After the exhausting morning of class monitor elections, Ling Xian had nearly memorized every face in the classroom.
As expected, Su Xinyi was elected class monitor and class representative, despite Zhao Ming's ambition for the position.
Zhao Ming did, however, secure the role of sports committee member, a consolation prize of sorts.
Shortly after the introductions and elections concluded, the homeroom teacher entered the classroom and stepped onto the podium.
The room fell silent instantly, some students even hurrying back to their seats.
The teacher cleared her throat. "Good morning, students of the Genius Class. For the remainder of this semester, I will be your homeroom teacher. My name is Teacher Shuang."
Ling Xian had heard of this pioneering educator from Phoenix Ridge, one of the school's most respected teachers.
"As you may know, our esteemed Dean Xue Feng is a distinguished graduate of Phoenix Ridge. This very teacher was his mentor back then."
That's right, Teacher Shuang had indeed taught Xue Feng!
This fact alone earned her immense respect among the faculty.
Similarly, the core subject they would be studying revolved around Talismans. Talisman magic itself wasn't difficult to learn; once one grasped the fundamental principles of Spirit Power manipulation, mastering it became effortless.
The demonstration they were about to witness was the Talisman Spirit Summoning Art.
"I heard someone stole experimental equipment from the science lab! Who was it?!"
The room fell deathly silent, everyone too frightened to speak.
Suddenly, she pointed at Ling Xian. "You! I saw you steal it with my own eyes! Return it before school ends today, or you'll be suspended! And if you dare argue, I'll invite your parents for a 'chat'!"
Ling Xian: "..."
As usual, he remained silent.
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"As you all know, Talisman Spirit Summoning is a foundational course in the Divine Power Class. Since you're all beginners, we'll start with this. My previous class mastered this technique in just two days, so we'll be moving quickly."
Summoning a Spirit Body requires four main materials:
Spirit Paper, Vermilion Ink, a Phoenix Feather Brush, and, of course, a Formation.
Talisman Spirit Summoning—especially Talisman-based summoning—is arguably the easiest magic to master from the ancient texts. Once you grasp the essence of Formations, this technique flows as naturally as clouds and water.
Compared to sealing, offensive, defensive, or functional Talismans, this method yields the most immediate results and boasts an exceptionally high success rate for beginners.
Spirit Body summoning is divided into multiple tiers.
Teacher Shuang deftly unfurled a sheet of Spirit Paper and retrieved her Phoenix Feather Brush.
"Alright, watch closely now..."
Before she finished speaking, she had swiftly sketched the Formation. As the Talisman covered it, the Formation erupted in a sudden burst of light.
Dipping her brush in Vermilion Ink, she moved with fluid grace, her fingertips dancing with exquisite precision.
The class held its breath, watching as Teacher Shuang completed the summoning base in under two minutes.
"She's truly a master!"
Now, let's continue...
With this step completed, the Formation beneath the Talisman levitated, its edges glowing.
"Now, you can see the form and flames taking shape. The type of creature you summon depends on your spiritual strength and mental focus."
"Wow..." "So cool!"
"So elegant!"
The runes suddenly shattered, revealing a Spirit Body visible to the naked eye.
"Holy shit!" A student, startled, fell backward in his chair.
"Dude's scared of ghosts! Hahaha! Man up!"
"Fuck you!"
"Quiet. Now, as you can see," Teacher Shuang said, pointing to the Spirit Body, "this is a Level 5 Spirit Body. Yes, Spirit Bodies are classified by levels. Beginners typically need a magic array to channel Spirit Power more easily. I used one in my demonstration earlier. Now, let's discuss exorcism methods..."
Teacher Shuang raised her Phoenix Feather Pen and pressed it against the Spirit Body's forehead.
"It's simple. Draw a line from the forehead down to the abdomen, and it will immediately be returned to the Spirit Realm."
The Spirit Realm is the most fundamental layer of the universe's twelve dimensions, existing within the ever-expanding known cosmos.
This conceptual space was proposed by scientists based on observations of spatial rifts and ripples.
Further speculation suggests the existence of a Demon Realm, a higher dimension above the Spirit Realm.
As for the afterlife... that remains a realm beyond our current understanding.
With a wave of her hand, the Spirit Body emitted a piercing fiery roar, transforming into crimson smoke that vanished into the void.
The complete process of summoning a Spirit Body had now been taught.
"Now it's your turn to practice. Good luck."
With a click, materials automatically appeared on each student's desk.
"Woahh! The teacher's a total show off!"
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The classroom erupted into a cacophony as students summoned their Spirit Bodies, each manifesting in unique forms.
Zhao Ming summoned a death row inmate beheaded in 89 AD, his right arm now bearing a broken sword.
Hao Zhen summoned a female student who had committed suicide. A senior, she had tragically died after enduring relentless bullying.
Su Xinyi summoned a skeletal dog torn apart by a bear. Despite its battle-worn appearance, it was remarkably docile, allowing multiple students to approach and pet it.
Ling Xian watched the summoning scene unfold, a growing unease settling in his heart.
He hadn't even touched his Phoenix Feather Pen yet!
Finally, as he lifted the pen, he thought to himself:
At my cultivation level, who knows what kind of entity I might summon...!