The morning light filtered weakly through the drifting snow, casting pale, fractured rays across the village. Mo Xuan stood near the well, his black winter cloak flaring slightly in the cold wind. The Spirit Spring pulsed faintly in his palm, a warm, golden glow that seemed almost alive.
He poured a small vial of water into the well. The ice-rimmed surface shimmered as the liquid spread, infusing the water with a faint, unearthly energy. Beneath the surface, subtle ripples hinted at the dormant power hidden within—the Spirit Spring was awakening, even in its diminished first-tier state.
[Spirit Spring Activated]
Effect: Purification and minor soul enhancement to all who drink
Cooldown: 12 hours
Soul Power Influence: +0.5 Level to minor awakenings
The village, still quiet, would not notice for several hours, but Mo Xuan already sensed the effect. Energy shifted imperceptibly through the air, brushing against his skin, tickling the tips of his fingers. The faint aura of awakening was delicate but unmistakable—a spark waiting to ignite.
He crouched by the edge of the well and carefully sprinkled another vial of Spring water across the snow. As it hit the frozen surface, the snow absorbed the energy and condensed into small, crystalline shards, glowing faintly blue.
[Spirit Spring Effect — Snow Conversion: Creates edible energy crystals]
Nutrition: Sustains one person for half a day
Soul Enhancement: +0.2 Level per serving
Mo Xuan picked up one of the crystals, feeling the faint warmth pulse through his palm. Bringing it to his lips, he tasted it. The flavor was coarse, earthy, slightly bitter, but it contained the faint trace of vitality. It was sustenance, not indulgence. His body absorbed the energy quickly, and a subtle hum of strength ran through his veins.
[Soul Power: 9.2 → 9.3]
[Spirit Spring Mastery: 8 → 10/100]
Satisfied, he stood and surveyed the village from the well's edge. Snow drifted lazily over rooftops and wooden fences, blanketing everything in white. Despite the biting cold, faint traces of life shimmered as villagers emerged, unaware that the water they would drink today carried the pulse of Mo Xuan's quiet intervention.
A small commotion near the northern cottages caught his attention. An elderly hunter bent awkwardly over a pile of firewood, his hands trembling as he tried to lift a thick log. Mo Xuan's eyes flickered faintly, and he motioned subtly. A vial of Spring water fell to the ground, shattering and releasing a ripple that flowed toward the man.
The hunter froze, feeling a sudden warmth surge through his joints. His hands steadied, his breath easier, as if a weight had been lifted. A faint glow ran along his arms, so subtle he barely noticed it. Yet, when he finally lifted the log, it felt lighter than it should have been, almost effortless.
This is only the beginning, Mo Xuan thought.
He moved quietly through the village, leaving vials at doorsteps, scattering energy crystals along paths, and subtly enhancing the air itself. By the time the sun had climbed higher, several villagers were unknowingly experiencing minor awakenings.
A teenage girl, practicing her spear, felt her reflexes sharpen. She caught her weapon mid-fall and twirled it deftly.
A boy lifting a sack of grain felt a spark of strength, and the load became lighter, almost playful in its weight.
Even a frail old woman felt her limbs stir with renewed vigor, able to fetch water with less effort than before.
All of this happened without anyone understanding why. Mo Xuan's cold demeanor hid the quiet satisfaction in his chest. He owed these people nothing, yet he acted because they had shown him kindness when no one else had.
By midday, the first true test presented itself. A small, snow-covered slope on the village outskirts shook faintly, and the unmistakable form of a rank-2 wild spirit beast emerged—a crimson-furred wolf with ice-white markings along its limbs and glowing amber eyes. Its breath steamed in the cold air, and its claws left deep grooves in the snow.
Mo Xuan narrowed his eyes. The beast was small compared to legendary creatures, yet stronger than the fox he had tested previously.
[Wild Spirit Detected: Rank 2, Type: Ice-Claw Wolf]
He crouched low, Spirit Spring at the ready, calculating every possible outcome. The beast's aura was aggressive but predictable—brute force over intelligence. A single misstep could injure him, but with the Spring's energy and his own growing soul power, he could manage it.
He tossed a small vial of Spring water to the ground. As it shattered, the liquid spread across the snow, releasing a subtle purifying aura. The wolf halted, tilting its head, sensing the energy, confused and restrained.
Pathetic, the voice of the ancient beast echoed in his mind, amused and aloof. Barely a challenge. You are amusing, though…
Mo Xuan ignored the taunt. He leapt forward with precision, dagger drawn in one hand, the other hand trailing faint arcs of Spirit Spring energy. He did not aim to kill but to test control.
The wolf lunged, claws tearing snow, but Mo Xuan's movements were calculated, flowing with the rhythm of the beast's strikes. He guided it with subtle energy pulses, restricting its movements, steering it with the Spring's influence. In a matter of minutes, the creature was contained—stunned but unharmed.
[Soul Ring Progress: +2%]
[Spirit Mastery: 10 → 12/100]
Mo Xuan stepped back, letting the wolf recover. It glared at him once, then bolted into the forest. Control over life, not destruction… he reminded himself. Every trial, every subtle enhancement of power, was another step toward something far greater.
Returning to the village, he noticed subtle changes already: villagers moved with less strain, their eyes clearer, a faint glow of vitality surrounding them. None knew the true source. None would suspect that a cold, distant boy, with an ancient beast sealed within, had subtly altered the course of their lives.
He entered his earthen hut as snow began to drift heavier outside, the wind sharpening again. He poured a small portion of Spring water into his own mouth, letting the warmth and purification flow through him.
[Soul Power: 9.3 → 9.4]
[Spirit Spring Mastery: 12 → 14/100]
A faint hum ran through the storage space, and the ancient beast inside him stirred, brushing invisible wings against his consciousness. Its voice was distant but amused:
You are slow… yet persistent. Perhaps you are not completely worthless.
Mo Xuan's eyes flickered. Patience. Every step, every calculated movement, is necessary. We will ascend together… and no one will stop us.
Outside, the snow continued to fall, burying the village under a pristine, white blanket. Warmth flickered faintly from each door, the invisible gifts of a boy who had come from another world, who understood both hardship and the hunger for power.
And within him, the ancient beast waited patiently, as if marking the moment for something far greater—the beginning of ascension.