Kellan stepped forward, blocking Shi Jun's path.
"You think you can do whatever you want just because you started cultivating a little earlier than us?" he said with a calm but firm tone.
Shi Jun's eyes narrowed as he looked Kellan over.
He sensed a new strength in Kellan that hadn't been there during the awakening ceremony.
For a moment, uncertainty flickered across Shi Jun's face, but he quickly forced a smug smirk back into place.
"Hey, Kellan," he sneered, his voice laced with disdain.
"Why are you wasting your time with those losers anyway?
Everyone knows that even though Elder Wei isn't officially in the Bone Sacrifice Realm, he's treated as if he is because of his strength.
Stick with these nobodies, and you'll end up as worthless as them."
Kellan let the words roll over him, unmoved.
"If you're looking for a fight, then let's just get to it. I'm not afraid of you, Shi Jun."
Shi Jun's smirk faltered. He looked from Kellan to his two lackeys looking a bit insecure.
He opened his mouth as if to say something but then caught himself, forcing a forced laugh instead.
"Fine, Kellan. But don't think I'll forget this." He turned quickly, striding off with his lackeys trailing close behind.
Kellan watched them leave, his stance relaxing slightly before he turned back to Big Bone and Shi Yan, who had watched the exchange in tense silence.
"Why didn't you fight back?" Kellan asked Big Bone, his tone curious rather than accusatory.
Big Bone shrugged, scratching the back of his head.
"It's not worth the trouble. If I get into a fight, it could cause problems for my dad. You know how things are…."
Kellan nodded, knowing what Big Bone was feeling.
"Makes sense. But, next time, just know I've got your back."
Big Bone gave him a grateful grin. "I know, Kellan. Thanks."
A thought struck Kellan then, and he perked up.
"Hey, Big Bone, have you ever tried red-tipped boar meat?
I brought some along with me from the Mystfall Forest—they say it's good for building strength.
Shi Yan and I were actually looking for you to share it."
Big Bone's eyes lit up, the worry melting from his face.
"No way! Red-tipped boar meat? Let's eat it! My dad's a great cook.
Come on, we can go back to my place—he'll know how to make it taste amazing."
With spirits lifted, the three made their way through the familiar paths toward Big Bone's home.
Kellan looked around, taking in the modest surroundings of the Shi Clan.
The small houses, people training and cultivating together, and the occasional wandering animals all added to the sense of peace he felt here.
It was nothing like the crowded, tense atmosphere of the Mystfall Forest.
They arrived at Big Bone's house, a small, single-story structure just big enough for a family of three.
As they approached, they could see Big Bone's father, Shi Peng, hunched over in his field, pulling up weeds and clearing the land with steady, practiced movements.
His hands were rough from work, his shoulders broad and sturdy despite his age.
When he noticed them, he straightened, wiping sweat from his brow with a calloused hand.
Kellan and Shi Yan both bowed. "Hello, Uncle Shi Peng."
Shi Peng looked at the two boys, a warm smile spreading across his face despite the weariness in his eyes.
"Oh, Big Bone, you brought your friends with you! We don't have much right now, but I'll cook something up for you."
Big Bone waved a hand. "Don't worry, Dad! Kellan brought some meat from the Mystfall Forest."
"Yes, Uncle," Shi Yan added eagerly.
"Kellan hunted some red-tipped boars and wanted to share it with us.
Big Bone suggested we eat here since you're such a good cook. Please, join us too!"
Shi Peng's eyebrows shot up. "Are you sure? Demonic beast meat is expensive…."
Big Bone puffed out his chest a little, trying to look more mature.
"Dad, come on! I'm a cultivator now, remember? Soon I'll be joining the hunting parties myself. Then you won't need to worry about money anymore."
Kellan chuckled. "Don't worry, Uncle Shi Peng. The boars weren't that strong."
Shi Peng shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips.
"You cultivators… always rushing off into danger, aren't you? And now my own son's getting the same fierce look in his eyes."
He shot Big Bone a mock-stern glance.
"Hey, Dad! Don't say it like that!"
Big Bone protested, a grin on his face as he waved off his father's teasing.
Shi Peng laughed, the sound deep and warm.
"Alright, alright. Hand me the meat, and I'll get inside and cook it up for you."
Kellan reached into his storage bag and handed over the red-tipped boar meat.
"Here, Uncle. The bag keeps the meat fresh, so no worries about spoilage."
Shi Peng's eyes widened as he took the bag, examining it with interest.
"You've got a storage bag too, Kellan? Big Bone showed me his the other day.
These things are remarkable, especially for keeping things fresh like this."
Shi Yan, who'd been quietly watching the exchange, suddenly looked down, a hint of disappointment crossing his face.
Big Bone noticed and nudged him in the shoulder.
"Hey, Shi Yan, don't look so glum! Once you start cultivating more seriously, you'll get one from the clan, too. Kellan and I will help you out when the time comes,"
He said confidently, patting his chest.
Shi Yan's face brightened a little, and he gave his friend a small smile.
"Thanks, Big Bone."
They laughed together for a moment, the camaraderie clear among them.
Kellan looked at his friends, his gaze settling into a more serious expression.
He cleared his throat, catching their attention.
"Alright," he said, glancing from Big Bone to Shi Yan.
"There's actually something we need to talk about."
The laughter faded as his friends sensed the shift in his tone, giving him their full attention.