The Beast Taming class was held near the edge of the sect, where the forest began.
A rugged-looking master stood before them.
"Beasts are not tools," he said. "They are wills made flesh. If you want one to follow you—you must either dominate it… or earn its respect."
He drew a formation in the air.
"This is a binding formation. Use it only when the beast submits. Force it too early… and you will die."
Soon, a teleportation array activated beneath their feet.
The world blurred.
Li Hao reappeared deep within the forest.
Before him—
A Frost Fang Wolf.
And an Earth Thunder Dragon.
Both at peak Beast Condensation.
Both locked in a vicious battle over a glowing fruit.
Claws clashed.
Lightning cracked.
Frost spread.
Li Hao watched silently for a moment.
Then he stepped forward.
"You'll both die if this continues."
The beasts paused, their eyes snapping toward him.
Instead of fear—he showed calm.
"That fruit isn't worth your lives. Share it. Break through together."
The wolf growled.
The dragon hissed.
But neither attacked.
Something about Li Hao's presence… felt different.
After a tense moment, they slowly separated.
The fruit was split.
Power surged.
Both beasts broke through into Core Awakening.
Their forms grew larger, more stable, more intelligent.
Li Hao extended his hand.
"I won't force you. But if you follow me… I'll make you stronger."
A long silence.
Then—
The wolf stepped forward first.
The dragon followed.
No struggle.
No blood.
Only trust.
The formation activated.
Two beasts entered his Soul Sea.
A bond… unlike any other.