The sun had barely risen, casting pale gold streaks across the snow-covered village.
Mo Xuan stepped outside, boots crunching in the crisp morning frost. The wind had softened slightly, but the air was still sharp, biting through even layered clothing.
He glanced at the village well, the wooden frame dusted with snow. A faint warmth radiated from within—his gift from the Spirit Spring. The water now contained traces of energy, enough to stir dormant soul power in those who drank it.
Mo Xuan crouched near the well and poured a small vial of Spring water into it. Tiny ripples shimmered across the surface, almost imperceptible.
[Spirit Spring Effect Activated]
Purification: Removes toxins from water, food, or body.
Minor Soul Enhancement: +0.5 Soul Power to those who consume water/food treated with Spring.
Cooldown: 12 hours
A subtle glow spread through the well's water, and the village slowly began to stir.
Inside a nearby cottage, an elderly villager lifted a cup of water to his lips. He paused, feeling a faint warmth ripple through his body. His vision sharpened slightly; his weary limbs seemed lighter.
In another house, a young boy splashed the well water onto his hands, giggling as a spark of energy tickled his palms.
Unseen by the villagers, Mo Xuan's lips curled slightly. Even small gestures create change.
He turned his gaze toward the forested slope behind the village. His first hunting attempt had failed yesterday, but today he could experiment.
The Spirit Spring, though only Tier 1, could create food, purify water, and even heal minor injuries. He poured a small amount into the snow, letting it melt. The snow absorbed the energy, condensing into edible crystals of ice—roughly tasting like faintly sweet water, but nourishing.
[Spirit Spring Effect: Snow → Edible Energy Crystal]
Nutrition: Enough to sustain one person for half a day
Soul Enhancement: +0.2 Soul Power per serving
Mo Xuan knelt, letting his hands brush the snow, feeling the faint pulse of energy infuse the crystals. With the first taste, warmth spread through his chest, and a faint glow lingered around his eyes.
Not bad… he thought. Even Tier 1, it's enough to subtly enhance the body.
Back in the village, Mo Xuan poured some of the melted snow into small bowls, leaving them on the doorsteps of a few houses. By the time the villagers discovered them, they had grown curious.
An elderly woman took a tentative sip, and a faint gasp escaped her lips. Her hands no longer shook, her joints loosening after years of labor.
A boy with his nose pressed to the bowl licked the water. A faint warmth radiated through him, and he straightened with a small laugh.
Mo Xuan observed from a distance, face impassive. Yet a faint sense of satisfaction stirred deep within him. He had no friends here, but the villagers had treated him kindly, without suspicion. He owed them at least this small favor.
[Village Soul Power Increase: +1 Level to those affected by Spirit Spring]
By midday, small awakenings began quietly.
An elderly hunter's hands glowed faintly, his body more agile than before.
A teenage girl discovered she could throw her spear with newfound precision.
Even the village children displayed hints of latent abilities, sparks of energy dancing at their fingertips.
All unnoticed by the village, except by Mo Xuan.
He crouched atop a small hill, watching the villagers. His ancient beast, still sealed but awake in his consciousness, purred softly.
Pathetic humans… yet amusing, the beast remarked. You're helping them, and they don't even know it. How dull… yet satisfying.
Mo Xuan's eyes flickered toward the Spring. Soon… I'll do more than just minor favors. There are stronger beasts, hidden powers. And I have to be ready.
Later, he returned to his hut, carrying a small bundle of ice-crystals he had shaped into a rough loaf. He set them on the table and took a bite. The texture was gritty, but nourishing. Each bite filled him with energy and a faint pulse in his soul.
[Soul Power Growth Detected: 9 → 9.1]
[Skill Progress — Spirit Spring Mastery: 5/100]
Mo Xuan's eyes narrowed. Even small increments… they matter.
Outside, snow continued to fall silently. The village slept, unaware of the small miracle taking place in its midst, unaware of the boy who had transcended survival to touch the edge of something far greater.
And within him, the ancient beast stirred, stretching unseen in his Sea of Consciousness, whispering:
You are weak, but amusing. I suppose… you might be worth my time.