Chapter 1: Flame Cat

Regret winced as a sharp pang shot through his body, causing him to gasp for relief in the stillness of the room. Every twitch, every shift sent ripples of excruciating pain down his spine, creating a constant torment that seemed to have no end.

Lying on the bed, he glanced over to see a small, flame cat nestled close by, its bright eyes peering at him in silent concern. With a soft, adorable yawn, the flame cat stirred, its flickering flames casting a warm glow in the dim room.

Despite the agony coursing through him, Regret managed a weak smile as he reached out to stroke the cat's fur gently, finding comfort in the familiar touch. This flame cat was none other than his loyal spirit beast, known as Flame Cat.

In this realm of spiritual cultivation and mystical creatures, spirit masters and spirit beasts reigned supreme. As cultivators honed their spiritual powers to ascend the ranks, they forged unbreakable bonds with their spirit beasts upon awakening their first spiritual space.

The hierarchy of spirit masters spanned from the novice spirit disciple to the formidable spirit lord, each level representing a pinnacle of power and expertise.

Meanwhile, spirit beasts evolved alongside their masters, growing in strength from novice level to magistrate level, commander level, and ultimately, the revered lord level.

In this world where wild beasts freely roamed the lands, only spirit masters possessed the rare qualification to tread upon the mainland, showcasing their prowess and courage amidst the dangers that lurked at every corner.

As for the spirit lords, they are already the top powerhouses of a city, even in the city of Veloria where Regret is located, the number of spirit lords is rare as Phoenix.

Jumping off the bed, Regret glanced at the scars on his arm, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

Yesterday, during his spiritual awakening, the katis family from the imperial center city suddenly arrived at this place. The person they sent was a young man named katis Van, who, with a condescending tone, wanted the Blaze family to become a vassal of the katis family. Regret was furious and got into a dispute with him. As a result, his arm was severely injured by his Silver Thunder Wolf's direct bite.

"However, I, Regret, am not one to suffer losses easily. Katis van, three years from now is the day of the kartis family's assessment, right? By then, I, Regret, will pay a visit for sure!" Regret took a deep breath, his eyes icy.

Looking down, Regret gazed at the flame Cat trembling its ears lightly, feeling a bit troubled.

Flame Cat, a low-level novice, with fire attribute.

Even among novice, there are strong and weak spirit beast. Like his cousin Qistina's Green Vine, a medium-level novice, seems to have much stronger talent than him.

After yesterday's spiritual awakening, in the hearts of the Blaze family members, Regret had already been labeled as a weakling, which made countless family members extremely disappointed in him.

After all, he is the son of the head of the Blaze family Ash.

"Even if it's weak, it's still my contracted spirit beast."

With a hint of determination in his eyes, Regret quickly bandaged the wound on his arm, then gently touched the small head of the Flame Cat, which seemed to be enjoying the attention.

Standing up, Regret fetched a wooden basin from the cabinet, filled it with water, placed it in the center of the table, and carefully poured a bottle of pale green liquid from his pocket into it, under the curious gaze of the Flame Cat, afraid of wasting a drop.

This pale green liquid is called Spirit Condensing Liquid, which is very beneficial for the growth of spirit beasts, but it is outrageously expensive. It is said that this small bottle costs nearly fifty gold coins, and for Regret, fifty gold coins represent several years' worth of pocket money.

"Do not touch," Regret admonished the Flame Cat, who was trying to dip its paw into the basin.

The medicinal properties of the Spirit Condensing Liquid are extremely potent. Before it is fully dissolved, it is far more danger than benefit for a first-order spirit beast like the Flame Cat can handle. A minor mishap could lead to the erosion of its medicinal properties.

Whimpering and rubbing its small paws, the Flame Cat stared at Regret with a pitiful look, its big, watery eyes filled with grievances.

"The Spirit Condensing Liquid is a rare treasure. Unfortunately, with so many people in the Blaze family, I could only get this one bottle."

Stirring the liquid gently with a wooden stick, Regret sighed softly. The Blaze family always believed in hard work, and as the young master of the family, he was no exception. Before having his own source of income, he, like other young people in the Blaze family, could only receive two gold coins monthly from the elders. These two gold coins could cover several months' worth of expenses for many ordinary family

The Flame Cat propped up its upper body, with its two fiery red little paws resting on the edge of the wooden basin, greedily eyeing the gradually turning green liquid, constantly licking its lips.

"Squeak!"

Just as Regret was lost in thought, the wooden door of the room suddenly opened, and a figure swiftly entered. After ensuring nobody saw, the figure closed the door, swiftly approaching Regret.

"Father, why are you here?" Regret questioned in confusion, observing the middle-aged man who had entered abruptly.

Ash casually found a chair to sit on, lightly tapped the head of the Flame Cat, and said, "Just passing the time. I just wander around to see how you're doing." The Flame Cat, annoyed by the sudden tap on its head, let out a soft sigh. Following that, a faint red spiritual energy emerged from its body, seemingly connecting with Ash's spiritual portal. Regret's eyes widened in surprise. Ash explained, "This is spiritual resonance a bridge for communication between spirit masters and spirit beasts. When forming contracts with new spirit beasts, this process is necessary, transferring their energy to the spirit master for future use."