Chapter 145 Books and the Maid’s Request

The maid who had undressed earlier, her face flushed red, followed Shaoke into the thick, steamy mist enveloping the pool. Sensing his anxiety, she softly reassured him, “With long-term immersion in these medicinal baths, I believe you’ll recover.” To strengthen her words, she added, “That’s what our original trainer told us. The mage she served back then was in worse shape than you—but he gradually recovered here.”

Hearing this, Shaoke sighed inwardly. He didn’t believe these medicines could restore his withered, emaciated body—his condition stemmed from prolonged, excessive expenditure of mental energy, fundamentally different from other mages whose ailments arose from flawed cultivation or physical neglect.

Nonetheless, Shaoke forced a faint smile for the maid, signaling he was fine. Then he leaned back, quietly awaiting her series of massages.

Of course, what followed wasn’t what some might imagine. Indulgence between mages and attendants was strictly forbidden in the medicinal pools—this wasn’t their private quarters. Naturally, certain discreet actions by mages couldn’t be entirely prevented, provided they caused no undue commotion.

The maid, still blushing, proceeded to administer several proper massages to Shaoke. Some intimate physical contact was unavoidable. Fortunately, mages generally possessed strong self-control, preventing any overly impulsive incidents here.

Afterward, at Shaoke’s instruction, the maid began soaking in the medicinal bath herself. These concoctions benefited not only the body but also the skin.

Nearly a magic hour later, they both emerged from the pool. The maid carefully assisted Shaoke in dressing before escorting him back to the stone house.

After a brief rest indoors, Shaoke decided to copy some materials today. Having held the rank of Third-Tier Mage for some time, he still hadn’t learned the meditation method practiced by other third-tier mages. Prolonging this would hinder his advancement. Having resolved this, Shaoke told the maid, “You may rest here for now. I’m going to copy some texts.” He then gathered the necessary items.

The maid, however, turned crimson, nervously twisting the hem of her robe and whispering, “Mage Xueye, may I accompany you? I can help you locate books.” She shrank slightly toward the wall, as if fearing reprimand.

Hearing her request, Shaoke hesitated before replying, “The magical texts there aren’t suitable for those unfamiliar with spellcraft—I don’t want you harmed because of my affairs.” He offered her a gentle smile and waited quietly for her to prepare.

Receiving Shaoke’s implicit permission, the young maid nearly leapt for joy. Thankfully, her prior training prevailed, enabling her to maintain the decorum expected of an attendant in his presence. After thanking him again, she quickly straightened her robes and stood silently, awaiting his next instruction.

Though puzzled by her eagerness to visit the library, Shaoke didn’t press for reasons. He simply led her—relying on his memory of the route—toward the vast hall housing the extensive book collection.

Upon returning to the library, Shaoke couldn’t help but marvel. He estimated its holdings surpassed the combined collections of both the Mage Guild and the military library. Noticing the dense crowd of mages, he adjusted his cloak slightly, gripped his staff, and entered.

A library attendant dressed differently from his own quickly noticed Shaoke and approached. She offered a respectful greeting and said, “Honorable Mage, is there anything I may assist you with? I’m familiar with the classification of the vast majority of texts here”—adding, “This can save you time.” She then stood quietly, waiting—though she briefly glanced at Shaoke’s attendant and gave her a slight nod.

Surveying the towering shelves laden with books, Shaoke nodded lightly and accepted the library attendant’s assistance. He then explained his needs, hoping she could help him locate the required materials swiftly.

The attendant did not disappoint. After guiding him past several shelves, she pointed to one before them. “This entire shelf contains third-tier meditation knowledge—classified in great detail.” She then indicated a small ladder nearby. “Once you ascend, an attendant stands on each level to assist you. She possesses more specialized knowledge of the texts in her section.” Confirming Shaoke had no further requests, she turned and departed.

Few mages were present at this shelf. Judging by their staves and visible portions of their robes, Shaoke quickly deduced they were, like him, recent third-tier promotions.

Shaoke first surveyed the books on these shelves. He found them uniformly large, thick volumes bound in dark nanmu oak. Several occupied each compartment, with labels beneath indicating their principal titles.

After a cursory inspection, he noticed not only were the books inscribed with magical script, but even the shelves—crafted from some unknown material—were carved with numerous magical scripts and arrays. Fortunately, all such elements had undergone special treatment, ensuring prolonged viewing posed no harm.

Just then, the attendant assigned to this level hurried over. After greeting Shaoke, she outlined her duties: “I can help you locate your desired texts as quickly as possible—or you’re welcome to browse independently.”

Gazing at the books, Shaoke truly wished he could sit down, pick one up, and read it slowly. Yet given the time limit for his copying session, he couldn’t afford leisurely browsing here. Reluctantly abandoning the idea, he addressed the attendant: “I need the highest-level third-tier meditation methods unique to the military—across all categories, please.” He added, “Are there any meditation methods here that enhance mental energy? I believe those would suit me well.”

Upon hearing his request, the attendant hesitated slightly. Noticing Shaoke still watching her, she quickly nodded in agreement. She then turned to a nearby shelf and began searching busily for the required texts.

Soon, she returned, arms laden with several large volumes. She placed them on a nearby ledge, catching her breath. “These are the highest-level third-tier meditation methods within the military. Other advanced methods exist, but their special effects differ from those I’ve brought.” She then asked somewhat uneasily, “Those are on the shelf above us—I can retrieve them for you.”

“What are the special effects of these methods? I want the one with optimal results,” Shaoke reiterated. The attendant replied hastily, “The advanced method I just retrieved reduces the likelihood of spatial disturbances during meditation—effectively permitting slightly longer sessions. However, its efficacy is considered merely average among advanced methods.” She looked at Shaoke helplessly, hoping he wouldn’t hold her accountable.

Shaoke frowned and repeated his request, asking her to explain the advantages and disadvantages of that specific method.

The attendant then detailed the drawback of the method boasting the strongest short-term efficacy: sustained use over time would trigger intense spatial disturbances—persisting for extended durations. Only mages not heavily reliant on meditation opted for this method, allowing them brief yet highly efficient sessions after experiments or reading.

Having heard the explanation, Shaoke promptly decided he wanted this method. Of course, with the silver light at his disposal, he felt no concern about the spatial disturbances it might cause.

The attendant returned the previously fetched books to their places and ascended to the upper shelves to retrieve the volumes Shaoke requested.

After she left, Shaoke noticed his own attendant seemed hesitant to speak. Under his gaze, she quickly lowered her head and stood rigidly. After a moment’s thought, Shaoke asked, “If you have something to say, speak up. Don’t let excessive caution silence your thoughts. Look up—I don’t think that posture serves you well.”

The maid paused, then raised her head and nervously voiced her idea: “Mage Xueye, I’d like to find some books to read—not spell-related ones, but others.” She nearly lowered her head again to avoid his gaze, but at his gentle reminder, she reluctantly kept it raised, meeting his eyes.

“If they’re available here, feel free to search for them. Once you’ve found them, you may return ahead,” Shaoke said, regarding the maid with a faint trace of sentiment. He hadn’t expected her reason for accompanying him here was simply the chance to read the books in this place.

Grateful for his permission, the maid enthusiastically thanked him. After confirming his approval once more, she set off to search for the books she wished to read.

Not long after, the attendant who had been retrieving meditation-related texts descended from the upper level, carrying several thinner, open volumes. Noticing Shaoke’s attendant was gone, she showed mild surprise—but promptly placed the books on the nearby ledge, awaiting the mage’s further instructions.

After confirming once more that these were indeed the meditation methods he sought, Shaoke bid farewell to the attendant and returned to his residence alone.