The sun was low, its pale rays filtered through thick clouds, giving the snowy village a muted, silver glow. Mo Xuan had spent the morning quietly preparing—checking the remaining vials of Spirit Spring water, adjusting his winter cloak, and reviewing every detail of the small forest slope outside the village.
[Spirit Spring Status: Tier 1, Capacity 0.5 liters, Mastery: 14/100]
[Soul Power: 9.4]
[Soul Ring Progress: 4%]
His hands brushed the snow, feeling the subtle pulse of latent energy in the air. The first fox was trivial… the wolf barely tested me. Today, I need more.
Mo Xuan's eyes narrowed as a faint vibration traveled through the snow beneath his boots. He crouched low, dagger ready, Spirit Spring glowing faintly in his palm. The forest ahead was alive with subtle movement—he could sense it.
A rustle behind a snow-laden pine, a shadow darting across the white floor. The air tightened. A Rank 3 Spirit Beast emerged. Unlike the wolf, this creature was larger, heavily built, with thick icy fur and razor-sharp claws that glinted even in the dim sunlight. Its eyes burned amber, intelligent and calculating.
[Wild Spirit Detected: Rank 3, Type: Ice-Fang Beast]
Mo Xuan's expression remained cold and composed. This one is strong… but predictable.
He dropped a vial of Spirit Spring water to the ground, letting the liquid spill and form a faintly glowing barrier around him. The snow absorbed the energy, radiating warmth that was almost imperceptible. The beast stopped, sniffing the air, uncertain.
Patience… the ancient beast murmured in his mind. Do not strike too soon. Learn its rhythm.
Mo Xuan crouched, observing the creature's movements. Its steps were heavy but precise. Each paw left deep grooves in the snow; each twitch of its tail betrayed intent. Using the Spring's influence, he subtly nudged its path, guiding the beast without touching it physically.
A lunge—its claws tore the snow mere inches from his boots. He leapt back, letting a faint pulse of Spirit Spring energy ripple beneath his feet. The ice under the beast cracked slightly, slowing its advance.
[Spirit Spring Effect — Combat: Minor spatial manipulation; restrains and redirects movement]
Mo Xuan darted forward, dagger in hand. Not for killing. For control. For calculation. His movements were fluid, precise, a dance of distance, timing, and subtle Spirit Spring energy.
The beast lunged again. This time, Mo Xuan released a second vial, shattering it at the creature's feet. The snow around it glowed with faint light, the purifying aura creating a pressure that forced the beast slightly back. Its amber eyes widened as if it understood the invisible restraint.
Good… the ancient beast commented, amused. You're learning. Not bad for a mortal shell.
Mo Xuan allowed himself a slight smirk, just enough to hint at satisfaction. I have to control, not destroy.
The battle continued, snow spraying with every step, faint glimmers of Spring energy dancing along the beast's path. The air between them hummed with a