I have a composite mirror

Chapter 51 The younger generation is truly formidable.

The crowd gradually gathered.

Xiao Yichen stood at the front of the group and announced loudly:

"Gentlemen, we are about to depart. Does anyone wish to prepare some talismans for protection?"

As he spoke, his gaze swept over Gu Shenyan and Song Qingyuan:

"Both talisman masters are here; you may choose to purchase them yourself."

Calling him a talisman master is really giving him too much credit.

But upon hearing this, everyone still gathered around.

Song Qingyuan spoke first:

"Gentlemen, my name is Song Qingyuan, and my family has a long tradition of using talismans."

"Today I brought ten water-fixing talismans and ten water-avoiding talismans, all of which were carefully drawn."

"A water-fixing talisman costs three oceans, a water-avoiding talisman costs five oceans; honest and fair to all, young and old."

As he spoke, he took out several talismans from his cloth bag and showed them to everyone.

The cinnabar strokes on those talisman papers were indeed neat, but upon closer inspection, one could see that they were done hastily.

Although the lines are smooth, they are of varying thickness, clearly indicating that it was a rushed work.

Gu Shenyan watched from the side without saying a word.

Several students crowded around and picked up the talisman to examine it closely.

"Brother Song, this talisman..."

Someone hesitated before speaking, "The quality doesn't seem as good as last time?"

Song Qingyuan's expression changed slightly, and he quickly explained:

"There have been a lot of things going on at home lately, so I'm a bit short on time."

"But rest assured, everyone, the effect will be absolutely guaranteed."

"My Song family has studied talismans for three generations, so we have some credibility."

He spoke with great conviction, but the students did not immediately hand over their money.

Instead, she turned around and looked at Gu Shenyan.

"Brother Gu, over here..."

Gu Shenyan then spoke:

"My name is Gu Shenyan, and I have been learning talismans for a little over a month."

"I have fifteen water-fixing talismans and five water-avoiding talismans in my possession."

"The water-fixing talisman covers two oceans, and the water-avoiding talisman covers three oceans."

"As for the quality, you can judge for yourselves."

As he spoke, he took out several talismans from his cloth bag.

As soon as the talismans were unfolded, someone's eyes lit up.

The cinnabar ink on the talisman paper was neat and smooth, each stroke steady and powerful.

The lines are of uniform thickness, and the finishing strokes are clean and crisp, without the slightest hint of sloppiness.

What's even more remarkable is that the runes faintly emanated fluctuations of spiritual energy.

Although weak, it is stable enough.

"Great talisman!"

Someone in the crowd couldn't help but give a thumbs up.

The students crowded around, eager to watch.

"Brother Gu, is this talisman... truly something you could draw after only a month of learning?"

"nature."

Gu Shenyan nodded:

"If you don't believe me, you can try it out first before deciding whether to buy it."

These words further excited everyone.

Song Qingyuan stood to the side, his face already looking rather grim.

He hadn't expected that Gu Shenyan's talisman would be of a higher quality than his own.

What's even more infuriating is that the other party's price is much lower than the market price!

This guy's trying to cause trouble!

He took a deep breath, a smile returning to his face, and walked to Gu Shenyan's side:

"Brother Gu, your talisman is well drawn."

"only……"

His tone carried a hint of "well-intentioned" reminder:

"The art of talismans is vast and profound."

"While the water-stabilizing and water-avoiding talismans are practical, they are ultimately just the basics."

"If you want to become a true talisman master, you need to practice other talismans as well."

"For example, talismans for warding off evil spirits are the ones that truly test one's basic skills."

He spoke earnestly, as if instructing a younger generation, but his words subtly carried a hint of belittling.

Several students around looked hesitant upon hearing this.

Gu Shenyan looked at Song Qingyuan and sneered inwardly.

Song Qingyuan's statement that he "only knows two or three kinds of talismans" greatly diminished his own skill level.

But he was too lazy to argue.

Whether it's a mule or a horse, we'll find out once we take it out for a spin.

"Brother Song is right."

Gu Shenyan said calmly, "I am indeed just a beginner and still need to work harder."

"but……"

He changed the subject:

"The quality of a talisman ultimately depends on its effectiveness, not the number of different types."

"If you trust me, please buy a few to try."

"If you feel it's not right, I will not force you."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Indeed, talismans can save lives in critical moments.

Soon, after Gu Shenyan had someone randomly select a card to test the effect, someone immediately stepped forward to buy it.

"Brother Gu, I need two water-stabilizing talismans and two water-repelling talismans."

"Me too!"

