I have a composite mirror

Chapter 19 The Promise of Yunmeng

"From a young age, I could vaguely 'see' things that others couldn't see."

"At first I thought it was an eye disease, but later I learned that it was a talent for observing qi."

"Although the Bai family is a descendant of a royal family, they have ultimately declined, and most of their family's books have long been lost."

"I can only rely on scattered records and figure out how to cultivate on my own."

She sighed:

"I've only scratched the surface of it so far; I'm still far from being a true 'qi observer'."

Gu Shenyan was secretly alarmed.

Even with just a glimpse into the basics, one can already discern the "unpredictable nature" within oneself.

What level of skill must a true master of divination possess?

I first met you six months ago.

Bai Cailing's gaze deepened:

"That was a poetry competition held by the school. You represented the Chinese class and competed against several talented students from the Literature Club."

"Your poem 'Ode to the Plum Blossom' left a deep impression on me."

She recited softly:

"Snow weighs down the branches, yet they rise again; ice seals the roots, yet warmth still hides within. If spring arrives in the future, I dare to be the first to bloom on the branch."

"What a wonderful line, 'If spring comes again in the future, I dare to be the first to bloom on the branch!'"

"I knew then that you were not one to settle for mediocrity."

Gu Shenyan knew him inside and out; he was just a poetic tailor.

That poem wasn't his original work at all; it was clearly a patchwork of other people's works.

But such things, of course, cannot be said aloud.

"After the poetry gathering, I specifically used the art of observing auras to observe you."

Bai Cailing's voice became even lower:

"Then, I saw an extremely rare aura."

"The energy was chaotic and unclear, sometimes as clear as water, sometimes as turbid as mud; sometimes as solid as a substance, sometimes as dispersed as clouds and smoke."

She raised her head and looked directly into Gu Shenyan's eyes:

"This kind of energy is called 'the energy of change'."

"Those who possess this aura will inevitably experience a dramatic change in their destiny. They will either soar to great heights and achieve extraordinary success, or they will plummet into the abyss and never recover."

Gu Shenyan's heart skipped a beat.

The air of uncertainty?

Soaring to the heavens, or eternal damnation?

"For most people in this world, their fate is already predetermined. Where they are born, where they grow up, and where they die are all ordained."

"But some people are born to defy these predetermined fates."

She looked at Gu Shenyan:

"And you are that kind of person."

"So, when I 'unintentionally' brought up the matter of the spirit fish three months ago, I was actually testing them."

"I want to see if you can seize this opportunity."

"As a result, you not only found the spirit fish, but also successfully activated your bloodline."

"This ability to act and make decisions is a hundred times better than those 'talented men' who only talk the talk."

Gu Shenyan was silent for a moment before speaking:

"Thank you for your consideration, senior. But I don't understand why you're helping me?"

Why?

Bai Cailing picked up the teacup on the table and gently blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface of the water:

"Because I'm investing."

"invest?"

"Not bad." She took a sip of tea.

"When chaos is about to break out, no one can remain unaffected. Even the Bai family needs allies."

"You have the potential to change things. If you truly soar to great heights one day, remembering today's kindness will be enough."

She spoke frankly and without any concealment.

This honesty actually put Gu Shenyan at ease.

Help given with a specific purpose is more reassuring than kindness given without any reason.

"As for recommending you to join the Xuanji Society..."

Bai Cailing put down her teacup:

"That's the most elite circle in the provincial capital. The resources and connections you can access there are far beyond what ordinary schools can offer."

Now that you've entered the field, you should aim higher and see further.

"The martial arts school's small territory can't contain a dragon like you."

Gu Shenyan's heart stirred.

Bai Cailing's words struck a chord with him.

A martial arts school? That cold, indifferent home?

He had long since decided he didn't want to stay there anymore.

"Oh, right."

Bai Cailing suddenly changed the subject:

"Although my skill in observing qi is still shallow, there are still some things I can sense."

She stood up, walked to the window, and peeked out from behind the curtains:

For example…

"Someone is spying on us."

Gu Shenyan's heart tightened, but he forced a calm expression: "Senior, you're joking. Who would want to spy on this library?"

"Yeah?"

Bai Cailing turned around, her smile gradually fading.

"Then why is your sister sitting on the terrace of the teahouse outside the school, and keeping staring in my direction?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Shenyan immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

She was able to sense things so clearly from such a distance!

"Senior...I..."

He opened his mouth to explain, but didn't know where to begin.

Bai Cailing waved her hand, her smile returning.

"Don't be nervous, I don't blame you."

"If I were to have a deep conversation with someone I don't know well, I would also keep a backup plan."

She walked back to the table and sat down.

"Besides, the fact that you sent your sister to 'see' me proves one thing."

"What is it?"

"Your sister also has the talent for observing qi."

Bai Cailing sighed, "Moreover, her talent is likely even greater than mine."

"I have been studying the art of observing qi for three years, and so far I can only 'see' the general direction and color of the qi."

"But your sister..." she said seriously.

"I could feel that when she was 'looking' at me, her gaze was extremely sharp."

"It's as if they were born with the ability to observe, discern, and distinguish qi."

Gu Shenyan was surprised.

Even Bai Cailing found her younger sister's talent astounding.

"If I have the chance, I'd like to meet your sister."

Bai Cailing picked up her teacup and took another sip:

"If possible, you could try to determine if she has the potential for spiritual cultivation."

"Observing qi is one thing, but whether one can truly embark on the path of cultivation is another."

"If she truly has the potential, she could try practicing the 'visualization method'."

"Visualization does not require a strong physique, only a resilient mind and keen spiritual awareness."

"With your sister's talent, if she can follow this path, her future achievements may even surpass mine."

Gu Shenyan was somewhat tempted by what he heard.

He had considered having his sister cultivate?

However, they have been struggling to find a suitable method.

Now that Bai Cailing has said this, perhaps I can consider trying to enter the "Mysterious Administration Department" in the future.

"Thank you for your guidance, senior."

He bowed sincerely.

Bai Cailing waved her hand: "I've already said, I'm investing."

"Alright, enough with the pleasantries, Gu Shenyan. Actually, I need your help with something right now."

"What kind of help?"

"One year later..."

Bai Cailing said, word by word, "Come with me to Yunmengze."

Gu Shenyan's pupils contracted slightly.

He had certainly heard of Yunmengze; his grandfather, Gu Qingwu, had come to Guangdong Province from the Chu region.

Yunmengze is a vast lake that spans the entire Chu region, covering hundreds of miles in circumference, with its misty waves stretching endlessly.

Legend has it that in ancient times, the area where Yunmengze is located was once a palace of the Dragon Palace of the East Sea.

Later, as the sea changed and the ocean receded, only this place remained, becoming a marshland.

The swamp is rich in spiritual energy and teems with demons, so ordinary people dare not venture deep into it.

"Senior, are you going to Yunmengze?" Gu Shenyan's voice was a little hoarse.

"That place is extremely dangerous; even martial arts masters dare not venture there lightly..."

"It is precisely because of danger that opportunity arises."

Bai Cailing's expression remained unchanged:

"I need one thing—the Azure Scaled Dragon Fish."