The Shi Clan estate buzzed with the hum of activity as Kellan, Big Bone, and Shi Yan walked along the stone paths after leaving the library.
The clashing of swords echoed across the training grounds as disciples sparred, their strikes sharp and fast.
Elders gathered in clusters, exchanging cultivation insights in hushed tones, their voices barely audible over the noise.
Big Bone stretched his arms overhead and let out a loud yawn. "Alright, I'm off to the training grounds.
Time to find someone to pummel—pretend it's part of cultivating the Mighty Earth Stance.
Maybe I'll ask the elder in charge for tips, if I'm feeling fancy."
Shi Yan smirked, eyes gleaming with amusement. "So, it's mostly the pummeling, then?"
"Same thing," Big Bone said with a hearty laugh. "What about you, Shi Yan? Back to your scrolls?"
Shi Yan shook his head. "No, I'm going to see my uncle Shi Jing. Things at home have been… rough lately.
He's been helping me out, and I need his advice on finding something to improve my cultivation."
Big Bone slapped him on the back with a grin. "You ever need help, just ask. We've got your back."
"That's right," Kellan added with a genuine smile. "You've done so much for us. Doesn't feel right we haven't done anything for you."
Shi Yan's expression softened, a quiet gratitude flashing in his eyes. "Thanks, guys. Honestly, having you both around means a lot.
I don't have many friends these days, and it's comforting to know I can count on you."
Big Bone huffed, puffing out his chest. "What are you talking about? Of course, we're your friends."
Shi Yan's smile widened, warmed by their words. "Thanks. Oh, Kellan, I heard you bought armor from my uncle. Did it help?"
"It's been a lifesaver," Kellan admitted, his voice tinged with relief. "I'll need to pay him back eventually, since it's a loan."
Big Bone groaned dramatically. "Armor? Why don't I get armor? All I've got are my fists!"
Shi Yan chuckled. "Hey, Big Bone, don't worry about armor. You're almost as tough as an ox.
I don't think any armor would make a difference at this point."
Kellan laughed. "That's right. Though maybe we can still find some armor you can wear.
I still have some spirit coins left over from my fight with the Nightshade Clan."
Big Bone's eyes lit up. "Really? You're a lifesaver, Kellan!"
Without warning, he threw an arm around Kellan's shoulders in a bear hug, nearly lifting him off the ground.
Shi Yan rolled his eyes, smiling. "Alright, alright, enough with the hugging. We've still got training to do."
"Yeah, I need to focus on some personal training," Kellan said, his tone turning more serious.
"We'll get you that armor later, Big Bone."
"Alright," Big Bone said, his grin widening. "Someone's gotta keep the training grounds lively."
"I'll see you both later," Shi Yan said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth. "Good luck with your training."
With that, the three parted ways.
As Kellan made his way back to his courtyard, a sense of purpose settled over him. Time to focus.
Back at his courtyard, Kellan sat cross-legged on the stone floor, his daggers resting before him, their blades catching the soft glow of the setting sun.
Shadows stretched long across the ground as he took a deep breath, centering his thoughts.
What do I have at my disposal?
The Temporal Breathing Technique, his core cultivation method, allowed him to gather temporal qi. With it, he could slow his perception of time and execute sudden bursts of speed.
But there was still much to learn about it.
His armor, though modest, offered reliable protection and had already saved his life more than once.
The daggers, taken from the Nightshade Clan members, were razor-sharp and perfectly balanced, ideal for the swift, precise strikes he favored.
And finally, the Flowing Shadow Step, a movement technique he'd recently acquired. He unrolled the scroll and studied it once more.
Basic Proficiency: Create a single shadow clone to deceive or distract enemies.
Medium Proficiency: Switch places with the shadow clone mid-movement.
Unfortunately, the third level was missing, but even with just two levels, the technique would be a significant advantage if mastered.
Kellan stood, gripping his daggers, and activated the Temporal Breathing Technique.
He felt his qi gathering, focusing his mind, sharpening his senses. "Let's see what I can do."
He focused on channeling temporal qi into the shadow at his feet.
The silhouette flickered and wavered, like a reflection struggling to break free.
Slowly, it began to rise, its form twisting and warping.
After a moment, it collapsed back into the ground, dissipating.
"Not right," Kellan muttered, his brow furrowing. "I need more control."
He tried again, this time concentrating deeply, guiding the flow of qi with precision.
The shadow began to rise once more, more stable this time, but still incomplete.
It flickered at the edges, as though unsure of its form.
It's like trying to shape water, Kellan thought, frustration creeping in.
He repeated the process, each attempt pushing him closer to the result he wanted.
Sweat dripped down his forehead, but he didn't stop.
Hours passed, and at last, the shadow began to solidify into an ephemeral clone—a translucent copy of himself.
A grin spread across Kellan's face. "Got it."
He tested its movements.
With a quick lunge, he darted forward with his daggers, and the clone mirrored him, swift but lacking the substance of a real strike.
After a few seconds, it flickered and vanished.
"Not bad for a start," Kellan muttered, his heart racing with excitement. "But it's not enough."
Determined, Kellan continued. The clone's stability improved with each attempt, its duration lengthening.
He pushed his limits, combining the clone's movements with the burst-like speed of his Temporal Breathing Technique.
The two moved in perfect harmony, though the clone's attacks still lacked impact.
He focused, channeling his qi into a quick sidestep.
The shadow clone darted left, and Kellan lunged right, striking at a wooden training dummy.
The sudden, synchronized movement created a disorienting effect, even though the clone's strike lacked force.
Once I can switch places with the clone… this will be a real weapon, Kellan thought, adrenaline coursing through him.
The night deepened, the stars gleaming overhead as Kellan continued refining the technique.
His body was sore, but exhilarated.
Hours had passed, and yet he felt the pull of his ambition stronger than ever.
As the moon hung high in the sky, Kellan paused to meditate, his breath steadying as he reviewed his progress.
The basics of the Flowing Shadow Step were almost within his grasp, but true mastery would take time.
Elder Wei might know more about this, Kellan thought. And he might have some insight into the Temporal Breathing Technique as well.