Once they were alone, Gatyon gave him a strange look, staring at Lars for a long while before asking, "…How did you do that?"

 "I'm… Really talented?" Lars flashed an innocent smile.

"...….."

* * * * *

Afterward, despite still having a look of disbelief on his face every now and then, the seasoned hunter regained his bearings and began to explain more about the Earth Pulse.

"Seeing that you have such *AHEM* great talent *AHEM*…"

At those words, Lars blushed, embarra.s.sed, and softly said, "You don't have to keep praising me…"

Hearing that, Gatyon coughed even harder, feeling like he had eaten a fly. Why did this kid have to be so talented AND so narcissistic…

"…As I was saying, as you're learning so quickly, I think it would be good if I just give you a copy of the manual up to the highest level, the Land level…"

Gatyon walked over to a bookshelf at one of the far ends of the hall and retrieved a book about three fingers thick, two palms wide and as long as Lars' forearm.

"Here; this is a copy of the Rituals of Praise; don't worry about losing it, these things are pretty common. Go on, take it." Gatyon handed it to the younger boy. Lars nodded and accepted it gracefully, fingers running over the rough hide leather cover.

"The contents can be quite esoteric and difficult… Ah, though, for a genius like you, perhaps you'll find it simple… Regardless, to help you learn quicker, I'll explain what I can first."

Gatyon sucked in a deep breath and gathered his thoughts before launching into the meaning of the Earth Pulse. 

"Earth Pulse is the land, and the land's life is Earth Pulse. The life of the Land is everywhere, in every living thing." Gatyon closed his eyes as he recited what sounded like a poem.

He then continued, "This saying is the core of our cultivation…"

"Every individual or creature, plant or even the fishes in the sea – everything alive lives and breathes because of the Earth Pulse. It's just that some are more inclined to it, while others less so… This is the basic vitality that every creature has."

"Animals have a greater connection to nature and therefore they continue to grow in strength and vitality as they grow to adulthood. But as for us humans and other weaker intelligent life, we don't have the luxury of simply becoming stronger just by eating and sleeping. That's where the history of cultivating Earth Pulse comes in.."

"Ages ago, before the earliest recorded history, Earth Pulse was already practiced by humans and intelligent life in order to contend with the beasts – the favoured children of the land. Some say that Mother Nature herself saw the plight of us humans and bequeathed unto us this way of cultivation, while others claim that it is a remnant of ancient history, gleaned from the annals of the Great Sages who were lost in the sands of time. Whatever the case may be, Earth Pulse is one of the two great paths, alongside Divine Light."

"The entire concept of cultivating Earth Pulse is about we, the children of the Land communing with nature and absorbing the vitality of the earth."

Gatyon paused for a moment, organising his thoughts to focus on the key points for Lars.

"The 8 stages are Initiate, Pract.i.tioner, Sand, Soil, Stone Hill, Mountain and finally Land."

"From being a completely regular human being, a person begins to learn the ritual to Praise the Land. Once one is able to perform the first 10 steps correctly, one will begin to commune with Earth Pulse. This is when the person's body is nourished and strengthened by the energy of the land and grows more robust, though not necessarily larger or bulkier."

Gatyon folded his hands and continued.

"We call a devotee at this stage as an Initiate. With the improved speed and strength, an Initiate will be much mightier than a regular untrained person. However, Initiates are still merely stronger people…"

Gatyon seemed to struggle a little, stifling a yawn as he felt his mouth growing dry from the long explanation. But he forged on anyway.

"The next stage is called the Pract.i.tioner stage. Once an Initiate is able to complete the entirety of Praise the Land, there will be a qualitative change in the body. It is said that mysterious energies will form ley lines, which when merged become a web of strength interweaved with a Pract.i.tioner's body, creating pathways for Earth Pulse to be channelled through. A Pract.i.tioner is vastly different and this is the true entry to cultivating Earth Pulse. This is when a Pract.i.tioner begins to train in Pulse-line Arts and can merge with a Beast Spirit, thus utilising Earth Pulse for battle!"

Lars c.o.c.ked his head, asking, "…Pulse-line Arts… Those are combat techniques utilising Earth Pulse, right…? But what is a Beast Spirit…?"

Gatyon smiled, and unfolded his hands as he answered the boy's question.

"Yes…! Beast Spirits are the embodiment between an individual and Earth Pulse... Each person's character, disposition and strengths will be matched to an appropriate animal, plant or creature of nature. This becomes the personification of a person's Earth Pulse and power, allowing a warrior to greatly enhance their abilities based on their Beast Spirit."

"Ahh… Okay… What kind of Beast Spirits are there…? And why is it called Beast Spirit if it can also be plants…?"

Gatyon was stunned and froze. "This…"

He had a troubled look, frowning as he thought about the question, finally resorting to the simplest answer.

"Erm, I… Don't know? Well! Let's move on!"

"There are all kinds of Beast Spirits, and these are a.s.signed based on nature's pairing to each of our inclinations. Some will be paired to n.o.ble creatures like a great stag or a mighty eagle, while others may be a st.u.r.dy oak tree or even a blooming sunflower."

"A pity though would be those whose Beast Spirits are… Less savoury things. It also reflects badly on the character of the warrior… Things like a fly, a c.o.c.kroach, a worm…" Gatyon s.h.i.+vered when he spoke of these, drawing a curious gaze from Lars. However, he dismissed the thought and continued seeking more info.

"Okay, how about the enhancement from the Beast Spirit? What are the abilities given…?"

At that, Gatyon clapped his hands together enthusiastically and stepped towards the training s.p.a.ce.

"Finally, the part I've been waiting for! Better I show you, it'll be easier to understand."

Gatyon walked quite far from Lars and stood at the far end of the training s.p.a.ce before turning to face Lars.

"Watch closely. I'll show you the power of a Peak Hill-level's power!"

He pressed his hands together and closed his eyes, as if though in a prayer. Then tendrils of brown energy began to emanate from Gatyon's body, tinged with a green glow. As Lars watched, he felt the now visible flows of energy wash across his skin and watched with antic.i.p.ation.

'Looks like I've finally made a foothold in this world… With this first step done, it won't be long until I'll be able to make it back to Yiluo planet…'

Then Gatyon's power level rose again as he called out solemnly.

"Beast Spirit…" The muscular warriors already buff body began to swell up even more and the muscles on his legs rippled with power just waiting to burst forth. He lowered himself into a crouching stance, ready to pounce forward.

"RABBIT!!!"

He cried out loudly and burst forth like a rocket, crossing the entire length of the hall nearly instantly and landing lightly at the other end.

Lars was impressed, pursing his lips.

'He crossed the entire 40 metre width of the hall in a split second, definitely comparable to a Legendary warrior's speed… Fast enough that it seems like he had just teleported.'

'But what's even more impressive is his agility and control... The ground at his feet where he kicked off from looks untouched, while he landed lightly, stopping completely without any wasted movements… With his ma.s.sive build, that's certainly no mean feat…!'

'So if that's the ability of a Hill-level Earth Pulse cultivator with a speed-based Beast Spirit, would that mean a Hill-level is about on par with the World-cla.s.s realm in Yiluo…?'

'But that's not the most pressing point…'

Lars nodded grimly as he kept his eyes on Gatyon's powerful and yet frighteningly agile figure, and raised his eyebrows askance at the man who was walking over as he asked.

"…Rabbit?"