I have a composite mirror

On the scroll, there is a monster with a dragon's head.

The monster had the body of a giant fish, but its head had dragon horns, and it was surrounded by surging water.

Although it lacks the majesty of a true dragon, its fierce aura is palpable.

【Chi Snake - Surge of Waves】

[Life Fire Divine Power: Surge - Can unleash raging waves to engulf enemies]

[Rank: Fierce]

[Note: This is a mixed-blood descendant of Chiwen, one of the nine sons of the dragon. Although the bloodline is diluted, it still retains some of the supernatural power to control water.]

Gu Shenyan's eyes lit up when he saw the Life Fire Diagram!

Chi-Snake! A mixed-blood descendant of one of the nine sons of the dragon—this is exactly what I need!

"This is a rubbing of the core life fire of the 'Chi Snake'."

Duan Yulou's voice became solemn:

"Chiwen, one of the nine sons of the dragon, is fond of looking out and venturing into danger, and is often used as a decoration on the roof ridge of palaces."

"Although the one depicted in this picture is not a pure-blooded Chiwen, it is still a descendant of its bloodline."

"Its 'surge' can create turbulent waves, and its power is considerable."

He said this and looked at everyone:

"Although it is of the fierce grade, it is also extremely precious."

"Price: 80 silver dollars, no bargaining."

This price is twice as expensive as those previously sold high-grade individual parts.

"Isn't that too expensive?" someone frowned.

"Not expensive."

Duan Yulou, however, remained calm and unhurried:

"To condense the life fire, it is necessary to specify the body tissue of a demon."

Those fiendish-level life flames represent the corresponding powerful demons. Who among you possesses the ability to hunt them down?

"Everyone buys the Fiery Fiery Diagram because they're gambling on a possibility."

"But a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, and what's more, the Chi-snake is of dragon bloodline, born noble, and has great potential for future advancement."

"The 'Illustrated Compendium of Ten Thousand Demons' clearly states that the evil-level 'Chiwen' has the potential to advance to the level of the great true dragons of the calamity level."

"Its 'Surge' supernatural power can also communicate with many water and fire elements."

"Whether it's 'Water Escape,' 'Erosion,' or 'Torrent,' most water-based life-fire techniques can be used interchangeably with it."

"How can those miscellaneous pieces compare to such a versatile Life Fire Diagram?"

He gave a persuasive sales pitch, speaking eloquently, but the price of eighty silver dollars still deterred most people.

"Senior..." Gu Shenyan asked hesitantly.

"Don't be in a hurry," Bai Cailing chuckled. "Look, no one is bidding."

"Let's wait a bit longer, maybe the price will drop further."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shenyan continued to wait.

Sure enough, after a while no one came forward.

Eighty silver dollars was not a small sum for these scions of prominent families.

Moreover, the lack of the "Xuanzhengsi" mark on this rubbing indicates that its origin is unclear and its authenticity is difficult to determine.

If it turns out to be fake after you buy it, wouldn't that be like throwing away eighty dollars?

When Duan Yulou saw that no one answered, a look of disappointment appeared on his face.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking:

"Since you all feel the price is too high..."

"Then I will concede."

"Seventy-five silver dollars, that's the lowest I can go."

When Gu Shenyan saw the price drop, he didn't rush over immediately, but waited a while longer.

After confirming that no one was bidding, he slowly walked to the table.

"My friend."

He cupped his hands and said:

"I am quite interested in this Destiny Fire Diagram."

"only……"

He feigned hesitation: "I don't have enough money on hand, I wonder if it would be possible..."

"Is there any way?" Duan Yulou frowned as he looked at him.

"I do have two rubbings of the Life Fire Diagram."

Gu Shenyan took out two scrolls from his bosom:

"Could this be used to offset some of the cost?"

He unfolded the two rubbings he had brought.

Duan Yulou glanced at it, a hint of interest in his eyes.

"The Ghost Bird's 'Yin Fire'? The Bashe's 'Erosion Mist'? And it's even a version printed by the 'Xuanzhengsi'?"

Rubbings produced by "Genjōji" are several times better than ordinary rubbings without any markings.

He pondered for a moment:

"These two charts depicting the element of fire are not bad."

"But... they're all low-grade fragments, their value is limited, they can't compare to my core Life Fire Diagram..."

