Before the first rays of sunlight reached the forest floor, Krishak opened his eyes.
The spiritual fluctuation he had sensed during the night was still present.
It pulsed slowly, like a hidden heartbeat deep within Azurewood Forest.
Lunafang was already awake.
The silver wolf sat at the edge of the concealed campsite, staring toward the source of the energy.
Their soul bond conveyed the same message from both sides.
Curiosity.
Excitement.
And caution.
Krishak extinguished the small smokeless fire and packed their supplies.
"Let's investigate."
Lunafang rose silently and took the lead.
The source lay beyond the route most students would take during the survival trial.
Krishak moved carefully, suppressing his aura and avoiding unnecessary disturbances.
The spiritual energy in the air grew purer with each passing minute.
After nearly an hour, they entered a secluded valley hidden behind dense vines and natural rock formations.
At its center lay a circular pool of crystal-clear water.
Moonlight still lingered on its surface, even though dawn was approaching.
Silver mist drifted above the water.
Krishak's eyes sharpened.
"A natural Moonspring."
Such pools formed only when lunar energy accumulated over many years.
The water possessed significant nourishing and purifying properties.
For cultivators and moon-aligned spirit beasts, it was a valuable treasure.
Krishak tested the water carefully.
The spiritual energy was pure and stable.
There were no signs of poison or corruption.
At the bottom of the pool, he spotted several clusters of Moon Lotus and Silver Dew Grass.
Both were rare medicinal ingredients.
Lunafang stepped closer, visibly excited.
The pool resonated strongly with his bloodline.
Krishak nodded.
"This place is ideal for your cultivation."
Before entering the pool, Krishak surveyed the valley.
Treasures rarely existed without guardians.
His caution proved justified.
Hidden among the rocks, he discovered fresh claw marks and tufts of silver-gray fur.
A beast clearly claimed this territory.
Krishak and Lunafang concealed themselves and waited.
Minutes later, a large wolf emerged from the forest.
Its fur shimmered silver beneath the fading moonlight.
Blue markings glowed faintly across its body.
Krishak recognized it immediately.
A mature Moonshadow Wolf.
Its cultivation was equivalent to the Peak Grandmaster Realm.
Lunafang stared at the adult wolf with intense emotion.
The larger wolf approached the pool, then paused.
Its keen eyes turned toward their hiding place.
Krishak stepped forward slowly, making no aggressive move.
Lunafang followed.
The adult Moonshadow Wolf studied the cub in silence.
Lunafang lowered his head respectfully.
The larger wolf circled him, sniffing carefully.
A low, mournful sound escaped the adult wolf.
Through their bond, Krishak sensed Lunafang's sudden realization.
This wolf carried a scent similar to his own.
Not his mother.
But very likely a close relative.
Perhaps an elder from his pack.
The adult wolf turned its attention to Krishak.
Its gaze was wary, but not hostile.
Krishak bowed slightly.
"I found him injured and alone."
The wolf seemed to understand his intent.
After a tense moment, it lowered its head in acknowledgment.
The adult wolf stepped aside and looked toward the Moonspring Pool.
Then it glanced at Lunafang.
The meaning was clear.
It was granting the cub access.
Lunafang barked excitedly and looked to Krishak.
Krishak nodded.
"Go."
The silver wolf entered the pool and began cultivating immediately.
Moonlight and spiritual energy swirled around him.
The blue markings on his body shone brilliantly.
The mature wolf watched quietly from the shore.
Krishak sat nearby, maintaining a respectful distance.
Under the influence of the Moonspring, Lunafang's aura rose steadily.
His bloodline impurities were washed away.
His body became stronger and more refined.
By the end of the session, his cultivation advanced from Mid Martial Warrior to the Peak Martial Warrior Realm.
More importantly, his bloodline aura became significantly purer.
The mature wolf gave a satisfied rumble.
Before departing, the adult Moonshadow Wolf approached Krishak.
From its mouth, it placed a silver crystal on the ground.
The crystal radiated concentrated lunar energy.
A valuable treasure.
The wolf then touched its forehead to Lunafang's briefly and disappeared into the forest.
Lunafang watched until the aura vanished completely.
Though no words were exchanged, the meaning was unmistakable.
The cub had been acknowledged.
Krishak harvested several Moon Lotus and Silver Dew Grass, taking only a portion to preserve the valley.
He then secured the silver crystal and prepared to return.
The discovery alone was worth more than any standard midterm reward.
But more valuable still was what Lunafang had gained.
Strength.
Purified bloodline.
And a connection to his heritage.
With all mission objectives completed, Krishak and Lunafang headed back toward the academy.
The forest seemed brighter than before.
And Lunafang walked with a new sense of pride.