Several days after Krishak returned with Lunafang, Master Kiran gathered his five disciples beneath the banyan tree.
Karan was practically vibrating with excitement.
His eyes had not left the image of the silver wolf cub since Master Kiran first mentioned it.
Master Kiran noticed his enthusiasm and smiled faintly.
"Today's lesson concerns spirit beasts."
The disciples straightened immediately.
Master Kiran drew two circles in the dirt.
In the first circle, he wrote Ordinary Beasts.
In the second, Spirit Beasts.
"Most mutated animals on Earth are simply beasts.
"They possess enhanced bodies and, in some cases, elemental abilities."
He tapped the second circle.
"Spirit beasts are different."
"They possess high intelligence, stronger bloodlines, and the capacity to cultivate consciously."
Meera raised her hand.
"So they are similar to cultivators?"
"In many ways, yes," Master Kiran replied.
Master Kiran explained that a beast's bloodline influenced:
Growth potential
Intelligence
Elemental affinities
Evolution possibilities
"A weak bloodline may still become powerful with great effort," he said.
"But a superior bloodline provides a far higher ceiling."
Karan listened intently.
Master Kiran's expression grew serious.
"Many people view beast contracts as a method of control."
He shook his head.
"That understanding is shallow."
"A true contract is a partnership."
"It is built on trust, respect, and mutual benefit."
He looked directly at Karan.
"If you treat a beast as a tool, the bond will remain limited."
"If you treat it as a companion, both sides can reach greater heights."
Karan nodded solemnly.
"I understand, Master."
Master Kiran listed the essential principles.
1. Do not force submission unnecessarily.
2. Understand the beast's instincts.
3. Protect it when it is vulnerable.
4. Grow together.
5. Never betray its trust.
He paused.
"The strongest bonds are forged through shared experiences."
After the lesson, Karan approached his teacher.
"Master, do you think I can contract a spirit beast someday?"
Master Kiran smiled.
"If you continue your training and cultivate patience, yes.
Karan clenched his fists in determination.
"I'll work harder."
That evening, Krishak brought Lunafang into the hidden valley.
The five disciples met the silver wolf cub for the first time.
Karan knelt slowly and extended his hand.
Lunafang sniffed it, then wagged its tail.
Karan's face lit up with pure joy.
"He's incredible."
Master Kiran observed quietly.
Karan's genuine enthusiasm and respect for the cub confirmed that the boy was well suited for his chosen path.
Tara studied Lunafang carefully.
"The markings on his fur resemble natural runic patterns."
Master Kiran nodded.
"Many superior bloodline beasts embody principles of nature."
Tara's eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Even spirit beasts could teach lessons about the laws of the world.
Krishak and Lunafang sparred briefly.
The cub moved with remarkable speed, coordinating instinctively with Krishak's commands.
At times, no verbal communication was necessary.
The students watched in awe.
The bond between cultivator and beast was unmistakable.
That night, Karan trained harder than ever.
He practiced movement, observation, and wilderness awareness with renewed enthusiasm.
One day, he would find a companion of his own.
And when that day came, he would be ready.
Back in his dormitory, Krishak sat with Lunafang curled at his side.
Through his clone, he had shown his disciples another crucial aspect of cultivation.
Strength was not only personal.
It could also be shared through trust and partnership.
Krishak smiled faintly.
The hidden valley continued to grow.
And with every lesson, the seeds of a new civilization took deeper root.