At this point, he glanced at Bai Cailing behind Gu Shenyan:

"However, since Princess Bai is here, wouldn't it be too disrespectful of me to keep insisting on the price?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Cailing smiled and said, "Thank you, Second Brother Duan."

Duan Yulou waved his hand.

"If you are willing to exchange both of these Life Fire Diagrams, I will give you the 'Chi Serpent - Surge'."

Gu Shenyan was overjoyed upon hearing this.

At this price, I don't need to pay any extra money!

But a hint of hesitation appeared on his face:

"this……"

He seemed to be weighing the pros and cons.

"Your Excellency need not hesitate."

Duan Yulou said:

"Those two low-grade fragments in your hand, although of high quality, are ultimately not part of a complete system."

"Even if I bought it, it would be difficult to condense the complete demonic form. It would be more practical than this ferocious-level core diagram."

"not to mention……"

He looked at Gu Shenyan, a hint of a smile in his eyes:

"You specialize in water-based magic, don't you?"

"This 'Chishe·Surging Waves' is perfect for you."

Gu Shenyan frowned. This person... actually figured it out?

"I simply think this Destiny Fire Diagram is quite nice and want to collect it."

He tried to make his tone sound casual.

"Is that so?"

Duan Yulou smiled but didn't expose him: "Then it's up to you."

"This picture is priced at seventy-five silver dollars, while your two Life Fire pictures are only worth sixty silver dollars. So I'm actually losing money."

"make a deal."

The two exchanged places on the spot.

After the young man examined the life chart and confirmed that it was correct, he handed "Chi Snake - Surge" to Gu Shenyan.

Gu Shenyan accepted the Life Fire Diagram, feeling somewhat relieved.

Although two rubbings were used up, the life fire diagram obtained in exchange was truly suitable for him.

As he spoke, he took out a small booklet from the box and handed it to Gu Shenyan:

"This is the cultivation notes for the Chi Serpent's Life Flame. Although it's not as secret as the sect's teachings, it can still give you some guidance."

Consider it a bonus gift from me.

Gu Shenyan accepted the booklet and the Life Fire Diagram: "Thank you, Brother Duan."

"You're welcome."

Duan Yulou smiled and said, "If you need anything in the future, please feel free to come to me."

"Although my Duan family is not as powerful as those major sects, we still have some expertise in the field of rubbing."

As he spoke, he looked at Bai Cailing and asked, "Would you like to visit my home sometime?"

Bai Cailing nodded and took her leave: "I'll definitely do it next time."

The exchange continued for a while longer before gradually coming to an end.

Everyone gained something and left the Star Pavilion in twos and threes.

When Gu Shenyan left the hall, he specifically went to find Zhou Mingyu.

"Brother Zhou."

He cupped his hands and said:

"Brother Zhou, could you spare some of that mandrill fur from earlier?"

"I'm willing to spend three silver dollars to buy two of them."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Mingyu glanced at Princess Bai behind Gu Shenyan.

After a moment's hesitation, he readily nodded and said:

"Brother Gu, you're too kind. What business are we talking about?"

"I don't need that much mandrill hair anyway."

"You want two? I'll just give them to you."

As he spoke, he took two mandrill hairs from the box, wrapped them in silk, and handed them to Gu Shenyan.

"How can that be?"

"It's alright."

Zhou Mingyu waved his hand:

"Mingxuan often mentions Brother Gu at home, saying that you are an upright person with great talent."

"Having seen it today, I can confirm that its reputation is well-deserved."

"These few mandrill hairs are my greeting gift to Brother Gu."

He spoke sincerely, and Gu Shenyan could no longer refuse.

"Then thank you very much, Brother Zhou."

He took the mandrill's hair and then pulled out three silver dollars: "I still have to pay for this, otherwise I won't feel at ease."

Seeing his insistence, Zhou Mingyu stopped refusing and accepted the money.

After exchanging a few more polite words, the two took their leave.

Gu Shenyan walked out of the Star Pavilion, and the night breeze made him feel refreshed.

Today's trip was truly worthwhile.

All the materials for the talisman have been purchased, and the mountain goblin's hair has also been obtained.

He also obtained a core life-fire diagram of a dragon seed, and still had over a hundred silver dollars left.

Next came the days of seclusion and intensive training.