I have a composite mirror

Chapter 41 Lightning-Struck Wood

"Choyung?"

Someone in the crowd exclaimed in surprise.

Gu Shenyan looked at the reactions of those around him, feeling puzzled.

As if noticing the expression on his face, a very soft voice suddenly came to his ear.

"The Chuying Pavilion is the highest-level talent cultivation program of the Xuanzheng Division."

Bai Cailing seemed to have used some special sound transmission technique:

"The treatment and resources they receive are comparable to those of some small and medium-sized sects."

"Most importantly..."

Her voice also carried a longing:

"Outstanding students of Chuying Pavilion will have the opportunity to enter the 'Mountain and Sea Realm'."

The boundary between mountains and seas!

Gu Shenyan had seen these three characters in many books of strange tales.

That is the legendary ancestral home of all sects.

It contains countless rare and precious materials, as well as the remains and legacies of ancient demons.

If one could enter, the opportunities would be unimaginable; no wonder these scions of noble families were all tempted.

On stage, Xiao Yichen continued:

"If any of you can make contributions in this operation, I can recommend you to my superiors."

"While I can't guarantee you'll be selected, at least... I can give you another chance."

As soon as he finished speaking, those who had been hesitant raised their hands.

More and more people raised their hands in the audience.

The once reserved scions of noble families now disregarded all decorum and raised their hands, fearing that they would miss the opportunity if they were a step too slow.

Xiao Yichen nodded in satisfaction, then glanced around the crowd again:

"Very good, it seems you all have some backbone."

"In that case, the operation next weekend will be scheduled for the afternoon around 3 PM."

"I will personally lead the team. You all just need to prepare your magical artifacts and talismans, and leave the rest to me."

As he spoke, he took out a booklet from his sleeve: "Those who wish to register, come and register here."

Everyone stepped forward.

Gu Shenyan also stood up, ready to go over.

Bai Cailing suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist.

The force of that grip was so great that Gu Shenyan was slightly taken aback.

"Senior?"

He turned his head and saw Bai Cailing staring at him with a very serious look.

You can't go.

Her voice was soft, yet resolute.

Why?

Gu Shenyan was somewhat puzzled.

He has now mastered the water manipulation technique and possesses the Lost Pearl of the Azure Sea, so he believes that dealing with some vengeful demons will not be a problem.

"You've only been learning for a few days?"

Bai Cailing's tone was full of anxiety: "You dare to hunt demons without even condensing a spirit core?"

"But……"

"No buts!"

The girl interrupted him, tightening her grip on his wrist even more:

"You have no idea how dangerous water monkeys are."

"Although their rank is only at the 'Resentful' level, that's an individual rating."

Bai Cailing's gaze turned serious:

"The most terrifying thing about water monkeys is not how strong they are, but their habits."

"They are good at hiding, concealing themselves underwater, and never acting alone."

"They come out in groups of three to five, or even more than a dozen at a time."

Seemingly realizing that she had spoken too harshly, Bai Cailing softened her tone:

"Be careful what you say. Since you've shown considerable talent in talismans, that's already an advantage that far surpasses your peers."

Why take that risk again?

The girl released her grip and sighed.

"You should first focus on your cultivation and master the basics of talismans."

"Once you've condensed your spirit core and become a true apprentice in the art of magic, I'll help you make some connections."

"As for the Xuanzheng Division, I'll have my father introduce you to a talisman master."

As she said this, her tone became more serious:

"In the art of talismans, with the guidance of a renowned master, progress can be several times faster."

"With your talent, as long as someone teaches you, you will definitely achieve some success within six months."

"At that time, you will not only be able to make money by drawing talismans, but also use talismans for protection."

Why rush things?

Gu Shenyan remained silent.

He could sense that Bai Cailing's advice was genuinely for his sake.

Unlike before, when she seemed to be testing me, this time she truly considered me someone she could trust.

Perhaps it was because she was rebuffed by Qiu Yu that she decided to put all her eggs in one basket.

"Okay, I promise my senior I won't go."

"Really?" the girl asked, somewhat doubtful.

"Of course it's true." Gu Shenyan smiled.

"Since you're so considerate of me, wouldn't it be a waste of your kindness if I tried to act tough?"

"Okay!" A smile finally appeared on Bai Cailing's face:

"This is the choice a smart person should make."

On the other side, Xiao Yichen had already begun arranging for people to come and clean up the tables in front of him.

In a short while, the uneaten snacks and spiritual food were removed and replaced with trays lined with brocade.

In the center of the hall, several more long tables were added, arranged neatly.

"Gentlemen."

Xiao Yichen stood at the front of the stage, his gaze sweeping over the crowd:

"Next comes the routine exchange."

"If you have anything you have acquired, or anything you wish to exchange, please feel free to bring it out."

After he finished speaking, he stepped aside, giving up the space.

The atmosphere in the hall immediately became lively.

The young men from prominent families took out various items from their bosoms and sleeves and placed them on the long table.

The first one to step forward was a boy who looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old.

He took out a piece of charred, withered wood from the brocade box.

It was about half a foot long, pitch black like charcoal, yet it faintly emitted a burnt smell.

The surface of the wood has cracked patterns, as if it had been scorched by a fierce fire.

"This is 'lightning-struck wood'."

The boy's voice carried a hint of smugness:

Three days ago, on a stormy night, the old locust tree in my yard was struck by lightning.

"The lightning was incredibly bright at the time. When it struck, the entire courtyard was as bright as day, and the ground even shook three times."

"I risked being split open and dug out this section of the trunk overnight."

After struggling for almost half an hour, my hands were covered in blisters.

As he spoke, he held up the log so that everyone could see it more clearly:

"This item is most effective at warding off evil spirits. If you wear it on your body, ordinary evil spirits will not dare to approach you."

"If used to forge magical artifacts, it would add even more power and thunder."

"Look at these scorch marks, they penetrate three inches deep into the heartwood, the power of thunder has already seeped into them."

As soon as he finished speaking, several people surrounded him.

Gu Shenyan also wanted to get closer to take a look, but then he heard Bai Cailing's voice beside him:

"Ignore it; it's all show and no substance."

"While it is indeed lightning-struck wood, this section is all show and no substance."

Her voice carried a hint of disdain:

"Look at those scorch marks. Although they've penetrated deep into the heartwood, most of the wood has already been carbonized."

"This means that when the lightning struck, the force was so strong that it burned away most of the spiritual energy inside the wood."

"The best lightning-struck wood should be lightly touched by the residual power of lightning, so that it can retain its spiritual essence and also absorb the power of the lightning."

"Those that have been hit head-on and are charred are only good for firewood if you take them home."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shenyan looked closely and indeed, the piece of wood did look quite imposing.

But the charred parts were already brittle, and they would probably crumble if you broke them with the slightest touch.