"Give me three water-stabilizing talismans!"

Everyone rushed to buy them, and in no time, Gu Shenyan had sold most of the talismans in his hands.

On the other hand, Song Qingyuan's business was deserted, with only a few regular customers buying a few tickets out of politeness.

Bai Cailing and Xiao Yichen, the two presidents, each bought a ticket to save face for him.

Even so, he only sold less than 30% of the talismans he had.

Song Qingyuan stood there, his face turning pale and then flushed.

He never imagined that he would be defeated so completely.

Gu Shenyan, a beginner, actually managed to steal most of my business!

How could he accept this?

But he couldn't afford to lose his temper in front of Bai Cailing and Xiao Yichen, so he could only force a smile to maintain a facade of harmony.

"Brother Gu, you are truly a promising young man. The talisman you drew is... indeed quite good."

Gu Shenyan looked at him, secretly cursing in his heart.

I haven't had a moment's rest this week.

The proficiency level displayed on the Three Elements Mirror—Talismans (Beginner 56/100)—is the best proof.

Song Qingyuan probably never dreamed that he would improve so quickly.

………………

The team is about to depart.

Xiao Yichen walked to Gu Shenyan's side and patted him on the shoulder:

"Junior Gu, you've had a tough week."

"President Xiao, you flatter me."

Gu Shenyan cupped his hands and said, "It is my honor to be able to help."

"Oh, right."

Xiao Yichen took out a small booklet from his pocket:

"This is the 'Demon and Monster Compendium' from the Xuanzheng Division."

"It records the habits and weaknesses of various common demons."

"Although it's just a basic version, it might be helpful for your future cultivation."

Gu Shenyan accepted the booklet and bowed respectfully:

"Thank you, Chairman Xiao."

You're too kind.

Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "Since you are a member of the Xuanji Society, you are one of us."

"If you need any help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

After saying that, he turned and walked to the front of the group.

Bai Cailing also came over at this time.

Be careful what you say.

She looked at Gu Shenyan, her eyes filled with worry: "This trip is dangerous, I..."

"Don't worry, senior."

Gu Shenyan interrupted her, saying, "You will definitely return safely."

Bai Cailing looked into his eyes, remained silent for a moment, and finally nodded.

She took out a small celadon bottle from her bosom; the bottle faintly glowed with a spiritual light.

"You've used up your last quota, right? I still have twenty Spirit Gathering Pills here."

"Take this and cultivate diligently."

"Twenty?"

Gu Shenyan was slightly taken aback: "That's too much..."

"Take it."

Bai Cailing shoved the porcelain bottle into his hand, her tone leaving no room for refusal:

"If you really want to help me, you need to improve your strength as soon as possible."

"Wait for me to come back... then we can discuss other things properly."

Gu Shenyan held the porcelain bottle, feeling the warmth emanating from his palm.

He nodded solemnly, then casually pulled a paper package from his pocket:

"Senior, this..."

"What?"

Bai Cailing took the oil paper package, somewhat puzzled.

"It's just a small token of my appreciation; you might find it useful."

After saying this, he took a step back and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting:

"Bon Voyage."

The girl looked at him, seemingly wanting to say something but then hesitated, and finally just nodded.

………………

The group set off, with Xiao Yichen arranging the route and Bai Cailing following in the middle of the group.

She looked down at the oil paper package in her hand, feeling a little curious.

What did this kid give him?

She walked slower, putting some distance between herself and the people in front of her, before quietly opening the oil paper package.

Seven talisman papers were neatly stacked in front of me.

Five water-fixing talismans and two water-avoiding talismans.

The girl's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly took out one of the cards to examine it carefully.

She was stunned when she saw it.

The cinnabar strokes on the talisman paper flowed like clouds and water.

Every stroke is steady and powerful, and the finishing touches are so clean and crisp that they are astonishing.

The lines are so evenly thick that they look like they were measured with a ruler, and the turns are smooth and rounded, without the slightest hint of stiffness.

She took out several more and examined them one by one.

Every single one is like that.

Bai Cailing held the talisman, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up inside her.

She could tell, of course, that each of these talismans had been carefully selected.

Clearly, these are some of the best drawings he produced this week.

This kid...

The girl bit her lip, and her eyes even felt a little hot.

She could imagine how hard Gu Shenyan had practiced day and night for the past week.

Others may buy a craft, but she received... a sincere heart.

"Bai, junior, hurry up!"

Xiao Yichen's voice came from ahead.

"They're here!"

Bai Cailing responded and tightly tucked the oil paper package into her bosom.