Snow blanketed the village in a thick, pristine layer, but Mo Xuan's mind was far from the serene landscape. The forest beyond the northern slope held opportunity—and danger. Two Rank 2 and one Rank 3 beasts had been sighted earlier, and today, he intended to push himself further, testing not only his skill with the Spirit Spring but also the limits of his own soul power.
He crouched behind a fallen tree, observing the beasts through the thin veil of snow. Each moved with a different rhythm: the smaller fox-like creature was quick and nimble, the wolf was aggressive and direct, and the larger Ice-Fang Beast lingered on the edge, calculating and wary.
[Soul Power: 9.6]
[Spirit Spring Mastery: 22/100]
[Soul Ring Progress: 8%]
Mo Xuan took a deep breath, letting the Spirit Spring pulse lightly in his palm. The first move was subtle—he poured a vial over the snow near the fox, letting its energy ripple through the icy ground. The small beast paused, confused, its movements slightly slowed.
The wolf charged simultaneously, teeth bared. Mo Xuan shifted, releasing another pulse, this time concentrating on the snow beneath the wolf's paws. The terrain subtly shifted, altering its trajectory mid-stride, forcing it slightly off balance without harming it.
Good… the ancient beast purred in his mind. You are beginning to manipulate the battlefield. Remember—your Spring is not just sustenance; it is strategy.
Mo Xuan's eyes glinted. He leapt forward, dagger ready, and directed a third pulse toward the Ice-Fang Beast. Its amber eyes widened at the subtle pressure, the invisible force nudging it just enough to hesitate.
[Combat Strategy: Spirit Spring-assisted control]
The three beasts now moved erratically, each responding differently to his influence. Mo Xuan used this moment to practice combined attacks—linking subtle energy pulses from the Spring with precise dagger strikes.
The fox lunged first, sharp claws aimed at his ankle. He sidestepped, releasing a pulse beneath it, and its momentum carried it into the wolf, forcing both to stumble slightly. The wolf regained balance but hesitated, wary of the invisible manipulation.
Efficiency over power, the ancient beast teased. You waste less energy than I expected.
Mo Xuan adjusted, letting his Spring pulses guide the wolf while he focused on the fox. A precise flick of the dagger grazed the fox's flank—painful but non-lethal—asserting dominance while reinforcing control.
[Soul Power Growth: 9.6 → 9.7]
[Spirit Spring Mastery: 22 → 27/100]
[Soul Ring Progress: 8% → 12%]
Finally, the Ice-Fang Beast made its move, testing his reaction. Its stride was heavy, claws aiming for the dagger. Mo Xuan sidestepped, releasing a concentrated pulse that altered the snow beneath it, forcing it to land awkwardly. He rolled, striking lightly across its shoulder with the dagger, then let the Spring's subtle energy restrain it further.
The battle lasted only minutes, but Mo Xuan's mastery of control, energy, and positioning had grown significantly. All three beasts eventually retreated into the forest, leaving faint glowing pawprints in their wake—the signature of the Spirit Spring's subtle influence.
Mo Xuan exhaled, brushing snow from his cloak. The first true multiple-beast test was complete. He closed his eyes, letting the Spring's energy circulate through him, purifying and nourishing simultaneously.
[Soul Power: 9.7 → 9.8]
[Spirit Spring Mastery: 27 → 32/100]
[Soul Ring Progress: 12% → 18%]
By mid-afternoon, the village began to stir. Mo Xuan returned quietly, carrying a few small vials of leftover Spring water. He poured them into wells and left crystalline energy shards along paths. The villagers, unknowingly strengthened, moved with slightly more vitality than before.
A young boy practicing archery aimed with surprising accuracy.
An elderly woman carried firewood without strain.
A teenage girl twirled a spear with grace, her body responding almost instinctively.
Mo Xuan's expression remained cold, but a faint warmth of satisfaction pulsed inside him. Every increment counts.
Later, near the edge of the forest, a figure approached—tall, graceful, and familiar. Mo Xuan stiffened slightly, instinctively analyzing the aura.
[Spirit Detection: Twin Martial Souls—Attack & Support, Rank 2]
It was Lin Yue, the shou he had briefly met before. His presence was calm, measured, and faintly glowing from his twin martial souls. Mo Xuan's eyes flicked toward him, noting the subtle shifts in aura.
Lin Yue bowed slightly, a quiet smile on his face. "I sensed disturbances… multiple beasts? And yet, the village is unharmed?"
Mo Xuan's lips twitched faintly, almost imperceptible. "Minor experiments. Nothing beyond control."
Lin Yue tilted his head, twin auras pulsing faintly around him. "Your control is… impressive. You manipulate without being seen. Few could manage that at Rank 3."
Mo Xuan's cold gaze softened fractionally. "And you? Can you demonstrate control beyond brute force?"
Lin Yue's smile widened. "If you allow me, we could train together. Your Spring… and my twin souls."
A faint spark of interest stirred in Mo Xuan's chest. Perhaps there was benefit in this partnership—efficiency, strategy, and… something unspoken. I will consider it, he thought, voice silent but decision made internally.
By evening, Mo Xuan returned to his hut. The Spirit Spring pulsed softly, responding to his growth. His first Soul Ring was on the horizon—a threshold he could feel pulsing in the marrow of his bones.
The ancient beast inside stirred, stretching and purring in amusement. Finally… control, strategy, and subtlety. Soon, we will ascend. And the weak will not dare challenge us.
Mo Xuan's eyes glimmered, cold and calculating. Soon… they will all understand what power means.
Snow fell silently outside, covering footprints and glowing pawprints alike, blanketing the village in quiet peace. But within Mo Xuan, the currents of energy, strategy, and anticipation of power coiled like a storm, waiting for release.