After the ceremony, Elder Wei summoned Kellan with a knowing look.
As the villagers dispersed, Kellan found the Elder seated on a weathered stone outside their home.
It was already dusk, and this time, Elder Wei seemed unusually serious.
"Come, Kell," Elder Wei beckoned, his voice soft yet firm. "I've been waiting for you."
Kellan approached, heart racing. "Elder Wei, I—"
"It's fine, child." Elder Wei rubbed Kellan's head, a gentle smile on his face.
"I know what happened. I was there to see it."
Kellan clenched his fist. "Are you disappointed? I told you I would succeed, but…"
"The sphere measures potential, does it not?" Elder Wei's smile widened.
"And it glowed a bright golden hue when you first touched it."
"But it stopped glowing immediately after," Kellan said, his voice low.
"Does that mean I have less potential compared to the other kids?"
Elder Wei's gaze softened as he recalled the moment he first met Kellan.
The boy had appeared from a giant whirlpool in the sky, already bearing a name.
It was as if fate itself had guided him to the village, ensuring his safe arrival.
"I think you'll be just fine, Kell. But yes, it's unfortunate you won't be receiving any cultivation materials from the tribe.
However…" Elder Wei cleared his throat and gave a cheeky smile.
"It's common knowledge that cultivation resources can be shared by family members.
That's why influential people within the tribe tend to be strong from the start or grow quickly."
Kellan thought of Shi Lin, already at the fifth level of the Blood Solidification Realm.
"So that's why he's so strong already… it's because of his father."
Elder Wei nodded. "Exactly. Now, let's see what you already know about cultivation.
Tell me, what are the four main cultivation levels?"
Kellan straightened up, answering seriously.
"The four known levels of cultivation are Blood Solidification, Bone Sacrifice, Heart Essence, and Soul Awakening.
The Blood Solidification Realm is made up of ten levels,
Each corresponding to how much blood has been refined and strengthened to be closer to that of our ancestor, Shi Ming."
He hesitated for a moment, before adding quietly,
"Though in my case, I'm not sure who my ancestor is."
Elder Wei's eyes flickered with a momentary sadness, but he kept his tone steady.
"After that comes the Bone Sacrifice Realm.
In this realm, one chooses a bone to sacrifice, turning it into a spirit bone.
A spirit bone acts as a conduit for Qi,
Allowing a person to release power far beyond anything a Blood Solidification Realm cultivator can manage.
It's divided into early, mid, and late stages."
"Good!" Elder Wei rubbed his beard with satisfaction. "It seems you've listened well to my lectures."
Kellan allowed himself a small smile, his earlier tension easing.
"Now, tell me, what is the Cultivation Technique that I practice?"
Elder Wei asked, watching Kellan's expression closely.
"Elder Wei, your Cultivation Technique is the [Temporal Breathing Technique].
It allows a cultivator harmonize their Qi with the subtle flow of time.
At its core, it refines one's awareness of time's passage,
Allowing you to cultivate faster than other people."
"And its disadvantage?" Elder Wei pressed.
"It's not an offensive technique," Kellan replied, his tone serious.
"It's more of a support technique.
While you cultivate faster, people who cultivate the [Temporal Breathing Technique] are generally weaker in combat compared to other people."
Elder Wei's smile widened. "You've studied well, my little Kell."
He reached into his robe and pulled out a golden scroll.
"Now, I'm going to teach you the [Temporal Breathing Technique] that I cultivate."
He held the scroll out for Kellan to take.
"Our Ancestor Shi Ming used to be leader of the surrounding tribes for a thousand Li because of this technique.
Though in a one-on-one fight, we might be weaker,
At higher cultivation levels we become much more powerful."
Kellan took the scroll with both hands, heart pounding in his chest.
"This is a copy of the [Temporal Breathing Technique].
Once you read it, the words will disappear, but the knowledge will remain in your mind.
If you try to tell anyone about it, it will be as though you've forgotten it entirely.
That's how we keep our technique a secret from the other tribes."
Nodding, Kellan carefully opened the scroll and began to read.
The intricate symbols and lines glowed faintly as his eyes passed over them.
When he finished, the words vanished, leaving the scroll blank.
Yet, in his mind, the technique's principles and pathways appeared as clearly as if he were still reading it.
"Here, Kellan," Elder Wei said, handing him a white pouch. "This is a Qi Gathering Pill.
Those who passed the Awakening Ceremony receive one pill each month from the tribe,
As well as a few spirit stones for their cultivation.
I may not be as wealthy as the other elders, but I can at least raise my only son."
Kellan accepted the pouch, confused. "Elder, what is this?"
"This is a [Storage Bag]. Try looking inside."
Following Elder Wei's instructions, Kellan sent his awareness into the pouch and gasped.
Inside, he saw a space the size of two cubic meters, filled with a few spirit stones and the Qi Gathering Pill.
Using his mind, he withdrew the pill, and it appeared in his palm.
"Amazing!" Kellan's eyes sparkled with excitement, like a child with a new toy.
He focused again, sending the pill back into the pouch. It vanished from his hand.
"Does everyone who succeeded in the ceremony get one of these pouches?"
Elder Wei chuckled. "Yes, they do. It's very expensive, so take care of it, Kell."
"I will, Elder," Kellan said with a smile, tucking the pouch safely away.
"You can start cultivating tomorrow," Elder Wei said, his tone softening.
"I hope you work hard. I don't need you to be the strongest—I just want you to be safe."
Kellan looked at Elder Wei's aging face, feeling a deep sense of responsibility.
"I can't leave the Elder alone," he thought to himself.
"He's getting old. Someone has to take care of him in the future."
His fists clenched. "That means I have to be strong."
"I also have to be strong to find out who I really am,"
Kellan admitted silently, determination hardening in his heart.