Repelling the Enemy

"What is a shaman?"

A clear spring murmured over the clearing near the waterfall.

Su hovered in midair, his voice cold and sharp.

Before the children, numerous clay tablets had been neatly laid out.

"Shamans practice shamanism. A female practitioner is called a wu, and a male practitioner a xi..."

Su swept his gaze over them, lingering longest on the girl named Yue. She was the brightest and most perceptive of them all, able to understand everything he taught.

Should I say this is only to be expected of someone who once attained the rank of True Lord?

He smiled inwardly and continued, "Shamans communicate with heaven and earth through shamanic talismans and incantations, paying reverence to spirits... Thus, we do not worship gods. We offer homage only to the two concepts of 'heaven' and 'earth'..."

"Those first becoming shamans must perfume their bodies with orchid broth and bathe their souls in fragrant herbs. Thus, you must first practice the Orchid-Broth Soul-Bathing Spell. Temper yourselves with this spell to gain witch power, then use it to cast other shamanic spells... As the saying goes, 'Bathe in orchid broth and fragrant herbs, wear splendid robes bright as blossoms.' To honor heaven and earth and serve the spirits, you must begin by cleansing yourselves."

"Next... I will teach you the shamanic talisman for the Orchid-Broth Soul-Bathing Spell. You must recite this spell day and night without slacking... Once you know it by heart and have cleansed your foundations, you will enter the first realm of shamanism—a Witch Disciple, also known as a Lesser Shaman..."

Su raised his jade-like right hand. A point of light appeared, drawing through the air to trace a strange shamanic talisman.

Its strokes raced like dragons and serpents. Though seemingly chaotic, they seemed to carry a power that