I have a composite mirror

Chapter 37 Ghost Chariot, Bashe

"This is……?"

"The Chart of Destiny Fire"

Gu Sidu placed the scroll on the desk and slowly unrolled it:

"These two Destiny Fire Charts were brought from the Chu region by your grandfather."

Gu Shenyan stepped forward and examined him carefully.

The first picture depicts a strange bird with many heads that is entirely black.

The strange bird spread its wings, its feathers as hard as iron, and its eyes glowed with eerie blue flames.

Next to the image are text annotations:

【Ghost Carriage - Yin Fire】

[Life Fire Divine Power: Yin Fire - Can condense cold, ghostly fire to burn living souls]

[Note: This is one of the three life-force flames of the Ghost Chariot Bird. It needs to be combined with "Soul Howl" and "Multi-Headed" to fully condense the innate technique and manifest the true form of the Ghost Chariot.]

[Rank: Fiend]

The second picture shows a long, winding snake.

The snake's body was covered with bluish scales, but its belly was deathly white, like the skin of a dead person.

It was coiled in a swamp, its tongue flicking, surrounded by a light mist.

There are also words next to the picture:

【Bashe·Erosion Mist】

[Life Fire Divine Power: Corrosive Mist - Can spew out corrosive poisonous mist, melting flesh and bones]

[Note: This is one of the three life-giving flames of the Bashe. It needs to be combined with "Giant Transformation" and "Evil Devour" to fully condense the innate technique and manifest the true form of the Bashe.]

[Rank: Fiend]

Both of these Destiny Fire Charts originate from strange tales and legends.

The ghost bird is recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas:

"The nine-headed bird is called Guiche."

Bashe, also from the Classic of Mountains and Seas:

"The giant snake eats an elephant, and it takes three years for it to produce its bones."

These ferocious beasts from ancient mythology possess supernatural powers that can be transformed into life-giving fire, which cultivators can then condense.

However, these two Destiny Fire Diagrams only represent one type of supernatural power and are not complete.

Seeing that he was staring intently but looked puzzled, Gu Sidu explained:

"The Life Fire Diagram is the core item for cultivating Taoist arts."

"After a cultivator condenses their spiritual core, they must choose a life fire diagram and use it as the foundation to condense their innate technique."

"The so-called life fire is actually a supernatural power of the demon's true form."

"Your grandfather's notes record that demons are powerful because they are born with supernatural powers."

"These life-giving flames are the 'supernatural powers' drawn from them."

Gu Shenyan thought of his water control ability and the "water pressure" characteristic that it extended.

"For example, this ghost bird."

Gu Sidu pointed to the first picture:

"It possesses three great supernatural powers—yin fire, soul howl, and multiple heads."

"These three supernatural powers correspond to three life fire diagrams."

"If a cultivator can collect all three of these, he can fuse the three life flames into one furnace and condense the complete life technique."

"By then..." His eyes gleamed with longing.

"It can then manifest the true form of the Ghost Bird, wielding yin fire to burn souls, emitting a soul-snatching howl, and possessing the astonishing immortality of its multiple heads!"

"Such power would make even a martial artist at the peak of the Sha realm retreat in fear."

Gu Shenyan listened with great interest.

"But……"

He looked at the two charts depicting the life force:

"The two copies left by my grandfather are the 'Yin Fire' of the Ghost Bird and the 'Erosion Mist' of the Bashe.

"These are not the powers of the same demon, so...?"

"It's not systematic."

Gu Sidu continued, "You're right."

"You should know that demons are classified as: resentment-fierce-evil-calamity-disaster-calamity, and the rank of the Life Fire Diagram naturally follows the demon itself."

"Pure-blooded Ghost Bird and Bashe are both evil-level demons, capable of corresponding to True Persons of the Mystic Realm."

However, these two charts of life-fire are ultimately just single supernatural abilities, lacking a coherent system.

"Your grandfather was able to acquire them precisely because they were scattered and not part of a set."

"Higher-grade and core supernatural powers representing demons, such as the Bashe's 'Evil Devour' and the Guiche Bird's 'Multi-Headed'... these most crucial life-fire diagrams are often firmly controlled by major sects and powerful families."

He shook his head:

"Even if you have money, you might not be able to buy it."

"Scattered, single-life-fire diagrams like these can be used, but once a cultivator condenses them..."

Gu Sidu thought for a moment and gave an example:

"It's like only learning one or two tricks; they may seem impressive, but they're not up to par."

"What's even more dangerous is that once such an incomplete life force is formed, it becomes extremely dangerous to change the system in the future."

"It could easily lead to a qi deviation, causing all previous efforts to be wasted."

So that's how it is. Everyone who wants a Fire Element set is looking for complete sets, but he only has individual pieces, and not even the core pieces.

But for himself... he thought of the synthesis of the three-element mirror.

If you can collect three Fire Element Diagrams of the same attribute and synthesize them using the Three Elements Mirror, what will it become?

"By the way, Father."

He mentioned tomorrow's gathering:

"I'm going to a gathering of practitioners of magic and Taoist arts tomorrow."

