Combining it with certain auxiliary spirit abilities that cause a loss of sanity could create a synergy far greater than the sum of its parts. For example, the berserk abilities of the Frenzy Team in the anime: if combined with Gu Ziyi's Calm Heart Mantra, the recipient could maintain clarity and composure while gaining immense burst power—a terrifying prospect.
Such extreme abilities are rarely chosen by auxiliary spirit masters because they are hard to control and can result in indiscriminate attacks.
As for auxiliary skills like the Calm Heart Mantra, it seems they've never appeared before. At least, Gu Ziyi hadn't found any reference to them in his studies. While some combat spirit masters have similar abilities, auxiliary spirit masters seem to lack them entirely.
With just the Calm Heart Mantra, Gu Ziyi's spirit is highly promising and worthy of cultivation.
If he wanted, Gu Ziyi already qualified to join a major faction.
"If I were to join a faction, which one should I choose?"
Under the influence of the Calm Heart Mantra, Gu Ziyi began to ponder calmly.
He wasn't blinded by the arrogance of a transmigrator and didn't see becoming an affiliate as a problem. After all, joining a faction would undoubtedly provide him with greater resources and faster growth.
"There are many choices. Whether it's the Upper Three Sects, Lower Four Sects, the two empires, or the Spirit Hall…"
"But the resources I can get will depend on how much they value me!"
"If they see me as just another auxiliary spirit master, there's no point!"
"Besides, the Calm Heart Mantra isn't that rare. It's more important for lower-level spirit masters, but it doesn't hold much appeal for stronger spirit masters with high mental strength."
"With just this one ability, it's not enough to gain significant attention."
For now, Gu Ziyi decided not to rush into joining any faction.
The next day, Gu Ziyi went to the Spirit Hall branch in Liusha City to register as a certified spirit master.
"Name?"
"Age?"
"Spirit?"
The staff at the Spirit Hall branch asked questions one by one, which Gu Ziyi answered.
Before this, Gu Ziyi had already demonstrated his spirit and spirit ring to them, proving that he had reached level 11 and acquired a spirit ring. He was officially recognized as a spirit master.
After obtaining his spirit ring, Gu Ziyi's level had naturally advanced to 11.
Upon registering, Gu Ziyi became eligible to receive a monthly stipend of one gold soul coin from the Spirit Hall.
This stipend was crucial for him; it meant he no longer had to work as a part-time student at school.
"Here is your Spirit Master Badge," the registrar said, handing Gu Ziyi the badge containing his information.
"With this, you can collect your monthly stipend at the counter. Make good use of it and train hard. Contribute to the continent and become a righteous and capable spirit master!"
"Thank you very much!" Gu Ziyi replied sincerely.
The stipend was a huge help to him, allowing him to prepare for the tuition fees of an intermediate spirit master academy after graduation from the junior academy.
Returning to Liusha Academy, Gu Ziyi informed his teacher that he would no longer continue his part-time work as a student laborer.
"What's brought about this decision so suddenly?" the teacher asked with concern.
"Teacher, I've broken through level 10, obtained my first spirit ring, and registered as a spirit master at the Spirit Hall!" Gu Ziyi explained as he summoned his spirit.
"That's fantastic! You've finally broken through level 10!"
"And to already have a spirit ring—you've been working hard!" the teacher exclaimed, delighted by Gu Ziyi's achievement.
"It's all thanks to the academy and your guidance that I've become a spirit master!" Gu Ziyi replied with a smile.
The teacher, overjoyed, couldn't help but ask, "So, is your spirit a combat or auxiliary type? And what's your first spirit ability?"
Gu Ziyi hesitated for a moment before replying, "It should be an auxiliary type. My first ability is the Calm Heart Mantra. It summons a talisman that dispels mental anomalies and grants resistance to mental attacks."
The description fit well enough. The Calm Heart Mantra did indeed come with such effects, making it a powerful ability.
Furthermore, the duration of the talisman was flexible, depending on his proficiency and the spirit energy infused.
This level of freedom seemed to be a hallmark of abilities derived from self-created spirit rings.
"An auxiliary type, huh?"
"A talisman-based ability that's similar to detoxification?" the teacher mused, clearly impressed.
Although such abilities were rare and valuable, the teacher also realized they might not be needed often. Still, none of that mattered—the important thing was that Gu Ziyi had become a spirit master. His success brought great pride to the academy.
"Keep it up! I believe you have the potential to become a remarkable auxiliary spirit master!"
"Thank you, Teacher. I'll strive to make Liusha Academy proud!" Gu Ziyi declared confidently.
"Good, good! I look forward to it!"