The "intervening 'if' clause" means that (1) the ability won't trigger at all unless you control a permanent of the specified color, and (2) the ability will do nothing unless you control a permanent of the specified color at the time it resolves.
01-02-2009
wotc
This ability isn't optional. When Sedraxis Alchemist enters, if you control a blue permanent and no other player controls a nonland permanent, you'll have to target a nonland permanent you control.
Random a card of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), but you can also roll the D20 dice, random a Planeswalker, have fun with the random rules and more.