Meanwhile,
A distance away from the Dandelion Village, a small group of children, five boys, and two girls could be seen walking down the stream.
Cheerful smiles were painted on their faces.
Accompanied the sound of birds and insects, the noises of running waters were like a piece of serene music to the ear, an extraordinary symphony that soothed the heart and souls.
Besides the two sides of the creek were rows of tall trees, large rocks, and bushes of diverse varieties.
Occasionally, the group of children would stop from time to time to harvest some wild blueberries, prunes, strawberries, peppers, cucumbers, and many other wilds but tasty vegetables.
As it's was the beginning of the spring season, almost everywhere was full of life and vitality, especially the Eflo Woodland and its surrounding area.
Resources are bountiful as there was a large influx of small animals and Spirit Beasts.
Just by looking up at the towering trees, one could see large monkeys, scarry forest lizards, stinky raccoons, lazy yet fierce koalas, to the prankish flying squirrels traversing from the branches of one tree to another, their shadows flashing like phantoms.
On the ground, there are also the likes of furry rabbits, elegant foxes of various colors that rustle in between the bushes, to the weary wild boars rolling in the muddy bushes.
Even so, amidst the gentle spring breeze that ran through the tree leaves, most of the animals and beasts were too lazy to bother about the group of noisy children.
Foods were everywhere, and they wanted to bash in the sunlight and are a bunch of lazybones, too lazy to move.
It was relatively safe for the moment.
The children didn't travel far from the village, but there are many things that they could harvest from the world of nature. The bamboo basket on their back was stuffed to the brim with various delicious things.
...
"It's done; you can get on it now." The chubby boy, Pickle, spoke as he helped Myah place the two loaded bamboo baskets on the sides of Bumpkin's back.
"Neigh!" Struggle slightly; Bumpkin moved its body to better fit the basket and feel more comfortable.
Although it was almost close to becoming a Mid-stage Rank 1 Spirit Beast, the rough rope and the bamboo basket made its skin feel a little itchy.
As Bumpkin is a Grass Horse, their inherent potential was low.
Nevertheless, after the intense training sessions under Mu Suyin's watchful gazes and bathed in Myah's special medicinal baths every day for more than half a year, which has significantly accelerated Bumpkin's growth.
Bumpkin has lost much of its fat but is still somewhat plumpy with lean and muscular muscle barely visible on its neck and four limbs.
Its previous pony size has changed slightly, with the height of its back alone measured up to almost four feet tall while fully standing up.
At the same time, when reflecting the sunlight, Bumpkin's brownish mane, and hair display a slight bit of golden color. Adding to a few patches of white spot, it still looks rather cute.
If nothing goes wrong, Bumpkin would no doubt grow up to be a handsome Grass Horse in the future.
"Thank you for the help." Facing toward Pickle, Myah smile, then with familiarity, he grabbed the leather saddle and easily mounted Bumpkin's back. "Come to my house later, and I will treat you to some sweets. I haven't finished them yet."
"Sweet? Like sugary candies?!" Pickle widened his bright eyes and exclaimed with excitement. "Sure, I will come over later, hahaha!"
Although fruits are delicious, they can never beat flavored candies.
Suddenly, while scratching the back of his head, Pickle blushes slightly. Like all the other kids in the village, be it, boys or girls, he also had a secret crush on Myah.
For Myah, after a long period of training with the Dance of the Moon Goddess's exercise method. Although the little guy has lost some of the previous baby fat, he has grown to three feet and nine inches in height while maintaining that lovable look from before.
It was unavoidable for Myah to attract bees and butterflies, especially when the village's kids are still young and innocent.
"Hahahahaha." At this moment, one of the two girls, the seven-year-old Lena, looked at Pickle with a weird giggle. "Why are you looking so shy all of a sudden. Myah is a boy, so stop acting like that. It's no good! I will tell your mama later!"
Saying so, Lena casually took Bumpkin's lead rope and followed after the others in the front.
"W-what... You...nonsense! Stupid Lena! Moron!" Feeling embarrassed, Pickle yelled before swiftly picking up his bamboo basket and running after them in a hurry, making a few of the fruits and vegetables drop along the trail.
"Hey! Wait for me!"
"Let's hurry. It's getting late, everyone, and we should go back before sunset!" Leading at the front of the group, Seth shouted to the other. He was nine years old, the oldest among them, and is also a One-star Warrior.
As the oldest and only official cultivator among the group, Seth naturally takes the lead and also the role of protecting everyone else.
It was commendable that the villagers teach their kids well. Although Seth was the strongest, he wasn't arrogant nor looked down on those weaker.
Instead, he looked after them like a big brother.
With his War Soul companion, a Mid-stage Rank-1 Rock Monster, Seth's eyes were sharp like a hawk's as he carefully observed the surrounding for any sign of danger.
Being trained under the village's hunters, he was pretty skilled.
On the trip back to the Dandelion Village, Seth and his Rank-1 War Soul have warded off many potential dangers.
Especially a few Forest Hounds that have appeared, they are a type of Rank-1 ferocious Spirit Beast that loves to hunt but simply to toy with their prey afterward.
However, as the name implies, the body of Seth's Rock Monster was composed primarily of rocks and mud. Its four limbs were similar to that of a turtle's legs, while its head was a mix between lizard and snake.
During the fight, the Rock Monster retracts its limbs and head into its large body before turning into a round boulder that can be rolled around for attack and defense purposes.
After charging energy for a while, the Rock Monster could propel itself and launch forward like a cannonball without fear.
It was a very formidable adversary and is unafraid of a stronger Spirit Beast or getting injured.
As a result, the few stray Forest Hounds were forced to run away. They were unable to sneak attack the other helpless children as Bumpkin was also present and is on guard.
After a few hours of traversing alongside the stream, the group of children safely arrived back at the village.
On a tall tree hundreds of meters away, a shadow observed them for a moment before it fluttered and left.