Onmyoji are practitioners of the Yin and Yang arts and the Five Elements. When they first emerged, they could only observe the stars, read faces, interpret directions, predict disasters, consult Feng Shui, and perform basic rituals.
Through centuries of development, countless eras of refinement, and diligent cultivation, Onmyoji gradually learned to harness the powers of Yin and Yang, mastering the Five Elements in practice. They first appeared during the Asuka period, thrived in the Nara period, and reached their peak in the Heian period. Back then, belief in ghosts and monsters was widespread; human fear alone birthed countless yokai, giving the Onmyoji a reason to flourish.
Even during the Kamakura, Sengoku, and Edo periods, although somewhat diminished, Onmyoji remained active in various corners of the world, performing their sacred duties.
The teacher at the podium was now detailing this historical background. Most of the students listened with interest… except for Ren Kuroda, who remained completely indifferent. He had expected practical lessons in Onmyojutsu, not a history lecture.
After half a period of theory, the teacher finally set down his textbook, surveyed the twenty or thirty students, and nodded with satisfaction.
"Normally, I would start by teaching you how to sense and awaken spiritual power within yourselves. However, it appears everyone here has already awakened their own spiritual energy, making that step redundant. Therefore, we will skip straight to practical basic spells."
Due to Kuroda's influence, the Onmyo Academy had more transfer students than usual. Yet most of the class were children from exorcist families. Many were only of average talent, but their spiritual power had long been cultivated by their families.
"No, no, no, no! Left belt three stars, right belt three prisons! Heaven and earth overturned, nine paths all blocked,so that you lose your mind and follow this confusion! East is west, south is north, those who chase me will never be found!Bright stars, Big Dipper, feet closed, thousands of miles, six Jia reversed, not avoiding disaster! Hurry, hurry, as the law commands!"
The teacher chanted swiftly, hands forming complex seals in the air. In an instant, his body vanished before everyone's eyes.
"This is one of the most common exorcist spells, called the 'Escape Spell.' Its strength depends on your spiritual energy, allowing short-distance movement."
When the teacher's voice rang again, everyone noticed he had already reappeared at the back of the classroom. The demonstration was brief, but the skill on display earned a spontaneous round of applause.
The 'Escape Spell' wasn't particularly advanced, but it was extremely practical. Even veteran Onmyoji relied on it in combat. Most yokai were far stronger and faster than ordinary humans, and only a few exorcists specialized in direct demon-slaying techniques. For the rest, maintaining distance and striking with spells was key. The Escape Spell allowed just that, though mastery came with practice, reducing incantation length and hand seals.
The classroom buzzed with activity as students tried the spell for themselves. Beginners learned the motions, while experienced students experimented with shortening the incantation.
Ren Kuroda, however, just sat there, utterly bewildered. He knew the words and hand seals perfectly—but lacked the spiritual power necessary to cast the spell. Could demonic energy substitute? He didn't know, and he wasn't about to risk it.
"Tenjōin-kun, why don't you give it a try? Even if you know it already, you could practice shortening the incantation," the teacher prompted.
All the other students chanted complex incantations and moved their hands. Kuroda remained conspicuously seated, standing out in the bustling classroom.
The teacher finally noticed him. Every Onmyo Academy teacher had heard of Ren Kuroda, the exceptional transfer student. Before arriving, he had already fought demons independently. Naturally, they assumed he was capable—they simply thought he hadn't grasped this basic spell yet.
Sometimes, fame was more trouble than it was worth. Kuroda had hoped to quietly wait until the lesson ended to experiment with using demonic power for Onmyojutsu. But now, the entire class was watching him expectantly.
"Fine. I'll just try it," Kuroda muttered under his breath.
Standing slowly, he joined his index and middle fingers together, mimicking the teacher's hand seals.
"No, no, no, no! Left belt three stars, right belt three prisons! Heaven and earth overturned, nine paths all blocked,causing you to lose your mind and follow this confusion! East is west, south is north, those who chase me will never be found!The Big Dipper, feet closed, a thousand miles, six Jia reversed, not avoiding disaster! Hurry, hurry, as the law commands!"
As Kuroda finished the incantation and completed the seals, a glowing blue magic circle bloomed beneath his feet. In a flash, he vanished from the classroom.
"Ding! You have sensed the power of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements in the world and gained comprehension, obtaining a new source of power: 'Spiritual Power!'"
The system's notification rang in his ears. His expression shifted from nervous apprehension to pure elation.
Before he could savor the moment, a blinding light erupted. When his vision cleared, he found himself staring at an expanse of flawless, snow-white skin.
The phrase "skin as white as snow" suddenly made perfect sense. But the effect of the dazzling brightness—at least a C-class level—was almost enough to make Kuroda dizzy.
Then crimson liquid trickled silently from his nostrils.
The next second, a sharp, hard strike slammed into his face.