On the martial training ground, the atmosphere was grim.
Chen Yuan, a third-rank Spirit Tamer from the Bureau of Celestial Secrets, stood tall on the commander's platform, his posture straight as a pine, exuding the bearing of a seasoned military man. His eyes flashed like lightning as he swept his gaze across the more than three hundred students below who had just completed their innate spirit weapon awakenings.
"Students, you have all awakened your innate spirit weapons. From now on, you are revered Spirit Tamers."
Chen Yuan's voice rang like a great bell, making everyone's ears ring. Then he turned sharply and asked, "But I want to ask you all a question: What is it that humans rely on when fighting against ghosts and monsters?"
Murmurs erupted among the young boys and girls in the ranks.
After a moment, Zhang Feng, who had awakened seven skill slots, shouted loudly, "Report! It's our innate spirit weapons!"
Others nodded in agreement, clearly convinced by this answer.
Unexpectedly, Chen Yuan barked, "Wrong! It's courage!"
Zhang Feng's face froze, utterly embarrassed.
The chubby kid beside Jiang Han sneered, "Always trying to show off. Try being cool now!"
Standing on the platform, Chen Yuan continued, "The power of ghosts lies in the fact that they are the embodiment of death itself—the fear deeply rooted in our souls for thousands of years! This old man has seen many Spirit Tamers with monstrous talent, possessing over ten skill slots, with limitless futures ahead of them! However—when faced with a weak wandering spirit, they were scared out of their wits! They lost the courage to pick up their weapons! When facing monsters, when carrying the lives of countless people behind them—can we trust such geniuses with our backs?!"
This speech left the students, who had never truly faced a ghost before, with grave expressions.
"This test is not only about awakening your innate spirit weapons—it also includes a practical combat section," Chen Yuan said. "If you truly want the power to combat ghosts, if you truly want to protect your families, then the first step is to gain the courage to face these monsters!"
"However, I must be clear. No matter how you confront ghosts, it comes with mortal danger. This old man cannot guarantee your safety."
Before he could finish, the students' faces instantly turned ashen.
"What? There's a practical combat assessment today?"
"I just awakened my innate spirit weapon and don't have any skills yet. How am I supposed to fight ghosts?"
"Wandering ghosts... starvation ghosts... water ghosts... I... I..."
Those supernatural stories they had heard since childhood now transformed into nightmares, looming over the heads of these mentally immature boys and girls.
Some were already stuttering, speaking incoherently from fear.
"Hey, Jiang Han... maybe we should..." The chubby kid's gaze wavered, showing signs of retreat.
His innate spirit weapon was a shield with five skill slots—mediocre but acceptable.
Jiang Han shot him a fierce glare. "What are you afraid of? A big shot from the Bureau of Celestial Secrets is overseeing this. Do you really think they'd let us die? They're just trying to scare us."
Seeing the expected scene unfold, Chen Yuan coldly said, "If anyone is afraid, you may withdraw now. There's no shame in it. Retreating early can reduce unnecessary sacrifices in ghost realms later!"
Soon, two-thirds of the group walked out with their heads hanging low.
Most of Jiang Han's class withdrew as well. Zhou Yan, though unhappy, tried to comfort them, "Don't worry. It happened too suddenly... the Bureau didn't inform us beforehand..."
Looking at the remaining hundred or so people in line, Chen Yuan suddenly noticed Jiang Han.
This boy with the worst talent—having only opened three skill slots—was still standing there. This puzzled him greatly.
Without dwelling on it, Chen Yuan continued, "Very well. I hope to see all hundred of you in larger ghost realms in the future."
"Next, follow me."
With that, Chen Yuan strode down from the commander's platform.
On the training grounds, Zhou Yan and the other class instructors took the students who had withdrawn back to the ship.
The practical combat section would be led personally by Chen Yuan, this third-rank Spirit Tamer.
"Oh? The trash actually dares to go get himself killed?"
From the crowd, Zhang Feng glanced at Jiang Han with a sneer.
"You f***ing bastard! Don't go too far!" The chubby kid raged, pointing at Zhang Feng's nose.
"Indeed, someone like you who drives away all spirits would be perfectly safe entering a ghost realm." Jiang Han said casually all of a sudden.
Drives away all spirits?
Zhang Feng froze, then said smugly, "Trying to butter me up so soon? At least you know when to be sensible."
The chubby kid was confused and muttered, "Jiang Han, why are you praising this guy?"
Unexpectedly, Jiang Han wore an infuriating grin. "Yeah! Just look at that face of yours! If you walked down the street at night, even ghosts would go out of their way to avoid you!"
With that, he grabbed the chubby kid and headed toward the school gate.
Zhang Feng's face cycled through red and purple. After a long while, he finally squeezed out a few words, "You... you stinking bastard! Just you wait!"