Chapter 1294: Leaves And Trees.

A more recent example of the superiority of knowledge over tangible benefits is from the soul prowler he just killed. He gained 60% of the soul essence of the soul prowler, but he gained 40% of its memories. 

This 40% might be more valuable to other soul prowlers than the soul essence because it contains memories of a defensive technique. It is a defensive technique that will increase survivability in this unmerciful world more than 60% ever could. 

The defensive technique is called soul refining. It is a method to refine soul fragments with soul essence into a denser and more durable state. This process expends soul essence and it takes time. 

The cost of soul essence is prohibitive but the return is also high. If done right, even the rate of dissolution to nether water will reduce drastically so the soul fragments will last longer.