š Chapter 3 ā A Beast to Ride, A Mark to Control
Wei Tian stepped into the wilderness.
The earth was cracked, the air dry, and the distant roars of beasts echoed from every direction. This was a place where humans didn't belong.
And yet, he stood tall, sword in hand, calm and unmoved.
> "Time to test my strengthā¦ and gather resources."
Not far away, a low growl rumbled through the shrubs. Bloodthirsty eyes glinted through the dust.
Out came a giant black wolf, at least twice his size ā its muscles rippling, fur like steel needles, and aura strong enough to shake ordinary cultivators to their core.
> [Beast Name: Ironhide Moon Wolf]
[Cultivation: Qi Refining ā Level 5]
[Known for: Extreme speed, pack leadership, deadly fangs]
[Hostility: Medium]
Wei Tian narrowed his eyes.
> "A perfect testā¦ no, better. A perfect mount."
He didn't want to just kill it. He wanted to own it.
---
ā” Action Begins
The wolf roared and lunged, faster than most swords could swing. Wei Tian sidestepped using Windstep Flash, instantly appearing behind it like a shadow.
His iron sword struck out, leaving a shallow wound on the beast's shoulder.
> "Tough hideā¦ but you're still a beast."
The wolf turned again, faster now, more cautious. It circled him.
Wei Tian wasn't planning to kill it at all. His God Eye (left eye) flashedāseeing into its instincts, behavior patterns, even its emotional rhythm.
> "You're cautiousā¦ but greedy. And your soul defenses are weak."
He raised his right hand slowly.
The God Sign on his palm shimmered, glowing with a mysterious divine rune.
> "Summon: Hidden Soul Mark ā Orange Grade Technique."
From his fingertip, an invisible string of energy extended outward, weaving itself quietly toward the wolf's body ā unseen, unfelt.
He whispered softly, "Bind."
The wolf lunged againā
But froze in mid-air.
Its body trembled. Its eyes flickered with confusion.
Then, its muscles relaxed. The growl faded. It landed, backed up slowlyā¦ and sat.
> [Soul Mark Successfully Imprinted]
[Target: Ironhide Moon Wolf ā Now Bound to Host]
[Status: Unaware of the bond. Will follow commands naturally.]
Wei Tian smiled faintly.
> "So easy."
He stepped forward, raised a hand.
> "Sit."
The wolf obeyed.
> "Kneel."
It bowed slightly.
> "Good." He touched the beast's head. "You're mine now. You'll serve me, until I don't need you anymore."
---
šŗ His First Mount
Wei Tian looked at the wilderness ahead and the vast wasteland behind.
Then he leaped on the wolf's back.
> "Much better than walking."
The Ironhide Moon Wolf, now calm and respectful, sprinted forward with thunderous speed.
Dust exploded under its paws as it ran through the wilderness like a storm. Wei Tian stood atop it proudly, cloak fluttering, hair dancing in the wind, looking like a divine young sovereign.
No whip.
No chains.
No words needed.
The beast was his.
---
š In His Mind
> "This is just the beginning. Soon, I'll have more than just a wolf.
I'll have spirit beasts, divine beastsā¦ dragons, even phoenixes."
He looked up at the dark red sky above the wasteland.
> "I may be alone nowā¦ but even Heaven won't remain above me forever."
---
[End of Chapter 3]