages, and so on. Customers can reorder comfortable materials from our shop after using up the current lining."

"And this one, the Han-Tang Silk Manuscript, five feet three inches long and one foot eight inches wide, woven from thousand-year-old amber silkworm silk, with a beautiful and soft texture, and a delicate and bright luster. The scroll is made of Ryukyu Rosewood, which feels warm and smooth to the touch, and emits a refreshing fragrance. The bottom of the scroll is engraved with the spell 'The East is Bright, The Moon Shines,' so even in the dark, the spellbook can be used without any issue."

"We also have Song Dynasty Spellbooks here, with ancient and elegant styles and meticulously chosen materials. From the threading to the binding, everything embodies the historical charm of the East. What type do you prefer, sir?"

The bookstore manager displayed and explained each of these Chinese-style spellbooks in detail.

Ever since the chubby man with the triple chin had revealed Zheng Qing's status as a scholarship student, Manager Xiao Yuan's attitude had become even friendlier.

"What about the price?" Although he was short on cash, Zheng Qing didn't mind broadening his horizons and gaining some knowledge.

He swapped the soft leather gloves he was wearing for white fine linen gloves. The bookstore also thoughtfully provided a single eyeglass, allowing him to carefully examine the patina on the bamboo slips, the patterns on the silk, and the beginning and end of the Song Dynasty book's binding.

"The Pre-Qin Bamboo Slips start at fifteen Jade Coins, with room for fluctuation depending on the chosen lining; the Han-Tang Silk Manuscript starts at ten Jade Coins, and the scroll can be replaced, so the price is not fixed; the Song Dynasty books are five Jade Coins, a unified price."

"What type of spellbook sells the most?"

"The standard university model, with a top-grain deerskin cover, silk bookmark ribbon, brass inlay for characters and corners, a blank flyleaf, and mulberry paper," Manager Xiao Yuan said rapidly. "Because it's the standard version, its durability is limited, and most students replace it every semester. It costs one Jade Coin."

"Is that so?" Zheng Qing weighed this.

"Given that you are a scholarship student, if these don't meet your requirements, our shop can also custom-make a spellbook for you, which will absolutely satisfy you." Seeing Zheng Qing's hesitation, Manager Xiao Yuan actively recommended, "Shangyuan Bookstore has a spellbook master certified by the Wizard Alliance, so you can rest assured."

"It must be very expensive."

"Prices start from one Gold Bean and go up indefinitely. The price of the spellbook varies depending on the materials and your requirements. As a scholarship student, there's a 30% discount on labor."

"I'll go take a look." Zheng Qing chuckled inwardly, estimating if he could buy a spellbook with three to five Gold Beans.

Jade Coins, Gold Beans, Silver Horns, and Copper Coins are several currencies in the wizarding world. One Jade Coin can 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 to seven Gold Beans.

According to Thomas, a handful of Copper Coins would be enough for Zheng Qing's three meals a day at university. Six to seven Gold Beans would probably be enough for his living expenses for a month.

His full scholarship was only ten Jade Coins, which needed to cover all the required school supplies and also account for other expenses after the semester began.

Zheng Qing felt a bit tight on funds.

Since learning the currency exchange rate, he had given up on asking his family for money.

Since there was no immediate source of income, he had to learn to be thrifty.

"This way, please." Manager Xiao Yuan led Zheng Qing to a small door in the depths of the bookstore.

The double wooden doors were blue, which clashed with the overall dark color scheme of the shop. The door frame was carved with runes for warding off evil, and the door panels were adorned with New Year's paintings of Shen Tu Yu Lei. The paintings were a bit old, and the colors had faded slightly. The two great gods, Shen Tu and Yu Lei, leaned at the bottom of the painting, sitting lazily and playing cards. Seeing someone approach, they merely waved their hands to acknowledge them.

Zheng Qing swallowed.

"According to regulations, I cannot enter," Manager Xiao Yuan pushed the door open, gestured for Zheng Qing to enter, and smiled apologetically.

It was a bit dark inside the door, and the threshold was a full foot high.

Zheng Qing looked around and carefully stepped over the threshold.

The wooden door gently closed behind him.

The dimness, the quiet, and the aroma of aged wood gradually calmed Zheng Qing's nervousness.

The room was large and spacious.

Torches burned along the walls.

In the center of the room was a huge counter. It was the most conspicuous object in the room.

A mass of white hair was piled on top of the counter, trembling in the firelight.

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

Swallowing, he walked to the counter, preparing to greet again.

Before he could speak, the mass of white hair suddenly floated up.

A dried, wrinkled old face, like a dried walnut, appeared in his sight.

Zheng Qing was startled and immediately reached for the gray cloth bag he was holding.

The old man's vacant eyes rolled, sliding past the cloth bag. Then he lowered his head, and the shriveled walnut disappeared behind the wide table.

"Hello," Zheng Qing shifted back, moving further away from the counter.

Then he hesitated and bowed slightly.

When he looked up, the old man had already leaned in again, his wrinkled face almost touching Zheng Qing's body, his dark, lifeless eyes staring intently at him.

"Hello, um..." Zheng Qing was startled and tried to retreat, but the old man, without any hesitation, reached out his right hand, fiercely grabbed his collar, and pulled him forward.

Although he looked like a thin old man, his hand was like an iron clamp, squeezing Zheng Qing's neck painfully.

"Yes, yes, I understand."

Before Zheng Qing could speak, the old man's mumbling voice echoed in the quiet room, sounding ethereal: "A very powerful soul, very powerful. Although chaotic and complex, it contains a pure aura. I've never seen such a powerful soul. This feeling is unprecedented. Don't worry, I have everything prepared for you. You will have a powerful wizard book."