Chapter 47 – The Flame of the Wildborne

The dragon reared its head and bellowed.

Trees cracked beneath its massive coils. The forest seemed to shrink away. But it wasn't attacking—it was testing, watching the two figures that stood unmoving before it.

Yuwen slowly stepped behind Qingsai.

> "I'd offer to distract it while you run, but I value my limbs."

Qingsai closed his eyes. His breathing steadied.

He reached inward, past the elements, past his own fear—into the Soulkindled Flame, deeper than ever before.

A pulse answered him.

The voice of the Spirit Goddess whispered in his soul.

> "You've touched fire, light, and water… now tame the storm."

His aura burst outward—not with destruction, but with soul-wrought stillness. A light that reached into the dragon's spirit.

The Sky Coil lowered its head slowly, wings folding.

Qingsai stepped forward and placed his hand on the beast's snout.

For a moment, neither moved.

Then the beast's glowing eyes blinked once… and it bowed.

> "By flame and soul, I name you," Qingsai said. "You are no longer a monster of legend. You are Ruisu—the Ember Serpent."

The bond flared into life, visible as golden rings encircling both boy and beast. From that day, Ruisu was his companion—not a pet, but a soul-sworn equal.