The Shi Clan Library stood as a symbol of the clan's dedication to knowledge and cultivation.
Its sloping jade-green roof and crimson wooden beams gave it a stately yet welcoming appearance.
Carved stone lions flanked the entrance, while delicate lattice windows lined the walls, allowing soft light to filter inside.
Inside, the library was serene and orderly.
Rows of wooden shelves, polished to a gentle shine, held neatly arranged scrolls and books.
The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, and the quiet rustling of parchment was the only sound.
"Let's find Shi Yan," Big Bone said in a hushed tone, glancing toward the far corner.
"Let's see if he's found anything. He's always been good at gathering information."
Sure enough, they found Shi Yan tucked away in a quiet corner, his slender frame bent over an old scroll.
A flickering lamp cast a warm glow over his features, and he looked serious.
"Shi Yan," Kellan called quietly.
Shi Yan looked up, startled, but quickly broke into a smile.
"Kellan! Big Bone! What are you doing here?"
"We came to see if you've found anything.
We couldn't wait, so we just came here after sparring," Kellan said, sitting down beside him.
"So? Any updates? Found anything useful?"
Shi Yan pushed his glasses up his nose and gestured toward the pile of scrolls around him.
"I've been researching techniques that might help you guys for the tournament.
There's a lot of cultivation techniques here that are overlooked because they're either incomplete or difficult to cultivate. But I've found a few things that could work."
Big Bone leaned in eagerly. "What've you got?"
Shi Yan pulled out a thin scroll, its edges frayed with age.
"This is called the Mighty Earth Stance.
It's a body-strengthening technique that can temporarily double your physical power by drawing on the spiritual energy of the earth.
It's not a permanent boost, but in a fight, it could give you the upper hand."
Big Bone's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect for me! Can I use it now?"
Shi Yan chuckled. "Not so fast. You'll need to find a place with a high concentration of Earth-type spiritual energy first.
It's not as simple as just reading the scroll, but I think, with your cultivation technique, this will match you well, Big Bone."
Big Bone nodded, looking excited.
"I can't wait. Anything that can make my physique stronger is a plus for me. Brute force is the way to go when you're a cultivator!"
Shi Yan turned to Kellan. "As for you, Kellan, I've got something different.
This scroll," he said, pulling out another, more pristine-looking one, "contains the basics of the Flowing Shadow Step.
It's a movement technique that focuses on speed and agility.
With your fighting style, being able to outmaneuver your opponents will give you a big advantage."
Kellan took the scroll carefully, his mind racing.
"Flowing Shadow Step... using my Temporal Breathing Technique already allows me to slow down my perception of time.
It can also help me achieve short bursts of speed.
However, if I learn this, I can combine the two so my movements become even more refined."
Kellan nodded. "Alright, Shi Yan. I'll take this, at my level I should probably lean on my advantages in speed to surprise my opponents."
Shi Yan nodded. "Exactly. The only problem is that it's incomplete.
The original technique had three forms, but this scroll only contains the first two.
Still, mastering even those will make you far more versatile."
Big Bone leaned back with a satisfied grin.
"We've hit the jackpot, Kellan! I'll train with the Mighty Earth Stance, and you can work on your shadowy stepping."
Kellan laughed softly.
"Yeah, with this, we'll have a higher chance of ranking high in the clan tournament.
That means we can participate in the inter-tribe trial by fire, facing the Nightshade Clan and the Conqi Clan."
Shi Yan smiled but then hesitated, his expression turning serious.
"There's something else I wanted to mention."
Kellan and Big Bone both turned to him, curious.
Shi Yan glanced around as if ensuring they wouldn't be overheard.
"You two are already pretty strong as is, but don't forget—the upcoming tournament is going to be brutal.
This is an internal affair, but it's where the clan's most promising younger generation members prove themselves to the rest of the clan.
You'll face some tough competition."
Kellan leaned forward, his expression sharpening. "Who should we watch out for?"
Shi Yan listed the names with a grim tone.
"Shi Lin is one of the strongest.
As you all know, he's already at the 5th Level of the Blood Solidification Realm and uses the Titan Refinement Technique just like Big Bone.
However, under the jurisdiction of his father, Shi Long, he specializes in using the spear.
His precision and speed make him dangerous, and he's ruthless when it comes to fights."
Big Bone scowled. "We've had enough run-ins with him to know he's trouble.
What about his lackey, Shi Dao?"
Shi Yan nodded. "Shi Dao isn't as skilled as Shi Lin, but he's no slouch.
He's at the 4th Level of the Blood Solidification Realm and specializes in surprise attacks.
He's crafty and won't hesitate to exploit any weakness."
Big Bone scrunched up his brows.
"That rat, Shi Dao, is at the 4th Level of the Blood Solidification Realm? Why is the heavens unfair?"
Shi Yan ignored his comment and continued, "Shi Jun is another one to watch. He's also at the 4th Level.
However, he's not as strong as Shi Dao and tends to rely on the wealth of his father to win his fights for him.
He has lots of protective talismans and high-quality armor and weapons."
"So he's a moneybags," Big Bone snorted.
Kellan frowned. "And the biggest threat?"
Shi Yan's expression darkened. "Shi Chun. He's the son of Shi Boli, the clan leader, and he's also at the 5th Level of the Blood Solidification Realm.
He's been trained personally by Shi Boli and uses the Blazing Sun Palm technique.
It's a powerful move that can overwhelm most defenses with sheer force and heat.
He's likely the strongest competitor."
Big Bone let out a low whistle.
"Shi Chun, huh? If he's the son of the clan leader, that explains why he's so strong."
Shi Yan leaned closer. "You can't afford to underestimate any of them.
This tournament isn't just about ranking. It's about making an impression on the clan elders.
Every fight is an opportunity to show your worth."
Kellan nodded, his expression firm. "Thanks for the heads-up, Shi Yan. We'll be ready."
Shi Yan smiled faintly. "You'd better be. Now, take those scrolls and start training.
You don't have much time left, and every moment counts."
Big Bone stood up, gripping his scroll tightly. "Alright. Let's do this. No holding back this time."
Kellan followed, determination shining in his eyes. "We'll give it everything we've got.
Let's make sure we can join that inter-tribe trial by fire."
As they left the library, they felt a sense of pressure, but so did a burning resolve.
The clan tournament was their chance to rise up within the clan and prove their worth.
For Kellan and Big Bone, failure wasn't an option.