Chapter 18: Blackie and Bumpkin.

"I already talk about it countless times, but I will still repeat it once more, so paid attention."

"The world we lived in is called the Realm of Yggdrasil, and everyone in this world is born with a Soul Origin Crystal and will be awakened at six years old."

"Well, at least, that is what I known about we human..." Coughing slightly, Old Fei didn't continue as he didn't know much about the other races.

For all his life, the old chief has never really traveled anywhere. Hence his knowledge is quite limited to the surrounding towns and the Eflo Woodland.

In the end, the Green-Wood Divine Continent was almost infinite, and without sufficient strength, many things will forever be buried under the dust.

And sometimes, knowing too much is also not a good thing.

"Anyway, as a few of you has already awakened your Soul Origin Crystal. What you need to do next is to absorb the spiritual energy from the world and cultivate it. Some prefer to the energy of the world as Qi, while some called it Mana, but the most used term is spiritual energy, and once it's refined inside your soul sea, we call it spirit energy."

Sitting in front of the campfire, Old Fei talked confidently like a peerless expert. The dozen of children all have earnest and focused expressions as they listened on.

It was already lucky enough for the children in their village to awaken D-grade talent, while a C-grade talent is rarely seen in many years. After all, their parents are farmers and hunters.

Due to the lack of resources, most children in the village take much more time to become warriors. It usually takes two to three years after their awakening, along with the countless training and exercise they endure.

Even if one lacks resources, it would be much easier for someone who has a C-grade talent to become a warrior. Their ability to absorb and refine spiritual energy is often faster and more efficient.

In typical cases, the standard estimation between a D-grade and C-grade talent is five times the difference in training speed and the amount of spirit energy reserves in their soul sea.

As for the soul sea or the spirit sea, it's the place that unlocks after a person awakened and is where one's Soul Origin Crystal resides and also served as the container of one's spirit energy.

However, if there are enough resources such as precious pills, potions, Spirit Stones, etc., the training time can be significantly shortened and yield more results.

"Come here for a second, big guy." Amid the teaching session, Old Fei called out to his War Soul. He wants to show off a few tricks in front of the children.

Shortly, a large and intimidating creature standing on its hind legs appeared as it walks out from the backyard of the old chief's house. With each simple step, it creates a dull and heavy sound.

It was Rank 2 Iron Clawed Black Bear!

One of the few most popular choices of a War Soul for ordinary people as its Evolution Formula could easily be obtained from any branch of the Adventure Association.

A Rank 2 War Soul, its presence alone indicates that Old Fei was at least a peak Nine-stars Warrior or could potentially be an Elite.

While fully standing up, the black bear measured up to a little over three-meter tall with its big frame fully displayed the multiple huge scars on its body when one looks closely.

Although they have long been healed, the scars still look rather frightening, the evidence proving which it has gone through many fierce battles in the past.

While the appearance of the Iron Clawed Black Bear looks scary, the group of children wasn't afraid at all, for they have seen it too many times.

They were all fascinated.

The valiant memories of the Iron Clawed Black Bear fighting and protecting their village from the demon beast from the past years have long been deeply rooted in their hearts.

They aspire to have a War Soul of their own.

All children even honor it with the noble title 'Blackie', the guardian of the Dandelion Village.

"Growwlll!"

While still carrying a stack of chopped firewood, Blackie scratches its bottom and lets out a low growl, looking somewhat annoyed as it was disturbed.

"Shut up and come over here for a second. I will give you an extra dried fish later!" Looking at Blackie, Old Fei flapped his hand. "The kids need you to do a few cool demonstrations."

"Huff!" Snorted in disdain, Blackie ignored Old Fei as it walked back toward the backyard and continued to work.

It still needs to chop the firewood.

The looks on its face said it all. Although they have been together for many decades, the older its master became, the cheaper he got.

'Just last month, I could still get two dried fish, but now...'

'One dried fish? Who are you kidding!'

Blackie lamented; it was so naive back then to actually be tricked into accepting the contract of such a stingy person. Such a shame!

"Grandpa chief, you are so stingy!"

"Yes, Blackie is so big and strong; how could you only give him one dried fish? It's not even enough to fill my tummy."

"Exactly, even my pet, Heavenly Doggo, could get half a dried fish..." The chubby kid remarked.

Seeing Blackie ignored the old chief and left, the group of children instantly burst out laughing, and they made fun of him for being a cheapskate.

Fuming in embarrassment, Old Fei rolled his eyes. "You group of little monkeys don't know anything. It's already winter, and the food is getting scarce; what do you know?" He criticizes them for being wasteful.

At this moment, Myah raised his hand, wanting to ask a question.

"What is it, little Myah? If you have any questions, just ask them directly. We are all a family in this village, and there is no need to be shy." Old Fei spoke, and his heartfelt smile revealed the few loose teeth remained.

"Grandpa chief, can you explain more about cultivators and War Soul in detail? Myah is confused." While brushing Bumpkin's brownish mane, Myah asked.

When Myah was lost in the wood a few days ago, he heard a pitiful cry.

After following the source of the noise alone in the night, he fell into a dark pit. Fortunately, there weren't any sharpened wooden stakes inside as it wasn't set up by a hunter.

Inside the pit, Myah met a young and obese Grass Horse, which he later gave the name Bumpkin. At first, both of them were scared of each other's presence.

However, the dark and cramped pit became the bridge of their bond, and now they had become best buddies.