The academy grounds were quiet after midnight.
Most students were asleep, exhausted from the day's lessons. Only a few dedicated cultivators remained awake, drawing in spiritual energy beneath the stars.
In a secluded clearing behind the dormitory, Krishak sat cross-legged on a smooth stone.
Lunafang rested a few meters away, silver fur shimmering under the moonlight.
Since forming their contract, both had experienced noticeable improvements.
Krishak's senses had become sharper.
Lunafang's injuries had fully healed.
More importantly, the young Moonshadow Wolf had begun to display abilities that exceeded Krishak's initial expectations.
Tonight, Krishak intended to begin the cub's formal training.
Krishak opened his eyes and looked at Lunafang.
"Cultivation is not only for humans," he said softly.
"Beasts, too, require a solid foundation."
Lunafang tilted his head, listening attentively through their spiritual bond.
Krishak continued.
"Many summoners rush to increase their contracted beast's strength."
"They feed them energy-rich materials and force rapid breakthroughs.
He shook his head.
"That approach produces unstable growth."
"Your foundation must be as pure as mine."
Lunafang gave a low, determined growl.
Krishak smiled.
"Good."
Through his knowledge from his previous life, Krishak understood the extraordinary potential of Lunafang's bloodline.
Moonshadow Wolves were naturally gifted in three areas:
1. Speed.
2. Stealth.
3. Lunar affinity.
At advanced stages, they could manipulate shadows, move silently across vast distances, and absorb moonlight to accelerate recovery.
Their intelligence also made them excellent companions.
However, bloodline alone was not enough.
Without proper guidance, much of that potential would remain dormant.
Krishak transmitted a simplified beast cultivation method through their contract.
The technique, adapted from a higher-world inheritance, was called the Moonlit Spirit Refinement Method.
Its principles were straightforward:
Absorb moonlight.
Refine bloodline impurities.
Strengthen the body.
Awaken ancestral abilities.
Lunafang instinctively understood the instructions.
The cub sat upright, closed his eyes, and began breathing in a steady rhythm.
Silver light gathered around him.
The effect was immediate.
The runic markings on his fur glowed softly.
Krishak activated the Primordial Origin Art and began cultivating alongside Lunafang.
The spiritual bond between them created a subtle resonance.
Krishak's exceptionally pure energy helped stabilize Lunafang's bloodline.
In return, Lunafang's instincts sharpened Krishak's perception of his surroundings.
For several hours, they cultivated in silence.
When the moon reached its highest point, Lunafang opened his eyes.
The cub's aura had grown steadier and more refined.
Krishak sensed genuine excitement through the bond.
"You've improved significantly."
Lunafang barked happily.
Cultivation alone was insufficient.
Krishak believed body control was essential for both humans and beasts.
He set up a simple obstacle course in the clearing.
Lunafang practiced:
• Sudden acceleration.
• Sharp directional changes.
• Silent movement.
Controlled pounces.
At first, the cub stumbled occasionally.
But his intelligence and natural athleticism were extraordinary.
Within hours, his movements became smoother and more precise.
Krishak nodded in approval.
Next, Krishak and Lunafang practiced joint maneuvers.
Krishak moved toward a training dummy.
Without verbal instruction, Lunafang circled to the flank.
The cub attacked from the side while Krishak struck from the front.
Their timing improved rapidly.
By the end of the session, they moved with surprising harmony.
Krishak was impressed.
The bond between them was developing faster than expected.
Unbeknownst to Krishak, another student had noticed unusual activity near the clearing.
From a distance, Ravi watched in stunned silence.
He saw the silver wolf moving like a streak of moonlight.
He watched Krishak's fluid, precise techniques.
And he sensed an aura of discipline far beyond what should have been possible for a six-year-old.
Ravi clenched his fists.
The gap between them was growing wider.
Yet instead of resentment, he felt a reluctant respect.
By dawn, Lunafang had officially reached the Peak Martial Apprentice Realm.
For an injured cub that had nearly died days earlier, the progress was
remarkable.
More importantly, the quality of his foundation was exceptional.
Krishak gently scratched behind the cub's ears.
"Well done."
Lunafang leaned against him, radiating contentment.
Krishak reviewed his own progress.
Current Status
Age: 7
Cultivation Realm: Late Grandmaster
Combat Power: Early to Mid King Realm
Earth Equivalent: High A-Rank to Mid S-Rank
Lunafang's Status
Realm: Peak Martial Apprentice
Combat Power: Early Martial Warrior
Bloodline: Moonshadow Wolf (High Grade Spiritual Beast)
The pair had both taken significant steps forward.
As the first rays of sunlight appeared, Krishak and Lunafang sat together in silence.
Krishak looked toward the horizon.
In his previous life, he had sought to change the universe through personal power.
In this life, he was building something different.
A family.
Disciples.
Allies.
And now, a loyal spirit beast.
Lunafang rested his head on Krishak's lap.
Krishak smiled faintly.
The journey was still in its earliest stages.
Earth remained a young world.
His disciples had only just begun cultivating.
And his own strength was but a shadow of what he once possessed.
Yet for the first time in countless ages, Krishak felt truly content.
Step by step.
Chapter by chapter.
The future he envisioned was taking shape.