"Wait, why are our spiritual energies connected?!" Arthur asked in shock.
"It seems that by giving my 'Spirit Wuhun' a name, you created a link between our spiritual energies! Your Spirit Wuhun, which takes the form of pure energy, recognized the name 'Lumy' as its own body, causing this phenomenon!" Jing Liu speculated.
"That's almost correct, Master! But the root cause was a small energy leak from the World Tree's core during its fusion with the system space! And by coincidence, you channeled that leaked energy into 'Lumy' when you named it, using your own spiritual energy as fuel!" the System explained calmly.
"Hah?! Today is just full of surprises!" Arthur sighed.
"Now that you're awake, we should visit the villagers and explore the village further!"
"Alright! I'm full of energy right now! Instead of just wandering around, why don't we go help Uncle Jack in his garden?!"
"Hmm... fine! Even if I get scolded, we must understand our roots to grow stronger and face the world!"
"Why do you sound like an old man?! Come on, let's go!" Jing Liu said, amused.
"Hey, wait for me! You don't even know the way!" Arthur shouted as he hurried after her.
Upon arriving at the garden, Arthur was, of course, scolded for bringing Jing Liu along. But after hearing her explanation, Uncle Jack let it slide. Besides, Arthur had also helped design an irrigation system that led to a more abundant harvest. Though it was just a child's idea, Uncle Jack trusted him and convinced the villagers—resulting in a system that ensured proper water distribution for the crops.
"Jing Liu, even though this village isn't special in any way—except for the legend that a 'Soul Saint' was once born here—simplicity in life doesn't mean weakness. Perhaps it's the embodiment of hidden beauty," Uncle Jack said with a warm smile, gazing at the garden bathed in the crimson light of the setting sun.
"Do you know? This isn't about the garden. It's not about me, either. It's about something you might not consider valuable, but to others, it could mean everything. I, too, have ambitions in life. I won't live with regrets! And that's why I have you and Arthur," he said in a deep yet comforting voice.
Afterward, the three of them returned home with vegetables from the garden to cook. Arthur told Uncle Jack that Jing Liu had awakened her "Spirit Wuhun" and possessed innate spiritual energy. Hearing this, Uncle Jack was overjoyed!
"I'll ask if we can borrow a part-time student quota from the neighboring villages!"
"Alright, you two should get some rest now! You must be exhausted after touring the village—even if it's not that big," Uncle Jack said while clearing the dishes, though Arthur and Jing Liu quickly helped.
The night was cold, but the small house felt warm. The chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves in the wind were like nature's own lullaby.
The next morning, as the chilly wind still blew and dew glistened on the plants, Arthur woke up as usual. The day to train himself and Jing Liu—for three months before facing academy life—had begun!
"Jing Liu, wake up! It's time to train!"
"Alright! To live without regrets, I must do my best!"
"Uncle Jack's words really left an impression on her," Arthur thought with a smile, watching Jing Liu tidy her bedding and rush out without waking Uncle Jack.
After a month passed, Arthur's life became more vibrant with Jing Liu around. His training now had a purpose: to protect what was precious to him. Good news came from Uncle Jack three weeks ago—a village had agreed to lend them a part-time student slot, on the condition that Jing Liu claim to be from "Hope Village."
"Art, I finally managed to walk alongside the waterfall on that slippery path! Can I try walking on water now?!" Jing Liu asked eagerly.
"Well, it's time for you to learn water-walking! If you succeed, I'll teach you what I've been practicing!" Arthur said proudly.
Jing Liu's presence didn't just give Arthur a goal—it also pushed him forward! Now, Arthur could even walk along the waterfall's edge—though only briefly due to his limited spiritual energy. His own spiritual energy had reached the 9th level and was about to break through to the 10th! Meanwhile, Jing Liu had already reached the 10th level the moment she awakened her energy!
"Alright, let's begin water-walking training now!" Jing Liu declared, eyes sparkling with determination.
"Got it! You remember the basics, right? It's similar to cliff climbing but requires perfect balance of both physical and spiritual energy! Meanwhile, I'll go explore the last two mountains near the village!" Arthur replied while strapping on his gear.
Truth be told, between training sessions, Arthur had been secretly scouting the surrounding mountains and swamps for iron ore deposits! He'd already located a promising vein in the marshes, but his instincts told him something more intriguing awaited at the seven mysterious peaks near Saint Village! He'd originally planned to investigate alone since Jing Liu hadn't met the safety requirements for steep terrain back then. But now...
"What?! You're going adventuring again?! Last time I couldn't join because I didn't meet the standards, but now I've surpassed all requirements! I demand to come on this expedition too!" Jing Liu protested, her entire body suddenly radiating an ethereal glow from some unknown energy source.
"Whoa! You can already make your ice float and refract light?! Your energy control has reached incredible levels!" Arthur gasped in genuine awe, nodding approvingly as he examined her technique.
After lunch, they sought Uncle Jack's permission for their mountain expedition. The old man granted it readily - Arthur had proven himself on countless solo adventures before, always returning unharmed. As they departed, fluffy clouds seemed to shield them overhead while rustling leaves created a natural cooling breeze. Their greatest adventure yet was about to begin!
TO BE CONTINUED...