The morning air was sharp and brittle, carrying the faint scent of pine and frost. Mo Xuan stepped out of the earthen house, the Spirit Spring pulsing faintly against his chest. Snow crunched beneath his boots as he approached the village outskirts, where the forest began.
Two months had passed since his arrival, and though the villagers still treated him with a mixture of curiosity and caution, Mo Xuan had already begun experimenting with the Spirit Spring. He poured a small vial of water onto the frozen ground. The snow absorbed the energy instantly, forming tiny, glowing crystals.
[Spirit Spring Effect: Snow → Edible Energy Crystal]
Nutrition: Sustains one person for half a day
Minor Soul Enhancement: +0.2 Soul Power
Cooldown: 12 hours
He picked one up, letting its warmth seep into his fingers before tasting it. Coarse, bitter, yet nourishing. A faint pulse ran through his body, and he felt the tiniest surge in his soul force.
[Soul Power: 9.1 → 9.2]
[Spirit Spring Mastery: 7/100]
Satisfied, he glanced toward the forest. Something stirred in the distance—a faint shimmer among the snow-draped trees. Mo Xuan's eyes narrowed. A wild beast… first real test.
He crouched low, drawing a thin dagger from his belt. Not much, but enough for a minor hunt. The beast—a fox-sized creature with glimmering fur and sharp claws—emerged, sniffing the air.
Mo Xuan analyzed it carefully. Its movements were erratic but predictable; it was wary, cautious, and very much alive. He extended a hand, not to strike, but to sense the faint soul energy pulsing within.
[Beast Detected: Rank 1 Spirit Creature; Type: Ice-Scaled Fox]
He smiled faintly. Pathetic… yet perfect for a first trial.
With a flick of his wrist, a small vial of Spring water shattered on the snow, releasing a faint glow that encircled the fox. Its body stiffened, not from fear, but the subtle purification effect of the Spring. The fox twitched, trying to resist, and Mo Xuan leapt forward with precise, calculated force.
Within seconds, the creature's soul energy was contained, partially absorbed, leaving it stunned but alive. Mo Xuan stepped back, letting it scurry into the woods. Not a kill—just control. Efficiency over cruelty.
[Soul Ring Progress: +1% toward first ring acquisition]
[Spirit Mastery: +1]
He stood, brushing snow from his coat. The village would benefit from this quietly—he could use his Spring to help them survive and grow stronger, while he prepared for something far greater.
From the distance, a faint, amused voice echoed in his mind.
"You barely even tried… yet your control is amusing."
The ancient beast, sealed within him, had awoken fully in his consciousness, stretching its claws, testing his patience.
Mo Xuan's lips curled slightly. Soon… you'll see what true strength looks like.
Snow continued to fall. The first trial was over, but the path of ascension had only just begun