The sun dipped low over the rugged peaks of the Yan Empire,
Casting long shadows over the Shi Clan's village.
The echoes of laughter and excitement from the awakening ceremony lingered in the air,
But Kellan stood apart, a tumult of sadness and uncertainty churning in his stomach.
He watched as his peers boasted about their newfound abilities,
Their laughter ringing like music, while he felt like a ghost, invisible amidst their merriment.
"Don't sweat it, Kellan," Big Bone said, wrapping an arm around Kellan's shoulder.
"When the tribe hands out the cultivation resources, I'll share some of mine with you."
He whispered, glancing around to ensure no one else overheard.
But just as Big Bone thought the coast was clear, he noticed Shi Long staring at them, his expression unreadable.
"You don't need to be so secretive," Shi Long remarked, his voice dripping showing no emotion.
"The sphere only measures potential for cultivation.
If you want to share your monthly resources with Kellan, no one will stop you."
Big Bone opened his mouth to retort, but Shi Long continued,
"But remember, cultivation is survival of the fittest.
The more resources you give Kellan, the less you have for yourself.
You'll eventually be left behind by your peers."
A hush fell over the nearby children as they turned their attention to the commotion.
"Meaning you'll stay a weakling," Shi Long added, his tone cold and cutting.
"You'll remain average, never achieving anything great in your life."
Kellan felt Big Bone tense beside him, ready to defend him,
But he grasped the sleeve of Big Bone's garment, silently urging him to stay calm.
"It's fine, Big Bone.
This is just a setback. I'll work hard on my own. You don't have to worry about me.
I'll find a way to cultivate," he said firmly, determination shining in his eyes.
"But—" Big Bone started to protest, but Kellan cut him off.
"Didn't you hear what Hunter Shi Long said?
The sphere only measures potential; it's not the whole story.
If I work hard enough, that doesn't mean you'll necessarily be stronger than me in the future."
Big Bone's expression softened, his resolve unwavering.
"Alright, but my promise still stands. When I become strong enough, I'll protect you, Kell!"
He vowed, sincerity written across his face.
Kellan chuckled, the weight on his heart lightening momentarily.
"Maybe in the future, I'll be the one protecting you," he replied, teasingly.
"A weakling like you could never protect anyone," Shi Lin sneered, his eyes glinting with derision.
"What, you wanna go, Shi Lin?" Big Bone shot back, clenching his fists.
"Don't think this is like when we were kids, Big Bone.
It's been years since Kellan saved us from that wild boar.
Right now, I could take down three of those beasts at the same time,"
Shi Lin boasted, arrogance dripping from his words.
"That's only because your cultivation is higher than ours.
I'm gonna catch up soon enough, Shi Lin!" Big Bone retorted, defiance evident in his voice.
"That's enough, Big Bone," Kellan interjected, stepping forward to face Shi Lin.
"Does it hurt that much that Alice didn't choose you back then?"
The moment Kellan mentioned Alice, Shi Lin's anger flared, his face a mask of rage.
"Who do you think you are? You think you're worthy of her?
Someone like her doesn't belong with a failure like you!"
Kellan met his gaze head-on. "And why do you think she should be with you instead?"
Shi Lin hesitated, momentarily taken aback by Kellan's boldness,
But his fury reignited before he could respond.
"What do you think you're doing, Shi Lin?
Trying to embarrass yourself by fighting during the awakening ceremony?" a voice chimed in.
Shi Lin fell silent, grumbling under his breath. "Let's go. It's time to head back,"
He muttered, shooting Kellan one last scathing look.
"Heh, if you're man enough, try to win back the pendant during the annual clan tournament two months from now."
Kellan's heart sank. "You have the pendant she left for me?"
He demanded, hope flickering in his chest.
Shi Lin's expression shifted to one of smug satisfaction.
"I can't wait to beat you at the clan tournament," he sneered.
"I'll show everyone they're wrong about you, Kellan."
Big Bone started to speak up, but Kellan shot him a resolute look, urging him to stay silent.
"Kell, Shi Lin is at the 5th level of the Blood Solidification realm.
If you fight him at the tournament, you—" Big Bone hesitated, concern etched on his face.
Kellan smiled, his resolve firming. "Don't worry, Big Bone. I'll figure something out.
You know how important that pendant is to me."
"Alice, huh… I still don't understand why you guys like her so much.
Obviously, plump girls are better—they have more meat," Big Bone remarked with a teasing grin.
Kellan laughed, shaking his head. "Let's not dwell on that.
It's time to go home, and you need to get some sleep.
Tomorrow, you have to start learning how to cultivate."
Big Bone scratched his head, still uncertain. "Alright, Kell. I hope you can figure something out.
But you always do, so I guess it'll be fine."
After navigating the logistics of the awakening ceremony,
Elder Wei had summoned Kellan with a knowing look.
"Come, Kell," Elder Wei beckoned, his voice soft yet firm.
"I have something to tell you."