Chapter 81: Elixir of Delight Cursed Black Crystal
Chapter 81: Elixir of Delight Cursed Black Crystal
“No wonder she won,” Andie said, glancing at him with concern. “But now you’ve probably caught Xin Xi Ya’s attention too. She’s not someone you want to mess with.”
“These things aren’t worth worrying about,” Luo En said dismissively, waving a hand. “Anyone who stands out will naturally draw attention. Instead of fretting over her petty schemes, we should focus on preparing for the Potion Master Certification. Passing that will resolve many of our current problems.”
They continued chatting about their recent progress and various pieces of academy gossip before Andie stood up to leave.
“I won’t disturb your studying further,” she said. “But if you ever need help, just send someone to find me.”
Luo En walked Andie to the door. “You work hard too. Focus on preparing for the ritual—our real test will come in a month.”
After seeing her off, he closed the door and turned back toward his evening potion practice, but suddenly froze in thought.
While Xin Xi Ya’s hostility was trivial, the presence of Aolifu always unsettled him slightly.
What secrets lay behind that perfect smile of the gray-robed youth?
——————
Aolifu’s laboratory occupied the top floor of the most remote tower in the School, a place almost no other apprentices ever disturbed.
The tower itself had long fallen into disrepair, its exterior walls crawling with dark purple vines rumored to be the failed experiment of some ancient mage—one that devoured small creatures that strayed too close.
Externally unremarkable, the tower’s interior concealed a world of secrets.
Following Aolifu through the wooden door carved with eerie patterns, Xin Xi Ya’s demeanor had completely transformed from what it had been in the plaza.
The rage that had twisted her face moments ago now gave way to chilling calm. The stormy emotions in her blue eyes receded like the tide, leaving only cold calculation.
“We should be beyond those annoying surveillance eyes here,” she said smoothly, peeling off her outer robe with practiced elegance and tossing it onto the rack by the door.
Her movements were fluid, betraying none of the fury she’d displayed earlier. The woman who had screamed in rage moments ago seemed like nothing more than a temporary disguise.
“So,” she said, stepping closer to Aolifu until their faces were inches apart, “you’d better give me a good explanation for stopping me when I was about to lose control.”
Aolifu took a subtle half-step back, pretending to adjust his sleeve as he created distance. That ever-perfect smile remained on his face, but his eyes flickered with caution.
“If you’d lost control there, you’d have drawn too much attention to Cui Xi,” he said evenly. “And have you considered why a girl from such an unremarkable background could train an ordinary Panther Girl to that level in such a short time?”
Xin Xi Ya scoffed but didn’t answer. Instead, she circled behind him, pressing her body lightly against his side.
“Aolifu,” she murmured, her fingers grazing his hand, her eyes gleaming with predatory amusement. “You’re always so composed. I wonder what it would take to crack that icy mask of yours?”
Aolifu’s spine stiffened briefly, a flash of disgust crossing his eyes before vanishing. He skillfully used the motion of adjusting his sleeve to pull away while maintaining his polite smile.
“That mask?” He said, moving smoothly across the room to put more distance between them. “You misunderstand. This is simply basic rationality. Emotions are a luxury in the Black Mist Jungle—especially for someone with our positions.”
Xin Xi Ya narrowed her eyes, watching his evasive movements with amusement. “You’re afraid of me, Aolifu.”
“Fear?” He chuckled softly, his eyes going icy. “Let’s call it caution. I understand your unique talents well. If I ever let you drag me into one of your carnal games, I’d probably end up just another puppet on your string.”
Rather than anger, Xin Xi Ya’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “You know more than most. Even among High Apprentices, few recognize the true nature of my abilities.”
“Then let’s discuss business.” Aolifu smoothly changed the subject, opening a cabinet. “You needn’t worry—I always keep my promises.”
He held up a crystal vial containing a pale purple liquid shimmering temptingly in the light.
“Elixir of Delight,” he said, his voice calm. “Improved formula. Effects are 30% stronger than the last batch, with a 50% reduction in side effects.”
Xin Xi Ya’s pupils dilated slightly as she leaned forward instinctively, though quickly resuming her haughty demeanor. “It seems our partnership will remain enjoyable.”
Aolifu handed her the vial, then clapped his hands sharply.
The hidden door at the back of the lab creaked open, and a towering figure entered.
Over two meters tall, the Organic Suturing creation had sickly dark green skin crisscrossed with countless scars. Its body was grotesquely malformed, with several obviously grafted organs protruding unnaturally—each radiating faint energy fluctuations.
“A specially modified experimental subject,” Aolifu explained, his tone as dispassionate as discussing a common artifact. “Its body has undergone countless surgical alterations. Each organ has been specially treated to provide sensations beyond ordinary imagination. Of course, taking the Elixir of Delight beforehand will enhance the experience.”
Xin Xi Ya rose slowly, circling the creature with keen interest as her eyes traced the strange organs. A slow smile curled her lips.
“Not bad,” she said suddenly, turning with a dangerous glint in her eyes. “But don’t think this will satisfy me. Our deal involves more than this.”
Aolifu nodded, moving to a concealed panel and sliding open another hidden door. Inside stood a row of carefully arranged potion shelves, each vial radiating subtle energy fluctuations.
“Everything’s here,” he said softly. “Banned potions, sensory stimulants… and the item you’ve always wanted.”
His finger pointed to a black box at the bottom shelf.
Xin Xi Ya’s eyes gleamed as she snatched the box, prying it open carefully. Inside rested a black crystal, its surface seeming to crawl with tiny wriggling insects.
“Cursed Black Crystal,” she whispered, greed shining in her eyes. “You actually managed to obtain it?”
“I never break my promises,” Aolifu said smoothly. “Of course, assuming you can continue supplying the ‘raw materials.’”
A satisfied smile spread across her face. “Don’t worry—this year’s shipment will be larger and better than ever. Those naive young slaves always provide the purest crystallized resentment in the world.”
She carefully closed the box, returning it to its place. This wasn’t the time to fully unlock its power yet.
The two exchanged knowing smiles, a chilling understanding hanging between them.
Aolifu moved to the window, gazing toward the distant Apprentice Dormitory Area. “By the way, you’d best lay low for now. Especially—” his smile turned razor-sharp, “—avoid provoking Luo En or Falu Ke Kingdom’s Thirteenth Prince.”
(End of Chapter)
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