"A gathering of spiritual practitioners?"

Gu Sidu's eyes showed surprise: "You have this kind of relationship?"

"It was recommended by a classmate."

"I have heard that people often exchange life fire diagrams at gatherings of practitioners."

"These two Life Fire Diagrams are not needed for now..."

He concealed the fact that he knew Princess Bai and Qiu Yu, and only tentatively asked:

"Could you trade it for something else? Or... make a few copies?"

"Rubbing?"

Gu Sidu shook his head: "The Life Fire Diagram is not that simple."

He pointed to the scroll:

"Look closely, how is this paper different from ordinary Xuan paper?"

Gu Shenyan leaned closer to take a look.

Sure enough, although the paper was yellowish, its texture was extremely unique.

It felt somewhat warm to the touch, like the skin of a living creature.

"The original Fire of Fate Diagram has two main aspects."

Gu Sidu explained:

First, anti-counterfeiting.

"This paper was made with spiritual materials, and the drawing process was further enhanced by secret techniques."

"In this way, we can ensure that the drawings and detailed annotations have not been tampered with."

"Otherwise, what if the Fire of Life diagram is tampered with?"

When cultivators condense their life fire, they are extremely prone to qi deviation and demonic possession, even to the point of their soul being scattered.

Gu Shenyan had indeed not considered this aspect.

Yes, if you were to practice using a secret manual that someone else had tampered with, wouldn't that be playing with your life?

Secondly, the increase.

Gu Sidu added:

"During the creation process, the Lifefire Diagram will incorporate certain elements of the demon corresponding to the Lifefire."

"For example, the Ghost Bird's Life Fire Diagram contains Ghost Bird feather powder infused into the paper."

"The life fire diagram of this Bashe has been incorporated into the scales of the Bashe."

"In this way, cultivators can achieve twice the result with half the effort when condensing their life fire."

"What's even better is..."

He paused:

"This original diagram can also subtly guide the user to find the demonic resources needed for the life-fire."

"Once you get close to a certain area, you can roughly pinpoint its location."

"This is like pointing out a clear path for practitioners, saving them countless hours of searching."

Gu Shenyan's eyes lit up as he listened.

Therefore, the original Life Fire Diagram is extremely valuable!

"Then... what about the rubbings?"

"A rubbing is naturally not as good as the original."

Gu Sidu said:

"While the pattern and some of its essence can be replicated during the rubbing process, the demonic organization embedded in the paper cannot be copied."

"Therefore, the effect of condensing life fire in a rubbing is much worse, and it cannot guide the search for demons."

"However, in the end, one is still able to master the cultivation method."

As he spoke, he took out four more scrolls from the drawer:

"Fortunately, when I went to the Xuanzheng Division on business for my father last time, I asked them to make a few copies for me."

"After all, the art of rubbing is very particular and is an important branch of talismanic arts."

"We're just a small family, how could we possibly have such methods? We can only turn to the Xuanzheng Division for help."

He pushed the other four reels in front of Gu Shenyan:

"These two are rubbings of the Ghost Bird, and those two are of the Bashe."

"Including the original ones, I've given you a total of six Life Fire Diagrams."

"You can decide what to do with it. Whether you want to exchange it or keep it for your own cultivation later, it's up to you."

Gu Shenyan was overjoyed.

Two originals, four copies! If synthesized using the Tri-Element Mirror...

He suppressed his excitement and said respectfully, "Thank you, Father."

"No need to thank me." Gu Sidu waved his hand.

"These were left to you by your grandfather; they should be yours."

He walked back to the window, his back to Gu Shenyan, his voice low and deep:

"Be careful what you say, I have something else to tell you."

Gu Shenyan's heart tightened.

"I may have to go out in a while."

If nothing unexpected happens, he might be able to break through to the Perfected Realm of Fiend, and have a chance to become a Grandmaster.

Gu Sidu said slowly:

"At that time, the Crane Style Boxing School will be able to truly bring glory to its family."

"But……"

"What if something unexpected happens..."

He turned around and looked at Gu Shenyan:

"As your father, I hope you can raise Weiwei well."

"It would be best..." he took a deep breath, "that you don't get involved with me, Gu Sidu, anymore."

These words were spoken with extreme resolve.

Gu Shenyan was stunned.

What does that mean?

This seems like... entrusting an orphan to someone?

"Father, what...what are you going to do?"

Gu Shenyan couldn't help but ask.

There are some things you don't need to know right now.

Gu Sidu shook his head: "Just remember what your father said."

"Remember, don't hesitate."

As he said this, a hint of reluctance appeared in his eyes:

"I have failed you and your siblings in my life."

"When it comes to the end, this is all I can do."

Gu Shenyan looked at him, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

This cheapskate dad...

What exactly are they planning?

"Alright, it's getting late."

Gu Sidu waved his hand:

"Go back and rest. Do your best at tomorrow's party."

Gu Shenyan gave him a deep look and finally nodded.

"Yes."

He carefully put away the one hundred silver dollars and the six Life Fire Diagrams, then turned and left the study.

As he walked along the corridor, the night breeze made his neck feel a little cold.